The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that this year's CPL event will feature a women's tournament with three franchise teams competing for the first Women's CPL (WCPL) title.

The three teams will showcase the best women's cricketers from across the Caribbean with overseas stars rounding out the teams.

The three teams who will compete in the inaugural WCPL will be Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The women's tournament will take place during the men's event inside the CPL tournament window which this year will run from August 30 to September 30.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-surpasses-dale-steyns-tally-becomes-8th-highest-wicket-taker-in-test-cricket-462199">Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Dale Steyn, becomes 8th highest wicket-taker in Test cricket</a>

The 2022 tournament will be celebrating 10 years of the CPL and enters its 10th season off the back of a highly successful 2021, with over half a billion viewers tuning in for the second successive year.

Ricky Skerritt, CWI President commented: "Increasing the opportunities for West Indian women and girls to get involved in cricket is one of CWI's strategic priorities, and we are delighted that we have been able to partner with CPL to further the expansion plans that we had first unveiled in 2019 prior to the arrival of the Covid Pandemic. We are confident that all CPL women's games will be highly competitive and will add quality entertainment to our fans in the region and around the world."

CPL will be played across more countries this year, with three Caribbean countries being selected for the group stages and the fourth venue being chosen for the finals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-knew-he-was-stepping-into-big-shoes-of-ajinkya-rahane-cheteshwar-pujara-skipper-rohit-sharma-462247">Shreyas Iyer knew he was stepping into big shoes of Rahane and Pujara, says skipper Rohit Sharma</a>

CPL anticipates that this four-venue structure could become the norm for future seasons.

CWI has confirmed that a window has been created in an otherwise very busy international schedule so that all selected West Indies players will be available for this year's Men's and Women's CPL tournaments.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that this year's CPL event will feature a women's tournament with three franchise teams competing for the first Women's CPL (WCPL) title.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that this year's CPL event will feature a women's tournament with three franchise teams competing for the first Women's CPL (WCPL) title. The three teams will showcase the best women's cricketers from across the Caribbean with overseas stars rounding out the teams. The three teams who will compete in the inaugural WCPL will be Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. The women's tournament will take place during the men's event inside the CPL tournament window which this year will run from August 30 to September 30. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Dale Steyn, becomes 8th highest wicket-taker in Test cricket The 2022 tournament will be celebrating 10 years of the CPL and enters its 10th season off the back of a highly successful 2021, with over half a billion viewers tuning in for the second successive year. Ricky Skerritt, CWI President commented: "Increasing the opportunities for West Indian women and girls to get involved in cricket is one of CWI's strategic priorities, and we are delighted that we have been able to partner with CPL to further the expansion plans that we had first unveiled in 2019 prior to the arrival of the Covid Pandemic. We are confident that all CPL women's games will be highly competitive and will add quality entertainment to our fans in the region and around the world." CPL will be played across more countries this year, with three Caribbean countries being selected for the group stages and the fourth venue being chosen for the finals. ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer knew he was stepping into big shoes of Rahane and Pujara, says skipper Rohit Sharma CPL anticipates that this four-venue structure could become the norm for future seasons. CWI has confirmed that a window has been created in an otherwise very busy international schedule so that all selected West Indies players will be available for this year's Men's and Women's CPL tournaments.

Caribbean Premier League 2022 to feature three-team women's tournament alongside men's

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava on Thursday said that the unvaccinated people accounted for nearly 92 per cent of Covid deaths.&nbsp;

He further said that the first dose of the Covid vaccine is 98.9 per cent effective in the fight against Covid. Also, if both doses are given, it is 99.3 per cent effective.&nbsp;

VK Paul, member (health) of the government's think tank NITI Aayog while speaking to the reporters said, "It is evident that vaccines and the wide vaccination coverage have played a very important role in protecting hundreds of lives. The vaccine has protected the nation from a surge in the number of Covid cases."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-discusses-ukraine-situation-with-quad-leaders-458707">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi discusses Ukraine situation with Quad leaders</a>

The cases in India are currently on a downward graph as only 6,561 cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Also, the average weekly Covid positivity rate in India is 0.99 per cent. The total number of active cases are 77,000.

Covid deaths, also, have seen a sharp decline in India.&nbsp;

Cases from South Indian states including Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram account for 50 per cent of all Covid cases in India.&nbsp;Only one state has over 10,000 active cases. Other states have less than 5,000 active cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava on Thursday said that the unvaccinated people accounted for nearly 92 per cent of Covid deaths.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava on Thursday said that the unvaccinated people accounted for nearly 92 per cent of Covid deaths. He further said that the first dose of the Covid vaccine is 98.9 per cent effective in the fight against Covid. Also, if both doses are given, it is 99.3 per cent effective. VK Paul, member (health) of the government's think tank NITI Aayog while speaking to the reporters said, "It is evident that vaccines and the wide vaccination coverage have played a very important role in protecting hundreds of lives. The vaccine has protected the nation from a surge in the number of Covid cases." Also read | PM Modi discusses Ukraine situation with Quad leaders The cases in India are currently on a downward graph as only 6,561 cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Also, the average weekly Covid positivity rate in India is 0.99 per cent. The total number of active cases are 77,000. Covid deaths, also, have seen a sharp decline in India. Cases from South Indian states including Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram account for 50 per cent of all Covid cases in India. Only one state has over 10,000 active cases. Other states have less than 5,000 active cases. (With inputs from agencies)

In India, unvaccinated people account for 92% of Covid deaths in 2022

2022 will see a record number of weddings. There will be 2.5 Million weddings in U.S. alone. What's fueling this wedding boom? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: 2022 to see record number of weddings

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into&nbsp;orbit successfully. &nbsp;

After blasting off at 5.59 am on Monday, the first launch mission of 2022 was carried out by the PSLV-C52 rocket. &nbsp;

The agency's launch vehicle, PSLV, injected the satellites into its intended orbit after a flight of around 19 minutes. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-training-or-a-scary-movie-nasa-prepares-for-moonwalk-on-pitch-dark-south-pole-shares-images-452900" hreflang="en">A training or a scary movie? NASA prepares for moonwalk on pitch-dark south pole, shares images</a>

The feat triggered instant cheers and applause from the scientists, who were monitoring the year's maiden mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Launch of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 <a href="https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b">https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1493011164246077440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a tweet, ISRO said that EOS-04 was placed into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 6.17 am. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February 14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. <a href="https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf">https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1493025667448852481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After injecting the EOS-04, the two small satellites, INSPIREsat-1 (17.5 kg) and INS-2TD (8.1 kg), were also placed in their orbits, respectively. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> captured from mumbai nagpur flight many congratulations <a href="https://t.co/9FJ7jJ7CVX">pic.twitter.com/9FJ7jJ7CVX</a>
— Rishikesh Awasthi (@Rishi_Aw) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rishi_Aw/status/1493028981674758151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "The mission of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 has been successfully accomplished. The primary satellite EOS-04 has been put into a very precise orbit by PSLV-C52, and along with that, co-passenger satellites INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD also have been placed into right orbit." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-the-dinosaurs-suffer-from-respiratory-issues-researchers-make-breathtaking-discovery-452405" hreflang="en">Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery &nbsp;</a>

Thanking experts, who made the mission possible, Somanath added, "This spacecraft is going to be one of the biggest assets for us to serve the country." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PSLV C52 over chennai airspace .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5p3iEpUTp">pic.twitter.com/p5p3iEpUTp</a>
— Sai Prasanna (@Prasanna60Sai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanna60Sai/status/1493025063741706242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mission Director SR Biju said, "What we have accomplished today is really marvellous." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO: Yet another feather in the much decorated hat of Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>. 
Kudos ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C52 rocket carrying Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions. <a href="https://t.co/ZnPwOKz1HS">pic.twitter.com/ZnPwOKz1HS</a>
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1493033283835219969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

EOS-04 weighs 1,710 kg and has a mission life of 10 years. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite, which will provide high quality images under all weather conditions. It can be useful for forestry and plantations, agriculture,&nbsp;soil moisture and hydrology and flood mapping. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into orbit successfully.

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into orbit successfully. After blasting off at 5.59 am on Monday, the first launch mission of 2022 was carried out by the PSLV-C52 rocket. The agency's launch vehicle, PSLV, injected the satellites into its intended orbit after a flight of around 19 minutes. Also Read: A training or a scary movie? NASA prepares for moonwalk on pitch-dark south pole, shares images The feat triggered instant cheers and applause from the scientists, who were monitoring the year's maiden mission. Launch of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b — ISRO (@isro) February 13, 2022 × In a tweet, ISRO said that EOS-04 was placed into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 6.17 am. India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February 14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf — ISRO (@isro) February 14, 2022 × After injecting the EOS-04, the two small satellites, INSPIREsat-1 (17.5 kg) and INS-2TD (8.1 kg), were also placed in their orbits, respectively. @isro captured from mumbai nagpur flight many congratulations pic.twitter.com/9FJ7jJ7CVX — Rishikesh Awasthi (@Rishi_Aw) February 14, 2022 × After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "The mission of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 has been successfully accomplished. The primary satellite EOS-04 has been put into a very precise orbit by PSLV-C52, and along with that, co-passenger satellites INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD also have been placed into right orbit." Also Read: Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery Thanking experts, who made the mission possible, Somanath added, "This spacecraft is going to be one of the biggest assets for us to serve the country." PSLV C52 over chennai airspace .#ISRO pic.twitter.com/p5p3iEpUTp — Sai Prasanna (@Prasanna60Sai) February 14, 2022 × Mission Director SR Biju said, "What we have accomplished today is really marvellous." VIDEO: Yet another feather in the much decorated hat of Team #ISRO. Kudos ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C52 rocket carrying Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/ZnPwOKz1HS — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) February 14, 2022 × EOS-04 weighs 1,710 kg and has a mission life of 10 years. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite, which will provide high quality images under all weather conditions. It can be useful for forestry and plantations, agriculture, soil moisture and hydrology and flood mapping. (With inputs from agencies)

Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully

Russian&nbsp;skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing.

The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15, when the 15-year-old is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a statement.

It is just the latest doping scandal surrounding&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;athletes in recent years at Olympic Games.

Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo.&nbsp;

It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inflation-in-us-worsens-becomes-highest-in-40-years-452274">Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years</a>

The ITA said Valieva submitted a sample during the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;championships on December 25 but the positive test was not confirmed by an internationally accredited laboratory until February 8

By that time she had already taken part in the team skating competition at the Beijing Games and helped Russia to win after becoming the first woman in history to produce a quadruple jump at an Olympics.

