A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020.

The active caseload is presently 2,44,198, which is the lowest in 204 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.72 per cent of the country`s total positive cases.

Meanwhile, the fresh deaths have taken the toll to 4,49,856, as per the Health Ministry data.

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The weekly positivity rate, at 1.68 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 104 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.57 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 38 days and below 5 per cent for 121 consecutive days now.

The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,31,819 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 57.86 crore.

With 43,09,525 vaccine doses administered in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed the 92.63 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Thursday. This has been achieved through 90,14,182 sessions.

Over 93.94 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category. However, more than 7.64 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry data said

A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020.

A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020. The active caseload is presently 2,44,198, which is the lowest in 204 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.72 per cent of the country`s total positive cases. Meanwhile, the fresh deaths have taken the toll to 4,49,856, as per the Health Ministry data. Also Read | Thousands of Covid testing kits recalled that delivered false positives The weekly positivity rate, at 1.68 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 104 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.57 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 38 days and below 5 per cent for 121 consecutive days now. The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,31,819 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 57.86 crore. With 43,09,525 vaccine doses administered in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed the 92.63 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Thursday. This has been achieved through 90,14,182 sessions. Over 93.94 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category. However, more than 7.64 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry data said

India logs 22,431 new COVID-19 cases, 318 deaths

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. This was the first visit by any senior Biden administration official to India after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US.&nbsp;

Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla at US-India Business Council or USIBC event, sitting alongside deputy secretary of state said,"There is an organic growth and momentum in the bilateral relations, given the deep stakes and investments in India-US relations by a multitude of stakeholders on both sides" and "this relationship is one of our most important. India considers its relationship with US of paramount importance"

The visit essentially starts the more sectoral meetings between the 2 countries. The meetings of Defense Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 ministerial will take place soon. The Indian finance minister and the defence secretary will soon visit US.

Calling partnership between US and India "indispensable", Wendy Sherman at USIBC event explained, "many of the challenges we face...can't be solved by anyone nation alone. It takes, it will take the 2 largest democracies in the world, India and the US to meet those challenges"

During the meeting, both saw "meetings of mind" on Afghanistan. While legitimacy to Taliban &nbsp;did came up during talks it is unlikely that the US would take any call as the situation was still evolving.

Taliban has gone back on many of its promises. The promises included forming an inclusive government. There is no representation to women and minorities.

Pakistan's support for terrorism remained New Delhi's concern and it had a good understanding with US on this.

Sources pointed out that, "India and US are speaking from the same page" when it comes to Islamabad's continued support to terrorism. Indian side also mentioned how terror groups from Pakistan are moving into Afghan territories. Fear remains that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists under Taliban rule. Of more than 30 members of Taliban cabinet, 17 are on the United Nations terror list.

Topic of China was also part of the discussion between the two sides. New Delhi gave its assessment, particularly on developments at Line of Actual Control. US mentioned talks in Geneva, and its policy towards Beijing-- the 3C-- Compete, Cooperate and Challenge. The talks also saw some discussion on India-South Africa proposal on patent wavier on Covid vaccines at WTO, for which Washington reiterated its support. Interestingly, there was no mention of the AUKUS deal between US, UK and Australia which riled up France. Under the deal Australia gets nuclear submarines, a development that comes amid increasingly assertive moves from China.

In Delhi, the US deputy secretary of state also met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. A state dept readout said, "They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the People’s Republic of China".

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. This was the first visit by any senior Biden administration official to India after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US. Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla at US-India Business Council or USIBC event, sitting alongside deputy secretary of state said,"There is an organic growth and momentum in the bilateral relations, given the deep stakes and investments in India-US relations by a multitude of stakeholders on both sides" and "this relationship is one of our most important. India considers its relationship with US of paramount importance" The visit essentially starts the more sectoral meetings between the 2 countries. The meetings of Defense Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 ministerial will take place soon. The Indian finance minister and the defence secretary will soon visit US. Calling partnership between US and India "indispensable", Wendy Sherman at USIBC event explained, "many of the challenges we face...can't be solved by anyone nation alone. It takes, it will take the 2 largest democracies in the world, India and the US to meet those challenges" During the meeting, both saw "meetings of mind" on Afghanistan. While legitimacy to Taliban did came up during talks it is unlikely that the US would take any call as the situation was still evolving. Taliban has gone back on many of its promises. The promises included forming an inclusive government. There is no representation to women and minorities. Pakistan's support for terrorism remained New Delhi's concern and it had a good understanding with US on this. Sources pointed out that, "India and US are speaking from the same page" when it comes to Islamabad's continued support to terrorism. Indian side also mentioned how terror groups from Pakistan are moving into Afghan territories. Fear remains that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists under Taliban rule. Of more than 30 members of Taliban cabinet, 17 are on the United Nations terror list. Topic of China was also part of the discussion between the two sides. New Delhi gave its assessment, particularly on developments at Line of Actual Control. US mentioned talks in Geneva, and its policy towards Beijing-- the 3C-- Compete, Cooperate and Challenge. The talks also saw some discussion on India-South Africa proposal on patent wavier on Covid vaccines at WTO, for which Washington reiterated its support. Interestingly, there was no mention of the AUKUS deal between US, UK and Australia which riled up France. Under the deal Australia gets nuclear submarines, a development that comes amid increasingly assertive moves from China. In Delhi, the US deputy secretary of state also met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. A state dept readout said, "They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the People’s Republic of China".

Afghanistan, China key focus during Sherman-Shringla talks in Delhi

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001.

Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan.

The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi.

Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

India based former prime minister of Afghanistan Ahmad shah Ahmadzai is on his way to Kabul via Pakistan on medical grounds. Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai was the acting prime minister of Afghanistan in the Mujahid era, from 1995-1996 under the President Burhanuddin Rabbani. He left the country when Taliban took over of Kabul in 1996 and had been living in exile till the fall of Taliban in 2001. Musa Ahmadzai, his son, confirmed that his father is leaving and will pass through Wagah border and will reach Afghanistan via Pakistan. He also spoke about the health of his father. They will be using Torkham border crossing to cross over to Afghanistan. Ahmadzai who was in the Afghan govt during the 1992-1996 period in various capacities, also stood for elections in 2004 in Afghanistan. In a post-communist Afghanistan, Ahmadzai was a close associate of President Burhanuddin Rabbani. India has given him clearance for his travel via Wagah, while Pakistan issued a transit visa. Interestingly, Islamabad received request for transit visa for Ahmadzai and his son from Taliban's deputy minister of education. Travel to Afghanistan is difficult currently as air travel is yet to be restarted at full capacity. For any Afghan living in India, easiest way is by land via Pakistan. The Pakistani high commission in Delhi has given transit visa to several Afghan nationals in past few weeks, including relatives of those Afghans who want to send back mortal remains to home country. Estimates put the figure from 20 to 50 Pakistani transit visas to Afghan nationals in Delhi. Since Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, many Afghans have left the country fearing for their lives. Over 200 Afghans, mostly from minority Hindu and Sikh communities have come to India. These include two Afghan Sikh MPs--Anarkali Kaur and Narendra Singh Kalsa.

India-based ex-PM of Afghanistan on way to Kabul via Pakistan

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the country's power generation.

Growth in solar energy is critical this year as half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. India expects the coal shortage to last for up to six months.

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State-run Coal India, which accounts for over 80&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of India`s coal output, saw production grow at the slowest rate in six months and supplies at the slowest rate in seven months during September as rain affected output in key mining regions.

Solar energy generation growth slowed to 24.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;year-on-year in September from 41 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;in August, an analysis of federal grid regulator POSOCO's daily load despatch data showed.

Other key sources of electricity generation also fell in September, the data showed, with hydro declining 5 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;and gas-fired power falling 31.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;compared with the previous year.

A seasonal change in India's power consumption patterns could also increase stress on coal-fired utilities saddled with an acute shortage, and lead to power outages, analysts say.

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"Renewable energy will not be available early in the day and immediately after sunset, when power demand generally peaks during winter in India," a Singapore-based power sector analyst said.

Victor Vanya, director at power analytics firm EMA Solutions, said higher humidity in the coming weeks could lead to a surge in power demand driven by higher air-conditioning requirements, and a rapid deterioration in coal stocks.

"If humidity remains high in the next 2 weeks, there is a highly probability for India to end up in a 'China-like scenario'," he told Reuters. Coal supply shortages in China have led to power restrictions in parts of the country.

However, CRISIL, a unit of ratings agency S&amp;P, forecast 15 per cent&nbsp;-16&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;growth in solar output during the six months ending March 2022 and a slowdown in overall power demand growth would ease constraints on India`s coal-fired power plants.

"This will further be supported by 5 per cent&nbsp;- 6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;and 3 per cent&nbsp;-4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;growth in generation from nuclear and hydro sources," CRISIL told Reuters, adding that widespread outages were unlikely.

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country's power generation.

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country's power generation. Growth in solar energy is critical this year as half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. India expects the coal shortage to last for up to six months. Also Read | Despite the green energy push, Oil will be world's No 1 energy source: OPEC State-run Coal India, which accounts for over 80 per cent of India`s coal output, saw production grow at the slowest rate in six months and supplies at the slowest rate in seven months during September as rain affected output in key mining regions. Solar energy generation growth slowed to 24.7 per cent year-on-year in September from 41 per cent in August, an analysis of federal grid regulator POSOCO's daily load despatch data showed. Other key sources of electricity generation also fell in September, the data showed, with hydro declining 5 per cent and gas-fired power falling 31.6 per cent compared with the previous year. A seasonal change in India's power consumption patterns could also increase stress on coal-fired utilities saddled with an acute shortage, and lead to power outages, analysts say. Also Read | China orders energy firms to secure supplies amid power crisis: report "Renewable energy will not be available early in the day and immediately after sunset, when power demand generally peaks during winter in India," a Singapore-based power sector analyst said. Victor Vanya, director at power analytics firm EMA Solutions, said higher humidity in the coming weeks could lead to a surge in power demand driven by higher air-conditioning requirements, and a rapid deterioration in coal stocks. "If humidity remains high in the next 2 weeks, there is a highly probability for India to end up in a 'China-like scenario'," he told Reuters. Coal supply shortages in China have led to power restrictions in parts of the country. However, CRISIL, a unit of ratings agency S&P, forecast 15 per cent -16 per cent growth in solar output during the six months ending March 2022 and a slowdown in overall power demand growth would ease constraints on India`s coal-fired power plants. "This will further be supported by 5 per cent - 6 per cent and 3 per cent -4 per cent growth in generation from nuclear and hydro sources," CRISIL told Reuters, adding that widespread outages were unlikely.

India's solar energy output growth slows in September

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment.

The partially convertible rupee was trading at 74.59/60 per dollar, as of 0600 GMT, after touching 74.6450, its lowest since July 20. It had closed at 74.4450 on Tuesday.

"Overall risk tone is that of caution given several lingering risks i.e. higher energy prices, China real estate concerns, withdrawal of accommodation by central banks," Abhishek Goenka, chief executive officer at forex advisory firm IFA Global, wrote in a note.

"We are likely to see a 74.45-74.85 range in USD/INR for the day with an upside bias. Forwards continue to grind higher with 1-year forward yield now at 4.48&nbsp;per cent ."

Most Asian currencies were also trading weaker against the dollar, which rose amid heightened nerves about the global economic growth outlook and as traders awaited U.S. jobs data for clues on the timing of Federal Reserve policy tightening.

Economists said Moody's upward revision of India`s sovereign rating outlook should bode well, particularly for bonds, as it reduces the chances of the country getting downgraded to junk and will aid the government`s efforts to get India included in global bond indexes.

India's benchmark 10-year bond yield, however, was up 2 basis points at 6.28 per cent , tracking higher U.S. Treasury yields and firm oil prices.

U.S. oil prices rose for a fifth day to their highest since 2014 amid global concerns about energy supply on signs of tightness in crude, natural gas and coal markets.&nbsp;

India imports 80 per cent of its oil requirements and higher crude prices tend to push up domestic inflation.

