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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs addressed the Media live. Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has explained India's position on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also informed that the Australian Prime Minister is expected to visit India in June 2020. #WION #India #IndiaNews #RaveeshKumar

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Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday.

Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital.

Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road.

Further details are awaited.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured.

Several vehicles collided due to low visibility, caused by foggy weather conditions on National Highway 8 (NH-8) in Dooghera, Alwar on Thursday. Around a dozen people were injured. They were shifted to a hospital. Police officials are present at the spot and the damaged vehicles are being removed from the road. Further details are awaited.

Several injured as vehicles collide due to low visibility in Alwar

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December.

The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights.

Four children died on December 30 while five others lost their lives the next day.

According to hospital sources, all deaths have been attributed to low birth weight. The rising toll has led the Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to set up a high-level committee of expert doctors and subject experts to inquire the case of deaths of newborns and submit a report at the earliest.

Health minister Dr Raghu Sharma said that the previous government had been inefficient in handling the matter in their tenure.

However, the medical authorities said the number of deaths reported at the health facility in 2019 has witnessed a decline since 2014 when 1,198 children had died.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a doctor from the hospital said that the nursing in-charge of the neonatal intensive care unit, which specialises in looking after premature and sick newborns, has now been replaced.

Medical college principal Dr Vijay Sardana said that an order has been issued for installation of a central oxygen supply line at the hospital to be completed within the next 15 days.

The deaths have taken political overtures after former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her "silence" on the incident.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" was silent on the issue.

Mayawati said like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December. The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights.

At least nine more infants have died in the last at a government hospital in Kota, Rajasthan taking the death toll to 100 in December. The death of ten children at JK Lon hospital during a 48-hour period on December 23-24 had triggered criticism from the opposition as well as a visit by a team from the national commission for protection of child rights. Four children died on December 30 while five others lost their lives the next day. According to hospital sources, all deaths have been attributed to low birth weight. The rising toll has led the Rajasthan chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to set up a high-level committee of expert doctors and subject experts to inquire the case of deaths of newborns and submit a report at the earliest. Health minister Dr Raghu Sharma said that the previous government had been inefficient in handling the matter in their tenure. However, the medical authorities said the number of deaths reported at the health facility in 2019 has witnessed a decline since 2014 when 1,198 children had died. Meanwhile, a doctor from the hospital said that the nursing in-charge of the neonatal intensive care unit, which specialises in looking after premature and sick newborns, has now been replaced. Medical college principal Dr Vijay Sardana said that an order has been issued for installation of a central oxygen supply line at the hospital to be completed within the next 15 days. The deaths have taken political overtures after former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her "silence" on the incident. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" was silent on the issue. Mayawati said like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

Nine more infants die in Kota hospital; death toll rises to hundred

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-more-infants-die-in-kota-hospital-death-toll-rises-to-hundred-271585">100 children</a> in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable."

In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue.

Mayawati stated that like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prohibitory-orders-to-prevail-in-sambhal-till-january-31-271476">Uttar Pradesh</a>, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government.

She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday indirectly criticised Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her silence on the deaths of around 100 children in Rajasthan's Kota last month. Terming it as "extremely sad and painful," Mayawati on Twitter wrote that the Ashok Gehlot-led state government remains "insensitive and irresponsible towards it, which is extremely condemnable." In another post, Mayawati said that what was "sadder" is the "top leadership of the Congress and, in particular, its woman general secretary" staying silent on the issue. Mayawati stated that like Uttar Pradesh, it would have been better if the general secretary would have met the mothers, who lost their children due to the negligence of the state government. She added that if the "woman general secretary of the Congress" will not visit Kota to meet the mothers who lost their children, then her meetings with families of victims in Uttar Pradesh will be considered for political interest and drama.

Kota infant deaths: Mayawati slams Priyanka Gandhi over her 'silence'

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/69-people-who-were-held-during-anti-caa-protests-in-varanasi-get-bail-271479">protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19.

While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday&nbsp;morning.

After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding.

"I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said.

Being asked if she regretted participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-tears-into-opposition-for-supporting-anti-caa-protests-271380">anti-CAA protest</a>, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak."

Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them."

This comes a day after Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-the-first-time-when-priyanka-gandhi-has-made-such-security-lapses-crpf-271063">Priyanka Gandhi</a> hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi.

"The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi.

The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents.

The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home."

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning. The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19. While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday morning. After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding. "I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said. Being asked if she regretted participating in the anti-CAA protest, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak." Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them." This comes a day after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi. "The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi. The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents. The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home." The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protests: Mother of toddler released after 14-day jail

Owing to poor weather conditions, some flights from Indore to Delhi and Mumbai were delayed on Thursday morning.