Once the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;anti-doping agency (RUSADA) received the result, it provisionally suspended the teenager, a decision which would have ruled her out of the rest of the Olympics.

Valieva successfully challenged that decision and the ban was lifted on February 9. She was seen training in the Chinese capital on Friday.

Now the International Olympic Committee says it will challenge the decision to lift her suspension.

"Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Skating Union (ISU), RUSADA and the IOC have a right to appeal the decision to lift the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC will exercise its right to appeal," the ITA said in a statement.

The confirmation that she failed a doping test explains why the medals ceremony for the figure skating team event has not taken place.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/things-could-go-crazy-ukraine-accuses-russia-of-hybrid-war-amid-naval-drill-452265">'Things could go crazy': Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hybrid war' amid naval drill</a>

Russian&nbsp;competitors are taking part in Beijing as the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Olympic Committee (ROC) after the nation was banned because of a massive state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in Beijing: "We want to expedite this as quickly as possible.

"It's very important for everyone involved, not least the 15-year-old athlete that is concerned, that we have due process, that it's seen to be done properly and that people can have confidence in the decisions that are taken.

"We are working as fast as we can under the circumstances to get that.

"Such cases are not helpful to the Games."

Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing.

Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing. The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15, when the 15-year-old is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a statement. It is just the latest doping scandal surrounding Russian athletes in recent years at Olympic Games. Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a metabolic agent that is prescribed for the treatment of angina and vertigo. It is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it can increase blood flow efficiency and help endurance. Also read | Inflation in US worsens, becomes highest in 40 years The ITA said Valieva submitted a sample during the Russian championships on December 25 but the positive test was not confirmed by an internationally accredited laboratory until February 8 By that time she had already taken part in the team skating competition at the Beijing Games and helped Russia to win after becoming the first woman in history to produce a quadruple jump at an Olympics. Once the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) received the result, it provisionally suspended the teenager, a decision which would have ruled her out of the rest of the Olympics. Valieva successfully challenged that decision and the ban was lifted on February 9. She was seen training in the Chinese capital on Friday. Now the International Olympic Committee says it will challenge the decision to lift her suspension. "Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Skating Union (ISU), RUSADA and the IOC have a right to appeal the decision to lift the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The IOC will exercise its right to appeal," the ITA said in a statement. The confirmation that she failed a doping test explains why the medals ceremony for the figure skating team event has not taken place. Also read | 'Things could go crazy': Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hybrid war' amid naval drill Russian competitors are taking part in Beijing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after the nation was banned because of a massive state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in Beijing: "We want to expedite this as quickly as possible. "It's very important for everyone involved, not least the 15-year-old athlete that is concerned, that we have due process, that it's seen to be done properly and that people can have confidence in the decisions that are taken. "We are working as fast as we can under the circumstances to get that. "Such cases are not helpful to the Games."

Russian skater Valieva tested positive for banned drug: Olympic testers

In a proposal, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has written to the Ministry of Finance of Indian government to hike the annual limit for contribution to Public Provident Fund (PPF) to Rs 3,00,000. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Presently, the limit for the savings component is Rs 1,50,000 under section 80C of the income tax rules. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes as the government is going to present the Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-budget-2022-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-to-begin-presentation-shortly-449407" hreflang="en">LIVE Budget 2022 Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman to begin presentation shortly</a>

It has also asked the government to increase the maximum limit for deduction under section 80CCF to Rs 3,00,000 from Rs 1,50,000. &nbsp;

The suggestions are a part of a pre-Budget memorandum made by the ICAI. Along with these, the organisation has made various other recommendations. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ahead-of-india-union-budget-2022-sensex-and-nifty-surge-in-early-trade-449412" hreflang="en">Ahead of India Union Budget 2022, Sensex and Nifty surge in early trade</a>

"PPF is used as a means of savings by entrepreneurs and professionals. While the assesses in employment have the compulsion of saving 12% of their salary (with matching contribution from employers), the only safe and tax efficient saving option available for self-employed assesses is PPF. Hence, the suggestion to increase the ceiling of PPF contribution to Rs 3,00,000," said ICAI. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The raise in ceiling of 15-year investment scheme PPF will boost the domestic savings and will have an anti-inflationary impact, ICAI said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a proposal, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has written to the Ministry of Finance of Indian government to hike the annual limit for contribution to Public Provident Fund (PPF) to Rs 3,00,000.

In a proposal, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has written to the Ministry of Finance of Indian government to hike the annual limit for contribution to Public Provident Fund (PPF) to Rs 3,00,000. Presently, the limit for the savings component is Rs 1,50,000 under section 80C of the income tax rules. This comes as the government is going to present the Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday. Also Read | LIVE Budget 2022 Updates: Nirmala Sitharaman to begin presentation shortly It has also asked the government to increase the maximum limit for deduction under section 80CCF to Rs 3,00,000 from Rs 1,50,000. The suggestions are a part of a pre-Budget memorandum made by the ICAI. Along with these, the organisation has made various other recommendations. Also Read: Ahead of India Union Budget 2022, Sensex and Nifty surge in early trade "PPF is used as a means of savings by entrepreneurs and professionals. While the assesses in employment have the compulsion of saving 12% of their salary (with matching contribution from employers), the only safe and tax efficient saving option available for self-employed assesses is PPF. Hence, the suggestion to increase the ceiling of PPF contribution to Rs 3,00,000," said ICAI. The raise in ceiling of 15-year investment scheme PPF will boost the domestic savings and will have an anti-inflationary impact, ICAI said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Union Budget 2022: ICAI asks government to hike annual limit for contribution to PPF to Rs 3,00,000

In the announcement of the Indian Union Budget 2022, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has shared several sops for farmers on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the FM, kisan drones will be used for crop assessment, land records and spraying of insecticides. It will drive a wave of technology in agriculture sector, the Sitharaman said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-budget-2022-icai-asks-government-to-hike-annual-limit-for-contribution-to-ppf-to-rs-300000-449427" hreflang="en">Indian Union Budget 2022: ICAI asks government to hike annual limit for contribution to PPF to Rs 3,00,000</a>

Not just this, the Indian government will also pay Rs 2.37 trillion towards procurement of wheat and paddy under MSP operations. The implementation of Ken-Betwa rivers linking with estimated cost of Rs 446.05 billion will also be taken up. All of these initiatives will provide a major boost to the farmers around the country. &nbsp;

The government has also announced a rationalised scheme to increase domestic oilseed production, which will be brought in to cut down imports. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-budget-2022-updates-fm-nirmala-sitharamans-begins-her-fourth-union-budget-speech-449407" hreflang="en">LIVE Budget 2022 Updates: Highways to growth, lifeline for hotels, farm sops in Budget so far</a>

The FM also said that 2022-23 has been announced as International Year of Millets. &nbsp;

The railways will also develop new products for small farmers and MSMEs, as per the minister. &nbsp;

She also noted that efforts of central and state governments are leading to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. &nbsp;

She also said that national highways will be extended by 25,000 km during 2022-23. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the announcement of the Indian Union Budget 2022, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has shared several sops for farmers on Tuesday. According to the FM, kisan drones will be used for crop assessment, land records and spraying of insecticides.

In the announcement of the Indian Union Budget 2022, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has shared several sops for farmers on Tuesday. According to the FM, kisan drones will be used for crop assessment, land records and spraying of insecticides. It will drive a wave of technology in agriculture sector, the Sitharaman said. Also Read: Indian Union Budget 2022: ICAI asks government to hike annual limit for contribution to PPF to Rs 3,00,000 Not just this, the Indian government will also pay Rs 2.37 trillion towards procurement of wheat and paddy under MSP operations. The implementation of Ken-Betwa rivers linking with estimated cost of Rs 446.05 billion will also be taken up. All of these initiatives will provide a major boost to the farmers around the country. The government has also announced a rationalised scheme to increase domestic oilseed production, which will be brought in to cut down imports. Also Read: LIVE Budget 2022 Updates: Highways to growth, lifeline for hotels, farm sops in Budget so far The FM also said that 2022-23 has been announced as International Year of Millets. The railways will also develop new products for small farmers and MSMEs, as per the minister. She also noted that efforts of central and state governments are leading to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. She also said that national highways will be extended by 25,000 km during 2022-23. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Union Budget 2022: Finance Minister announces kisan drones in boost to agriculture sector

In the Indian Union Budget 2022 announcement on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to develop a digital rupee, which will be based on blockchain technology, in 2023. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-budget-2022-5g-airwaves-auction-to-be-held-in-2022-says-finance-minister-449471">Indian Union Budget 2022: 5G airwaves auction to be held in 2022, says FM</a>

According to the Indian finance minister, digital currency will also lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system. “It is therefore proposed to introduce digital rupee using blockchain and other technology to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India starting, 2022 and 2023,” said Sitharaman. &nbsp;

To bring digital assets under the tax net, any income from these will be taxed at 30%, added the&nbsp;finance minister.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-budget-2022-finance-minister-announces-kisan-drones-in-boost-to-agriculture-sector-449449" hreflang="en">Indian Union Budget 2022: FM announces kisan drones in boost to agri sector</a>

She also stated that any losses incurred as a result of these assets cannot be offset against other gains.

She has also proposed a one per cent TDS (tax deducted at source) on transactions in such asset classes above a certain threshold.&nbsp;

Watch | India Budget 2022: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her fourth Union Budget

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2022-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-presents-her-fourth-union-budget-449466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gifts of digital assets will be taxed in the hands of the recipient, according to the FM.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

In the Indian Union Budget 2022 announcement on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to develop a digital rupee, which will be based on blockchain technology, in 2023.