Traders were also cautious ahead of the monetary policy committee meeting outcome on Friday, which is being closed watched for clues on when the Reserve Bank of India will start its exit from the pandemic-era stimulus.

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment.

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment. The partially convertible rupee was trading at 74.59/60 per dollar, as of 0600 GMT, after touching 74.6450, its lowest since July 20. It had closed at 74.4450 on Tuesday. "Overall risk tone is that of caution given several lingering risks i.e. higher energy prices, China real estate concerns, withdrawal of accommodation by central banks," Abhishek Goenka, chief executive officer at forex advisory firm IFA Global, wrote in a note. "We are likely to see a 74.45-74.85 range in USD/INR for the day with an upside bias. Forwards continue to grind higher with 1-year forward yield now at 4.48 per cent ." Most Asian currencies were also trading weaker against the dollar, which rose amid heightened nerves about the global economic growth outlook and as traders awaited U.S. jobs data for clues on the timing of Federal Reserve policy tightening. Economists said Moody's upward revision of India`s sovereign rating outlook should bode well, particularly for bonds, as it reduces the chances of the country getting downgraded to junk and will aid the government`s efforts to get India included in global bond indexes. India's benchmark 10-year bond yield, however, was up 2 basis points at 6.28 per cent , tracking higher U.S. Treasury yields and firm oil prices. U.S. oil prices rose for a fifth day to their highest since 2014 amid global concerns about energy supply on signs of tightness in crude, natural gas and coal markets. India imports 80 per cent of its oil requirements and higher crude prices tend to push up domestic inflation. Traders were also cautious ahead of the monetary policy committee meeting outcome on Friday, which is being closed watched for clues on when the Reserve Bank of India will start its exit from the pandemic-era stimulus.

Indian rupee hits two-and-half month low, bond yields up as oil spikes

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days.

As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020.

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The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656.

The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday.

Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu.

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As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year.

Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pandemic-expose-pcr-test-kit-orders-doubled-months-before-first-covid-19-case-418395">&nbsp;China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case</a>

The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. Also Read | India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656. The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday. Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year. Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. Also Read | China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

India's COVID-19 active caseload drops to 2,46,687, lowest in 203 days

Following the ban on importing organic fertiliser from China after detecting harmful bacteria, Sri Lanka will import it from India instead.

Last month, Sri Lanka cancelled the plans to import 99,000 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser at a cost of $63 million from China`s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co Ltd.

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said in Parliament on Tuesday that laboratory tests conducted on the organic fertiliser samples sent from India have confirmed that they were suitable for the use in Sri Lanka.

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Responding to an opposition question raised on the ongoing fertiliser crisis, he said the National Plant Quarantine Service had approved the fertiliser from India.

"If there is a delay, a decision has been reached to import the nano-nitrogen fertilizer from India using air freight," Aluthgamage said.

The opposition had questioned the Minister as to how the government was going to solve the problem of farmers who are waiting for fertiliser to start the major cultivation season.

The government had to drop the plans to import the Chinese organic fertiliser after scientists, activists, and political parties strongly objected the move following the detection of a harmful microorganism identified as 'Erwinia'&nbsp;on September 17.

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However government complained of "foul play" and brought another set of samples but on September 29, they too were detected with a harmful bacteria.

Agriculture experts -- both independent and those attached to the state-institutions -- had urged government to cancel the fertiliser contract from China, warning that the imported Chinese fertiliser would create an agricultural disaster in the island nation

Following the ban on importing organic fertiliser from China after detecting harmful bacteria, Sri Lanka will import it from India instead. Last month, Sri Lanka cancelled the plans to import 99,000 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser at a cost of $63 million from China`s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co Ltd.

Following the ban on importing organic fertiliser from China after detecting harmful bacteria, Sri Lanka will import it from India instead. Last month, Sri Lanka cancelled the plans to import 99,000 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser at a cost of $63 million from China`s Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co Ltd. Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said in Parliament on Tuesday that laboratory tests conducted on the organic fertiliser samples sent from India have confirmed that they were suitable for the use in Sri Lanka. Also Read | Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka Responding to an opposition question raised on the ongoing fertiliser crisis, he said the National Plant Quarantine Service had approved the fertiliser from India. "If there is a delay, a decision has been reached to import the nano-nitrogen fertilizer from India using air freight," Aluthgamage said. The opposition had questioned the Minister as to how the government was going to solve the problem of farmers who are waiting for fertiliser to start the major cultivation season. The government had to drop the plans to import the Chinese organic fertiliser after scientists, activists, and political parties strongly objected the move following the detection of a harmful microorganism identified as 'Erwinia' on September 17. Also Read | Infra projects, Buddha link, rights of Tamils dominate Shringla's Sri Lanka visit However government complained of "foul play" and brought another set of samples but on September 29, they too were detected with a harmful bacteria. Agriculture experts -- both independent and those attached to the state-institutions -- had urged government to cancel the fertiliser contract from China, warning that the imported Chinese fertiliser would create an agricultural disaster in the island nation

After ban on Chinese organic fertiliser, Sri Lanka turns to India

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday assured India that his country would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India''s security, as he explained Colombo''s ties with China in a "comprehensive manner" to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and exchanged views with him on a wide range of issues, including post-pandemic economy revival.

Foreign Secretary Shringla called on President Rajapaksa before he wrapped up his four-day visit to the island nation to review the bilateral ties. The meeting took place a day after the president returned from the US after attending the annual UN General Assembly.

“Sri Lanka would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India''s security,” Rajpaksa conveyed it to Shringla during the meeting, a presidential release said.

Rajapaksa explained the nature of Sri Lanka’s relationship “with China in a comprehensive manner and informed the Indian Foreign Secretary not to have any doubts about it,” it said.

China has been ramping up its presence in Sri Lanka, investing billions of dollars in various infrastructure projects, including ports.

Beijing is also providing financial assistance to Sri Lanka as its economy struggles under the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka is also key to China''s Belt and Road initiative (BRI), an ambitious infrastructure project that aims to expand the country''s influence and global trade links.

A strategic port that was built by Chinese companies at Hambantota - which Sri Lanka has not been able to repay and therefore handed over to Beijing in 2017 on a 99-year lease - has enhanced Beijing''s presence on the island. India is also concerned over China's&nbsp;plans to build a brand new city with Chinese money off the coast of Colombo on reclaimed land.

Rajapaksa told Shringla that Indian investors are invited to invest in the island and Sri Lanka was keen to resolve the situation regarding the Trincomalee oil tanks in a manner that is beneficial to both countries.

The World War II-era oil storage facility in the strategically advantaged port district of Trincomalee has been a key bilateral economic partnership link for decades.

Since 2003, the Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India''s oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has the leasing rights to 99 tanks at the facility for a period of 35 years for an annual payment of USD 100,000.

Shringla''s visit to the site on Sunday assumes significance as oil sector trade unions in Sri Lanka have demanded that tanks be brought under the control of the state fuel entity Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

Rajapaksa tweeted that he had a fruitful discussion with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

"Both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond b/w 2 countries. I invited Indian investors to come to #SriLanka, while we discussed tourism, power generation &amp; post-pandemic economy revival," he said.

The Sri Lankan President elaborated on the need to re-establish the friendship and relations between India and Sri Lanka that existed in the 1960s and 70s.

President Rajapaksa said that he is expecting to obtain India''s support in advancing the 1971 proposal to declare the Indian Ocean a peace zone.

The long standing problems faced by the fishermen of the two countries could be resolved by identifying immediate solutions to the existing problems and providing the benefits rightfully owed by the fishing community, the release said.

On India’s concerns over the 13th amendment, Rajapaksa pointed out the urgent need to understand the weaknesses as well as the strengths of the 13th Amendment.

Shringla, in his meetings with the Tamil minority parties, had stressed the Indian commitment to the 13A as means to bring about reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation''s character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

The 13th Amendment provides for devolution of power to the Tamil community. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.

A release from the Indian High Commission said the Foreign Secretary underscored the importance India attaches to expeditiously taking forward mutually beneficial projects, including proposals to enhance air and sea connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

Earlier, the High Commission of India (HCI) here, giving details of the meeting, said in a tweet, "they reaffirmed the strong ties of friendship &amp; cooperation between India &amp; Sri Lanka and discussed ways to further advance this comprehensive partnership at all levels."

In all his engagements, Shringla underscored India’s willingness to pursue economic and commercial ties between the two countries and post pandemic economic recovery by taking forward joint projects of mutual benefit was emphasised, officials said.

The Indian High Commission said that the foreign secretary''s visit involving notable engagements in Colombo, Kandy, Trincomalee and Jaffna was "productive".

“His visit will give further impetus and momentum to India-Sri Lanka ties," it said in a tweet.

On Monday, Shringla had a "productive discussion" with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on further consolidating the multifaceted bilateral partnership.

He also met Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister GL Peiris and discussed bilateral ties in all spheres.

He also held delegation-level meetings with his Lankan counterpart Admiral (Retd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage on Monday. during which they reviewed bilateral cooperation.The Foreign Secretary also interacted with the Indian High Commission officers at the Mission premises on Tuesday.

"Team HCI is truly grateful for his words of encouragement and support," the IHC said in another tweet.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday assured India that his country would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India''s security, as he explained Colombo''s ties with China in a "comprehensive manner" to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and exchanged views with him on a wide range of issues, including post-pandemic economy revival.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday assured India that his country would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India''s security, as he explained Colombo''s ties with China in a "comprehensive manner" to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and exchanged views with him on a wide range of issues, including post-pandemic economy revival. Foreign Secretary Shringla called on President Rajapaksa before he wrapped up his four-day visit to the island nation to review the bilateral ties. The meeting took place a day after the president returned from the US after attending the annual UN General Assembly. “Sri Lanka would not be allowed to be used for any activity that could pose a threat to India''s security,” Rajpaksa conveyed it to Shringla during the meeting, a presidential release said. Rajapaksa explained the nature of Sri Lanka’s relationship “with China in a comprehensive manner and informed the Indian Foreign Secretary not to have any doubts about it,” it said. China has been ramping up its presence in Sri Lanka, investing billions of dollars in various infrastructure projects, including ports. Beijing is also providing financial assistance to Sri Lanka as its economy struggles under the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is also key to China''s Belt and Road initiative (BRI), an ambitious infrastructure project that aims to expand the country''s influence and global trade links. A strategic port that was built by Chinese companies at Hambantota - which Sri Lanka has not been able to repay and therefore handed over to Beijing in 2017 on a 99-year lease - has enhanced Beijing''s presence on the island. India is also concerned over China's plans to build a brand new city with Chinese money off the coast of Colombo on reclaimed land. Rajapaksa told Shringla that Indian investors are invited to invest in the island and Sri Lanka was keen to resolve the situation regarding the Trincomalee oil tanks in a manner that is beneficial to both countries. The World War II-era oil storage facility in the strategically advantaged port district of Trincomalee has been a key bilateral economic partnership link for decades. Since 2003, the Lanka IOC, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of India''s oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has the leasing rights to 99 tanks at the facility for a period of 35 years for an annual payment of USD 100,000. Shringla''s visit to the site on Sunday assumes significance as oil sector trade unions in Sri Lanka have demanded that tanks be brought under the control of the state fuel entity Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). Rajapaksa tweeted that he had a fruitful discussion with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. "Both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond b/w 2 countries. I invited Indian investors to come to #SriLanka, while we discussed tourism, power generation & post-pandemic economy revival," he said. The Sri Lankan President elaborated on the need to re-establish the friendship and relations between India and Sri Lanka that existed in the 1960s and 70s. President Rajapaksa said that he is expecting to obtain India''s support in advancing the 1971 proposal to declare the Indian Ocean a peace zone. The long standing problems faced by the fishermen of the two countries could be resolved by identifying immediate solutions to the existing problems and providing the benefits rightfully owed by the fishing community, the release said. On India’s concerns over the 13th amendment, Rajapaksa pointed out the urgent need to understand the weaknesses as well as the strengths of the 13th Amendment. Shringla, in his meetings with the Tamil minority parties, had stressed the Indian commitment to the 13A as means to bring about reconciliation in Sri Lanka. India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation''s character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The 13th Amendment provides for devolution of power to the Tamil community. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987. A release from the Indian High Commission said the Foreign Secretary underscored the importance India attaches to expeditiously taking forward mutually beneficial projects, including proposals to enhance air and sea connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Earlier, the High Commission of India (HCI) here, giving details of the meeting, said in a tweet, "they reaffirmed the strong ties of friendship & cooperation between India & Sri Lanka and discussed ways to further advance this comprehensive partnership at all levels." In all his engagements, Shringla underscored India’s willingness to pursue economic and commercial ties between the two countries and post pandemic economic recovery by taking forward joint projects of mutual benefit was emphasised, officials said. The Indian High Commission said that the foreign secretary''s visit involving notable engagements in Colombo, Kandy, Trincomalee and Jaffna was "productive". “His visit will give further impetus and momentum to India-Sri Lanka ties," it said in a tweet. On Monday, Shringla had a "productive discussion" with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on further consolidating the multifaceted bilateral partnership. He also met Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister GL Peiris and discussed bilateral ties in all spheres. He also held delegation-level meetings with his Lankan counterpart Admiral (Retd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage on Monday. during which they reviewed bilateral cooperation.The Foreign Secretary also interacted with the Indian High Commission officers at the Mission premises on Tuesday. "Team HCI is truly grateful for his words of encouragement and support," the IHC said in another tweet.

Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for any activity against India: President Rajapaksa

Plans are afoot for connectivity from the Mediterranean to India via the Gulf. The plans involve countries like Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and India.

The foreign ministers of India, Israeli, Egyptian, Cyprus, Greece and others are expected to meet in Dubai at the 12th edition of the Sir Bani Yas Forum to further discuss the plan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infra-projects-buddha-link-rights-of-tamils-dominate-shringlas-sri-lanka-visit-418297">Infra projects, Buddha link, rights of Tamils dominate Shringla's Sri Lanka visit</a>

The forum will meet from 12th to 14th November.

WION has learnt that the project focuses on building a corridor that connects India to the Gulf and West Asia to the Eastern Mediterranean, which will link the region to Europe and be a game-changer.

The foreign ministers' face-to-face meeting is expected to eliminate the roadblocks in this&nbsp;connectivity project, which currently is in the preliminary stages.

It is important to understand that three key countries in West Asia; Saudi Arabia, Israel and UAE who will also be a part of the discussion of the project, already have a close relationship with New Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-wants-trade-security-pact-with-india-says-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-417979">UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

Several trilateral projects are also underway between India, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

The Abraham Accords of 2020, saw the normalisation of ties between Israel and UAE and since then both sides have increased engagements with each other including the presence of the Israel pavilion at the ongoing Dubai Expo.

India has been taking a lead in several connectivity initiatives, from the Chabahar port project in Iran that links it to Central Asia and beyond; to the Kaladan Multimodal project in the east that connects it to ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

Chabahar is also key to the International north-south transport corridor connecting Mumbai to Moscow.

Plans are afoot for connectivity from the Mediterranean to India via the Gulf. The plans involve countries like Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and India.

Plans are afoot for connectivity from the Mediterranean to India via the Gulf. The plans involve countries like Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and India. The foreign ministers of India, Israeli, Egyptian, Cyprus, Greece and others are expected to meet in Dubai at the 12th edition of the Sir Bani Yas Forum to further discuss the plan. Also read | Infra projects, Buddha link, rights of Tamils dominate Shringla's Sri Lanka visit The forum will meet from 12th to 14th November. WION has learnt that the project focuses on building a corridor that connects India to the Gulf and West Asia to the Eastern Mediterranean, which will link the region to Europe and be a game-changer. The foreign ministers' face-to-face meeting is expected to eliminate the roadblocks in this connectivity project, which currently is in the preliminary stages. It is important to understand that three key countries in West Asia; Saudi Arabia, Israel and UAE who will also be a part of the discussion of the project, already have a close relationship with New Delhi. Also read | UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss Several trilateral projects are also underway between India, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. The Abraham Accords of 2020, saw the normalisation of ties between Israel and UAE and since then both sides have increased engagements with each other including the presence of the Israel pavilion at the ongoing Dubai Expo. India has been taking a lead in several connectivity initiatives, from the Chabahar port project in Iran that links it to Central Asia and beyond; to the Kaladan Multimodal project in the east that connects it to ASEAN countries. Chabahar is also key to the International north-south transport corridor connecting Mumbai to Moscow.

Plans afoot for connectivity from Mediterranean to India via Gulf

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region.

It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics &amp; hospitals. These clinics will be extending care for examining vitals.

AkosMD Healthcare's integrated portal is designed with a simple and practical layout to guide the user during their assessment by minimising guesswork and making virtual consultations seamless. Patients have access to most of their medical needs in one-patient portal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-used-by-scientists-to-discover-a-treatment-for-childhood-cancer-415247">AI used by scientists to discover a treatment for childhood cancer</a>

It provides comprehensive telemedicine support, an integrated care management platform (records, analytics, and awareness), Labs and Medicine Support Network, Insurance Tie-ups, Clinical Behavioural Wellness and Lifestyle solutions.

"We are excited to launch our first AI/AR enabled retail clinic here in the NCR region, as a part of Phase-I of our operations. Gradually, we will spread across other parts of India in Phase-II over the next six months to a year," said Amit Kumar, Managing Director, AkosMD Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

"The AI/AR enabled medical station would also be able to hold patient's continuous self-examination with diagnostic tools to collect and store vital signs and parameters," said Kumar.

"While the software collects the symptoms, identifies the diagnostic possibilities, and formulates a treatment plan, the remote provider (doctor) will access the evaluation and confirm the diagnosis as well as the treatment plan along with an on-site assistant to help with the process, as needed," added Kumar.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artificial-intelligence-completes-beethovens-unfinished-tenth-symphony-417463">Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony</a>

This Noida headquartered health-tech start-up currently offers a highly secure teleconsultation platform integrated with a system capable of flexible scheduling, patient data handling, healthcare record management, payment processing, white-label branding among many other features.

Started in 2020, AkosMD Healthcare wants to position itself as a key player in the evolving area of tech-based healthcare and wellness management services and use technology &amp; innovation to create comprehensive solutions for `Primary &amp; Preventive Healthcare.`According to Kumar, there is a huge scope to grow in the Indian Health-tech market which comprises of six segments- Telemedicine, e-pharmacy, fitness, wellness, healthcare, IT, Analytics, Home health care and Personal Health management. This segment is currently worth about $2 billion, which is less than 1 per cent of the overall healthcare industry in India.

According to a recent report, the Indian Health-tech market is expected to grow at a 39% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY 2020-23 and is expected to reach USD $50 billion by 2023.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region. It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics & hospitals.

AkosMD Healthcare, a leading B2B health-tech start-up is all set to open its first smart automated retail clinic in the NCR region. It aims to provide integrated telemedicine services for doctors, insurance players and clinics & hospitals. These clinics will be extending care for examining vitals. AkosMD Healthcare's integrated portal is designed with a simple and practical layout to guide the user during their assessment by minimising guesswork and making virtual consultations seamless. Patients have access to most of their medical needs in one-patient portal. Also Read | AI used by scientists to discover a treatment for childhood cancer It provides comprehensive telemedicine support, an integrated care management platform (records, analytics, and awareness), Labs and Medicine Support Network, Insurance Tie-ups, Clinical Behavioural Wellness and Lifestyle solutions. "We are excited to launch our first AI/AR enabled retail clinic here in the NCR region, as a part of Phase-I of our operations. Gradually, we will spread across other parts of India in Phase-II over the next six months to a year," said Amit Kumar, Managing Director, AkosMD Healthcare Pvt Ltd. "The AI/AR enabled medical station would also be able to hold patient's continuous self-examination with diagnostic tools to collect and store vital signs and parameters," said Kumar. "While the software collects the symptoms, identifies the diagnostic possibilities, and formulates a treatment plan, the remote provider (doctor) will access the evaluation and confirm the diagnosis as well as the treatment plan along with an on-site assistant to help with the process, as needed," added Kumar. Also Read | Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony This Noida headquartered health-tech start-up currently offers a highly secure teleconsultation platform integrated with a system capable of flexible scheduling, patient data handling, healthcare record management, payment processing, white-label branding among many other features. Started in 2020, AkosMD Healthcare wants to position itself as a key player in the evolving area of tech-based healthcare and wellness management services and use technology & innovation to create comprehensive solutions for `Primary & Preventive Healthcare.`According to Kumar, there is a huge scope to grow in the Indian Health-tech market which comprises of six segments- Telemedicine, e-pharmacy, fitness, wellness, healthcare, IT, Analytics, Home health care and Personal Health management. This segment is currently worth about $2 billion, which is less than 1 per cent of the overall healthcare industry in India. According to a recent report, the Indian Health-tech market is expected to grow at a 39% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY 2020-23 and is expected to reach USD $50 billion by 2023.

India's awaited AI enabled retail clinic is set to launch in Delhi-NCR

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in India is set to reach $7.8 billion by 2025 -- covering hardware, software and services markets -- and growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 20.2 per cent, a new report showed on Tuesday.

The businesses in India will accelerate the adoption of both AI-centric and AI non-centric applications for the next five years, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artificial-intelligence-completes-beethovens-unfinished-tenth-symphony-417463">Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony</a>

AI software segment will dominate the market and would grow from $2.8 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 18.1 per cent by the end of 2025.

"Indian organisations plan to invest in AI to address current business scenarios across functions, such as customer service, human resources (HR), IT automation, security, recommendations, and many more," IDC India Associate Research Director, Cloud and AI, Rishu Sharma said.

"Increasing business resilience and enhancing customer retention are among the top business objectives for using AI by Indian enterprises," Sharma added.

Indian organisations cited the cloud as the preferred deployment location for their AI/ML solutions. About 51 per cent of organisations are processing transactional and social media data through AI/ML solutions in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/spacecows-ai-to-help-rangers-predict-herds-movements-to-save-sacred-sites-and-rock-art-413278">SpaceCows: AI to help rangers predict herds' movements to save sacred sites and rock art</a>

"With data being one of the most crucial components in an AI/ML project, businesses use variety of databases to handle large data volumes for making real time business decisions. Organisations must focus on getting high-quality training data for AI/ML models," AI Senior Market Analyst, Swapnil Shende said.

AI applications forms the largest share of revenue for the AI software category, at more than 52 per cent in 2020.

"The major reasons for AI projects to fail includes disruptive results to current business processes and lack of follow-ups from business units," the report noted.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in India is set to reach $7.8 billion by 2025 -- covering hardware, software and services markets -- and growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 20.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in India is set to reach $7.8 billion by 2025 -- covering hardware, software and services markets -- and growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 20.2 per cent, a new report showed on Tuesday. The businesses in India will accelerate the adoption of both AI-centric and AI non-centric applications for the next five years, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). Also Read | Artificial intelligence completes Beethoven's unfinished tenth symphony AI software segment will dominate the market and would grow from $2.8 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 18.1 per cent by the end of 2025. "Indian organisations plan to invest in AI to address current business scenarios across functions, such as customer service, human resources (HR), IT automation, security, recommendations, and many more," IDC India Associate Research Director, Cloud and AI, Rishu Sharma said. "Increasing business resilience and enhancing customer retention are among the top business objectives for using AI by Indian enterprises," Sharma added. Indian organisations cited the cloud as the preferred deployment location for their AI/ML solutions. About 51 per cent of organisations are processing transactional and social media data through AI/ML solutions in the country. Also read | SpaceCows: AI to help rangers predict herds' movements to save sacred sites and rock art "With data being one of the most crucial components in an AI/ML project, businesses use variety of databases to handle large data volumes for making real time business decisions. Organisations must focus on getting high-quality training data for AI/ML models," AI Senior Market Analyst, Swapnil Shende said. AI applications forms the largest share of revenue for the AI software category, at more than 52 per cent in 2020. "The major reasons for AI projects to fail includes disruptive results to current business processes and lack of follow-ups from business units," the report noted.