Indigo flight 6E 6013 departing to Delhi was delayed by 50 minutes.

Another Indigo flight 6E 655 departing to Mumbai was delayed by 2 hours while Air Asia flight I5 753 departing to Delhi was delayed by 1 hour 45 minutes.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/slight-relief-from-cold-wave-north-india-sees-rise-in-maximum-temperature-271485">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD), shallow fog is likely to engulf the city till Sunday (January 5).

The minimum and maximum temperature in Indore would hover around 13 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius.

Owing to poor weather conditions, some flights from Indore to Delhi and Mumbai were delayed on Thursday morning. Indigo flight 6E 6013 departing to Delhi was delayed by 50 minutes.

Owing to poor weather conditions, some flights from Indore to Delhi and Mumbai were delayed on Thursday morning. Indigo flight 6E 6013 departing to Delhi was delayed by 50 minutes. Another Indigo flight 6E 655 departing to Mumbai was delayed by 2 hours while Air Asia flight I5 753 departing to Delhi was delayed by 1 hour 45 minutes. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), shallow fog is likely to engulf the city till Sunday (January 5). The minimum and maximum temperature in Indore would hover around 13 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius.

Flights delayed due to fog in Indore

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan started the New Year with good news. He announced in a media briefing that India's new lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 will be launched later this year in November 2020.

ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 in November 2020

The year 2019 will remain a dark year for wildlife in India. Despite repeated commitments to protect wildlife by successive governments in New Delhi. India once again has failed to protect its national animal.

Poaching not only increased in 2019, but India also lost a substantial number of wildlife animals to accidents.

According to figures compiled by the wildlife protection society of India.&nbsp;

A high number of tigers and leopards were lost to poaching and accidents in the country.

As per the figures released 110 tigers and 491 leopards were lost to poaching and accidents in India. In 2018, India lost 500 leopards to poaching and accidents.

The figure for two years stands at a staggering 991 leopards lost to poaching and accidents.

Experts are of the view that high death rate is also a result of shrinking wildlife habitat and wild animals straying inside civilian areas for easy prey as their prey base stands dwindled over a period of time.

In 2018, 104 tigers were lost to accidents and poaching and Madhya Pradesh remains the top tiger losing the state of India.

In 2019, the state of Madhya Pradesh. Accounted for 29 tigers dead and in Maharashtra. 22 tigers died in 2019.

12 tigers were killed in the state of Uttarakhand in 2019.

India also lost dense forest cover in 2019. Though actual green cover increased many folds.

In this case, too, experts are of the view that mono-cultural farming doesn’t add to bio-diversity and should not be counted under forest and dense green cover.

The year 2019 will remain a dark year for wildlife in India. Despite repeated commitments to protect wildlife by successive governments in New Delhi. India once again has failed to protect its national animal.

The year 2019 will remain a dark year for wildlife in India. Despite repeated commitments to protect wildlife by successive governments in New Delhi. India once again has failed to protect its national animal. Poaching not only increased in 2019, but India also lost a substantial number of wildlife animals to accidents. According to figures compiled by the wildlife protection society of India. A high number of tigers and leopards were lost to poaching and accidents in the country. As per the figures released 110 tigers and 491 leopards were lost to poaching and accidents in India. In 2018, India lost 500 leopards to poaching and accidents. The figure for two years stands at a staggering 991 leopards lost to poaching and accidents. Experts are of the view that high death rate is also a result of shrinking wildlife habitat and wild animals straying inside civilian areas for easy prey as their prey base stands dwindled over a period of time. In 2018, 104 tigers were lost to accidents and poaching and Madhya Pradesh remains the top tiger losing the state of India. In 2019, the state of Madhya Pradesh. Accounted for 29 tigers dead and in Maharashtra. 22 tigers died in 2019. 12 tigers were killed in the state of Uttarakhand in 2019. India also lost dense forest cover in 2019. Though actual green cover increased many folds. In this case, too, experts are of the view that mono-cultural farming doesn’t add to bio-diversity and should not be counted under forest and dense green cover.

110 tiger and 491 leopard deaths reported in India in 2019

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported.

Naravane added that all three services are ready to defend the country.&nbsp;Naravane received Guard of Honour today morning as the Army chief and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

The Army chief emphasised the need to pay more attention to India's border along China and said that the force is capable of dealing with any security challenge.

"We have been giving attention to our western front in the past. The northern front now also requires an equal amount of attention... The Army is capable of tackling any dangers to the country," General Naravane told reporters.

"In that context, we are now going in for capability development and enhancement of our capacities even in our northern borders which includes the northeastern part of our country," he said.

On the border dispute with China, the Army chief said that continuing peace along the border will pave the way for a solution.

