The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

EU Commission Chief in India: Ursula von der Leyen holds bilateral with PM Modi

Fighting climate change is a global concern for all nations. EU Commission Chief is in India and watch this report to know more about India, EU's common climate challenges.

Fighting climate change: India, EU's common climate challenges

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi have agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

Indian PM Modi & EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen agree to launch Trade and Technology council

France has elected a new leader and once again it is centrist Emmanuel Macron, he is the first French president to serve a second term in 20 years. The 44-year-old who came to power as France's youngest-ever president has comfortably defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen. For more on this, we are joined by former Indian envoy to France Dr Mohan Kumar.

Macron wins second term, how will it affect India-France relations? | Dr Mohan Kumar Exclusive

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in India and today is her second day. She is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, the talks will likely focus on trade, security and climate.

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to meet EAM S. Jaishankar

European Commission chief Ursula Von der Leyen is on a two-day visit to India where she will be meeting top government officials in a bid to strengthen India-EU strategic partnership. This is Ursula's first visit to India as the president of the European Commission.

India: EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen arrives in India for 2-day visit

India has suspended tourist visas for nationals of China in the aftermath of Beijing's reluctance to allow the return of Indians stuck at home since the lockdowns and restrictions started due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

India-based news agency PTI reported that global airlines body IATA told its member carriers on April 20 about the suspension of tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals.&nbsp;

Important to note that thousands of Indians including more than 23,000 students have been stuck in India since 2020 as the visa process as well as flights from India were suspended by Beijing due to the Covid situation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-dies-of-acute-hepatitis-as-12-countries-report-increase-in-cases-473380">Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases</a>

The news agency mentioned that in its latest update on April, global air transport body IATA said that tourist visas issued to nationals of China were no longer valid.&nbsp;

However, the report also stated that the Indian government is still giving business, employment, diplomatic and official visas to Chinese nationals.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agencies, IATA's circular issued on April 20 regarding India noted: "Tourist visas issued to nationals of China (People's Republic) are no longer valid."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-from-missing-japan-boat-found-unconscious-coast-guard-473397">Ten people from missing Japanese boat confirmed dead - Coast guard</a>

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had taken up the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in March when the latter visited India.&nbsp;

In February, Beijing had promised the Indian Embassy to work for the early return of the Indian students and assured that they will no discrimination in any manner as their resumption of studies.&nbsp;

WATCH | UK based study triggers health concerns, experts research COVID's long-term impact

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India has suspended tourist visas for nationals of China in the aftermath of Beijing's reluctance to allow the return of Indians stuck at home since the lockdowns and restrictions started due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

India has suspended tourist visas for nationals of China in the aftermath of Beijing's reluctance to allow the return of Indians stuck at home since the lockdowns and restrictions started due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. India-based news agency PTI reported that global airlines body IATA told its member carriers on April 20 about the suspension of tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals. Important to note that thousands of Indians including more than 23,000 students have been stuck in India since 2020 as the visa process as well as flights from India were suspended by Beijing due to the Covid situation. ALSO READ | Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases The news agency mentioned that in its latest update on April, global air transport body IATA said that tourist visas issued to nationals of China were no longer valid. However, the report also stated that the Indian government is still giving business, employment, diplomatic and official visas to Chinese nationals. As quoted by the news agencies, IATA's circular issued on April 20 regarding India noted: "Tourist visas issued to nationals of China (People's Republic) are no longer valid." ALSO READ | Ten people from missing Japanese boat confirmed dead - Coast guard India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had taken up the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in March when the latter visited India. In February, Beijing had promised the Indian Embassy to work for the early return of the Indian students and assured that they will no discrimination in any manner as their resumption of studies. WATCH | UK based study triggers health concerns, experts research COVID's long-term impact × (With inputs from agencies)

Tourist visas for Chinese citizens suspended by India: Report

EU Chief arrives in India: Ursula Von der Leyen to hold bilateral dialogue with PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated some of the major infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir. He visited the Palli panchayat in the Samba district and laid the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth more than 296 million dollars. For more on this, we're joined by Idrees Lone from Srinagar.

Indian PM Narendra Modi launches infra projects in Jammu & Kashmir

The British prime minister Boris Johnson has concluded his highly anticipated trip to India, the leaders discussed defense, energy and trade ties and announced to seal the free trade deal in October.

Summer of diplomacy: United Kingdom to support 'Make In India' initiative

Hollywood actor Will Smith has made his first public appearance at Mumbai airport since the slapping controversy at the Oscars.