In the Indian Union Budget 2022 announcement on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to develop a digital rupee, which will be based on blockchain technology, in 2023. Also Read: Indian Union Budget 2022: 5G airwaves auction to be held in 2022, says FM According to the Indian finance minister, digital currency will also lead to a more efficient and cheaper currency management system. “It is therefore proposed to introduce digital rupee using blockchain and other technology to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India starting, 2022 and 2023,” said Sitharaman. To bring digital assets under the tax net, any income from these will be taxed at 30%, added the finance minister. Also Read: Indian Union Budget 2022: FM announces kisan drones in boost to agri sector She also stated that any losses incurred as a result of these assets cannot be offset against other gains. She has also proposed a one per cent TDS (tax deducted at source) on transactions in such asset classes above a certain threshold. Watch | India Budget 2022: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her fourth Union Budget × Gifts of digital assets will be taxed in the hands of the recipient, according to the FM. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Union Budget 2022: Digital rupee to be introduced, virtual assets to be taxed at 30%  

During the speech for Indian Union Budget 2022-23 in parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman said that the country will auction 5G airwaves this year. It will bring about a roll out of the next-generation telecoms service in 2022-23.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Spectrum auctions will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate the roll-out of 5G mobile services within 2022-23 by private telecom providers," Sitharaman said.&nbsp;

The telecommunications sector in general and 5G, in particular, can enable growth and offer job opportunities, she added. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-budget-2022-digital-rupee-to-be-introduced-virtual-assets-to-be-taxed-at-30-449464" hreflang="en">Indian Budget: Digital rupee to be introduced, virtual assets to be taxed</a>

"A scheme for design-led manufacturing will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the production-linked incentive scheme," the FM said.&nbsp;

To enable affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas, five per cent of annual collections under the universal service obligation fund will be allocated, she said. &nbsp;

"This will promote R&amp;D and commercialisation of technologies and solutions. Our mission is that all villages and their residents should have the same access to e-services, communication facilities and digital resources as urban areas and their residents," the FM said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-budget-2022-finance-minister-announces-kisan-drones-in-boost-to-agriculture-sector-449449" hreflang="en">Indian Union Budget 2022: FM announces kisan drones in boost to agri sector</a>

The contract for laying optical fibre in all villages will be awarded through the BharatNet project in PPP mode in 2022-23, the minister added.&nbsp;

"Completion is expected in 2025. Measures will be taken to enable better and more efficient use of the optical fibre," the FM said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

During the speech for Indian Union Budget 2022-23 in parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman said that the country will auction 5G airwaves this year.

During the speech for Indian Union Budget 2022-23 in parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman said that the country will auction 5G airwaves this year. It will bring about a roll out of the next-generation telecoms service in 2022-23. "Spectrum auctions will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate the roll-out of 5G mobile services within 2022-23 by private telecom providers," Sitharaman said. The telecommunications sector in general and 5G, in particular, can enable growth and offer job opportunities, she added. Also Read | Indian Budget: Digital rupee to be introduced, virtual assets to be taxed "A scheme for design-led manufacturing will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the production-linked incentive scheme," the FM said. To enable affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas, five per cent of annual collections under the universal service obligation fund will be allocated, she said. "This will promote R&D and commercialisation of technologies and solutions. Our mission is that all villages and their residents should have the same access to e-services, communication facilities and digital resources as urban areas and their residents," the FM said. Also Read | Indian Union Budget 2022: FM announces kisan drones in boost to agri sector The contract for laying optical fibre in all villages will be awarded through the BharatNet project in PPP mode in 2022-23, the minister added. "Completion is expected in 2025. Measures will be taken to enable better and more efficient use of the optical fibre," the FM said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Union Budget: 5G airwaves auction to be held in 2022, says finance minister

The year 2022 seems to have brought a flurry of missile tests in North Korea. In its 7th test this year, the country's regime fired at least one suspected ballistic missile into the sea on Sunday. It could be its&nbsp;longest-range missile&nbsp;test since 2017, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;

The move seems to be an apparent attempt to put pressure on the Biden administration over long-stalled nuclear negotiations. &nbsp;

This comes as the tensions are rife in Ukraine and there is a possibility of an outbreak of war any moment. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-hit-baghdad-airport-compound-no-casualties-448370" hreflang="en">Rockets hit Baghdad airport compound; no casualties</a>

A suspected ballistic missile launch, which soared deep into space, has been reported by the governments in Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

A projectile, which is believed to be a single ballistic missile, was launched at about 7:52 am (2252 GMT) from North Korea's Jagang Province towards the ocean off its east coast, reported South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.&nbsp;

The test involved an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which North Korea has not tested since 2017, said South Korea's National Security Council (NSC), which convened a rare emergency meeting presided over by President Moon Jae-in due to the launch.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-drone-attacks-force-us-to-issue-travel-advisory-for-the-uae-448495" hreflang="en">Missile, drone attacks force US to issue travel advisory for the UAE</a>

With the launch, North Korea is taking a step closer to fully scrapping a self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons or its longest-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Moon said.&nbsp;

The missile is estimated to have reached an altitude of 2,000km and flown for 30 minutes to a distance of 800km, said South Korea's JCS and Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno separately.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The year 2022 seems to have brought a flurry of missile tests in North Korea. In its 7th test this year, the country's regime fired at least one suspected ballistic missile into the sea on Sunday.

The year 2022 seems to have brought a flurry of missile tests in North Korea. In its 7th test this year, the country's regime fired at least one suspected ballistic missile into the sea on Sunday. It could be its longest-range missile test since 2017, as per a Reuters report. The move seems to be an apparent attempt to put pressure on the Biden administration over long-stalled nuclear negotiations. This comes as the tensions are rife in Ukraine and there is a possibility of an outbreak of war any moment. Also Read: Rockets hit Baghdad airport compound; no casualties A suspected ballistic missile launch, which soared deep into space, has been reported by the governments in Japan and South Korea. A projectile, which is believed to be a single ballistic missile, was launched at about 7:52 am (2252 GMT) from North Korea's Jagang Province towards the ocean off its east coast, reported South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The test involved an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which North Korea has not tested since 2017, said South Korea's National Security Council (NSC), which convened a rare emergency meeting presided over by President Moon Jae-in due to the launch. Also Read: Missile, drone attacks force US to issue travel advisory for the UAE With the launch, North Korea is taking a step closer to fully scrapping a self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons or its longest-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Moon said. The missile is estimated to have reached an altitude of 2,000km and flown for 30 minutes to a distance of 800km, said South Korea's JCS and Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno separately. (With inputs from agencies)

In 7th test in 2022, North Korea fires longest-range missile since 2017

Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation with the 85th edition of Mann ki Baat. It is also the first edition of this year.

Watch Indian PM Narendra Modi's first 'Mann Ki Baat' of year 2022

With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. &nbsp;

The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax. &nbsp;

The standard deduction is actually a relief allowed in gross salary income for salaried individuals and pensioners by the government under the rules. &nbsp;

Although the standard deduction affects every individual, whether one has opted for old or new tax regime, the ways to save tax, such as kids' education, belong to only the people, who have gone for old regime. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-budget-2022-important-terms-you-should-know-448628" hreflang="en">India's Budget 2022: Important terms you should know</a>

This year would not be any different. The citizens of the country have already pinned hopes on the Indian Finance Minister’s announcement about the Budget in this regard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till now, the standard deduction for salaried taxpayers, who are below the age of 60 years, is Rs 2,50,000. The rate is same for both tax regimes, new and old. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the old tax regime, the deduction is Rs 3,00,000 for taxpayers above 60 years of age and Rs 5,00,000 for people above 80 years of age. In new regime, the deduction is Rs 2,50,000 for everyone. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-budget-2022-what-is-the-sin-tax-is-it-in-this-years-budget-448627" hreflang="en">India's Budget 2022: What is the Sin Tax? Is it in this year's budget?&nbsp;</a>

Another standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for every individual going for old regime as per rules. &nbsp;

The deduction for the children’s tuition fee comes under section 80C and has a limit of Rs 1,50,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The raising of these limits by around 20% would be warmly welcomed by citizens as they have been witnessing tough times for last two years due to coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The hike in the above limits would also encourage people to do more savings for future. If the government comes up with a tax relief related to COVID-19, the citizens will get the much-needed respite. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax.

With India’s Budget announcement round the corner, every tax payer longs for some pleasing announcements to be made by the government. The best examples are the hike in the standard deduction and new ways to save tax. The standard deduction is actually a relief allowed in gross salary income for salaried individuals and pensioners by the government under the rules. Although the standard deduction affects every individual, whether one has opted for old or new tax regime, the ways to save tax, such as kids' education, belong to only the people, who have gone for old regime. Also Read: India's Budget 2022: Important terms you should know This year would not be any different. The citizens of the country have already pinned hopes on the Indian Finance Minister’s announcement about the Budget in this regard. Till now, the standard deduction for salaried taxpayers, who are below the age of 60 years, is Rs 2,50,000. The rate is same for both tax regimes, new and old. In the old tax regime, the deduction is Rs 3,00,000 for taxpayers above 60 years of age and Rs 5,00,000 for people above 80 years of age. In new regime, the deduction is Rs 2,50,000 for everyone. Also Read: India's Budget 2022: What is the Sin Tax? Is it in this year's budget? Another standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for every individual going for old regime as per rules. The deduction for the children’s tuition fee comes under section 80C and has a limit of Rs 1,50,000. The raising of these limits by around 20% would be warmly welcomed by citizens as they have been witnessing tough times for last two years due to coronavirus pandemic. The hike in the above limits would also encourage people to do more savings for future. If the government comes up with a tax relief related to COVID-19, the citizens will get the much-needed respite. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Budget 2022 expectations: Hike in standard deduction, tuition fee relief under income tax rules

A man convicted of double murder in the US has been put to death using lethal injection in Oklahoma. With this, he has become the first convict to be executed in the United States this year.

The US' first execution of 2022 is of a man who robbed a hotel for his girlfriend's bail money

Former President Donald Trump returned Saturday to Arizona, a cradle of his political movement, to headline a rally in the desert that was a striking testament to how he has elevated fringe beliefs and the politicians who spread them — even as other Republicans openly worry that voters will ultimately punish their party for it.

Trump’s favored candidate for governor, Kari Lake, is a first-time office seeker who has threatened to jail the state’s top elections official. His chosen candidate to replace that elections official, a Democrat, is a state legislator named Mark Finchem, who was with a group of demonstrators outside the Capitol Jan. 6 as rioters tried to stop the certification of the 2020 election. And one of his most unflinching defenders in Congress is Rep. Paul Gosar, who was censured by his colleagues for posting an animated video online that depicted him killing a Democratic congresswoman and assaulting President Joe Biden.

All three spoke at Trump’s rally in front of thousands of supporters on Saturday in the town of Florence, outside Phoenix. It was the first stadium-style political event he has held so far in this midterm election year in which he will try to deepen his imprint on Republicans running for office at all levels.

When Trump took the stage in the evening, he lavished praise on the slate of election-denier candidates in attendance. And he suggested that perpetuating his grievances about being cheated would be a decisive issue for Republican candidates.

“We can’t let them get away with it,” Trump said. Then, he added, referring to Lake and her rejection of the 2020 results: “I think it’s one of the reasons she’s doing so well.”

But as popular as the former president remains with the core of the GOP’s base, his involvement in races from Arizona to Pennsylvania — and his inability to let go of his loss to Biden — has veteran Republicans in Washington and beyond concerned. They worry that Trump is imperiling their chances in what should be a highly advantageous political climate, with Democrats deeply divided over their policy agenda and Americans taking a generally pessimistic view of Biden’s leadership a year into his presidency.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, and other senior party officials have expressed their misgivings in recent days about Trump’s fixation on the last election, saying that it threatens to alienate the voters they need to win over in the next election in November.