"We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along borders and I'm sure that situation will prevail. By maintaining this, we will be able to set the stage for the eventual solution," he said.

On Tuesday, Naravane said that the "neighbouring country" (Pakistan) uses terrorism as a tool of state policy.

In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem.

"Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said.

"As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added.

General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported.

The new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Wednesday said that the priority of the Indian Army will be to be operationally prepared at all times and "pay special attention to respect human rights," news agency ANI reported. Naravane added that all three services are ready to defend the country. Naravane received Guard of Honour today morning as the Army chief and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The Army chief emphasised the need to pay more attention to India's border along China and said that the force is capable of dealing with any security challenge. "We have been giving attention to our western front in the past. The northern front now also requires an equal amount of attention... The Army is capable of tackling any dangers to the country," General Naravane told reporters. "In that context, we are now going in for capability development and enhancement of our capacities even in our northern borders which includes the northeastern part of our country," he said. On the border dispute with China, the Army chief said that continuing peace along the border will pave the way for a solution. "We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along borders and I'm sure that situation will prevail. By maintaining this, we will be able to set the stage for the eventual solution," he said. On Tuesday, Naravane said that the "neighbouring country" (Pakistan) uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. "Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. "As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff. (With inputs from ANI)

Need to pay more attention to India's border along China: Army Chief MM Naravane

Short Message Service (SMS) has been restored in the Kashmir valley from Wednesday.&nbsp;

This comes after all network and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 after the abrogation of Article 370.

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal had said that the SMS services will resume to normal at midnight on January 1, 2020.

Earlier, on October 14, postpaid mobile services were restored across the former state.

With the abrogation of Article 370 came the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh formalised on October 31.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Short Message Service (SMS) has been restored in the Kashmir valley from Wednesday. This comes after all network and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 after the abrogation of Article 370.

Short Message Service (SMS) has been restored in the Kashmir valley from Wednesday. This comes after all network and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 after the abrogation of Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal had said that the SMS services will resume to normal at midnight on January 1, 2020. Earlier, on October 14, postpaid mobile services were restored across the former state. With the abrogation of Article 370 came the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh formalised on October 31. (With inputs from agencies)

SMS services restored in Kashmir valley 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-haryana-should-take-steps-to-convert-stubble-into-cng-coal-kejriwal-261828">Haryana</a> government led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday promoted 14 IAS officers of 2011 batch to the Junior Administrative Grade of IAS cadre post. 
 
The officers who have been promoted include Amit Khatri, Vinay Pratap Singh, Aditya Dahiya, Mukul Kumar, Naresh Kumar, Anju Chaudhry, Mahavir Kaushik, Yash Pal, Virender Singh Hooda, Yashendra Singh, Narhari Singh Banger, Rajiv Mehta, and Pradeep Kumar. 
 
The government also granted performa promotion to Vijay Kumar Siddappa Bhavikatti, who is presently on the Central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS), said an official statement.

The Haryana government led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday promoted 14 IAS officers of 2011 batch to the Junior Administrative Grade of IAS cadre post.

The Haryana government led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday promoted 14 IAS officers of 2011 batch to the Junior Administrative Grade of IAS cadre post. The officers who have been promoted include Amit Khatri, Vinay Pratap Singh, Aditya Dahiya, Mukul Kumar, Naresh Kumar, Anju Chaudhry, Mahavir Kaushik, Yash Pal, Virender Singh Hooda, Yashendra Singh, Narhari Singh Banger, Rajiv Mehta, and Pradeep Kumar. The government also granted performa promotion to Vijay Kumar Siddappa Bhavikatti, who is presently on the Central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS), said an official statement.

Haryana: 14 IAS officers of 2011 batch promoted

In a slight relief from the dense fog and cold wave that disrupted flight and train operations in north India since the last few days, a change in wind direction has started to show its effect on the temperature in and around Delhi.

As a result of the warm, moist and low-level easterlies, maximum temperatures over the northern plains was recorded around 17-20 degrees Celsius.

"Today, under the influence of warm moist easterlies, northern plains reported maximum temperatures around 17-20 degrees Celsius. While Delhi has reported normal temperature (Safdarjung-20.5 degrees Celsius and Palam-19.6 degrees Celsius)," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted.

Severe cold weather conditions were observed in some pockets over west Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh and in isolated pockets over south Uttar Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh.

"Cold day to severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets over Bihar and Jharkhand; Cold day conditions in many pockets over West Madhya Pradesh, in some pockets over East Rajasthan and in isolated pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch," the IMD added.

According to the weather agency, below normal maximum temperature departures have increased by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Tuesday night increased to 6 degrees Celsius from 2 degrees Celsius for a couple of hours. In the morning today, the minimum temperature again had plunged to 2.5 degrees Celsius.