India’s Artificial Intelligence market expected to touch $7.8 billion by 2025: Report

India's transport minister is mulling a law that would seek to replace the country's constant car-horn cacophony with the sound of music.

"I am studying this and soon planning to make a law that the horns of all vehicles should be in Indian musical instruments so that it is pleasant to hear," Nitin Gadkari told local media on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-natural-sounds-and-landscapes-boost-health-markers-lower-stress-372557">Natural sounds and landscapes, boost health markers, lower stress</a>

The horns could blast sounds made by the flute, tabla, violin, mouth organ or harmonium, he added.

Gadkari also said he wanted to replace the "irritating" sirens used by ambulances and police vehicles with soothing tunes.

India is home to some of the noisiest cities in the world, as rickshaws, buses, taxis, weaving motorbikes and private cars fight for space on the traffic-clogged roads.

The horn is deemed almost as important as the gas pedal -- and more so than wing mirrors -- and is used by drivers more to alert other road users to their presence rather than to rebuke.

India's colourful trucks often have messages painted on their backs aimed at overtaking drivers such as "Horn OK Please" or "Blow Horn".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

&nbsp;

The World Health Organization says noise pollution can cause hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment, stress and depression.

India's transport minister is mulling a law that would seek to replace the country's constant car-horn cacophony with the sound of music. "I am studying this and soon planning to make a law that the horns of all vehicles should be in Indian musical instruments so that it is pleasant to hear," Nitin Gadkari told local media on Monday.

India's transport minister is mulling a law that would seek to replace the country's constant car-horn cacophony with the sound of music. "I am studying this and soon planning to make a law that the horns of all vehicles should be in Indian musical instruments so that it is pleasant to hear," Nitin Gadkari told local media on Monday. Also read | Natural sounds and landscapes, boost health markers, lower stress The horns could blast sounds made by the flute, tabla, violin, mouth organ or harmonium, he added. Gadkari also said he wanted to replace the "irritating" sirens used by ambulances and police vehicles with soothing tunes. India is home to some of the noisiest cities in the world, as rickshaws, buses, taxis, weaving motorbikes and private cars fight for space on the traffic-clogged roads. The horn is deemed almost as important as the gas pedal -- and more so than wing mirrors -- and is used by drivers more to alert other road users to their presence rather than to rebuke. India's colourful trucks often have messages painted on their backs aimed at overtaking drivers such as "Horn OK Please" or "Blow Horn". Also Read | Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists The World Health Organization says noise pollution can cause hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment, stress and depression.

Indian Transport minister mulls a law replacing vehicle horns with Indian musical instruments

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

"People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-jal-jeevan-mission-app-rashtriya-jal-jeevan-kosh-today-417578">PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today</a>

The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added.

"Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said.

The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then.

"From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-index-india-worlds-second-most-polluted-country-415692">Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country</a>

"The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said.

A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not.

The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season. "People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room. Also Read | PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added. "Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said. The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then. "From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved. Also read | Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country "The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said. A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not. The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

Delhi government launches advanced Green War Room app to address 10 kinds of pollution

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said.

A total of 29,639 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,50,886. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.93 per cent - the highest since March 2020, the Ministry data said.

The active caseload is presently 2,52,902, which is the lowest in 201 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.75 per cent of the country`s total positive cases.

While the weekly positivity rate at 1.66 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 102 days now, the daily positivity rate is 1.61 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 36 days and below 5 per cent for 119 consecutive days now.

According to the Health Ministry data, the testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded, and the last 24 hours saw a total of 11,41,642 tests being conducted, taking the total to 57,53,94,042.

With the administration of 72,51,419 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, vaccination coverage crossed the 91 crore mark, as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

India has thus administered more than 70 per cent of its eligible population with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said.

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said. A total of 29,639 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,50,886. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.93 per cent - the highest since March 2020, the Ministry data said. The active caseload is presently 2,52,902, which is the lowest in 201 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.75 per cent of the country`s total positive cases. While the weekly positivity rate at 1.66 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 102 days now, the daily positivity rate is 1.61 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 36 days and below 5 per cent for 119 consecutive days now. According to the Health Ministry data, the testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded, and the last 24 hours saw a total of 11,41,642 tests being conducted, taking the total to 57,53,94,042. With the administration of 72,51,419 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, vaccination coverage crossed the 91 crore mark, as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Tuesday. India has thus administered more than 70 per cent of its eligible population with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

India logs 18,346 fresh Covid cases, 263 deaths

In the past 24 hours, India reported a total of 20,799 fresh COVID-19 cases, as well as 180 deaths, according to the latest report issued by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

The new fatalities pushed the overall death toll to 4,48,997, the report said.

The recovery of 26,718 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,21,247.

Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.89 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

Meanwhile, the country`s active caseload is 2,64,458, which is the lowest in 200 days.

Active cases presently constitute 0.78 per cent of the country`s total positive cases.

Also in the last 24 hours, a total of 9,91,676 tests were conducted, pushing the overall number to 57,42,52,400.

While the testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.63 per cent remained less than 3 per cent for the last 101 days now.

The daily positivity rate was 2.10 per cent after remaining below 3 per cent for the last 35 days and below 5 per cent for 118 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 23,46,176 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage has crossed the landmark of 90 crore as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Monday.

More than 89.89 crore vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India and through direct state procurement category.

Over 5.67 crore unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. the Health Ministry report added. 
&nbsp;

In the past 24 hours, India reported a total of 20,799 fresh COVID-19 cases, as well as 180 deaths, according to the latest report issued by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

In the past 24 hours, India reported a total of 20,799 fresh COVID-19 cases, as well as 180 deaths, according to the latest report issued by the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The new fatalities pushed the overall death toll to 4,48,997, the report said. The recovery of 26,718 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,21,247. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.89 per cent, the highest since March 2020. Meanwhile, the country`s active caseload is 2,64,458, which is the lowest in 200 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.78 per cent of the country`s total positive cases. Also in the last 24 hours, a total of 9,91,676 tests were conducted, pushing the overall number to 57,42,52,400. While the testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, the weekly positivity rate at 1.63 per cent remained less than 3 per cent for the last 101 days now. The daily positivity rate was 2.10 per cent after remaining below 3 per cent for the last 35 days and below 5 per cent for 118 consecutive days now. With the administration of 23,46,176 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage has crossed the landmark of 90 crore as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Monday. More than 89.89 crore vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India and through direct state procurement category. Over 5.67 crore unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. the Health Ministry report added.

India logs 20,799 fresh Covid cases, 180 deaths

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee.

LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the Oil Tank Farms at Trincomalee today.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-secretary-shringla-begins-4-day-visit-to-sri-lanka-417551">Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka</a>

"LIOC briefed him about the development undertaken at the Lower Tank Farms and the possibilities for further strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance SL`s energy security," the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said in a tweet.

Foreign Secretary Shringla on Saturday reached Sri Lanka`s Colombo on his four-day visit to the nation.

Jayanath Colombage, Sri Lanka`s Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley received Shringla upon his arrival in Colombo.

The visit of the Foreign Secretary will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, the progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle COVID-19 related disruptions.

Earlier this year, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee. LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee. LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the Oil Tank Farms at Trincomalee today. Also read | Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka "LIOC briefed him about the development undertaken at the Lower Tank Farms and the possibilities for further strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance SL`s energy security," the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said in a tweet. Foreign Secretary Shringla on Saturday reached Sri Lanka`s Colombo on his four-day visit to the nation. Jayanath Colombage, Sri Lanka`s Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley received Shringla upon his arrival in Colombo. The visit of the Foreign Secretary will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, the progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle COVID-19 related disruptions. Earlier this year, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy.

Foreign Secretary Shringla visits Lanka oil tank farms in Trincomalee

The total number of recoveries from Covid on Saturday outnumbered the fresh cases in the last 24 hours. India reported a total of 24,354 fresh Covid cases, while recovery in the last 24 hours went up to 25,455 across the country.

According to Union Health Ministry's report on Saturday morning, as many as 234 Covid deaths were reported in the same time span, pushing the total death toll to 4,48,573 so far.

Recovery of 25,455 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,30,68,599. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.86 per cent which is at its highest peak since March 2020.

The active caseload is presently 2,73,889, which is the lowest in 197 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country's total positive cases.

A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests.

The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 am&nbsp;on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a total of 88,14,50,515 vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India and through direct state procurement category. According to the health ministry data, over 5.28 crore balance and unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

The total number of recoveries from Covid on Saturday outnumbered the fresh cases in the last 24 hours. India reported a total of 24,354 fresh Covid cases, while recovery in the last 24 hours went up to 25,455 across the country.

The total number of recoveries from Covid on Saturday outnumbered the fresh cases in the last 24 hours. India reported a total of 24,354 fresh Covid cases, while recovery in the last 24 hours went up to 25,455 across the country. According to Union Health Ministry's report on Saturday morning, as many as 234 Covid deaths were reported in the same time span, pushing the total death toll to 4,48,573 so far. Recovery of 25,455 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,30,68,599. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.86 per cent which is at its highest peak since March 2020. The active caseload is presently 2,73,889, which is the lowest in 197 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country's total positive cases. A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests. The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now. With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 am on Saturday. Meanwhile, a total of 88,14,50,515 vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India and through direct state procurement category. According to the health ministry data, over 5.28 crore balance and unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India logs 24,354 Covid cases and 234 deaths in 24 hours

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- &nbsp;says Ministry of health and family welfare.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India

A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests.

The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India.

Vaccine Dose in India

With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 a,m. on Saturday - said the Union health ministry.

Meanwhile ,36,32,00,842 persons in the 18-44 category across all states and union territories have received their first dose and a total of 8,49,70,800 have received their second dose since the start of phase-3 of the vaccination drive . 
&nbsp;

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- says Ministry of health and family welfare.

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active caseload at 2,73,889; lowest in 197 days, Active cases presently constitute 0.81 per cent of the country`s total positive cases- says Ministry of health and family welfare. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India A total of 14,29,258 Covid tests were conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 57,19,94,990 tests. The weekly positivity rate at 1.68 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 99 days now. The daily positivity rate reported to be 1.70 per cent which is below 3 per cent for the last 33 days and below 5 per cent for 116 consecutive days now. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.86 per cent, highest since March 2020. At least 28,246 recoveries in the last 24 hours took the total number of recoveries to 3,30,43,144 in India. Vaccine Dose in India With the administration of 69,33,838 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India`s Covid vaccination coverage exceeded 89.74 crore as per provisional report till 7 a,m. on Saturday - said the Union health ministry. Meanwhile ,36,32,00,842 persons in the 18-44 category across all states and union territories have received their first dose and a total of 8,49,70,800 have received their second dose since the start of phase-3 of the vaccination drive .

India reports 24,354 new cases and 234 deaths in the last 24 hours

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation.

Shringla arrived today at the invitation of his Lankan counterpart Jayanath Colombage, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The visit will contribute towards the long-standing multi-faceted relations and enhance bilateral partnership between the two countries, the ministry said in a press release.

Shringla will also visit the central district of Kandy, eastern port district of Trincomalee and the northern city of Jaffna.

This is his first Lanka visit after assuming the position of foreign secretary in January last year.

The visit of Shringla will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties, progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle Covid related disruptions, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday.

His visit came days after Ahmedabad-headquartered Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group entered into an agreement with Lanka government owned Port Authority to develop the Colombo Port's West International Container Terminal.