Will Smith's first outing since the Oscars incident: Actor seen at Mumbai airport

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has triggered an exodus. 18 more Sri Lankan refugees have made their way to India. Molly Gambhir gets you the details.

Gravitas: More Sri Lankan refugees reach India

Boris Johnson has concluded his visit to India. If Day 1 was about optics, Day 2 was all about business. He met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi & inked a series of bilateral deals. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Decoding Boris Johnson's India visit

In a bid to revive his lost appeal Pakistan's dethroned Prime Minister Imran Khan held a power show in Lahore. The former Pak PM used the rally to boost his campaign against Islamabad's new government as well as to raise demand for fresh elections. Imran Khan once again lauded India's foreign policy.

Imran's power show in Lahore: Khan lauds India's foreign policy again

UK PM Boris Johnson who is on a landmark 2-day visit in India will meet his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi today in the national capital New Delhi. This comes after Johnson announced commercial agreements worth $1.3 billion.

Boris Johnson in India: UK PM announced commercial agreement worth $1.3 billion

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is visiting India - as the British Parliament discusses his political future. Can a trip to India revive Johnson's fortunes? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Can a trip to India revive Johnson's fortunes

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on a 2-day India visit and he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. While addressing the media, he said, "we respect India's historical relations with Russia. What Indians want in Ukraine is peace."

Boris Johnson in India: UK PM calls India 'A rising Asian power'

The United Kingdom will support the 'Make in India' initiative and also offers support to India's marine technological needs. Indian PM Modi and Boris Johnson have announced the signing of the free trade deal as well. To get more details, we're joined by Siddhant Sibbal.

Boris Johnson India visit: India-UK discuss defence, trade & Energy

India's Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla addressed the media, he said, 'During the bilateral talks, PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Boris Johnson held discussions on the ongoing FTA negotiations. Both sides agreed to the corporation on energy, green hydrogen, trade, defense.'

Boris Johnson in India: Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla addresses media

Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India.

Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India." Egyptian call to add India to the list of countries from where wheat can be imported comes even global wheat prices have increased in a major way due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major exporters of wheat, something that has been hard hit due to the ongoing war. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Wael explained, "Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs", adding, "Prices have risen to unprecedented level". India is being looked up as a potential source to fill the global shortfall in wheat supplies. According to the Indian government release over the weekend, the country aims to export three million tonnes of wheat to Egypt in 2023. Officials from agriculture quarantine and pest risk analysis of Egypt visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. During his visit to Dubai last month, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met Egypt’s Minister of Planning & Economic Development Dr Hala El-Said and discussed India's readiness to supply high-quality wheat towards ensuring Egypt's food security. WION: What is the rationale behind this decision of allowing Indian Wheat? Wael Hamed: The crisis between Ukraine and Russia has led to drastic increases in the prices of wheat internationally. Egypt has traditionally been one of the largest importers of wheat at the international level. Maybe until last year, we were the largest importer, this year we may be 2nd or the 3rd largest importer in the world. India at the same time is one of the largest producers. It hasn't been big country when it comes to exports of wheat so far, but it seems India has been willing to go into export market of wheat and Egypt being one of the largest importers of wheat, definitely Egypt is very much interested in building relations with India. WION: A team from Egypt was in India regarding this... Wael Hamed: Yes, they actually visited many places. They stayed here; they came last week. They stayed here for something 4-5 days. Very hectic 4-5 days. Indian side prepared an extensive program for them. They were able to inspect, have a look at fields, look at production in India also, at the labs in which wheat is being analysed for its nutrients and the quality of the wheat India is producing. The purpose of the visit basically is to gather as much information as possible on Indian Wheat and how good and adequate it is for the Egyptian market so as to make sure it is the kind of wheat we want to provide to our citizens. Wheat is a strategic commodity and every country puts its own standards for wheat and this was the main purpose for the visit of our experts last week. WION: When will the export from India to Egypt start, and any quantity you looking at? Wael Hamed: Our production is normally around 9 million tonnes but our consumption is 21-22 million tonnes a year, this means we import 12-13 million tonnes every year. It is very difficult to imagine that India will be willing to export that much. That anyone country can fulfil that gap, the 9 million tonnes Egypt produces and approximately 22 million tonnes we consume. So far there haven't been any commercial discussions that I know of. All that happened so far is that Egyptian experts were here, they actually find Indian Wheat is good enough to be imported into Egypt. In what quantities, by when, by whom henceforth, it will be subject to commercial discussion that will come at a later stage. WION: Indian Trade minister Goyal talked about his meeting with the Egyptian minister in Dubai and the process started...If you can talk about that, a chit was exchanged Wael Hamed: Before taking a call that was that important, that strategic of adding one country to the list of certified exporters of wheat to Egypt, a lot of communication and lot of interaction and meetings take place because this is really a big call. I am sure, that many such meetings took place, and you rightly mentioned the meeting of your minister of commerce and our minister and they actually discussed but there have been numerous discussions on the issue, even before this meeting in Dubai. My understanding is that many of the contacts took place even before the meeting took place between the 2 trade ministers in Dubai. The main result is we received the Egyptian experts last week and that we are here already discussing the possibility of in the future importing wheat from India. WION: Are there other countries from where Egypt is importing wheat? and do you think India can full fill the need of the world, in terms of wheat amid the ongoing conflict? Wael Hamed: Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs, and this is the reason behind the problem we are in now, the shortage we are facing. But we have also been importing from other countries, including France, Romania, the US, Argentina and other countries as well. We have traditionally been, an important importer of wheat and one good thing about being an importer is that you sometimes have the ability to impact the international prices. When you are a big importer, you are a price setter, this gives an ability to have communication with several countries that export wheat and also have our input. When it comes to India when I was speaking on production, our production is 9 million tonnes and we import 12 million tonnes to fill in the gap, that is 22 million tons. India produces approximately 110 million tonnes and consumes something like 105-103 million tonnes. The surplus that India has, is good to have a surplus but I am not sure whether the kind of surplus India has can actually make a big difference in the international market or not. We hope it will, everyone in the world needs to see the global supply chain of major agriculture products coming back to normal and back to stability. I hope India can open this. WION: How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted the wheat prices? Wael Hamed: Everybody has been noticing this. Prices have risen to an unprecedented level, in the past I think one ton of wheat used to be around $380, now we see prices as high as $500. This is very big increase, because Russia was the number one wheat producer at the international level and Ukraine comes at number 4 or 5. Both of them together account for a big share of the market. The market has been for sure impacted and when I say Egypt is price setter, this doesn't mean that Egypt is the only country that has an influence on price. It means, that we as one of the biggest buyers have an influence. That when Egypt comes into the market, the price has to respond in a certain way, that is different when other smaller buyers come into the market and try to behave in this way or that way. A big importer and exporter are important when it comes to price mechanism of wheat in international affairs. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? Wael Hamed: I hope what we can expect in the coming period is an intensification of the relationship between Egypt and India. Not only in terms of economic interaction, and trade just like wheat which is very important and adds to the strategic relationship between the 2 countries, because this is actually a very strategic commodity. But also, in terms of exchange at a higher level. As you might know, we very expecting the visit of his excellency PM Modi to Egypt in 2020, unfortunately, the visit did not take place but we are still hopeful this will be able to take place sometime this year. When it comes to relationships, both countries have enormous horizons and potential. If we put our hands together, we can make benefit both countries. WATCH | Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war ×

'Interested in building relations', Egyptian envoy Wael on his country allowing import of Indian Wheat

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'.

Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-start-ups-satellite-gets-tested-at-isro-facility-awaits-launch-through-pslv-rocket-469393">Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket &nbsp;</a>

On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail.

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-launches-eos-04-satellite-453149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail"&nbsp;mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems.

As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a>

However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses).

On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

&nbsp;

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about.

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'. Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said. Also read | Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite "Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail" mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems. As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts. Also read | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses). On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.

GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste.

The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas.

India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders.

But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice.

According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs.

A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-appeals-to-farmers-to-adopt-natural-farming-439330">&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming</a>

"We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying.

Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser.

Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over.

"One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung &amp; urine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-would-you-use-a-toothpaste-made-of-cow-dung-urine-282096/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy. GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste. The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas. India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders. But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice. According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs. A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household. Also read | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming "We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying. Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser. Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over. "One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP. Watch | Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung & urine? (With inputs from agencies)

How Modi govt’s cow dung scheme is solving India’s energy crisis and doubling farmers’ income

UK PM Boris Johnson pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat after grand ceremonious welcome in New Delhi. He earlier thanked PM Narendra Modi for a 'fantastic welcome.'

India: UK PM Boris Johnson at Rajghat, visits Gandhi memorial

Income tax planning is highly beneficial in India if carried out at the start of financial year. It will help you get the return or interest for the whole year. And give a lot of time to choose and make the right investment in options like life insurance, public provident fund, tax saving schemes, NPS, medical insurance, etc.

Do you pay tax in India? Plan at start of financial year

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