Further improvement in cold day and cold wave conditions and its abatement is very likely during the next 24 hours, the weather department said.

Fog conditions have also significantly improved over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh and west Uttar Pradesh.

In a slight relief from the dense fog and cold wave that disrupted flight and train operations in north India since the last few days, a change in wind direction has started to show its effect on the temperature in and around Delhi.

In a slight relief from the dense fog and cold wave that disrupted flight and train operations in north India since the last few days, a change in wind direction has started to show its effect on the temperature in and around Delhi. As a result of the warm, moist and low-level easterlies, maximum temperatures over the northern plains was recorded around 17-20 degrees Celsius. "Today, under the influence of warm moist easterlies, northern plains reported maximum temperatures around 17-20 degrees Celsius. While Delhi has reported normal temperature (Safdarjung-20.5 degrees Celsius and Palam-19.6 degrees Celsius)," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted. Severe cold weather conditions were observed in some pockets over west Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh and in isolated pockets over south Uttar Pradesh and north Chhattisgarh. "Cold day to severe cold day conditions in isolated pockets over Bihar and Jharkhand; Cold day conditions in many pockets over West Madhya Pradesh, in some pockets over East Rajasthan and in isolated pockets over Saurashtra and Kutch," the IMD added. According to the weather agency, below normal maximum temperature departures have increased by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Tuesday night increased to 6 degrees Celsius from 2 degrees Celsius for a couple of hours. In the morning today, the minimum temperature again had plunged to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Further improvement in cold day and cold wave conditions and its abatement is very likely during the next 24 hours, the weather department said. Fog conditions have also significantly improved over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh and west Uttar Pradesh.

Slight relief from cold wave, north India sees rise in maximum temperature

<a href="Australian bushfires claim third victim as authorities struggle to reach cut-off areas Source: Reuters (GIST) Smoke from the Currowan Fire is pictured from St George’s Basin south of Nowra and looking towards Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola, Australia Dimensions: 2540 x 1440- Size: 435KB- Source: Reuters OPEN IN NEW WINDOW Smoke from the Currowan Fire is pictured from St George’s Basin south of Nowra and looking towards Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola, Australia, December 31, 2019 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. John Wardle via REUTERS DOWNLOAD PICTURE DOWNLOAD WATERMARKED COMP By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead. Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames. In total, there have been 12 fire-related deaths across Australia since blazes broke out a few months ago, including three volunteer firefighters, after a three-year drought in large parts of the nation created tinder-dry conditions. Huge bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) -- an area larger than Japan -- and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves. Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in New South Wales (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground. The body of a man was found on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, according to the state's Rural Fire Service (RFS). The death toll is likely to rise, NSW RFS Commissioner Shan">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Wednesday extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/yearender-2019-7-indian-short-films-to-binge-watch-this-new-years-eve-271294">New Year</a> wishes to the nation and hoped that this year will be "filled with joy and prosperity".

PM Modi wished everyone a "wonderful 2020" and hoped for everyone's good health.&nbsp;

"May everyone's aspirations be fulfilled," his tweet read.&nbsp;

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Have a wonderful 2020! 
 
May this year be filled with joy and prosperity. May everyone be healthy and may everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled. 
 
आप सभी को साल 2020 की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1212185312144674817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Have a wonderful 2020! May this year be filled with joy and prosperity. May everyone be healthy and may everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled. आप सभी को साल 2020 की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।" Modi's tweet read.

On Tuesday, the prime minister said that he is hopeful 2020 marks the continuation of people-powered efforts to transform India and empower the lives of 130 crore Indians.

The Prime Minister re-tweet a video song titled "Year 2020 song" about the achievements of 2019 by a Twitter user NaMo 2.0 on the microblogging site.

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"Lovely compilation! Covers quite a lot of the progress we achieved in 2019. Here is hoping 2020 marks the continuation of people-powered efforts to transform India and empower the lives of 130 crore Indians," he tweeted.

The video showcases significant achievements of the BJP government including abrogation of Article 370, the opening of Kartarpur corridor, the launch of India's first semi-high speed train and initiatives against single-use plastic.

It also highlighted air-strikes by Indian Air Force followed by Pulwama attack, successful anti-SAT satellite test, Howdy Modi event.

