Indian men`s badminton team scripted history on Friday as they triumphed over Denmark in a hard-fought semi-final to make it to the finals of the prestigious Thomas Cup for the first time ever. The thrilling battle against the powerful Denmark side saw the determined Indian team come up with a solid display of power and perseverance.

India are now assured of at least a silver and will play Indonesia in the final. India has entered the final of the Thomas Cup for the first time since the tournament began 73 years back. In the first match, India`s Lakshya Sen took on famous Denmark player Viktor Axelsen. The Danish player lived to his reputation and World Number 9 Sen found the going tough eventually losing in straight games 21-13, 21-13.In the doubles encounter, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Denmark`s Kim Astrup and Mathias Christiansen. Satwik and Chirag clinched the first game 21-18 but the second game stretched and the Danes scarped through 23-21 to force the decider. In the final game, the Indians showed a remarkable display of skill of coordination and clinched the match 22-20.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-indian-players-rush-to-the-court-to-celebrate-wildly-after-beating-malaysia-in-thomas-cup-quarters-478666">WATCH: Indian players rush to the court to celebrate wildly after beating Malaysia in Thomas Cup quarters</a>

Former World No. 1 Srikanth Kidambi took on Anders Antonsen in the third match and prevailed 21-18 in the first game. However, Antonsen bounced backed with 21-12 in the second game to make things even. The Indian fought back in the decider and clinched the match 21-15 to put India ahead 2-1 in the gripping tie. In the fourth match, the Indian duo of Krishna Prasad and Vishnuvardhan battled it out against Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Frederik Sogaard. The Denmark duo did not face much difficulty in winning the match 21-14, 21-13 in 39 minutes.

In the all-important fifth match, HS Prannoy delivered again as he did in the quarter-final. While the first game was won by Rasmus Gemke 21-13, Prannoy bounced backed 21-9 in the second game to make things even. The Indian played with zeal and determination to win the decider 21-12 and give a memorable 3-2 win to India

Indian men`s badminton team scripted history on Friday as they triumphed over Denmark in a hard-fought semi-final to make it to the finals of the prestigious Thomas Cup for the first time ever.

Indian men`s badminton team scripted history on Friday as they triumphed over Denmark in a hard-fought semi-final to make it to the finals of the prestigious Thomas Cup for the first time ever. The thrilling battle against the powerful Denmark side saw the determined Indian team come up with a solid display of power and perseverance. India are now assured of at least a silver and will play Indonesia in the final. India has entered the final of the Thomas Cup for the first time since the tournament began 73 years back. In the first match, India`s Lakshya Sen took on famous Denmark player Viktor Axelsen. The Danish player lived to his reputation and World Number 9 Sen found the going tough eventually losing in straight games 21-13, 21-13.In the doubles encounter, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Denmark`s Kim Astrup and Mathias Christiansen. Satwik and Chirag clinched the first game 21-18 but the second game stretched and the Danes scarped through 23-21 to force the decider. In the final game, the Indians showed a remarkable display of skill of coordination and clinched the match 22-20. ALSO READ | WATCH: Indian players rush to the court to celebrate wildly after beating Malaysia in Thomas Cup quarters Former World No. 1 Srikanth Kidambi took on Anders Antonsen in the third match and prevailed 21-18 in the first game. However, Antonsen bounced backed with 21-12 in the second game to make things even. The Indian fought back in the decider and clinched the match 21-15 to put India ahead 2-1 in the gripping tie. In the fourth match, the Indian duo of Krishna Prasad and Vishnuvardhan battled it out against Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Frederik Sogaard. The Denmark duo did not face much difficulty in winning the match 21-14, 21-13 in 39 minutes. In the all-important fifth match, HS Prannoy delivered again as he did in the quarter-final. While the first game was won by Rasmus Gemke 21-13, Prannoy bounced backed 21-9 in the second game to make things even. The Indian played with zeal and determination to win the decider 21-12 and give a memorable 3-2 win to India

India create history, beat Denmark 3-2 to storm into maiden Thomas Cup final

Pakistan will be attending an anti-terror SCO meeting in New Delhi. Ahead of the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif has appointed a 'minister trade' for its New Delhi mission. Is Islamabad trying to extend an olive branch? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Pakistan to attend SCO meeting in India

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing "S200" booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo hauler, meant to take satellites to space. It is now being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Video</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thread?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thread</a> : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! 
Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 
2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rocket</a> that will take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronauts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronauts</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/POJuOtvDc2">pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2</a>
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WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects for ISRO.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-plans-to-build-disha-lh-two-satellites-meant-for-studying-upper-atmosphere-477883">&nbsp;ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&amp;H, to study upper atmosphere</a>

According to Dr Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised on small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics, and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds.

"Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring it is proof-leak, robust, and achieve higher margins, etc., are some of the changes we made to the S200 to increase its reliability as part of the human-rating process," Dr Nair said when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration, etc.) were monitored during the test and that everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required.

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

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The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage (S200) is powered by solid fuel, the second stage (L110) is powered by liquid fuel, and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit.

The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tonnes of solid propellant. The booster measures 20 metres in length and 3.2 metres in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd&nbsp;largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to the Gaganyaan Programme.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-venus-mission-plan-ready-chairman-urges-academia-scientists-to-work-on-specific-outcomes-476570">'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission</a>

ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to low Earth orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission have been approved by the government of India.

Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human-rated versions of the second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing "S200" booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo hauler, meant to take satellites to space. It is now being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme. #Video #Thread : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! Today, #isro successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 #rocket that will take #Indian #astronauts to #space @isro pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 13, 2022 × WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects for ISRO. Also read | ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&H, to study upper atmosphere According to Dr Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised on small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics, and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds. "Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring it is proof-leak, robust, and achieve higher margins, etc., are some of the changes we made to the S200 to increase its reliability as part of the human-rating process," Dr Nair said when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration, etc.) were monitored during the test and that everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage (S200) is powered by solid fuel, the second stage (L110) is powered by liquid fuel, and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit. The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tonnes of solid propellant. The booster measures 20 metres in length and 3.2 metres in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to the Gaganyaan Programme. Also read | 'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to low Earth orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission have been approved by the government of India. Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human-rated versions of the second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: ISRO tests rocket booster that is among the largest-of-its-kind in the world

India-Oman joint commission meeting was held recently in New Delhi where both sides discussed ways to boost the growing trade ties. In an exclusive conversation with WION's diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, India's envoy to Oman Amit Narang spoke about the latest meeting.

Oman is India's most-trusted partner in the Gulf region, says India's envoy to Oman Amit Narang

New Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is known for his pro-Indian stance. While in office Ranil Wickremesinghe took significant steps to enhance ties with India. Earlier, in an exclusive conversation with WION, Wickremesinghe had called New Delhi an important ally of Colombo.

India and Sri Lanka have deep cultural ties, it is one of our important ally: Ranil Wickremesinghe

We often share tips on how you can stay safe online but now our first advice is always that you have should have a strong password for your online accounts but there's a lot more than all you should know about securing your digital life.

Report: 1 in 4 Indians use weak passwords for online transactions

Terrorists&nbsp;killed a Jammu and Kashmir Police constable in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Terrorists fired upon Police Constable Reyaz Ahmad Thoker, S/O Ali Mohammed, at his residence at Gudroo, Pulwama. According to police, Reyaz had gone to drop off his&nbsp;4-year-old son at school. Police constable Reyaz was shifted to a hospital in an injured state but later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police paid rich tributes to the policeman. A Wreath Laying ceremony was held in the Pulwama district, which was attended by top police and paramilitary officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-pandit-shot-dead-by-terrorists-community-protests-across-kashmir-478446">Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists, community protests across Kashmir</a>

"It's a coward attack by terrorists on Our Jawan, who had gone to drop off his 4-year-old son. It’s condemnable and we have started our investigation into the matter." We will identify them and give them a befitting reply too. Jammu and Kashmir Police have been and will fight terrorists and terrorism, and incidents like these won’t affect our morale, "said Abdul Jabbar, DIG South Kashmir.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India's wheat exports avert global food crisis

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The police also said that all the security arrangements have been put in place in South Kashmir with regard to the Amarnath&nbsp;Yatra.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-tourism-breaks-records-arrivals-highest-in-10-years-478416">&nbsp;Kashmir tourism breaks records, arrivals highest in 10 years</a>

We have made all security arrangements. We are capable of dealing with any security challenge. "said Abdul Jabbar, DIG South Kashmir.

Police said that two terrorists carried out the attack and they will soon be identified.