Those worries are particularly acute in Arizona, where the far-right, Trump-endorsed candidates could prove too extreme in a state that moved Democratic in the last election as voters came out in large numbers to oppose Trump. The myth of widespread voter fraud is animating Arizona campaigns in several races, alarming Republicans who argue that indulging the former president’s misrepresentations and falsehoods about 2020 is jeopardizing the party’s long-term competitiveness.

“I’ve never seen so many Republicans running in a primary for governor, attorney general, Senate,” said Chuck Coughlin, a Republican consultant who has worked on statewide races in Arizona for two decades. “Usually you get two, maybe three. But not five.”

At the rally on Saturday, every speaker who took the stage before Trump repeated a version of the false assertion that the vote in Arizona in 2020 was fraudulent. Gosar, the congressman, did so in perhaps the darkest language, invoking the image of a building storm, a metaphor commonly used by followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory. And he called for people involved in counting ballots in Arizona in 2020 to be imprisoned.

“Lock them up,” Gosar told the crowd. “That election was rotten to the core.”

For Republicans who are concerned about Trump’s influence on candidates they believe are unelectable, the basic math of such crowded primaries is difficult to stomach. A winner could prevail with just one-third of the total vote — which makes it more than likely a far-right candidate who is unpalatable to the broader electorate can win the nomination largely on Trump’s endorsement.

Conservative activists in Arizona have long supplied Trump with the energy and ideas that formed the foundation of his political movement. In 2011, when the real estate developer and reality television star was testing the waters for a possible presidential campaign, his interest in the conspiracy theories that claimed former President Barack Obama’s birth certificate was a forgery led him to Arizona Tea Party activists and a state legislator. They were pushing for a state law to require that political candidates produce their birth certificates before qualifying for the ballot. Trump invited them to Trump Tower.

One of those activists, Kelly Townsend, now a state senator, spoke to the crowd Saturday and praised those who sought to delegitimize Biden’s win.

Arizona has been a hotbed of distortions about the 2020 election. Allies of the former president demanded an audit in the state’s largest county, insisting that the official outcome had been compromised by fraud. But when the results of the review were released — in a report both commissioned and produced by Trump supporters — it ended up showing that he actually received 261 fewer votes than first thought.

Still, the myth lives on. And those who question it quickly become targets of the former president and his allies. They have attacked two prominent Arizona Republicans — Gov. Doug Ducey and state Attorney General Mark Brnovich for their roles in Arizona’s formal certification of its election results.

“He’s never going to get my endorsement, I can tell you that,” Trump said of Ducey.

Even those who have resisted going along with Trump’s false claims have been unable to completely duck the issue when faced with pressure from the president and his supporters.

When a group of 18 Republican attorneys general signed onto a far-fetched lawsuit from their counterpart in Texas that sought to delay the certification of the vote in four battleground states that Trump lost, Brnovich did not join his colleagues. He declared at the time that the “rule of law” should prevail over politics. But as a candidate for Senate who still occupies the office of the attorney general, he has investigated claims of fraud at the behest of Trump supporters.

As speaker after speaker attacked the credibility of the vote Saturday — those with Trump’s official imprimatur were announced as “Trump endorsed” — several also called on the state Legislature to retroactively vote to overturn Biden’s win. Trump’s allies said they expect the issue to take on more urgency in the coming weeks, even though it would have no legal or practical impact.

“Arizona is a red state,” said state Sen. Wendy Rogers, leading the crowd on a “Decertify” chant. “We are not turning purple.”

Former President Donald Trump returned Saturday to Arizona, a cradle of his political movement, to headline a rally in the desert that was a striking testament to how he has elevated fringe beliefs and the politicians who spread them — even as other Republicans openly worry that voters will ultimately punish their party for it.

Former President Donald Trump returned Saturday to Arizona, a cradle of his political movement, to headline a rally in the desert that was a striking testament to how he has elevated fringe beliefs and the politicians who spread them — even as other Republicans openly worry that voters will ultimately punish their party for it. Trump’s favored candidate for governor, Kari Lake, is a first-time office seeker who has threatened to jail the state’s top elections official. His chosen candidate to replace that elections official, a Democrat, is a state legislator named Mark Finchem, who was with a group of demonstrators outside the Capitol Jan. 6 as rioters tried to stop the certification of the 2020 election. And one of his most unflinching defenders in Congress is Rep. Paul Gosar, who was censured by his colleagues for posting an animated video online that depicted him killing a Democratic congresswoman and assaulting President Joe Biden. All three spoke at Trump’s rally in front of thousands of supporters on Saturday in the town of Florence, outside Phoenix. It was the first stadium-style political event he has held so far in this midterm election year in which he will try to deepen his imprint on Republicans running for office at all levels. When Trump took the stage in the evening, he lavished praise on the slate of election-denier candidates in attendance. And he suggested that perpetuating his grievances about being cheated would be a decisive issue for Republican candidates. “We can’t let them get away with it,” Trump said. Then, he added, referring to Lake and her rejection of the 2020 results: “I think it’s one of the reasons she’s doing so well.” But as popular as the former president remains with the core of the GOP’s base, his involvement in races from Arizona to Pennsylvania — and his inability to let go of his loss to Biden — has veteran Republicans in Washington and beyond concerned. They worry that Trump is imperiling their chances in what should be a highly advantageous political climate, with Democrats deeply divided over their policy agenda and Americans taking a generally pessimistic view of Biden’s leadership a year into his presidency. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, and other senior party officials have expressed their misgivings in recent days about Trump’s fixation on the last election, saying that it threatens to alienate the voters they need to win over in the next election in November. Those worries are particularly acute in Arizona, where the far-right, Trump-endorsed candidates could prove too extreme in a state that moved Democratic in the last election as voters came out in large numbers to oppose Trump. The myth of widespread voter fraud is animating Arizona campaigns in several races, alarming Republicans who argue that indulging the former president’s misrepresentations and falsehoods about 2020 is jeopardizing the party’s long-term competitiveness. “I’ve never seen so many Republicans running in a primary for governor, attorney general, Senate,” said Chuck Coughlin, a Republican consultant who has worked on statewide races in Arizona for two decades. “Usually you get two, maybe three. But not five.” At the rally on Saturday, every speaker who took the stage before Trump repeated a version of the false assertion that the vote in Arizona in 2020 was fraudulent. Gosar, the congressman, did so in perhaps the darkest language, invoking the image of a building storm, a metaphor commonly used by followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory. And he called for people involved in counting ballots in Arizona in 2020 to be imprisoned. “Lock them up,” Gosar told the crowd. “That election was rotten to the core.” For Republicans who are concerned about Trump’s influence on candidates they believe are unelectable, the basic math of such crowded primaries is difficult to stomach. A winner could prevail with just one-third of the total vote — which makes it more than likely a far-right candidate who is unpalatable to the broader electorate can win the nomination largely on Trump’s endorsement. Conservative activists in Arizona have long supplied Trump with the energy and ideas that formed the foundation of his political movement. In 2011, when the real estate developer and reality television star was testing the waters for a possible presidential campaign, his interest in the conspiracy theories that claimed former President Barack Obama’s birth certificate was a forgery led him to Arizona Tea Party activists and a state legislator. They were pushing for a state law to require that political candidates produce their birth certificates before qualifying for the ballot. Trump invited them to Trump Tower. One of those activists, Kelly Townsend, now a state senator, spoke to the crowd Saturday and praised those who sought to delegitimize Biden’s win. Arizona has been a hotbed of distortions about the 2020 election. Allies of the former president demanded an audit in the state’s largest county, insisting that the official outcome had been compromised by fraud. But when the results of the review were released — in a report both commissioned and produced by Trump supporters — it ended up showing that he actually received 261 fewer votes than first thought. Still, the myth lives on. And those who question it quickly become targets of the former president and his allies. They have attacked two prominent Arizona Republicans — Gov. Doug Ducey and state Attorney General Mark Brnovich for their roles in Arizona’s formal certification of its election results. “He’s never going to get my endorsement, I can tell you that,” Trump said of Ducey. Even those who have resisted going along with Trump’s false claims have been unable to completely duck the issue when faced with pressure from the president and his supporters. When a group of 18 Republican attorneys general signed onto a far-fetched lawsuit from their counterpart in Texas that sought to delay the certification of the vote in four battleground states that Trump lost, Brnovich did not join his colleagues. He declared at the time that the “rule of law” should prevail over politics. But as a candidate for Senate who still occupies the office of the attorney general, he has investigated claims of fraud at the behest of Trump supporters. As speaker after speaker attacked the credibility of the vote Saturday — those with Trump’s official imprimatur were announced as “Trump endorsed” — several also called on the state Legislature to retroactively vote to overturn Biden’s win. Trump’s allies said they expect the issue to take on more urgency in the coming weeks, even though it would have no legal or practical impact. “Arizona is a red state,” said state Sen. Wendy Rogers, leading the crowd on a “Decertify” chant. “We are not turning purple.”

Trump rally underscores Republican tension over how to win in 2022

New Year 2022 has begun with new hopes and expectations. Some analysts are hopeful, while others are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

The Year 2022 for financial markets amid the COVID-19 pandemic & Omicron mutant strain threat

In what may be assumed a change of heart, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seems to have been shifting focus from nuclear weapons or the United States to tractor factories and school uniforms for 2022, as per the summaries shared by state media on Saturday. &nbsp;

The indications seem to have come up during a speech given by the leader on Friday at the end of the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The meeting had begun on Monday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-condemns-irans-space-launch-amid-nuclear-deal-talks-calls-it-regrettable-441524" hreflang="en">France condemns Iran's space launch amid nuclear deal talks, calls it 'regrettable'</a>

Kim said that main goals of North Korea for 2022 will be to jump start economic development and improve people's lives as it has been facing a "great life-and-death struggle." &nbsp;

In 2011, after the death of his father, Kim had assumed the leadership of the country. The meetings coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the development. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The basic tasks facing the part and the people the next year are to provide a firm guarantee for implementing the five-year plan and make remarkable changes in the national development and the people's living," Kim has been quoted as saying. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2022-us-may-face-shortage-of-champagne-owing-to-supply-chain-issues-report-441515" hreflang="en">Ahead of 2022, US may face shortage of champagne owing to supply chain issues: Report</a>

Usually, Kim uses speeches at the New Year to make major policy announcements. &nbsp;

In the majority of the speech, Kim talked about domestic issues, ranging from an ambitious plan for rural development to people's diets, school uniforms and the need to crack down on "non-socialist practices." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what may be assumed a change of heart, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seems to have been shifting focus from nuclear weapons or the United States to tractor factories and school uniforms for 2022, as per the summaries shared by state media on Saturday.