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extending New Year wishes to the nation and hoped that this year will be "filled with joy and prosperity". PM Modi wished everyone a "wonderful 2020" and hoped for everyone's good health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extending New Year wishes to the nation and hoped that this year will be "filled with joy and prosperity". PM Modi wished everyone a "wonderful 2020" and hoped for everyone's good health. "May everyone's aspirations be fulfilled," his tweet read. Have a wonderful 2020! May this year be filled with joy and prosperity. May everyone be healthy and may everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled. आप सभी को साल 2020 की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2020 × "Have a wonderful 2020! May this year be filled with joy and prosperity. May everyone be healthy and may everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled. आप सभी को साल 2020 की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।" Modi's tweet read. On Tuesday, the prime minister said that he is hopeful 2020 marks the continuation of people-powered efforts to transform India and empower the lives of 130 crore Indians. The Prime Minister re-tweet a video song titled "Year 2020 song" about the achievements of 2019 by a Twitter user NaMo 2.0 on the microblogging site. × "Lovely compilation! Covers quite a lot of the progress we achieved in 2019. Here is hoping 2020 marks the continuation of people-powered efforts to transform India and empower the lives of 130 crore Indians," he tweeted. The video showcases significant achievements of the BJP government including abrogation of Article 370, the opening of Kartarpur corridor, the launch of India's first semi-high speed train and initiatives against single-use plastic. It also highlighted air-strikes by Indian Air Force followed by Pulwama attack, successful anti-SAT satellite test, Howdy Modi event. (With inputs from ANI)

May this year be filled with joy and prosperity: PM Modi tweets out 

Sixty-nine people, who were held during a protest against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-tears-into-opposition-for-supporting-anti-caa-protests-271380">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in Varanasi on December 19, were on Wednesday granted bail by a local court here. 
 
Among those who were granted bail were parents of a 14-month-old girl. The father and mother have been identified as Ravi Shekhar and Ekta Shekhar respectively. 
 
This comes even as Uttar Pradesh Police have put up photographs of protesters who allegedly instigated violence during an agitation here. 
 
Hundreds of people had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-riots-pfi-should-be-banned-says-up-dgp-271252">staged a protest</a> in Varanasi on December 19 over the new citizenship law. The protest had turned violent forcing the police to use force to disperse the crowd.

Sixty-nine people, who were held during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi on December 19, were on Wednesday granted bail by a local court here.

Sixty-nine people, who were held during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi on December 19, were on Wednesday granted bail by a local court here. Among those who were granted bail were parents of a 14-month-old girl. The father and mother have been identified as Ravi Shekhar and Ekta Shekhar respectively. This comes even as Uttar Pradesh Police have put up photographs of protesters who allegedly instigated violence during an agitation here. Hundreds of people had staged a protest in Varanasi on December 19 over the new citizenship law. The protest had turned violent forcing the police to use force to disperse the crowd.

69 people who were held during anti-CAA protests in Varanasi get bail

Ahead of the upcoming festivals, the Sambhal administration in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-act-protests-internet-suspended-in-21-districts-security-forces-deployed-in-uttar-pradesh-270635">Uttar Pradesh</a> on Wednesday announced that prohibitory orders will prevail in the region to maintain law and order till January 31. 
 
Protests erupted in the region including stone-pelting and burning of the public transport over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), section 144 of the CrPC was imposed to maintain law and order which has expired on December 31. 
 
"To maintain law and order in the area the prohibitory order will remain the region as the orders of Section 144 have expired on December 31. In view of the possibility of stoning, sabotage and rioting in the district and festivals, prohibitory orders have been imposed till January 31," said Kamlesh Kumar Awasthi, Additional District Magistrate, Sambhal in a press statement. 
 
The festivals due to which this measure has been taken are January 2-Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, January-14 Lohri, January 15-Makar Sakranti, January 26-Republic day and January 29-Basant Panchmi. 
 
Under these orders, gathering or protesting will be banned. No public property including railways stations and bus stand will be closed. People cannot carry any kind of material which can be used to attack others. People should not indulge in war-mongering and posting or sharing any instigating messages through social media tools, written or verbally will be termed as an offence. 
 
"Under the veil of the traditional festivals, no new kind of ritual will be formed and celebrated. Exhibiting arms or any kind of weapons in public places will be termed as an offence. Before 6 am and after 10 pm, no public gatherings will be held. Also, selling the Chinese 'manjha' will be banned," the release added. 
 
At least 48 people have been arrested in connection with violence during a protest against CAA. 
 
An FIR has also been registered against 17 people including some Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders on December 20. 
 
CAA grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-section-144-extended-for-security-in-ayodhya-till-25-february-270783">Section-144</a> was imposed in various parts of the state in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

Ahead of the upcoming festivals, the Sambhal administration in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday announced that prohibitory orders will prevail in the region to maintain law and order till January 31.