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Terrorists killed a Jammu and Kashmir Police constable in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Terrorists fired upon Police Constable Reyaz Ahmad Thoker, S/O Ali Mohammed, at his residence at Gudroo, Pulwama.

Terrorists killed a Jammu and Kashmir Police constable in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Terrorists fired upon Police Constable Reyaz Ahmad Thoker, S/O Ali Mohammed, at his residence at Gudroo, Pulwama. According to police, Reyaz had gone to drop off his 4-year-old son at school. Police constable Reyaz was shifted to a hospital in an injured state but later succumbed to his injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Police paid rich tributes to the policeman. A Wreath Laying ceremony was held in the Pulwama district, which was attended by top police and paramilitary officials. Also read | Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists, community protests across Kashmir "It's a coward attack by terrorists on Our Jawan, who had gone to drop off his 4-year-old son. It’s condemnable and we have started our investigation into the matter." We will identify them and give them a befitting reply too. Jammu and Kashmir Police have been and will fight terrorists and terrorism, and incidents like these won’t affect our morale, "said Abdul Jabbar, DIG South Kashmir. Watch | Gravitas: India's wheat exports avert global food crisis The police also said that all the security arrangements have been put in place in South Kashmir with regard to the Amarnath Yatra. Also read | Kashmir tourism breaks records, arrivals highest in 10 years We have made all security arrangements. We are capable of dealing with any security challenge. "said Abdul Jabbar, DIG South Kashmir. Police said that two terrorists carried out the attack and they will soon be identified. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Terrorists shot dead J&K Police constable, rich floral tribute paid during wreathlaying ceremony

The number of days with heat index higher than 35 degrees Celsius have increased from 40 days in 1950s to 100 days in 2020s,&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;a latest report by Greenpeace India on Friday.&nbsp;The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.&nbsp;The report also revealed that if carbon dioxide levels double up by 2050, Delhi will become five degrees warmer between the years, 2080 and 2099.&nbsp;

Carbon dioxide levels doubling by 2050 is one of the projections of the IPCC Working Group III report, which was released recently. &nbsp;

The report also warned that in the same scenario, the cities of Mumbai and Chennai will become warmer by 5 and 4 degrees Celsius as compared to present levels. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-a-heatwave-how-is-it-declared-and-what-are-the-many-types-of-alerts-in-india-475448">What is a heatwave, how is it declared, and what are the many types of alerts in India?</a>

The report is significant as India is currently experiencing a deadly heat wave. &nbsp;

India saw its hottest March in over a century, and many cities like the national capital, New Delhi, experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on most days of April. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Four heat waves devastate northern India, blaze in New Delhi's Bhalswa landfill worsens

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Power demand has also reached new heights and more than two dozen people have died of suspected heat strokes. &nbsp;

In Delhi, the highest temperature record of 47.3°C was set in 1956, according to the data from the Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank Group. The high temperature is fatal and causes severe health issues, but it does not appear every day. Instead, the same research provides another alarming dataset. &nbsp;

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave spell from Friday may see the mercury soaring to 44 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

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The number of days with heat index higher than 35 degrees Celsius have increased from 40 days in 1950s to 100 days in 2020s, revealed a latest report by Greenpeace India on Friday.

The number of days with heat index higher than 35 degrees Celsius have increased from 40 days in 1950s to 100 days in 2020s, revealed a latest report by Greenpeace India on Friday. The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. The report also revealed that if carbon dioxide levels double up by 2050, Delhi will become five degrees warmer between the years, 2080 and 2099. Carbon dioxide levels doubling by 2050 is one of the projections of the IPCC Working Group III report, which was released recently. The report also warned that in the same scenario, the cities of Mumbai and Chennai will become warmer by 5 and 4 degrees Celsius as compared to present levels. Also Read: What is a heatwave, how is it declared, and what are the many types of alerts in India? The report is significant as India is currently experiencing a deadly heat wave. India saw its hottest March in over a century, and many cities like the national capital, New Delhi, experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on most days of April. Watch: Four heat waves devastate northern India, blaze in New Delhi's Bhalswa landfill worsens × Power demand has also reached new heights and more than two dozen people have died of suspected heat strokes. In Delhi, the highest temperature record of 47.3°C was set in 1956, according to the data from the Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank Group. The high temperature is fatal and causes severe health issues, but it does not appear every day. Instead, the same research provides another alarming dataset. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave spell from Friday may see the mercury soaring to 44 degrees Celsius. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Heatwave Alert! If CO2 levels double by 2050, Delhi to turn 5 degrees warmer from 2080 to 2099, says report

India has been chosen as the first ever official country of honor at the Cannes film market which is the business side of the famous film festival. Last week India's union information and broadcasting minister announced that the honor has been bestowed as India celebrates 75 years of independence and this year also marks 75 years of the film festival.