In what may be assumed a change of heart, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seems to have been shifting focus from nuclear weapons or the United States to tractor factories and school uniforms for 2022, as per the summaries shared by state media on Saturday. The indications seem to have come up during a speech given by the leader on Friday at the end of the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The meeting had begun on Monday. Also Read: France condemns Iran's space launch amid nuclear deal talks, calls it 'regrettable' Kim said that main goals of North Korea for 2022 will be to jump start economic development and improve people's lives as it has been facing a "great life-and-death struggle." In 2011, after the death of his father, Kim had assumed the leadership of the country. The meetings coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the development. "The basic tasks facing the part and the people the next year are to provide a firm guarantee for implementing the five-year plan and make remarkable changes in the national development and the people's living," Kim has been quoted as saying. Also Read | Ahead of 2022, US may face shortage of champagne owing to supply chain issues: Report Usually, Kim uses speeches at the New Year to make major policy announcements. In the majority of the speech, Kim talked about domestic issues, ranging from an ambitious plan for rural development to people's diets, school uniforms and the need to crack down on "non-socialist practices." (With inputs from agencies)

Change of heart? North Korea’s Kim Jong Un shifts focus from nukes to economic development for 2022

Another year, marred by a global pandemic, has passed and the world has entered 2022 with new hopes that the year will be better than before despite the clouds of uncertainties continuing to cast shadows.

Another year, marred by a global pandemic, has passed and the world has entered 2022 with new hopes that the year will be better than before despite the clouds of uncertainties continuing to cast shadows. The first coronavirus (COVID-19) case was detected in late 2019 in China, it then spread across the world within days and wreaked havoc in 2020, killing millions of people. At the beginning of 2021, people hoped that the pandemic would end with scientists working on vaccines but it didn't happen as the emergence of new variants such as Delta and Omicron, fuelled the surge of cases and also fatalities. COVID-19 impacted the economies around the world in more than one way. Meanwhile, impacts of geopolitical equations, diplomatic ties, policies for extreme climatic changes, inflations, etc were also quite evident. Now, as the dust settles on 2021, let's take a look at the themes that will shape the year ahead. Thousands of questions still persist, such as: will the pandemic end? Will we be able to travel? Will mental health become mainstream? ALSO READ | Yearender: World events that defined 2021 But do we know for sure amid ever-changing scenarios? Here's a report on possible trends and themes that will define 2022. 1) Middle powers will shape geopolitics: As the United States is losing face and China is losing friends, middle powers like India, France, the United Kingdom and Germany are expected to influence world affairs. 2) Importance to mental health: It is expected that in 2022, people will concentrate on mental health and will promote mind-body healing. 2022 might emerge as developing a connection between the power of the mind and its connection with the body. 3) Re-thinking careers and re-thinking priorities: In 2022, the pandemic taught the world a new way of working and also recent trends have shown that people are re-thinking their careers and giving priority to work they like to do. Also, companies are prioritising talents and good resources in the ever-changing economic dynamics. 4) Sports and politics: In 2021, political factors and foreign relations impacted sports with some cancellations sporting tours and diplomatic boycott of events. It is expected that it will be a common trend in 2022 as well with Winter Olympics in Beijing, Football World Cup scheduled to happen. 5) Economic concerns: In 2020 and 2021, full and partial lockdowns impacted economic growth and global inflation shot up. Will it continue in 2022? The answer to this question is dependent on how the economies will cope with the virus and its variants. 6) Survival of the sustainable: Climate Change is real and its impact is quite clear with rising global temperatures and extreme weather. In 2022, it is expected that countries around the world will focus on sustainable development. 7) COVID-19: The virus is expected to stay, however, the world might enter an endemic phase in 2022 with continued vaccination and new research and studies in the area to counter the threat of threat. But it doesn't mean we should let our guard down, we all need to protect ourselves, keep wearing the mask, get vaccinated, get a booster shot if eligible, sanitise and sanitise, listen to the expert.... not rumours. Watch the full analytical report here: ×

From politics to health to COVID-19: These trends are expected to rule 2022

World prepares to usher in New Year in style. Check out intriguing pics.

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead.&nbsp;

With the current state of the world, however, uncertainty is unavoidably a component of our mental state.

A global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill in the twenty-first century, and the virus does not appear to be slowing down as new strains arise.&nbsp;

This has left us wondering what the year 2022, which is about to begin, has in store for us.&nbsp;

Astrologers, numerologists, and tarot readers begin to make forecasts, although the most famous among them did so about 500 years ago.&nbsp;

Of course, we're talking about Nostradamus.

In 1555, the famous and extensively mentioned book "Les Prophéties" was written by the French plague doctor, astrologer, and seer.&nbsp;

The book is packed of lyrical prophecies, including wars, natural disasters, assassinations, nuclear assaults, and revolutions.

So lets have a look at What are Nostradamus' prophecies for 2022:&nbsp;

The death/disappearance of a political figure

"The sudden death of the first character, he will be changed and they will put another in his kingdom."

For some, this means that a significant member of the world political community has vanished physically. Some believe it refers to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, others to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, and still others to US Vice President Joe Biden.

Global warming

"Like the sun, the head will seal the shining sea. The live fish of the Black Sea will almost boil."

Nostradamus foresaw a solar storm of unparalleled magnitude, the melting of the poles, and a rise in sea level in this way. He also forecasted earthquakes, floods, and severe droughts.

Inflation and famine are two of the world's most serious problems

"So high the price of wheat/That man is stirred/His fellow man to eat in his despair."

He tells us that because inflation in the United States is at its greatest level in four decades, it will cause great unrest and possibly lead to individuals turning on each other for profit. Even if it suggests cannibalism, we hope it's more of a metaphor.

Rise of Artificial Intelligence

"The Moon in the full of night over the high mountain /The new sage with a lone brain sees it /By his disciples invited to be immortal/Eyes to the south. Hands in bosoms, bodies in the fire."

Concerns about artificial intelligence are growing as technology advances. As more AIs develop "consciousness," prophecies warn that one of them will become self-aware and take control of our systems. We must be wary in a world when everything is connected to the internet.

The European Union's Downfall

"Sacred temples of the Roman time, will reject the foundations of their foundation."

Those who have devoted their lives to deciphering the writings of the French prophet are certain that he refers to the European Union and foresees its demise, which could have begun with Brexit and would culminate this year with the collapse of this political community.

An asteroid strike

In 1555, Nostradamus also appears to have predicted that the Earth will be struck by an asteroid, resulting in mass death.

The astronomer's prophecies are vague as to when this claimed 'celestial stone' strike will occur, but he did write that a 'great fire' would fall from the sky.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead.

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead. With the current state of the world, however, uncertainty is unavoidably a component of our mental state. A global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill in the twenty-first century, and the virus does not appear to be slowing down as new strains arise. This has left us wondering what the year 2022, which is about to begin, has in store for us. Astrologers, numerologists, and tarot readers begin to make forecasts, although the most famous among them did so about 500 years ago. Of course, we're talking about Nostradamus. In 1555, the famous and extensively mentioned book "Les Prophéties" was written by the French plague doctor, astrologer, and seer. The book is packed of lyrical prophecies, including wars, natural disasters, assassinations, nuclear assaults, and revolutions. So lets have a look at What are Nostradamus' prophecies for 2022: The death/disappearance of a political figure "The sudden death of the first character, he will be changed and they will put another in his kingdom." For some, this means that a significant member of the world political community has vanished physically. Some believe it refers to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, others to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, and still others to US Vice President Joe Biden. Global warming "Like the sun, the head will seal the shining sea. The live fish of the Black Sea will almost boil." Nostradamus foresaw a solar storm of unparalleled magnitude, the melting of the poles, and a rise in sea level in this way. He also forecasted earthquakes, floods, and severe droughts. Inflation and famine are two of the world's most serious problems "So high the price of wheat/That man is stirred/His fellow man to eat in his despair." He tells us that because inflation in the United States is at its greatest level in four decades, it will cause great unrest and possibly lead to individuals turning on each other for profit. Even if it suggests cannibalism, we hope it's more of a metaphor. Rise of Artificial Intelligence "The Moon in the full of night over the high mountain /The new sage with a lone brain sees it /By his disciples invited to be immortal/Eyes to the south. Hands in bosoms, bodies in the fire." Concerns about artificial intelligence are growing as technology advances. As more AIs develop "consciousness," prophecies warn that one of them will become self-aware and take control of our systems. We must be wary in a world when everything is connected to the internet. The European Union's Downfall "Sacred temples of the Roman time, will reject the foundations of their foundation." Those who have devoted their lives to deciphering the writings of the French prophet are certain that he refers to the European Union and foresees its demise, which could have begun with Brexit and would culminate this year with the collapse of this political community. An asteroid strike In 1555, Nostradamus also appears to have predicted that the Earth will be struck by an asteroid, resulting in mass death. The astronomer's prophecies are vague as to when this claimed 'celestial stone' strike will occur, but he did write that a 'great fire' would fall from the sky. (With inputs from agencies)

Nostradamus predictions for year 2022: Asteroid strike, Global warming and more

A visually impaired psychic from Bulgaria, Baba Vanga, also known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans' is revered by many for her predictions that have translated into real-life events, like the 9/11 terror attacks, Brexit, the rise of ISIS, and much more.