Ahead of the upcoming festivals, the Sambhal administration in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday announced that prohibitory orders will prevail in the region to maintain law and order till January 31. Protests erupted in the region including stone-pelting and burning of the public transport over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), section 144 of the CrPC was imposed to maintain law and order which has expired on December 31. "To maintain law and order in the area the prohibitory order will remain the region as the orders of Section 144 have expired on December 31. In view of the possibility of stoning, sabotage and rioting in the district and festivals, prohibitory orders have been imposed till January 31," said Kamlesh Kumar Awasthi, Additional District Magistrate, Sambhal in a press statement. The festivals due to which this measure has been taken are January 2-Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, January-14 Lohri, January 15-Makar Sakranti, January 26-Republic day and January 29-Basant Panchmi. Under these orders, gathering or protesting will be banned. No public property including railways stations and bus stand will be closed. People cannot carry any kind of material which can be used to attack others. People should not indulge in war-mongering and posting or sharing any instigating messages through social media tools, written or verbally will be termed as an offence. "Under the veil of the traditional festivals, no new kind of ritual will be formed and celebrated. Exhibiting arms or any kind of weapons in public places will be termed as an offence. Before 6 am and after 10 pm, no public gatherings will be held. Also, selling the Chinese 'manjha' will be banned," the release added. At least 48 people have been arrested in connection with violence during a protest against CAA. An FIR has also been registered against 17 people including some Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders on December 20. CAA grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Section-144 was imposed in various parts of the state in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

Prohibitory orders to prevail in Sambhal till January 31

In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces have been maintaining a tight vision to prevent any attempts of infiltrators. As we welcome the New Year 2020 the security forces have been battling the harsh winter while patrolling the Line of Control. Watch report: #NewYear #LoC #IndianForces #IndianArmy

Fineprint: Indian forces celebrating New Year along LoC

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

“Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar.

However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border.

People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected.

Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday. “Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read. On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border. People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected. Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’. While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

Bangladesh restores mobile network in border areas with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time.&nbsp;

According to Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s press secretary, the telephonic conversation lasted for about 15 minutes between the two prime ministers.

Sources close to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both of them spoke at length extending New Year greetings and wishing them best in 2020.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also extended New Year greetings to the people of India.&nbsp;

This telephonic conversation comes in the wake of apprehension in the Bangladesh government after India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the recently published final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time. According to Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s press secretary, the telephonic conversation lasted for about 15 minutes between the two prime ministers. Sources close to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both of them spoke at length extending New Year greetings and wishing them best in 2020. On the other hand, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also extended New Year greetings to the people of India. This telephonic conversation comes in the wake of apprehension in the Bangladesh government after India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the recently published final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends New Year greetings to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Former Army Chief Bipin Rawat took charge as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on January 1, 2020 and said that his task is to create synergy between different wings of the armed forces. General Rawat, who demitted office on retirement as Chief of Indian Army on December 31 received the guard of honour from all the three forces. #CDS #ChiefOfDefenceStaff #IndianDefence #BipinRawat

WION Dispatch: General Rawat takes charge as first CDS

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday withdrew its advertisement notification to invite applications for different posts in Non-Gazetted category in several district courts of J&amp;K and Ladakh.

"It is hereby notified for information of all the concerned that the advertisement Notice No. 09/2019 dated 26.12.2019, whereby applications were invited for different posts in Non-Gazetted category in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” J&amp;K High Court's Registrar General Sanjay Dhar said in a fresh notification issued on Tuesday evening.

The public notification which was issued on December 26 had triggered an outcry against the opening of employment to all Indians in Jammu and Kashmir after the nullification of Article 370 in August 2019.

Including senior and junior scale stenographers, typists, compositors, electricians and drivers, there was a vacancy of total 33 non-gazetted employee posts in district courts of J&amp;K and Ladakh registrar had opened for eligible candidates from all over the country.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday withdrew its advertisement notification to invite applications for different posts in Non-Gazetted category in several district courts of J&K and Ladakh.

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday withdrew its advertisement notification to invite applications for different posts in Non-Gazetted category in several district courts of J&K and Ladakh. "It is hereby notified for information of all the concerned that the advertisement Notice No. 09/2019 dated 26.12.2019, whereby applications were invited for different posts in Non-Gazetted category in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” J&K High Court's Registrar General Sanjay Dhar said in a fresh notification issued on Tuesday evening. The public notification which was issued on December 26 had triggered an outcry against the opening of employment to all Indians in Jammu and Kashmir after the nullification of Article 370 in August 2019. Including senior and junior scale stenographers, typists, compositors, electricians and drivers, there was a vacancy of total 33 non-gazetted employee posts in district courts of J&K and Ladakh registrar had opened for eligible candidates from all over the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir High Court drops advertisement on jobs for outsiders after outcry

A compilation by a c (NGO) Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) has said that India lost 110 tigers and 491 leopards in 2019. While a third of the tigers that is, 38 were lost to poaching. #Tigers #Leopards #IndiaTigers

Shocking figures in wildlife protection society study, 110 tigers 491 leopards died in 2019

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief.