What does Cannes Honour mean for India?

India's wheat exports reached a record high in April, topping 1.4 million tonnes. Can India sustain this level of supply? Will India's exports avert a global food crisis? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's wheat exports avert global food crisis

India will be hosting the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO's) anti-terror body--Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or RATS--next week. The meeting will take place from May 16th to 19th in Delhi and will see the participation of all members of the grouping, including Pakistan.

India to host SCO anti-terror meet from May 16 to 19, Pakistan to participate

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country.

The announcement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another heat wave in Delhi starting on Friday. High temperatures are causing problems in most sections of north, central, northwest, and east India.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-indian-states-ready-with-plans-says-official-476886">&nbsp;India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official</a>

According to the Ministry's guidelines, school hours may begin early and end before noon. It stated that the start time might be as early as 7:00 a.m., and the amount of school hours per day could be reduced.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry, sports or other outside activities that expose students to direct sunlight should be altered in the early morning. It was suggested that school assemblies be held in a covered location or in classrooms with shorter intervals.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry, comparable precautions may be used during dispersal after school has ended.

In an advisory the ministry, urged school officials to limit outside activities and ensure that student stay hydrated during the school hours. It further stated that teaching and non-teaching staffs to be trained to administer first aid in case a student suffers of mild heat-stroke.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Earth could heat up at alarming levels in 5 years

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The guidelines also recommended&nbsp;schools to relax its uniform policies like neck ties and allow students to wear light coloured cotton clothes and allow students to wear Canvas shoes instead of leather.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-reels-under-heat-wave-kashmir-temperatures-at-below-20-degrees-476926">As India reels under heat wave, Kashmir temperatures at below 20 degrees</a>

The guidelines even&nbsp;had&nbsp;specified instructions related to food, advising teachers to check quality of the mid-day meals before serving it to students. It said, “Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh. Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly… in every period, teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.”

Schools are told to prepare strong first-aid facilities and ensure proper availability of oral rehydration solutions and plan for a speedy access to health centres nearby in emergency. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country.

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country. The announcement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another heat wave in Delhi starting on Friday. High temperatures are causing problems in most sections of north, central, northwest, and east India. Also read | India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official According to the Ministry's guidelines, school hours may begin early and end before noon. It stated that the start time might be as early as 7:00 a.m., and the amount of school hours per day could be reduced. According to the Ministry, sports or other outside activities that expose students to direct sunlight should be altered in the early morning. It was suggested that school assemblies be held in a covered location or in classrooms with shorter intervals. According to the Ministry, comparable precautions may be used during dispersal after school has ended. In an advisory the ministry, urged school officials to limit outside activities and ensure that student stay hydrated during the school hours. It further stated that teaching and non-teaching staffs to be trained to administer first aid in case a student suffers of mild heat-stroke. Watch | Gravitas: Earth could heat up at alarming levels in 5 years The guidelines also recommended schools to relax its uniform policies like neck ties and allow students to wear light coloured cotton clothes and allow students to wear Canvas shoes instead of leather. Also read | As India reels under heat wave, Kashmir temperatures at below 20 degrees The guidelines even had specified instructions related to food, advising teachers to check quality of the mid-day meals before serving it to students. It said, “Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh. Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly… in every period, teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.” Schools are told to prepare strong first-aid facilities and ensure proper availability of oral rehydration solutions and plan for a speedy access to health centres nearby in emergency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

India's deadly heat wave: Govt issues guidelines for schools, asks to modify timings

The government has decided to digitize its census process, India's Home Minister Amit Shah has made this announcement. According to him after this decision, the census will become more scientific, accurate and multi-dimensional.

Next census will be e-census, India's big move towards digitalization

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today conclude his three-day Europe visit with France and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Indian PM Modi in Europe: PM Narendra Modi to meet Macron to strengthen India-France ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday and discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests as well as regional and global developments.