A visually impaired psychic from Bulgaria, Baba Vanga, also known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans' is revered by many for her predictions that have translated into real-life events, like the 9/11 terror attacks, Brexit, the rise of ISIS, and much more. She passed away in 1996, but she had made predictions till 5079. The psychic claimed that after she lost her eyesight, she came in touch with her ability to foresee the future. She also made several predictions for the upcoming year 2022. Here are a few of her predictions: A new virus: The world is already struggling against the deadly coronavirus. However, if prophecies of Baba Vanga are to be believed, another lethal virus will be discovered by a team of researchers in Siberia. As of now, the virus in frozen. Water crisis: As per Vanga's claims, many cities all across the world will be hit by a scarcity of drinking water. Also, there will be an increase of pollution in the rivers. Tsunami: Earlier, the psychic had successfully predicted the tsunami of 2004. For 2022, she said that several Asian and Australian countries will be hit by massive floods, leading to hundreds of deaths. Also read | Fauci speaks about improving Covid testing, says 'We've got to do better' Predictions for India: The visually impaired psychic stated that India will be hit by several locust attacks in 2022 and this will destroy crops and agricultural plots, further leading to famine. She also said that there will be a sharp rise in temperature, as high as 50°C. Alien invasion: Vanga predicted that an asteroid known by the name of 'Oumuamua' will be sent by aliens to look for life on earth. It passed through earth back in 2017. There have been strong shreds of evidence to suggest that the object came from outside our planetary system. When it was first spotted, many researchers including Harvard University’s Avi Loeb posited that the object was an alien spaceship. Another important prediction, which is coming out to be true, is that 2022 will be a year of virtual realities. People will spend more time on screen and not in reality. Earlier, in 1998, when Vanga had predicted the 9/11 attacks, she said, "Horror, horror! The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel birds. The wolves will be howling in a bush, and innocent blood will be gushing." She also reportedly foretold that Europe will be invaded by Muslim extremists in the year 2016. Baba Vanga also predicted that the conflict would begin with the Arab Spring in 2010. (With inputs from agencies)

New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022

Maria Van Kerkhove, the Covid technical lead at the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that we can globally overcome the pandemic in 2022. During the WHO Q and A stream, she said, "2022 is the year we can end the Covid-19 pandemic. We have tools now. We can take the death out of Covid-19".&nbsp;

The ongoing pandemic has taken over the entire global and everyone is facing the consequences. While people were trying to battle the Delta variant, a new variant named Omicron emerged in November.&nbsp;

In October, the WHO launched a strategy that aimed at achieving global Covid-19 vaccination by mid-2022. Under this, it highlighted several actions through which it could achieve 70 per cent global immunisation by the middle of 2022.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-in-77-countries-spreading-at-unprecedented-rate-who-436962">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO</a>

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros A Ghebreyesus provided an update on the Omicron variant strain, saying that 77 nations have already reported cases of the newly discovered strain. He went on to say, "Omicron is spreading at a rate we haven't seen with any other variety."&nbsp;

He believed that Covid vaccination alone will not be enough to stop the pandemic, and that mask use, social distancing, ventilation, and hand hygiene should be prioritised. Dr Tedros stated, "The WHO is not against booster doses, but against inequity."

(With inputs from agencies)

Maria Van Kerkhove, the Covid technical lead at the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that we can globally overcome the pandemic in 2022. During the WHO Q and A stream, she said, "2022 is the year we can end the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the Covid technical lead at the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that we can globally overcome the pandemic in 2022. During the WHO Q and A stream, she said, "2022 is the year we can end the Covid-19 pandemic. We have tools now. We can take the death out of Covid-19". The ongoing pandemic has taken over the entire global and everyone is facing the consequences. While people were trying to battle the Delta variant, a new variant named Omicron emerged in November. In October, the WHO launched a strategy that aimed at achieving global Covid-19 vaccination by mid-2022. Under this, it highlighted several actions through which it could achieve 70 per cent global immunisation by the middle of 2022. Also read | Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros A Ghebreyesus provided an update on the Omicron variant strain, saying that 77 nations have already reported cases of the newly discovered strain. He went on to say, "Omicron is spreading at a rate we haven't seen with any other variety." He believed that Covid vaccination alone will not be enough to stop the pandemic, and that mask use, social distancing, ventilation, and hand hygiene should be prioritised. Dr Tedros stated, "The WHO is not against booster doses, but against inequity." (With inputs from agencies)

Amid fears of new variant, WHO expert says that pandemic can end in 2022

According to a new report of the World Health Organisation, there could be a global syringe shortage of around two billion next year. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arderns-popularity-plummets-as-new-zealand-struggles-to-check-delta-outbreak-428443" hreflang="en">Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak</a>

The shortage may come up due to the worldwide COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. Over 7.25 billion doses have been administered around the globe, as per the AFP. It is double the number of vaccines usually given in a year. So, twice as many syringes have been used, eating up huge number of global supplies.

The production needs to ramp up or the situation may lead to hoarding and panic buying. It will also hit the efforts to protect people against several illnesses, the WHO said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-jab-patent-row-deepens-as-us-nih-looks-to-defend-co-owner-claim-428421" hreflang="en">Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim</a>&nbsp;

"We are raising the real concern that we could have a shortage of immunisation syringes, which would in turn lead to serious problems, such as slowing down immunisation efforts. Depending on how the vaccine uptake goes, it could be a deficit of anywhere from one billion to two billion," Lisa Hedman, WHO senior advisor to the Division of Access to Medicines and Health Products, told AFP. &nbsp;

Hedman urged countries to plan ahead at a press conference in Geneva. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a new report of the World Health Organisation, there could be a global syringe shortage of around two billion next year. Also Read: Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak The shortage may come up due to the worldwide COVID-19 vaccine campaigns.

According to a new report of the World Health Organisation, there could be a global syringe shortage of around two billion next year. Also Read: Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak The shortage may come up due to the worldwide COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. Over 7.25 billion doses have been administered around the globe, as per the AFP. It is double the number of vaccines usually given in a year. So, twice as many syringes have been used, eating up huge number of global supplies. The production needs to ramp up or the situation may lead to hoarding and panic buying. It will also hit the efforts to protect people against several illnesses, the WHO said. Also Read: Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim "We are raising the real concern that we could have a shortage of immunisation syringes, which would in turn lead to serious problems, such as slowing down immunisation efforts. Depending on how the vaccine uptake goes, it could be a deficit of anywhere from one billion to two billion," Lisa Hedman, WHO senior advisor to the Division of Access to Medicines and Health Products, told AFP. Hedman urged countries to plan ahead at a press conference in Geneva. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive syringe shortage can hit world in 2022, warns WHO report

Nasa has announced plans to launch an uncrewed flight around the Moon in February 2022 as the US space agency. It said that it is in the final phase of testing to send its Orion capsule on an orbit around the Moon on its Space Launch System rocket.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAArtemis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAArtemis</a> I mega-Moon rocket is targeted for liftoff in February 2022. 
 
Here are the small steps in store before the next giant leap: <a href="https://t.co/pTbcWXdFF7">https://t.co/pTbcWXdFF7</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6GLXufmY5">pic.twitter.com/W6GLXufmY5</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1451716005047197698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

NASA said that the Artemis 1 mission will “pave the way for a future flight test with the crew” before “more complex missions with astronauts on and around the Moon”.

“Artemis 1 will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis 2,” it said.

The space agency will be carrying out a series of tests until February. This will include the interface and the communication systems, and a dress rehearsal several weeks before the launch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-lucy-spacecraft-faces-issues-with-solar-panel-422107">Also read |&nbsp;NASA's Lucy spacecraft faces issues with solar panel</a>

It also said that it will set a date for the launch if the dress rehearsal is successful.

This comes in after NASA launched spacecraft Lucy, which lifted off on October 16 to explore distant asteroids has faced issues with one of its solar panels.&nbsp;

Lucy will explore the Trojan asteroids with a suite of remote sensing instruments. Additionally, the navigation cameras will be used to determine the shapes of the Trojan asteroids.

Jupiter`s Trojan Asteroids are small bodies that are remnants of our early solar system, now trapped in stable orbits associated with, but not close to, the giant planet Jupiter.

These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system.

Nasa has announced plans to launch an uncrewed flight around the Moon in February 2022 as the US space agency. It said that it is in the final phase of testing to send its Orion capsule on an orbit around the Moon on its Space Launch System rocket.

Nasa has announced plans to launch an uncrewed flight around the Moon in February 2022 as the US space agency. It said that it is in the final phase of testing to send its Orion capsule on an orbit around the Moon on its Space Launch System rocket. Our @NASAArtemis I mega-Moon rocket is targeted for liftoff in February 2022. Here are the small steps in store before the next giant leap: https://t.co/pTbcWXdFF7 pic.twitter.com/W6GLXufmY5 — NASA (@NASA) October 23, 2021 × NASA said that the Artemis 1 mission will “pave the way for a future flight test with the crew” before “more complex missions with astronauts on and around the Moon”. “Artemis 1 will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis 2,” it said. The space agency will be carrying out a series of tests until February. This will include the interface and the communication systems, and a dress rehearsal several weeks before the launch. Also read | NASA's Lucy spacecraft faces issues with solar panel It also said that it will set a date for the launch if the dress rehearsal is successful. This comes in after NASA launched spacecraft Lucy, which lifted off on October 16 to explore distant asteroids has faced issues with one of its solar panels. Lucy will explore the Trojan asteroids with a suite of remote sensing instruments. Additionally, the navigation cameras will be used to determine the shapes of the Trojan asteroids. Jupiter`s Trojan Asteroids are small bodies that are remnants of our early solar system, now trapped in stable orbits associated with, but not close to, the giant planet Jupiter. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system.

NASA announces plan to launch uncrewed flight around the Moon in February 2022

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday.

Peiris said that as pledged by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his presidential election manifesto in 2019, he has appointed a committee of experts to formulate the draft.

This draft has now been completed and awaiting to be sent to the Legal Draftsman,&nbsp;Peiris said, hoping that the final draft would be made available by the turn of the new year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imports-chemical-fertiliser-despite-ban-420995">Sri Lanka imports chemical fertiliser despite ban</a>

However, he did not elaborate on the form of the new Constitution.

Peiris said that from mid-November, the budget for 2022 would be dealt with by the parliament until mid-December.

Noting that the making of the Constitution was a complicated process, the minister said that with the change of times and people's needs, it needs changing.

Sri Lanka has in the past made many attempts to change the current Constitution. Since 1997, all such attempts, including the last in 2015, were aborted after months of deliberations.

In 2019, the ruling alliance was making platform speeches about the abolishment of the country's provincial councils system, which was mooted by India under the thirteenth amendment to the current Constitution adopted in 1978.

The 2017 Act will have to be amended as in 2018, the Parliament had rejected the delimitation report which should have been approved with a two-thirds majority to make the new hybrid system legal.

Rajapaksa since being elected annulled the 19th Amendment adopted in 2015 which had curtailed presidential powers by strengthening the functions of Parliament.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-allows-sharp-rise-in-food-prices-to-ease-shortages-419123">Sri Lanka allows sharp rise in food prices to ease shortages</a>

However, he has shown no interest to hold provincial council elections for the nine provinces currently held up due to the need of legislative changes to the Provincial Councils Act.

The Sri Lankan government last week said that the long-pending provincial council elections in all of its nine provinces would not be possible until the 2017 Act is amended in Parliament.

The provincial elections have been postponed since 2017 as the then government (United National Party) wanted to reform the process by introducing a new hybrid system of first past the post and proportional representation from the current system of proportional representation.