The USD 700 million Build-Operate-Transfer deal is the largest foreign investment ever in the port sector of the island nation, the Lankan government has said.

Announcing Shringla's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Lanka occupies a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Shringla's visit signifies the importance both the countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

His visit is taking place at a time when Lanka is reeling under economic hardships and he is likely to assess whether India could extend any assistance to the island nation to tide over the situation.

It is learnt that matters relating to the building of the western container terminal at the Colombo port are also likely to figure during the foreign secretary's visit to the neighbouring country.

In his talks in Colombo, Sringla is also expected to reiterate India's views on the long-pending Tamil issue.

India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation's character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that provides for devolution of power to it. The 13th amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation. Shringla arrived today at the invitation of his Lankan counterpart Jayanath Colombage, the foreign ministry said on Saturday. The visit will contribute towards the long-standing multi-faceted relations and enhance bilateral partnership between the two countries, the ministry said in a press release. Shringla will also visit the central district of Kandy, eastern port district of Trincomalee and the northern city of Jaffna. This is his first Lanka visit after assuming the position of foreign secretary in January last year. The visit of Shringla will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties, progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle Covid related disruptions, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday. His visit came days after Ahmedabad-headquartered Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group entered into an agreement with Lanka government owned Port Authority to develop the Colombo Port's West International Container Terminal. The USD 700 million Build-Operate-Transfer deal is the largest foreign investment ever in the port sector of the island nation, the Lankan government has said. Announcing Shringla's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Lanka occupies a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Shringla's visit signifies the importance both the countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest. His visit is taking place at a time when Lanka is reeling under economic hardships and he is likely to assess whether India could extend any assistance to the island nation to tide over the situation. It is learnt that matters relating to the building of the western container terminal at the Colombo port are also likely to figure during the foreign secretary's visit to the neighbouring country. In his talks in Colombo, Sringla is also expected to reiterate India's views on the long-pending Tamil issue. India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation's character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that provides for devolution of power to it. The 13th amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.

Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka

India's Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Dubai Expo 2020 will be a unique opportunity to showcase India's potential during a conversation with Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhary in Dubai.

India's Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Dubai Expo 2020 will be a unique opportunity to showcase India's potential during a conversation with Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhary in Dubai. The minister said that India is a leader today in the field of energy and the environment. He also added that the world knows about a country's potential. Goyal added that the world feels that they can safely give work to India without any worry. 'India's immense power' "The Dubai Expo 2020 will showcase India's immense power and will display the country's potential through the Indian pavilion at the expo. It will symbolise India's growing power. India is capable of meeting the needs of the world. The pavilion, which will remain even after the expo, will continue to showcase to world our country's immense potential," said Goyal. Goyal explained, "The image of India has changed under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Be it the field of technology or space, the world will see a new image of India. India is a leader today in the field of energy, environment. The world knows about our potential. India's time has come. The world has faith in India." ALSO READ | Australia recognises Covishield vaccine: Looks forward to welcome Indian students Challenges and opportunities "India has dealt well with several challenges that she had to face in the corona era. We have made digital expansion, we strengthened our healthcare. But India took several big steps before COVID, which became a boon in these tough times," said Goyal. He further added, "India connected people to the bank, brought electricity to large number of houses, those in need were provided with the gas stove, toilets were built. Imagine what would have happened if these facilities were not in place when COVID had hit! Also India has proven that it can be self-reliant when it came to vaccine. We are planning to make 30 crores vaccine this month. The world is watching and realising that partnership with India is necessary." Challenges of the supply chain "India's entrepreneurs and youth are full of confidence. India has lived up to the expectations even in the COVID period. We fulfilled every contract in the world. The world feels that they can safely give work to India and be free of worry. India understands and takes responsibility," the minister further said. Achieving the target of 5 trillion economy Goyal said, "People used to laugh when the Prime Minister used to make many promises earlier. When the PM talked about toilets in every house, people laughed. When the Prime Minister said that everyone will have a bank account, then people would laugh. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered on his promises. The PM aims big and accomplishes things."

Exclusive: Dubai Expo 2020 will showcase India's potential to the world, says Piyush Goyal

India and Australia released a joint statement on Friday saying that both the countries are hoping to reach a landmark trade deal by end of 2022. They announced formal relaunch of stalled negotiations.

Last year, bilateral trade between the countries stood at 17 billion US Dollars last year. India exported its key services sector while Australian coal went the other way.

Both countries are members of the Quad grouping with the United States and Japan.

Following trade ministers' talks in New Delhi, the two countries backed the "expeditious negotiation" of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

In the meantime they plan to reach an "early harvest" interim deal by the end this year under which some duties will already be cut.&nbsp;

The two sides hope for a "balanced trade agreement that encourages expanded trade and investment flows to the benefit of both of our economies, and that reflects a shared commitment to the rules-based international trading system", the statement said.

India was Australia's seventh-largest trading partner and sixth-largest export market in 2020. 
Negotiations on a comprehensive deal between India and Australia were launched more than a decade ago but stalled in 2015.

In recent months New Delhi has also sought to revive trade talks with other countries including the United States, the European Union and Britain.

Indian media quoted Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan as saying that trade could double in the coming years if the comprehensive accord is sewn up.&nbsp;

"And it will double in all areas because the complementarity between our economies is so great," Tehan was quoted as telling a news conference in India on Thursday.

(With agency inputs)

India and Australia released a joint statement on Friday saying that both the countries are hoping to reach a landmark trade deal by end of 2022. They announced formal relaunch of stalled negotiations.

India and Australia released a joint statement on Friday saying that both the countries are hoping to reach a landmark trade deal by end of 2022. They announced formal relaunch of stalled negotiations. Last year, bilateral trade between the countries stood at 17 billion US Dollars last year. India exported its key services sector while Australian coal went the other way. Both countries are members of the Quad grouping with the United States and Japan. Following trade ministers' talks in New Delhi, the two countries backed the "expeditious negotiation" of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. In the meantime they plan to reach an "early harvest" interim deal by the end this year under which some duties will already be cut. The two sides hope for a "balanced trade agreement that encourages expanded trade and investment flows to the benefit of both of our economies, and that reflects a shared commitment to the rules-based international trading system", the statement said. India was Australia's seventh-largest trading partner and sixth-largest export market in 2020. Negotiations on a comprehensive deal between India and Australia were launched more than a decade ago but stalled in 2015. In recent months New Delhi has also sought to revive trade talks with other countries including the United States, the European Union and Britain. Indian media quoted Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan as saying that trade could double in the coming years if the comprehensive accord is sewn up. "And it will double in all areas because the complementarity between our economies is so great," Tehan was quoted as telling a news conference in India on Thursday. (With agency inputs)

Quad partners India and Australia to ink trade deal by end 2022 

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities&nbsp;and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques.

Monson Mavunkal, a Kerala-based Youtber and a resident of Cherthala, was arrested from Alappuzha district by the crime branch team on Sunday based on a complaint from six people after he duped them of Rs 10 crore (100 million rupees) in 2017.

According to police, the 52-year-old conman told his clients that he will be getting Rs 24 crore (240 million rupees) after selling antiques to the royal family in the Middle East and that he needs some money to clear legal hurdles to get the amount transferred from his foreign bank account to his Indian account. He would then lure the victims by promising them a partnership in a huge museum project that he claimed was in the pipeline to be made in Kochi.

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According to reports, the conman was planning a new fraud where he had convinced people that he was planning to buy 93 antiques worth Rs 15,000 crores (150 billion rupees)&nbsp; for the antique museum in Qatar.

But his plan got backfired this time and he was arrested. The police have been on the hunt for a few months after six cheated victims filed a complaint with the state’s Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan in July this year.

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The complaint against Mavunkal by victims said he showed them the so-called staff of Moses, the sword of Mysore King Tipu Sultan, scriptures inscribed in gold, Bhagwad Gita of Chhatrapati Shivaji, India’s Mughal king Aurangzeb’s ring among others.&nbsp;

Mavunkal’s shenanigans weren’t limited to him posing as an antique collector alone. It is being said that Monson also dipped into other professions to find unique ways to con people. He used to pretend as a doctor, philanthropist, actor and promoter of world peace and considered himself to be a ‘jack of all trades’.

(With inputs from agencies)

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques.

A self-proclaimed antique dealer, who claimed to have high-profile connections with politicians, celebrities and bureaucrats, was arrested in India’s southern Kerala state for swindling millions of rupees by selling fake antiques. Monson Mavunkal, a Kerala-based Youtber and a resident of Cherthala, was arrested from Alappuzha district by the crime branch team on Sunday based on a complaint from six people after he duped them of Rs 10 crore (100 million rupees) in 2017. According to police, the 52-year-old conman told his clients that he will be getting Rs 24 crore (240 million rupees) after selling antiques to the royal family in the Middle East and that he needs some money to clear legal hurdles to get the amount transferred from his foreign bank account to his Indian account. He would then lure the victims by promising them a partnership in a huge museum project that he claimed was in the pipeline to be made in Kochi. Also read | Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana According to reports, the conman was planning a new fraud where he had convinced people that he was planning to buy 93 antiques worth Rs 15,000 crores (150 billion rupees) for the antique museum in Qatar. But his plan got backfired this time and he was arrested. The police have been on the hunt for a few months after six cheated victims filed a complaint with the state’s Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan in July this year. Also read | Wandering turtle on runway causes delay at Tokyo airport The complaint against Mavunkal by victims said he showed them the so-called staff of Moses, the sword of Mysore King Tipu Sultan, scriptures inscribed in gold, Bhagwad Gita of Chhatrapati Shivaji, India’s Mughal king Aurangzeb’s ring among others. Mavunkal’s shenanigans weren’t limited to him posing as an antique collector alone. It is being said that Monson also dipped into other professions to find unique ways to con people. He used to pretend as a doctor, philanthropist, actor and promoter of world peace and considered himself to be a ‘jack of all trades’. (With inputs from agencies)

A doctor, antique dealer & Youtuber: India’s conman who sold fake artefacts for millions of rupees held

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government.

Industry officials said low demand and the extremely cold storage temperatures required have spurred at least three big hospitals to cancel orders for Sputnik V, sold only on the private market in the world's biggest vaccine-producing country.

"With storage and everything, we have cancelled our order for 2,500 doses," said Jitendra Oswal, a senior medical official at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital in the western city of Pune.

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"Demand is also not great. There is a class of people, barely 1%, that wanted to go for Sputnik. For the rest, anything would do."

From May until last week, private hospitals accounted for just about six&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of all vaccines administered in India, although the government had freed them to buy up to a quarter of domestic output, health ministry data show.

India is set to become a major production centre of Sputnik V, with planned capacity of about 850 million shots a year, and low domestic uptake could mean higher exports instead, a step backers are already pushing for&nbsp;Indian companies have already started making Sputnik doses.

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since a June launch event by Indian distributor Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd, only 943,000 doses of Sputnik V have been administered by hospitals, a fraction of the national total of more than 876 million.

Dr. Reddy`s, which has imported about 3 million doses of the vaccine from Russia and refunded hospitals for cancelled orders, declined to comment. 
Its partner the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which markets Sputnik V internationally, also declined to comment.

Cheaper, easier alternatives

The mainstay of India's inoculation drive is the AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored in regular refrigerators, unlike Sputnik V, which needs temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4°F), impossible to guarantee in most of India.

The vaccine is also as much as 47 per cent&nbsp;more expensive than AstraZeneca on the private market.

Avis Hospitals, which runs eight vaccination centres in the southern city of Hyderabad, has also cancelled an order for 10,000 Sputnik V doses, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter who sought anonymity in discussing business matters. Avis did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Another Pune hospital, which declined to be identified, said it had also cancelled its Sputnik V orders. Sputnik V is just one of the vaccines suffering from a sharp fall in private sales.

Pune's Bharati hospital will end its COVID-19 vaccination programme when it runs out of AstraZeneca doses, as daily inoculations have fallen about 90&nbsp;per cent to 100 from their June levels, Oswal said.