The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force.

The CDS' attire including the peak cap, dress buttons, belt buckle, and the epaulette, which are all engrained with the ethos of the three defence services.

''Feel lighter in the head'', announced the new CDS after taking over the duties.

Rawat now has a host of new responsibilities, and he's primarily expected to bring convergence among the army, the navy, and the air force.

The new CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs and act as a military advisor to the government.

<img alt="CDS' attire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="321ea4a7-ffc7-49cf-9ad8-7fc78821e938" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_38.jpg" />

The attire of the new CDS | Image source: Indian Army

However, the new CDS will work in tandem with the National Security Advisor, who is an integral part of the Indian security set-up. There is much functional interplay between the roles of CDS and the NSA.

The NSA heads the defence planning committee, which was created in 2018. It has all three service chiefs as members. The main agenda is the implementation of security strategy in the country.

On the other hand, the CDS will head the department of military affairs. One of his tasks includes providing undiluted military advice to the government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-named-as-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-271016">Read:&nbsp;Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff</a>

The NSA receives all intelligence reports from the likes of RAW and presents them before the prime minister.

Additionally, the CDS will be the point-person with information from an independent pool of military resources.

Watch:&nbsp;General Bipin Rawat takes charge as first CDS

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/general-bipin-rawat-takes-charge-as-first-cds-271384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The NSA works on inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies.

The CDS will have the authority to direct the three service chiefs and also create a theatre command when needed.

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief. The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force.

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief. The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force. The CDS' attire including the peak cap, dress buttons, belt buckle, and the epaulette, which are all engrained with the ethos of the three defence services. ''Feel lighter in the head'', announced the new CDS after taking over the duties. Rawat now has a host of new responsibilities, and he's primarily expected to bring convergence among the army, the navy, and the air force. The new CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs and act as a military advisor to the government. The attire of the new CDS | Image source: Indian Army However, the new CDS will work in tandem with the National Security Advisor, who is an integral part of the Indian security set-up. There is much functional interplay between the roles of CDS and the NSA. The NSA heads the defence planning committee, which was created in 2018. It has all three service chiefs as members. The main agenda is the implementation of security strategy in the country. On the other hand, the CDS will head the department of military affairs. One of his tasks includes providing undiluted military advice to the government. Read: Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff The NSA receives all intelligence reports from the likes of RAW and presents them before the prime minister. Additionally, the CDS will be the point-person with information from an independent pool of military resources. Watch: General Bipin Rawat takes charge as first CDS The NSA works on inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies. The CDS will have the authority to direct the three service chiefs and also create a theatre command when needed.

Bipin Rawat takes over as Chief of Defence Staff, his uniform draws emblematic elements from all defence services

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The newly instituted designation aims to integrate different branches of the Indian armed forces. The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War. Watch: General Bipin Rawat, who served a full three-year-long term as the Indian Army Chief after he superseded two officers in 2016, was announced as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today. Besides being at the helm of important operations, Rawat has a vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations. Rawat was born in Pauri, Uttarakhand, and is currently serving as the 32nd Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the office he had assumed in September 2019. Earlier, he served as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff starting December 2016. The new CDS was awarded the 'Sword of Honour' from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun after being commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978. Additionally, he has also commanded an Infantry Battalion, along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector; a Rashtriya Rifles Sector, and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley. Rawat also commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has also received awards for gallantry and distinguished service carrying various military decorations including Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). Rawat attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, New Zealand.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission.&nbsp;

"We had good progress on Gaganyaan in 2019, many of the designs were completed. Four astronauts have been identified for the training purpose. The training for the astronauts who are from the Indian Air Force will be planned in the third week of January which will take place in Russia," said Sivan.

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Watch | India's ISRO unveils 2020 space programme<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> to be launched in 2020<a href="https://twitter.com/alysonle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alysonle</a> elucidates <a href="https://t.co/pQXe2nKphb">pic.twitter.com/pQXe2nKphb</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1212330123975962626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also stated that Chandrayaan-3`s configuration will be almost similar to Chandrayaan-2 but will have a rover with a propulsion module.

"In Chandrayaan-2 we had orbiter, lander and rover configuration but the Chandrayaan-3 will be having a lander and rover with a propulsion module. The work is being carried out very smoothly," he said.