Rajapaksa's 2019 manifesto said that a select committee would be appointed to ?look into the provincial councils&nbsp;among the other areas of the executive presidency, electoral reform and the independence of judiciary.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, during his visit to the country earlier this month, reiterated India's wish to see the early holding of the provincial council elections and full powers be conferred on them.

His visit triggered the discussion on the provincial council elections with parties expressing desire to hold them

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday.

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday. Peiris said that as pledged by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his presidential election manifesto in 2019, he has appointed a committee of experts to formulate the draft. This draft has now been completed and awaiting to be sent to the Legal Draftsman, Peiris said, hoping that the final draft would be made available by the turn of the new year. Also Read | Sri Lanka imports chemical fertiliser despite ban However, he did not elaborate on the form of the new Constitution. Peiris said that from mid-November, the budget for 2022 would be dealt with by the parliament until mid-December. Noting that the making of the Constitution was a complicated process, the minister said that with the change of times and people's needs, it needs changing. Sri Lanka has in the past made many attempts to change the current Constitution. Since 1997, all such attempts, including the last in 2015, were aborted after months of deliberations. In 2019, the ruling alliance was making platform speeches about the abolishment of the country's provincial councils system, which was mooted by India under the thirteenth amendment to the current Constitution adopted in 1978. The 2017 Act will have to be amended as in 2018, the Parliament had rejected the delimitation report which should have been approved with a two-thirds majority to make the new hybrid system legal. Rajapaksa since being elected annulled the 19th Amendment adopted in 2015 which had curtailed presidential powers by strengthening the functions of Parliament. Also Read | Sri Lanka allows sharp rise in food prices to ease shortages However, he has shown no interest to hold provincial council elections for the nine provinces currently held up due to the need of legislative changes to the Provincial Councils Act. The Sri Lankan government last week said that the long-pending provincial council elections in all of its nine provinces would not be possible until the 2017 Act is amended in Parliament. The provincial elections have been postponed since 2017 as the then government (United National Party) wanted to reform the process by introducing a new hybrid system of first past the post and proportional representation from the current system of proportional representation. Rajapaksa's 2019 manifesto said that a select committee would be appointed to ?look into the provincial councils among the other areas of the executive presidency, electoral reform and the independence of judiciary. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, during his visit to the country earlier this month, reiterated India's wish to see the early holding of the provincial council elections and full powers be conferred on them. His visit triggered the discussion on the provincial council elections with parties expressing desire to hold them

Lanka's draft of new Constitution expected to be ready for Parliament's nod by early 2022: Minister

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines.

Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency.

The mayor of the Philippine capital will run under the political party Aksyon Demokratiko, of which he is the President.

According to a recent survey published by Pulse Asia, 13 per cent of the Filipino respondents expressed support for Domagoso as a "probable" presidential candidate.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-stock-exchange-halts-trading-of-evergrande-shares-418036" hreflang="en">Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares</a>

Monday's development comes two days after incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte announced his retirement from politics, adding that he will not contest for Vice President in 2022 elections.

Meanwhile, his former long-time aid and Senator Christopher Go, 47, has his candidacy for Vice President.

On October 1, Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao became to first candidate to file his official certificate, just days after he announced his retirement from boxing.

The May 9, 2022 elections will elect the President, Vice President, half of the 24-member Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and other local officials.

Candidates have until Friday to file their official certificates to contest the polls.

The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-of-myanmars-suu-kyi-taking-toll-on-her-health-lawyer-418104" hreflang="en">Trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi taking toll on her health: Lawyer</a>

"But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need.&nbsp;

"So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. &nbsp;We need significant change," Frost said.&nbsp;

"But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland."

The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland.

But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK.

Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances.

"That may in the end be the only way to protect our country -- our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned.

Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines. Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency.

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines. Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency. The mayor of the Philippine capital will run under the political party Aksyon Demokratiko, of which he is the President. According to a recent survey published by Pulse Asia, 13 per cent of the Filipino respondents expressed support for Domagoso as a "probable" presidential candidate. Also Read: Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares Monday's development comes two days after incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte announced his retirement from politics, adding that he will not contest for Vice President in 2022 elections. Meanwhile, his former long-time aid and Senator Christopher Go, 47, has his candidacy for Vice President. On October 1, Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao became to first candidate to file his official certificate, just days after he announced his retirement from boxing. The May 9, 2022 elections will elect the President, Vice President, half of the 24-member Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and other local officials. Candidates have until Friday to file their official certificates to contest the polls. The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted. Also Read | Trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi taking toll on her health: Lawyer "But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need. "So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. We need significant change," Frost said. "But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland." The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland. But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK. Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances. "That may in the end be the only way to protect our country -- our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned. Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

Manila Mayor officially joins 2022 presidential race

India’s ambitious third mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-3, may get launched in the third quarter next year. The mission has been facing delays due to the pandemic. &nbsp;

In a written answer in the Parliament, Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state for department of space, said, “Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched during the third quarter of 2022 assuming normal work-flow henceforth.”&nbsp;

Initially scheduled for late 2020 or early 2021, the mission was hit badly by the pandemic as it affected the schedule due to the manufacturing the modules.&nbsp;

The answer given by minister in Lok Sabha read, “The realisation of Chandrayaan-3 involves various processes, including finalisation of configuration, subsystem realisation (manufacturing), integration, spacecraft-level detailed testing and a number of special tests to evaluate the systems performance on Earth. The realisation process was hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic.”&nbsp;

Planned as only a lander-rover mission, the Chandrayaan-3 aimed to demonstrate the country’s capability of soft landing on a celestial body. It will be communicated with Earth via the existing orbiter from Chandrayaan-2. The orbiter’s lifespan has been estimated to be seven years.&nbsp;

It was announced a few months after the Vikram lander aboard Chandrayaan-2 mission crash-landed on the lunar surface in September 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India’s ambitious third mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-3, may get launched in the third quarter next year. The mission has been facing delays due to the pandemic.

India’s ambitious third mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-3, may get launched in the third quarter next year. The mission has been facing delays due to the pandemic. In a written answer in the Parliament, Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state for department of space, said, “Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched during the third quarter of 2022 assuming normal work-flow henceforth.” Initially scheduled for late 2020 or early 2021, the mission was hit badly by the pandemic as it affected the schedule due to the manufacturing the modules. The answer given by minister in Lok Sabha read, “The realisation of Chandrayaan-3 involves various processes, including finalisation of configuration, subsystem realisation (manufacturing), integration, spacecraft-level detailed testing and a number of special tests to evaluate the systems performance on Earth. The realisation process was hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic.” Planned as only a lander-rover mission, the Chandrayaan-3 aimed to demonstrate the country’s capability of soft landing on a celestial body. It will be communicated with Earth via the existing orbiter from Chandrayaan-2. The orbiter’s lifespan has been estimated to be seven years. It was announced a few months after the Vikram lander aboard Chandrayaan-2 mission crash-landed on the lunar surface in September 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

India's moon mission Chandrayaan-3 may get launched in 2022’s third quarter, says Indian govt 

With automation taking place at a much faster pace across industries especially in the tech space, domestic software firms that employ over 16 million are set to slash headcounts by a massive 3 million by 2022, which will help them save a whopping USD 100 billion mostly in salaries annually, says a report.

The domestic IT sector employs around 16 million, of which around 9 million are employed in low-skilled services and BPO roles, according to Nasscom. Of these 9 million low-skilled services and BPO roles, 30 per cent or around 3 million will be lost by 2022, principally driven by the impact of robot process automation or RPA.

Roughly 0.7 million roles are expected to be replaced by RPA alone and the rest due to other technological upgrades and upskilling by the domestic IT players, while the RPA will have the worst impact in the US with a loss of almost 1 million jobs, according to a Bank of America report on Wednesday.

Based on average fully-loaded employee costs of USD 25,000 per annum for India-based resources and USD 50,000 for US resources, this will release around USD 100 billion in annual salaries and associated expenses for corporates, the report says. "TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Tech Mahindra and Cognizant and others appear to be planning for a 3 million reduction in low-skilled roles by 2022 because of RPA up-skilling.

"This is a USD 100-billion in reduced salary and other costs, but on the flip side, it offers a likely a USD 10 billion boons for IT companies that successfully implement RPA, and another a USD5 billion opportunity from a vibrant new software niche by 2022.

Given that robots can function for 24 hours a day, this represents a significant saving of up to 10:1 versus the human labour," says the report.

Robot process automation (RPA) is the application of software, not physical robots, to perform routine, high-volume tasks, allowing employees to focus on more differentiated work. It differs from ordinary software applications as it mimics how the employee has worked instead of building a workflow into technology from the ground up and thus minimising time to market and greatly reducing cost over the more traditional software-led approaches.

Offshoring helped the domestic IT sector to grow from around 1 per cent of GDP in 1998 to 7 per cent today, a highly strategic sector for its economy and has also significantly outgrown their Western peers (mainly Accenture, Capgemini and Atos) with annual revenue growth of 18 per cent between 2005 and 2019.

Another key reason for the RPA-driven job losses is that many countries that had offshored their work in the past are likely to bring the jobs back to their home markets. Developed countries will also look to increasingly bringing back offshored IT jobs and either use native IT workers or domestic software robots like RPA to secure their digital supply chain and ensure future resiliency of their national technology infrastructure, reasons the report.

Software offshoring began in the 1970s and the 1980s when the personal computer began to gain traction when major world players began shifting focus to trade liberalisation. However, despite such massive automation, major economies like Germany (26 per cent shortage), China (7 per cent), India (5 per cent) Korea, Brazil, Thailand Malaysia and Russia will likely face labour shortages, warns the report, adding on contrary South Africa, Greece, Indonesia and the Philippines will have surplus labour for the next 15 years.

According to the report, faster automation is driven by the shrinking talent pool of high-skilled jobs in developing economies, the need for which will only jump, but the global high-skill talent pool is shrinking and exposing outmoded immigration systems.

The report goes onto warn that emerging economies mostly India and China face the most risk of technology-driven disruptions which can impact up to 85 per cent of jobs in countries like Kenya and Bangladesh. India and China are at the greatest risk of skills disruption, while ASEAN, the Persian Gulf and Japan are at the least risk.

Perhaps the most worrying trend is that emerging market jobs are most at risk of automation because of the low-/mid-skilled nature of sectors like manufacturing, highlighting the risk of premature de-industrialization. India saw its manufacturing peak in 2002, while it occurred in Germany in 1970, in Mexico in 1990.

With automation taking place at a much faster pace across industries especially in the tech space, domestic software firms that employ over 16 million are set to slash headcounts by a massive 3 million by 2022, which will help them save a whopping USD 100 billion mostly in salaries annually, says a report.