Just 9,000 doses remain of stocks of 62,000 it ordered.

Avis's COVID-19 vaccine sales have shrunk 40 per cent with existing stocks expected to last until December, instead of October, said the source.

India's monthly production of vaccine, mainly of the AstraZeneca shot known domestically as Covishield, has quadrupled to 300 million doses from April, when a dramatic surge in infections and deaths prompted a halt in exports.

Overseas sales are to resume&nbsp;in October.

Covishield accounts for 88&nbsp;per cent of India's inoculations, followed by Bharat Biotech`s domestically developed Covaxin. Both are administered for free at government centres since mid-January. 
&nbsp;

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government.

Some of India's private hospitals have cancelled orders for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as they struggle to sell COVID-19 shots amid surging supplies of free doses of other vaccines offered by the government. Industry officials said low demand and the extremely cold storage temperatures required have spurred at least three big hospitals to cancel orders for Sputnik V, sold only on the private market in the world's biggest vaccine-producing country. "With storage and everything, we have cancelled our order for 2,500 doses," said Jitendra Oswal, a senior medical official at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital in the western city of Pune. Also read | Can Vitamin A help in treating Covid-resulted loss of smell? Experts answer "Demand is also not great. There is a class of people, barely 1%, that wanted to go for Sputnik. For the rest, anything would do." From May until last week, private hospitals accounted for just about six per cent of all vaccines administered in India, although the government had freed them to buy up to a quarter of domestic output, health ministry data show. India is set to become a major production centre of Sputnik V, with planned capacity of about 850 million shots a year, and low domestic uptake could mean higher exports instead, a step backers are already pushing for Indian companies have already started making Sputnik doses. The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since a June launch event by Indian distributor Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories Ltd, only 943,000 doses of Sputnik V have been administered by hospitals, a fraction of the national total of more than 876 million. Dr. Reddy`s, which has imported about 3 million doses of the vaccine from Russia and refunded hospitals for cancelled orders, declined to comment. Its partner the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which markets Sputnik V internationally, also declined to comment. Cheaper, easier alternatives The mainstay of India's inoculation drive is the AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored in regular refrigerators, unlike Sputnik V, which needs temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4°F), impossible to guarantee in most of India. The vaccine is also as much as 47 per cent more expensive than AstraZeneca on the private market. Avis Hospitals, which runs eight vaccination centres in the southern city of Hyderabad, has also cancelled an order for 10,000 Sputnik V doses, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter who sought anonymity in discussing business matters. Avis did not respond to an email seeking comment. Another Pune hospital, which declined to be identified, said it had also cancelled its Sputnik V orders. Sputnik V is just one of the vaccines suffering from a sharp fall in private sales. Pune's Bharati hospital will end its COVID-19 vaccination programme when it runs out of AstraZeneca doses, as daily inoculations have fallen about 90 per cent to 100 from their June levels, Oswal said. Just 9,000 doses remain of stocks of 62,000 it ordered. Avis's COVID-19 vaccine sales have shrunk 40 per cent with existing stocks expected to last until December, instead of October, said the source. India's monthly production of vaccine, mainly of the AstraZeneca shot known domestically as Covishield, has quadrupled to 300 million doses from April, when a dramatic surge in infections and deaths prompted a halt in exports. Overseas sales are to resume in October. Covishield accounts for 88 per cent of India's inoculations, followed by Bharat Biotech`s domestically developed Covaxin. Both are administered for free at government centres since mid-January.

Staggering private sales of Covid vaccines in India deal blow to Russia's Sputnik V

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce USD 1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending.

The petition by the airline, which is separate to Indian government's plea in a Washington court seeking dismissal of Cairn's lawsuit to seek confirmation of the arbitral award, said the New York district court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate a "mere hypothetical question" or one that depends upon contingent future events that may or may not occur.

Cairn first moved a court in the US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking confirmation of the arbitration award and then filed a petition in the New York court to seek declaration of Air India as "alter ego" of the Indian government and so it should be made liable to pay the USD 1.26 billion arbitral award.

An international arbitration tribunal in December last year set aside the levy of capital gains tax, using a 2012 retrospective legislation, on a 2006 reorganization of India business that Cairn carried before listing it on local stock exchanges. It ordered India to return the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld to enforce levy. 
With India refusing to pay, Cairn moved courts in the US.

"Cairn's petition to confirm the Award is pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia," Air India said in the August 23 petition seen by PTI.

It went on to state that the Indian government has filed before a court in The Hague -- the seat of the international arbitration tribunal -- a Motion to Stay and a Motion to Dismiss the arbitral award.

"In effect, the Complaint (by Cairn Energy) is a premature enforcement action dressed up as a declaratory judgment action, invoking this Court's federal jurisdiction to get a head start on executing the Award before the D.D.C. Has had the opportunity to address the Republic of India's immunity defenses and its claims that the Award is not subject to enforcement under the New York Convention," Air India said.

"Such an attempt is improper, and the Complaint should be dismissed."

It sought dismissal on three counts - first because the court lacks jurisdiction "to issue a declaratory judgment because the alleged controversy is not ripe", second "Air India is immune from suit because none of the exceptions to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) applies to a premature collection proceeding of a hypothetical judgment, and third "the Complaint, which presupposes an enforceable judgment that does not exist, fails to allege a cognizable cause of action."

The Indian government had earlier this month asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia (DDC) to dismiss the case, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction since the country never agreed to arbitrate tax disputes. Meanwhile, litigation filed by New Delhi in the Netherlands to have the award set aside also remains pending.

"Cairn asks this court to issue a declaration that Air India, as alleged alter ego of [India], will be liable on a judgment that does not, and may never, exist," the airline said in the August 23 petition.

"Unless and until the court in the Cairn confirmation action determines the threshold question of the enforceability of the award against (India), whether Cairn can then enforce that judgment against Air India under an alter ego theory is purely academic and not ripe for adjudication."

This comes within weeks of the government enacting a legislation to scrap the tax rule that gave the tax department power to go 50 years back and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas, but business assets were in India. That rule had been used to levy a cumulative of Rs 1.10 lakh crore of tax on 17 entities, including Rs 10,247 crore on Cairn.

The Indian government and Air India are defending their positions as rules for withdrawal of such tax demands are in the process of being framed.

"One of the requirements for the dropping of the retrospective tax demands is that the parties concerned have to give an undertaking for withdrawal of all cases against the government/tax department. So, while all this is in process, the government is obligated to respond in any legal matter where there is a time bar for doing so," an official explained. 
The government in the dismissal motion filed on August 13 before DCC, cited protections afforded by the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976.

India in the filing said the court "lacks subject-matter jurisdiction under the FSIA because India never waived its sovereign immunity and, likewise, never offered - let alone agreed - to arbitrate the present dispute with Petitioners".

"India also never "clearly and unmistakably" excluded judicial review or delegated exclusive competence to decide these questions to an arbitral tribunal", implying that Cairn couldn't satisfy any exception to sovereign immunity under the US law, the filing said. 
&nbsp;

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce USD 1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending.

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce USD 1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending. The petition by the airline, which is separate to Indian government's plea in a Washington court seeking dismissal of Cairn's lawsuit to seek confirmation of the arbitral award, said the New York district court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate a "mere hypothetical question" or one that depends upon contingent future events that may or may not occur. Cairn first moved a court in the US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking confirmation of the arbitration award and then filed a petition in the New York court to seek declaration of Air India as "alter ego" of the Indian government and so it should be made liable to pay the USD 1.26 billion arbitral award. An international arbitration tribunal in December last year set aside the levy of capital gains tax, using a 2012 retrospective legislation, on a 2006 reorganization of India business that Cairn carried before listing it on local stock exchanges. It ordered India to return the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld to enforce levy. With India refusing to pay, Cairn moved courts in the US. "Cairn's petition to confirm the Award is pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia," Air India said in the August 23 petition seen by PTI. It went on to state that the Indian government has filed before a court in The Hague -- the seat of the international arbitration tribunal -- a Motion to Stay and a Motion to Dismiss the arbitral award. "In effect, the Complaint (by Cairn Energy) is a premature enforcement action dressed up as a declaratory judgment action, invoking this Court's federal jurisdiction to get a head start on executing the Award before the D.D.C. Has had the opportunity to address the Republic of India's immunity defenses and its claims that the Award is not subject to enforcement under the New York Convention," Air India said. "Such an attempt is improper, and the Complaint should be dismissed." It sought dismissal on three counts - first because the court lacks jurisdiction "to issue a declaratory judgment because the alleged controversy is not ripe", second "Air India is immune from suit because none of the exceptions to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) applies to a premature collection proceeding of a hypothetical judgment, and third "the Complaint, which presupposes an enforceable judgment that does not exist, fails to allege a cognizable cause of action." The Indian government had earlier this month asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia (DDC) to dismiss the case, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction since the country never agreed to arbitrate tax disputes. Meanwhile, litigation filed by New Delhi in the Netherlands to have the award set aside also remains pending. "Cairn asks this court to issue a declaration that Air India, as alleged alter ego of [India], will be liable on a judgment that does not, and may never, exist," the airline said in the August 23 petition. "Unless and until the court in the Cairn confirmation action determines the threshold question of the enforceability of the award against (India), whether Cairn can then enforce that judgment against Air India under an alter ego theory is purely academic and not ripe for adjudication." This comes within weeks of the government enacting a legislation to scrap the tax rule that gave the tax department power to go 50 years back and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas, but business assets were in India. That rule had been used to levy a cumulative of Rs 1.10 lakh crore of tax on 17 entities, including Rs 10,247 crore on Cairn. The Indian government and Air India are defending their positions as rules for withdrawal of such tax demands are in the process of being framed. "One of the requirements for the dropping of the retrospective tax demands is that the parties concerned have to give an undertaking for withdrawal of all cases against the government/tax department. So, while all this is in process, the government is obligated to respond in any legal matter where there is a time bar for doing so," an official explained. The government in the dismissal motion filed on August 13 before DCC, cited protections afforded by the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976. India in the filing said the court "lacks subject-matter jurisdiction under the FSIA because India never waived its sovereign immunity and, likewise, never offered - let alone agreed - to arbitrate the present dispute with Petitioners". "India also never "clearly and unmistakably" excluded judicial review or delegated exclusive competence to decide these questions to an arbitral tribunal", implying that Cairn couldn't satisfy any exception to sovereign immunity under the US law, the filing said.

Air India asks US court to dismiss Cairn petition,says it is premature

&nbsp;A six-month-old injured male tiger that was spotted roaming alone in private tea estates near a hill station in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state was rescued by forest staff on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The officials from the forest department at the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu, said the sightings of a lone tiger cub in the area was a “rare occurrence”, as the young ones are usually spotted with their mothers.&nbsp;

Ever since it was spotted two days ago, the forest staff had been tracking the weak-appearing cub, until they lost track of it owing to heavy rains and poor visibility in Valparai area, Coimbatore.&nbsp;

Field director and conservator of forest, ATR, Ramasubramanian told Zee that the cub was initially spotted about two days ago by forest staff who were on routine rounds, following which the animal was being tracked.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We had set up a team of vets from Tirunelveli and technical experts according to the guidance issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority Guidelines for capture. Cages and tranquillizer darts were also kept ready, and we formed four teams. We spent hours combing the area where the tiger cub was last spotted. Later, a few tea estate workers informed us that the cub had taken refuge in an abandoned building in their premises, following which we tacked the tiger,” Ramasubramanian said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
6-month old, injured male tiger cub captured by TN forest dept in Anaimalai Tiger reserve(ATR). Cub bore injuries caused by porcupine 
 
Officials say, cub has been provided treatment, fed milk&amp;meat and is doing well 
 
ATR is home to 25tigers, forest dept looking for cub's family <a href="https://t.co/zmPW7vPYIi">pic.twitter.com/zmPW7vPYIi</a>
— Sidharth M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1443155806543745025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After the mammoth effort of 150 personnel in clearing the bushes and conducting searches amid the heavy rain, the cub was finally captured late on Tuesday night. &nbsp;

Owing to its weak condition and the risks involved in using a tranquillizer, the forest department staff and experts caught the tiger cub in a net and covered its eyes and face (to prevent it from behaving aggressively) and move the cub to a treatment facility in Rottikadai, nearly 10 kilometres from the captured area in Valparai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Examination by the veterinarians revealed that the cub was injured by porcupine quills and the tiger’s faeces indicated that the big cat had eaten a porcupine. &nbsp;

The forest official said the feline would later be released into the woods after it recovers completely.&nbsp;

“The decision to release the cub or keep it under captivity is to be taken by the NTCA and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu, after the cub completes close to a week under observation” Ramasubramanian added. &nbsp;

Asked about the whereabouts of the cub’s mother and siblings, he replied that forest staff are looking into whether the cub was abandoned or got lost. &nbsp;

The Anaimalai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu is home to about 25 tigers and the region where the cub was captured is home to anywhere between 7-10 tigers. &nbsp;

The ATR spans across parts of Coimbatore, Tirupur and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A six-month-old injured male tiger that was spotted roaming alone in private tea estates near a hill station in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state was rescued by forest staff on Wednesday.