Sivan further added that Chandrayaan-3's lander and craft cost is approximately Rs 250 crore, whereas the launch cost will be around Rs 350 crore. So, the total cost will be around Rs 600 crore.ISRO has asked the government for Rs 14,000 crore budget for the 2020 projects.&nbsp;

"Just like last year, this year is also going to be an eventful year for ISRO. This year is going to the year of Chandrayan-3 and Gaganyaan. We have planned another satellite for this year i.e. GSAT 20. Many targets have been planned for 2020. For Gaganyan many systems need to be tested before flight. Crew training is another major activity that is going to happen this year," said Sivan.&nbsp;

Sivan further added that ISRO is planning to undertake many major projects, new developments and at the same time launch the satellites required for societal purpose as well.

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission.

This year is going to be an eventful year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan on Wednesday, adding that four astronauts have been selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan mission. "We had good progress on Gaganyaan in 2019, many of the designs were completed. Four astronauts have been identified for the training purpose. The training for the astronauts who are from the Indian Air Force will be planned in the third week of January which will take place in Russia," said Sivan. Watch | India's ISRO unveils 2020 space programme#Gaganyaan and #Chandrayaan3 to be launched in 2020@alysonle elucidates pic.twitter.com/pQXe2nKphb — WION (@WIONews) January 1, 2020 × He also stated that Chandrayaan-3`s configuration will be almost similar to Chandrayaan-2 but will have a rover with a propulsion module. "In Chandrayaan-2 we had orbiter, lander and rover configuration but the Chandrayaan-3 will be having a lander and rover with a propulsion module. The work is being carried out very smoothly," he said. Sivan further added that Chandrayaan-3's lander and craft cost is approximately Rs 250 crore, whereas the launch cost will be around Rs 350 crore. So, the total cost will be around Rs 600 crore.ISRO has asked the government for Rs 14,000 crore budget for the 2020 projects. "Just like last year, this year is also going to be an eventful year for ISRO. This year is going to the year of Chandrayan-3 and Gaganyaan. We have planned another satellite for this year i.e. GSAT 20. Many targets have been planned for 2020. For Gaganyan many systems need to be tested before flight. Crew training is another major activity that is going to happen this year," said Sivan. Sivan further added that ISRO is planning to undertake many major projects, new developments and at the same time launch the satellites required for societal purpose as well.

Gaganyaan mission: Four astronauts selected to undergo training in Russia, says ISRO chief K Sivan

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day in India.

According to the report, over 67,000 babies will be born in India on the New Year's day in India which would account for 17 per cent per cent of the estimated 392,078 babies to be born across the globe on today.

For the year 2020, the UNICEF's focus is to get nations to invest in health workers "with the know-how and equipment to save every newborn," the official release stated.&nbsp;

As per the report, Fiji would be the first country to bring 2020's first newborns in the world while the United States will be the last such nation.&nbsp;

While around 67,385 babies are expected to be born on the first day of the year in India, China will see around 46,299 newborns on the New Year's day followed by Nigeria (26,039), Pakistan (16,787), Indonesia (13,020) and the US (10,452).&nbsp;

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) celebrates the New Year's Day each year and marks it as an auspicious day for childbirth.&nbsp;

This year's list looks somewhat similar to the one that came out last year.&nbsp;

As per the report released on December 31, 2018, <a href="wionews.com/india-news/tiny-revellers-over-3-lakh-babies-to-be-born-on-new-years-day-across-globe-around-70000-in-india-alone-187655">India topped the list on newborns on New Year's day</a>&nbsp;last year with the highest number of births on January 1, 2018 at 69,944 babies.&nbsp;

The list had China at the second spot with 44,940 babies, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United States.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day in India. According to the report, over 67,000 babies will be born in India on the New Year's day in India which would account for 17 per cent per cent of the estimated 392,078 babies to be born across the globe on today.

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day in India. According to the report, over 67,000 babies will be born in India on the New Year's day in India which would account for 17 per cent per cent of the estimated 392,078 babies to be born across the globe on today. For the year 2020, the UNICEF's focus is to get nations to invest in health workers "with the know-how and equipment to save every newborn," the official release stated. As per the report, Fiji would be the first country to bring 2020's first newborns in the world while the United States will be the last such nation. While around 67,385 babies are expected to be born on the first day of the year in India, China will see around 46,299 newborns on the New Year's day followed by Nigeria (26,039), Pakistan (16,787), Indonesia (13,020) and the US (10,452). The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) celebrates the New Year's Day each year and marks it as an auspicious day for childbirth. This year's list looks somewhat similar to the one that came out last year. As per the report released on December 31, 2018, India topped the list on newborns on New Year's day last year with the highest number of births on January 1, 2018 at 69,944 babies. The list had China at the second spot with 44,940 babies, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United States.

Tiny revellers: Over 67,000 babies to be born on New Year’s day in India 

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