With automation taking place at a much faster pace across industries especially in the tech space, domestic software firms that employ over 16 million are set to slash headcounts by a massive 3 million by 2022, which will help them save a whopping USD 100 billion mostly in salaries annually, says a report. The domestic IT sector employs around 16 million, of which around 9 million are employed in low-skilled services and BPO roles, according to Nasscom. Of these 9 million low-skilled services and BPO roles, 30 per cent or around 3 million will be lost by 2022, principally driven by the impact of robot process automation or RPA. Roughly 0.7 million roles are expected to be replaced by RPA alone and the rest due to other technological upgrades and upskilling by the domestic IT players, while the RPA will have the worst impact in the US with a loss of almost 1 million jobs, according to a Bank of America report on Wednesday. Based on average fully-loaded employee costs of USD 25,000 per annum for India-based resources and USD 50,000 for US resources, this will release around USD 100 billion in annual salaries and associated expenses for corporates, the report says. "TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Tech Mahindra and Cognizant and others appear to be planning for a 3 million reduction in low-skilled roles by 2022 because of RPA up-skilling. "This is a USD 100-billion in reduced salary and other costs, but on the flip side, it offers a likely a USD 10 billion boons for IT companies that successfully implement RPA, and another a USD5 billion opportunity from a vibrant new software niche by 2022. Given that robots can function for 24 hours a day, this represents a significant saving of up to 10:1 versus the human labour," says the report. Robot process automation (RPA) is the application of software, not physical robots, to perform routine, high-volume tasks, allowing employees to focus on more differentiated work. It differs from ordinary software applications as it mimics how the employee has worked instead of building a workflow into technology from the ground up and thus minimising time to market and greatly reducing cost over the more traditional software-led approaches. Offshoring helped the domestic IT sector to grow from around 1 per cent of GDP in 1998 to 7 per cent today, a highly strategic sector for its economy and has also significantly outgrown their Western peers (mainly Accenture, Capgemini and Atos) with annual revenue growth of 18 per cent between 2005 and 2019. Another key reason for the RPA-driven job losses is that many countries that had offshored their work in the past are likely to bring the jobs back to their home markets. Developed countries will also look to increasingly bringing back offshored IT jobs and either use native IT workers or domestic software robots like RPA to secure their digital supply chain and ensure future resiliency of their national technology infrastructure, reasons the report. Software offshoring began in the 1970s and the 1980s when the personal computer began to gain traction when major world players began shifting focus to trade liberalisation. However, despite such massive automation, major economies like Germany (26 per cent shortage), China (7 per cent), India (5 per cent) Korea, Brazil, Thailand Malaysia and Russia will likely face labour shortages, warns the report, adding on contrary South Africa, Greece, Indonesia and the Philippines will have surplus labour for the next 15 years. According to the report, faster automation is driven by the shrinking talent pool of high-skilled jobs in developing economies, the need for which will only jump, but the global high-skill talent pool is shrinking and exposing outmoded immigration systems. The report goes onto warn that emerging economies mostly India and China face the most risk of technology-driven disruptions which can impact up to 85 per cent of jobs in countries like Kenya and Bangladesh. India and China are at the greatest risk of skills disruption, while ASEAN, the Persian Gulf and Japan are at the least risk. Perhaps the most worrying trend is that emerging market jobs are most at risk of automation because of the low-/mid-skilled nature of sectors like manufacturing, highlighting the risk of premature de-industrialization. India saw its manufacturing peak in 2002, while it occurred in Germany in 1970, in Mexico in 1990.

Automation: Indian IT companies to slash 3 million jobs; 30% of low-skill force by 2022

BJP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-likens-kadam-to-alauddin-khilji-over-his-anti-women-remarks-164254">Ram Kadam has said</a> that his party will win elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2022 and will wrest the mayor seat from former ally Shiv Sena.

"All BJP MPs, MLAs and councillors met on Tuesday. After Municipality polls in February 2022, the mayor will be from BJP. We have only 3-4 councillors less than Shiv Sena. We never stake a claim for Opposition but now we will sit in Opposition and will work as an aggressive force in the BMC," Ram Kadam said. "We will dig out scams of Shiv Sena in the BMC," he said.

<img alt="BBJP leader Ram Kadam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3535acd0-7426-481f-88b1-6c49c26fe5ed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ BJP leader Ram Kadam (Courtesy: DNA) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-kadam-has-apologised-for-his-remarks-row-should-end-maharashtra-minister-164229">Ram Kadam has apologised for his remarks, row should end: Maharashtra minister</a>

In 2017 BMC polls, BJP had won 82 seats while Shiv Sena bagged 86 seats out of the total 227 seats. Currently, Sena corporator Kishori Pednekar is the Mayor of Mumbai.&nbsp;

This came after BJP broke its ties with Shiv Sena when the latter decided to go with the Nationalist Congress Party and Congress to form the government in the state after Assembly polls in October last year.

BJP leader Ram Kadam has said that his party will win elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2022 and will wrest the mayor seat from former ally Shiv Sena.

BJP leader Ram Kadam has said that his party will win elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2022 and will wrest the mayor seat from former ally Shiv Sena. "All BJP MPs, MLAs and councillors met on Tuesday. After Municipality polls in February 2022, the mayor will be from BJP. We have only 3-4 councillors less than Shiv Sena. We never stake a claim for Opposition but now we will sit in Opposition and will work as an aggressive force in the BMC," Ram Kadam said. "We will dig out scams of Shiv Sena in the BMC," he said. [ BJP leader Ram Kadam (Courtesy: DNA) ] Also Read: Ram Kadam has apologised for his remarks, row should end: Maharashtra minister In 2017 BMC polls, BJP had won 82 seats while Shiv Sena bagged 86 seats out of the total 227 seats. Currently, Sena corporator Kishori Pednekar is the Mayor of Mumbai. This came after BJP broke its ties with Shiv Sena when the latter decided to go with the Nationalist Congress Party and Congress to form the government in the state after Assembly polls in October last year.

Will expose Sena's scams in BMC, mayor will be of BJP after 2022 polls: Ram Kadam

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday.

The 40,000-seat venue seven kilometres (four miles) outside central Doha will also host the third-place play-off and the final of the tournament which gets underway on December 11.

The inaugural game will see Liverpool, as European champions, face either CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey, Al Sadd of Qatar or minnows Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia who are Oceania champions.

The 2022 hosts have so far inaugurated the newly-built al-Janoub stadium in May, as well as the Khalifa International stadium which opened in 1976 and was relaunched in 2017 after a full refurbishment.

"With all three venues located a maximum of 12 kilometres from central Doha, the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 will provide a glimpse of Qatar's compact nature ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022," FIFA said in a statement.

"Taking place around the same time of the year and with matches kicking off from 17:00 local time, this year's tournament will also give teams and fans alike the chance to experience Qatar's mild winter."

Average temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 24 Celsius, it added.

Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said following Al-Janoub's opening in May that two further new stadiums would be ready "by the end of this year (or) first-quarter" 2020.

The exact date would depend on the timing of events to launch the two venues, he added.

"By 2021 all our stadiums will be ready," he said.

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday.

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday. The 40,000-seat venue seven kilometres (four miles) outside central Doha will also host the third-place play-off and the final of the tournament which gets underway on December 11. The inaugural game will see Liverpool, as European champions, face either CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey, Al Sadd of Qatar or minnows Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia who are Oceania champions. The 2022 hosts have so far inaugurated the newly-built al-Janoub stadium in May, as well as the Khalifa International stadium which opened in 1976 and was relaunched in 2017 after a full refurbishment. "With all three venues located a maximum of 12 kilometres from central Doha, the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 will provide a glimpse of Qatar's compact nature ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022," FIFA said in a statement. "Taking place around the same time of the year and with matches kicking off from 17:00 local time, this year's tournament will also give teams and fans alike the chance to experience Qatar's mild winter." Average temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 24 Celsius, it added. Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said following Al-Janoub's opening in May that two further new stadiums would be ready "by the end of this year (or) first-quarter" 2020. The exact date would depend on the timing of events to launch the two venues, he added. "By 2021 all our stadiums will be ready," he said.

Qatar to inaugurate new 2022 stadium during Club World Cup

Two persons died after an&nbsp;under-renovation building collapsed in Mumbai&#39;s Zaveri Bazaar on Friday afternoon.

Four workers are currently trapped under the debris.

Earlier, media reports had said that at least nine workers were trapped, of which seven were rescued.

The fire brigade and police officials had reached the spot and rescue operation was underway.

No one is reported to be injured so far.

The back portion of the building collapsed when the repair work was going on.

Zaveri Bazaar is a major hub of the jewellery business in Mumbai.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the UP government announced their decision to double farmers' income by 2022 and to take contract farming as a part of their strategy to uplift the income after a number of failed attempts

Two persons died after an under-renovation building collapsed in Mumbai's Zaveri Bazaar on Friday afternoon. Four workers are currently trapped under the debris. Earlier, media reports had said that at least nine workers were trapped, of which seven were rescued. The fire brigade and police officials had reached the spot and rescue operation was underway. No one is reported to be injured so far. The back portion of the building collapsed when the repair work was going on. Zaveri Bazaar is a major hub of the jewellery business in Mumbai. (With inputs from ANI, PTI)

Adityanath promises roof over every head by 2022

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women&#39;s cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa, said&nbsp;the governing body. 
 
Cricket has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board&#39;s reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth. 
 
Following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the ICC board agreed to apply for a women&#39;s competition at the Durban Games during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. 
 
&quot;It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers,&quot; ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement. 
 
South Africa won the men&#39;s event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme. 
 
The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event that features cricket and the last two editions included both men&#39;s and women&#39;s competitions. 
 
The ICC has also been exploring the possibility of getting cricket added to the Olympic programme. 
 
&quot;There will be further discussions on cricket&#39;s potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year,&quot; the governing body said. 
 
President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPNcricinfo on Friday that cricket would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the Games. 
 
(Reuters)

South Africa won the men's event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women's cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa, said the governing body. Cricket has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board's reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth. Following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the ICC board agreed to apply for a women's competition at the Durban Games during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. "It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers," ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement. South Africa won the men's event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme. The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event that features cricket and the last two editions included both men's and women's competitions. The ICC has also been exploring the possibility of getting cricket added to the Olympic programme. "There will be further discussions on cricket's potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year," the governing body said. President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPNcricinfo on Friday that cricket would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the Games. (Reuters)

ICC wants women's cricket at 2022 Commonwealth Games

2022

2022, News on 2022, stories on 2022, articles on 2022, 2022 stories at Wion, 2022 news, 2022 latest news