A six-month-old injured male tiger that was spotted roaming alone in private tea estates near a hill station in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state was rescued by forest staff on Wednesday. The officials from the forest department at the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu, said the sightings of a lone tiger cub in the area was a “rare occurrence”, as the young ones are usually spotted with their mothers. Ever since it was spotted two days ago, the forest staff had been tracking the weak-appearing cub, until they lost track of it owing to heavy rains and poor visibility in Valparai area, Coimbatore. Field director and conservator of forest, ATR, Ramasubramanian told Zee that the cub was initially spotted about two days ago by forest staff who were on routine rounds, following which the animal was being tracked. “We had set up a team of vets from Tirunelveli and technical experts according to the guidance issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority Guidelines for capture. Cages and tranquillizer darts were also kept ready, and we formed four teams. We spent hours combing the area where the tiger cub was last spotted. Later, a few tea estate workers informed us that the cub had taken refuge in an abandoned building in their premises, following which we tacked the tiger,” Ramasubramanian said. 6-month old, injured male tiger cub captured by TN forest dept in Anaimalai Tiger reserve(ATR). Cub bore injuries caused by porcupine Officials say, cub has been provided treatment, fed milk&meat and is doing well ATR is home to 25tigers, forest dept looking for cub's family pic.twitter.com/zmPW7vPYIi — Sidharth M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 29, 2021 × After the mammoth effort of 150 personnel in clearing the bushes and conducting searches amid the heavy rain, the cub was finally captured late on Tuesday night. Owing to its weak condition and the risks involved in using a tranquillizer, the forest department staff and experts caught the tiger cub in a net and covered its eyes and face (to prevent it from behaving aggressively) and move the cub to a treatment facility in Rottikadai, nearly 10 kilometres from the captured area in Valparai. Examination by the veterinarians revealed that the cub was injured by porcupine quills and the tiger’s faeces indicated that the big cat had eaten a porcupine. The forest official said the feline would later be released into the woods after it recovers completely. “The decision to release the cub or keep it under captivity is to be taken by the NTCA and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu, after the cub completes close to a week under observation” Ramasubramanian added. Asked about the whereabouts of the cub’s mother and siblings, he replied that forest staff are looking into whether the cub was abandoned or got lost. The Anaimalai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu is home to about 25 tigers and the region where the cub was captured is home to anywhere between 7-10 tigers. The ATR spans across parts of Coimbatore, Tirupur and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu.

Watch: 6-month-old injured tiger rescued by forest officials in India's southern Tamil Nadu state

Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has lauded his country's ties with India calling them "strong strategic, and indispensable" and highlighted how his country can become "gateway for Europe" for Indian businesses and other people to people engagement.

Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, Cyprus FM said, "We have excellent relations, based on our strong commitment to international law and rules-based international system". The foreign minister had a bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During the meet, FM Nikos extended invite to EAM to visit Cyprus.

The Cyprus FM also slammed Turkey for "militarisation" of its foriegn policy and "violating International law". He thanked India for "active and major" role when Turkey was seen violating United Nations Security council resolutions on Cyprus by opening Varosha. Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey.&nbsp;

WION: How will you characterise India Cyprus relations?

Nikos Christodoulides: If I would characterise the relationship between India and Cyprus, I will use 3 words--strong, strategic, and indispensable. Traditionally and historically, we have excellent relations, based on our strong commitment to International Law and rules-based international system. I am very glad; I had the chance to meet my colleague here in New York not only to discuss our bilateral relations but also to work together to enhance our bilateral relations. We exchanged views on regional developments, I have to say, I have been always looking forward to the assessment of my colleague who has a very good knowledge of the region.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-agree-to-further-promote-existing-cooperation-between-countries-416464">Nepal, India agree to further promote existing cooperation between countries&nbsp;</a>

Third, we discussed the relationship between European Union and India. Cyprus is a strong supporter of the enhancement of the relationship between Brussels and New Delhi and we need to work together with India, not only on economic and political issues but also, on the region. Because for us, India and EU are pillars of stability in a region of great geo-strategic importance. So, we need to work together with India and I am glad that very recently, we had with us in Portugal, who had the presidency of the EU, our Indian colleague was also there to he gave assessment for the development of the region and how to work together for enhancement of EU-India relations.

WION: How can Cyprus be launch pad for Indian businesses?

Nikos Christodoulides: Cyprus for India is the gateway for Europe and European union, and that is why we are working together with my colleague to enhance people to people contact, to enhance our business relations and Europe is a huge market and can give opportunity to Indians. Also, for Europe, Europeans, European companies to invest in India. Its a huge market, a market that can give lot to European citizens and European companies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-oman-ink-pact-to-boost-maritime-security-cooperation-416424">India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation</a>

WION: You had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar. India and Cyprus are working on many things, we saw conversation on Turkish side not respecting United Nations Security council resolutions..

Nikos Christodoulides: First of all I would like to thank my Indian colleague, I would like to thank Indian govt through our discussions for their active and major role during the recent discussions regarding the Cyprus problem and the Turkish illegal actions in Cyprus. When the issue was discussed at the security council, have to say India's leading role, it was crucial, in order to have positive result from the security council.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-german-govt-expected-to-continue-strong-ties-with-india-german-envoy-416395">New German govt expected to continue strong ties with India: German envoy</a>

It is something that we recognise, it is something we are grateful for. At the same time, recognising the role of India in the region I extended an invitation to my colleague to participate in the regional developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East. Right now, there is an effort from all of the countries of the region, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, UAE, Jordan to come together to not only better tackle the challenges in the region but also take advantage of the opportunities of the region. I invite my Indian colleague to participate in this discussion, in these regional discussions, and I believe and I hope that soon India will be part of these regional developments. I know, this is what the countries of the region will like to see.

WION: Turkey has been concern for Cyprus and for India as well. How is it changing the geo-political situation in and around Cyprus?

Nikos Christodoulides: Unfortunately, Turkey's behavior is violating International law, they don't respect international law, they don't respect rules-based international system. Turkey has problem with all its neighbours. It is not only Cyprus-- Greece, Syria, Libya, Iraq, even India. What we want and the message we are sending to Turkey is, we don't exclude any country from our cooperation, we want excellent bilateral relations with all countries. What we need though from turkey is to respect International Law, respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity for the countries of the region. However, we see from Turkish action, the militarisation of the Turkish foreign policy and this an issue of great concern for all the countries in the region.

WION: It doesn't look like Turkey is giving any positive vibes or actions in region, plans to recognise northern Cyprus with Turkish allies like Pakistan trying to give feelers.

Nikos Christodoulides: First of all you are right that we dont see positive vibes from Turkey. We see sometime few positive statements, but we dont see positive actions. We need positive actions. Regarding the issue you raised, recognition of an illegal regime in the north of Cyprus, as you know very well the Security Council was clear that such an action is going to be against International Law, and we expect from all countries of the international system not to proceed with such an action.

WION: Will you again go to United Nations Security council if Turkey is seen violating UNSC resolutions, as it has been?

Nikos Christodoulides: Of course, and actually recent dicussions that took place were because of the illegal actions of Turkey. It was the 3rd time we appealed to Security Council, and if there is a need again, we will do of course and we are looking forward for support from India and we know very well, having in mind that the foreign policy of India is based on International Law, that we will have your support.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has lauded his country's ties with India calling them "strong strategic, and indispensable" and highlighted how his country can become "gateway for Europe" for Indian businesses and other people to people engagement.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has lauded his country's ties with India calling them "strong strategic, and indispensable" and highlighted how his country can become "gateway for Europe" for Indian businesses and other people to people engagement. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, Cyprus FM said, "We have excellent relations, based on our strong commitment to international law and rules-based international system". The foreign minister had a bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During the meet, FM Nikos extended invite to EAM to visit Cyprus. The Cyprus FM also slammed Turkey for "militarisation" of its foriegn policy and "violating International law". He thanked India for "active and major" role when Turkey was seen violating United Nations Security council resolutions on Cyprus by opening Varosha. Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey. WION: How will you characterise India Cyprus relations? Nikos Christodoulides: If I would characterise the relationship between India and Cyprus, I will use 3 words--strong, strategic, and indispensable. Traditionally and historically, we have excellent relations, based on our strong commitment to International Law and rules-based international system. I am very glad; I had the chance to meet my colleague here in New York not only to discuss our bilateral relations but also to work together to enhance our bilateral relations. We exchanged views on regional developments, I have to say, I have been always looking forward to the assessment of my colleague who has a very good knowledge of the region. Also Read | Nepal, India agree to further promote existing cooperation between countries Third, we discussed the relationship between European Union and India. Cyprus is a strong supporter of the enhancement of the relationship between Brussels and New Delhi and we need to work together with India, not only on economic and political issues but also, on the region. Because for us, India and EU are pillars of stability in a region of great geo-strategic importance. So, we need to work together with India and I am glad that very recently, we had with us in Portugal, who had the presidency of the EU, our Indian colleague was also there to he gave assessment for the development of the region and how to work together for enhancement of EU-India relations. WION: How can Cyprus be launch pad for Indian businesses? Nikos Christodoulides: Cyprus for India is the gateway for Europe and European union, and that is why we are working together with my colleague to enhance people to people contact, to enhance our business relations and Europe is a huge market and can give opportunity to Indians. Also, for Europe, Europeans, European companies to invest in India. Its a huge market, a market that can give lot to European citizens and European companies. Also Read | India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation WION: You had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar. India and Cyprus are working on many things, we saw conversation on Turkish side not respecting United Nations Security council resolutions.. Nikos Christodoulides: First of all I would like to thank my Indian colleague, I would like to thank Indian govt through our discussions for their active and major role during the recent discussions regarding the Cyprus problem and the Turkish illegal actions in Cyprus. When the issue was discussed at the security council, have to say India's leading role, it was crucial, in order to have positive result from the security council. Also Read | New German govt expected to continue strong ties with India: German envoy It is something that we recognise, it is something we are grateful for. At the same time, recognising the role of India in the region I extended an invitation to my colleague to participate in the regional developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East. Right now, there is an effort from all of the countries of the region, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, UAE, Jordan to come together to not only better tackle the challenges in the region but also take advantage of the opportunities of the region. I invite my Indian colleague to participate in this discussion, in these regional discussions, and I believe and I hope that soon India will be part of these regional developments. I know, this is what the countries of the region will like to see. WION: Turkey has been concern for Cyprus and for India as well. How is it changing the geo-political situation in and around Cyprus? Nikos Christodoulides: Unfortunately, Turkey's behavior is violating International law, they don't respect international law, they don't respect rules-based international system. Turkey has problem with all its neighbours. It is not only Cyprus-- Greece, Syria, Libya, Iraq, even India. What we want and the message we are sending to Turkey is, we don't exclude any country from our cooperation, we want excellent bilateral relations with all countries. What we need though from turkey is to respect International Law, respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity for the countries of the region. However, we see from Turkish action, the militarisation of the Turkish foreign policy and this an issue of great concern for all the countries in the region. WION: It doesn't look like Turkey is giving any positive vibes or actions in region, plans to recognise northern Cyprus with Turkish allies like Pakistan trying to give feelers. Nikos Christodoulides: First of all you are right that we dont see positive vibes from Turkey. We see sometime few positive statements, but we dont see positive actions. We need positive actions. Regarding the issue you raised, recognition of an illegal regime in the north of Cyprus, as you know very well the Security Council was clear that such an action is going to be against International Law, and we expect from all countries of the international system not to proceed with such an action. WION: Will you again go to United Nations Security council if Turkey is seen violating UNSC resolutions, as it has been? Nikos Christodoulides: Of course, and actually recent dicussions that took place were because of the illegal actions of Turkey. It was the 3rd time we appealed to Security Council, and if there is a need again, we will do of course and we are looking forward for support from India and we know very well, having in mind that the foreign policy of India is based on International Law, that we will have your support.

Ties with India are strong, strategic and indispensable: Cyprus FM Christodoulides

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus.

It has already administered more than 870 million doses to adults among its population of nearly 1.4 billion.

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"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for allowing enrolment of subjects of 7 to 11 years of age group as per the protocol," a subject expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-virus-expected-to-continue-to-transmit-for-a-very-long-time-says-who-official-416547">Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official</a>

Serum Institute is already conducting a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, a domestically produced version of US&nbsp;drugmaker Novavax`s shot, in the 12-17 age group and has presented safety data for an initial 100 participants.

So far, only drugmaker Zydus Cadila`s DNA COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India to be used in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus.

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus. It has already administered more than 870 million doses to adults among its population of nearly 1.4 billion. Also read | India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for allowing enrolment of subjects of 7 to 11 years of age group as per the protocol," a subject expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization said. Also read | Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official Serum Institute is already conducting a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, a domestically produced version of US drugmaker Novavax`s shot, in the 12-17 age group and has presented safety data for an initial 100 participants. So far, only drugmaker Zydus Cadila`s DNA COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India to be used in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

India allows Serum Institute to enrol 7-11 year olds in COVID-19 vaccine trial

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry.

A total 18,795 fresh Covid cases were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 4,47,373 with 179 more fatalities, the lowest in 193 days, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

The number of daily fatalities was recorded at 154 on March 19.

The number of active cases has declined to 2,92,206, accounting for 0.87 per cent of the total number of cases -- the lowest since March 2020 -- while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.81 per cent, the highest since March last year, the ministry said.

A decrease of 7,414 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported in the country for 93 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

Also, 13,21,780 tests were conducted to detect the infection on Monday, taking the total number of such tests conducted so far in the country to 56,57,30,031.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.42 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 29 days.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.88 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 95 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 3,29,58,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

The cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 87 crore with more than one crore doses administered in a span of 24 hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-mocks-indias-covid-19-crisis-deletes-post-after-backlash-382517">China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash</a>

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23.

The 179 new fatalities include 58 from Kerala and 32 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,47,373 deaths due to the viral disease have so far been reported in the country, including 1,38,902 from Maharashtra, 37,746 from Karnataka, 35,509 from Tamil Nadu, 25,085 from Delhi, 24,661 from Kerala, 22,890 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,751 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry.

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry. A total 18,795 fresh Covid cases were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 4,47,373 with 179 more fatalities, the lowest in 193 days, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The number of daily fatalities was recorded at 154 on March 19. The number of active cases has declined to 2,92,206, accounting for 0.87 per cent of the total number of cases -- the lowest since March 2020 -- while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.81 per cent, the highest since March last year, the ministry said. A decrease of 7,414 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported in the country for 93 consecutive days now, the ministry said. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan Also, 13,21,780 tests were conducted to detect the infection on Monday, taking the total number of such tests conducted so far in the country to 56,57,30,031. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.42 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 29 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.88 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 95 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 3,29,58,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. The cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 87 crore with more than one crore doses administered in a span of 24 hours. Also read | China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23. The 179 new fatalities include 58 from Kerala and 32 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,47,373 deaths due to the viral disease have so far been reported in the country, including 1,38,902 from Maharashtra, 37,746 from Karnataka, 35,509 from Tamil Nadu, 25,085 from Delhi, 24,661 from Kerala, 22,890 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,751 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Sunday discussed various matters of bilateral and multilateral affairs in New York and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes after a bilateral meeting was held between Khadka and Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

According to the Nepal Foreign Ministry, Khadka thanked the Indian government for continued cooperation in the socio-economic development of Nepal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nepal-to-hold-annual-joint-military-exercise-from-september-20-410856">India, Nepal to hold annual joint military exercise from September 20</a>

“The two sides also discussed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of peoples of both the countries and agreed to work together in fighting the virus,” Foreign Ministry of Nepal said in a statement.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Pleased to welcome my new Nepali colleague, Dr. Narayan Khadka. 
 
Agreed that we should work together closely to take our special relationship forward. <a href="https://t.co/NA5D3PYBjC">pic.twitter.com/NA5D3PYBjC</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1442148380298268680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Pleased to welcome my new Nepali colleague, Dr Narayan Khadka. Agreed that we should work together closely to take our special relationship forward,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Later in the day, the Foreign Minister visited the office of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York. &nbsp;

“He instructed officials of the Consulate General to deliver consular services efficiently and promote economic diplomacy of Nepal giving particular attention to export trade, investment, and tourism,” it added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nepals-bittersweet-relationship-a-historical-friendship-turning-grim-307808">India-Nepal's bittersweet relationship: a historical friendship turning grim</a>

In addition, Khadka also attended the interaction program with Nepali diaspora which was co-organized by the office of the Consulate General, Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Association&nbsp;and Nepali community organizations.&nbsp;

He underscored the role of NRNs in Nepal’s socio-economic development largely in the sectors of investment, culture and tourism promotion, and urged them to contribute to Kathmandu’s development efforts.

Earlier, on the sidelines of UNGA, Khadka also held a bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen, and both sides focused on the need for enhanced collaboration in the areas of trade, investment, hydropower development and cross-border energy trade among others.

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Sunday discussed various matters of bilateral and multilateral affairs in New York and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Sunday discussed various matters of bilateral and multilateral affairs in New York and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation between the two countries. The development comes after a bilateral meeting was held between Khadka and Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Nepal Foreign Ministry, Khadka thanked the Indian government for continued cooperation in the socio-economic development of Nepal. Also read | India, Nepal to hold annual joint military exercise from September 20 “The two sides also discussed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of peoples of both the countries and agreed to work together in fighting the virus,” Foreign Ministry of Nepal said in a statement. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries. Pleased to welcome my new Nepali colleague, Dr. Narayan Khadka. Agreed that we should work together closely to take our special relationship forward. pic.twitter.com/NA5D3PYBjC — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2021 × “Pleased to welcome my new Nepali colleague, Dr Narayan Khadka. Agreed that we should work together closely to take our special relationship forward,” Jaishankar said in a tweet. Later in the day, the Foreign Minister visited the office of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York. “He instructed officials of the Consulate General to deliver consular services efficiently and promote economic diplomacy of Nepal giving particular attention to export trade, investment, and tourism,” it added. Also read | India-Nepal's bittersweet relationship: a historical friendship turning grim In addition, Khadka also attended the interaction program with Nepali diaspora which was co-organized by the office of the Consulate General, Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Association and Nepali community organizations. He underscored the role of NRNs in Nepal’s socio-economic development largely in the sectors of investment, culture and tourism promotion, and urged them to contribute to Kathmandu’s development efforts. Earlier, on the sidelines of UNGA, Khadka also held a bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen, and both sides focused on the need for enhanced collaboration in the areas of trade, investment, hydropower development and cross-border energy trade among others.

Nepal, India agree to further promote existing cooperation between countries 

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides.

The pact was signed by Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and his Omani counterpart Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi in Muscat, officials said.

Admiral Singh is on a three-day visit to Oman from Monday.

"The signing of the MoU between Royal Navy of Oman and Indian Navy would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

He said information would be exchanged between the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre and the MSC (Maritime Security Centre), Oman, and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

Apart from talks with Al-Rahbi, Singh is also scheduled to meet Chief of Staff Omani armed forces Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of Royal Army of Oman Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi, Commander of Royal Air Force Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri.

He would also be visiting key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman.

The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training.

Both navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020 off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022.

"This official visit of the Chief of Naval Staff to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman," Commander Madhwal said.

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides.

India and Oman on Monday inked an agreement for exchange of white shipping information and to boost maritime security cooperation in reflection of growing cooperation between the two sides. The pact was signed by Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and his Omani counterpart Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi in Muscat, officials said. Admiral Singh is on a three-day visit to Oman from Monday. "The signing of the MoU between Royal Navy of Oman and Indian Navy would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. He said information would be exchanged between the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre and the MSC (Maritime Security Centre), Oman, and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region. Apart from talks with Al-Rahbi, Singh is also scheduled to meet Chief of Staff Omani armed forces Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of Royal Army of Oman Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi, Commander of Royal Air Force Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri. He would also be visiting key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman. The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts that include operational interactions and training. Both navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020 off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022. "This official visit of the Chief of Naval Staff to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman," Commander Madhwal said.

India, Oman ink pact to boost maritime security cooperation

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi.

According to the report, the CDC`s decades-old, highly productive, and mutually beneficial public health collaboration with India has achieved measurable success across several critical areas, including, Polio eradication, controlling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and influenza, building core public health capabilities across disease surveillance, laboratory systems, public health workforce and emergency response and scaling up antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention and control.

The pandemic has further strengthened the CDC`s partnership with the government of India.

The CDC's Country Director, Meghna Desai said: "The impact and strategic value of CDC`s long-standing collaborations with the Government of India are increasingly clear. Many of our joint efforts are being leveraged to support India`s ongoing Covid-19 response."

"Based on past successes and current public health initiatives, the CDC and the government of India are well-placed to better respond to the world`s most pressing public health challenges," said a statement from CDC.

It added further that the government of India has successfully addressed challenges over the past decades through major investments in the nation`s public health institutions, dedicated resources and platforms to expand one of the largest public health workforces in the world, and a sustained commitment to confront challenging disease control priorities in the country and the region.

"From smallpox to SARS-CoV-2, CDC collaborations with India have benefited both our countries, the entire region, and indeed the world," the statement said.

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi.

As the fourth Indo-US Health Dialogue began here on Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report to commemorate more than a half-century of successful collaborations with the government in New Delhi. According to the report, the CDC`s decades-old, highly productive, and mutually beneficial public health collaboration with India has achieved measurable success across several critical areas, including, Polio eradication, controlling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and influenza, building core public health capabilities across disease surveillance, laboratory systems, public health workforce and emergency response and scaling up antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention and control. The pandemic has further strengthened the CDC`s partnership with the government of India. The CDC's Country Director, Meghna Desai said: "The impact and strategic value of CDC`s long-standing collaborations with the Government of India are increasingly clear. Many of our joint efforts are being leveraged to support India`s ongoing Covid-19 response." "Based on past successes and current public health initiatives, the CDC and the government of India are well-placed to better respond to the world`s most pressing public health challenges," said a statement from CDC. It added further that the government of India has successfully addressed challenges over the past decades through major investments in the nation`s public health institutions, dedicated resources and platforms to expand one of the largest public health workforces in the world, and a sustained commitment to confront challenging disease control priorities in the country and the region. "From smallpox to SARS-CoV-2, CDC collaborations with India have benefited both our countries, the entire region, and indeed the world," the statement said.

India, CDC well-placed to better respond to pressing public health challenges: Report

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