Indian PM Modi in Europe: PM Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for a new heatwave in Delhi&nbsp;with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Wednesday (May 11).&nbsp;

As per IMD experts, this heatwave could last till May 15 because a cooling weather system is unlikely to impact northwest India in the following week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-passed-over-many-parts-of-the-country-delhi-to-experience-rain-on-may-3-imd-475747">Heatwave is over in many parts of India, Delhi to experience rain on May 3: IMD</a>

Watch |&nbsp;Watch | Economic impact of heatwave in India

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According to Mahesh Palawat, vice president (Meteorology and Climate Change), Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency said, temperatures will not rise dramatically in most parts of Delhi due to easterly winds brought on by Cyclone Asani over the Bay of Bengal, increased humidity levels.

He said, “Without the easterly winds, temperatures would have leaped to 46-47 degrees Celsius.” He further said that due to the dry and hot westerly winds, temperatures in regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Vidarbha could reach 46-47 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Last week, sporadic rain, thunderstorms and strong winds gave some relief from the oppressive heat. &nbsp;The temperature began to rise during the weekend&nbsp;reaching 42 degrees in some areas in Sunday (May 9).&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The capital had a hot and dry March&nbsp;with no rainfall compared to the typical 15.9 mm. In April, it received 0.3 mm of rain, compared to a monthly average of 12.2 mm. Several regions of Delhi saw a heatwave at the end of the month&nbsp;with the temperatures reaching 46 to 47 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-indian-states-ready-with-plans-says-official-476886">India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official</a>

On Monday (May 9), increased temperatures and heatwave conditions disrupted normal living in most parts of Rajasthan’s western region.&nbsp;

As per the Meteorological Department, Banswara was the hottest place in Rajasthan reaching 47.2 degrees Celsius. &nbsp;Dungarpur registered 46.3, Bikaner 46.2, Phalodi 45.7 degrees Celsius. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for a new heatwave in Delhi with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Wednesday (May 11).

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for a new heatwave in Delhi with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Wednesday (May 11). As per IMD experts, this heatwave could last till May 15 because a cooling weather system is unlikely to impact northwest India in the following week. Also read | Heatwave is over in many parts of India, Delhi to experience rain on May 3: IMD Watch | Watch | Economic impact of heatwave in India According to Mahesh Palawat, vice president (Meteorology and Climate Change), Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency said, temperatures will not rise dramatically in most parts of Delhi due to easterly winds brought on by Cyclone Asani over the Bay of Bengal, increased humidity levels. He said, “Without the easterly winds, temperatures would have leaped to 46-47 degrees Celsius.” He further said that due to the dry and hot westerly winds, temperatures in regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Vidarbha could reach 46-47 degrees Celsius. Last week, sporadic rain, thunderstorms and strong winds gave some relief from the oppressive heat. The temperature began to rise during the weekend reaching 42 degrees in some areas in Sunday (May 9). WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The capital had a hot and dry March with no rainfall compared to the typical 15.9 mm. In April, it received 0.3 mm of rain, compared to a monthly average of 12.2 mm. Several regions of Delhi saw a heatwave at the end of the month with the temperatures reaching 46 to 47 degrees Celsius. Also read | India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official On Monday (May 9), increased temperatures and heatwave conditions disrupted normal living in most parts of Rajasthan’s western region. As per the Meteorological Department, Banswara was the hottest place in Rajasthan reaching 47.2 degrees Celsius. Dungarpur registered 46.3, Bikaner 46.2, Phalodi 45.7 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies)

IMD issues yellow alert in Delhi as heatwave sweeps India

India, the largest democracy in the world has decided to shed some of its colonial baggage-its sedition law which the government has now decided to review before. Here, understand what this law actually means.

India's central government to re-examine and re-consider the validity of Sedition law

Formed over the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone 'Asani' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and brought heavy rains to India's eastern coast.

Cyclonic storm 'Asani' intensifies & brings heavy rains to India’s eastern coast

The Government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told the Supreme Court of India that it will be rethinking and re-examining the sedition law. The law was drafted by imperial England to crack down on India's freedom fighters. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India to re-think sedition law

India to re-examine the relevance of its colonial law- Sedition law

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll climbed to 5,24,103 with 10 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.74 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-centre-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-booster-shot-says-officials-477030">Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report</a>

A decrease of 766 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.79 per cent, according to the ministry.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge

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The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,63,949, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 190.50 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covovax-vaccine-available-for-everyone-above-12-years-adar-poonawalla-476470">Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla</a>

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

The 10 new fatalities include six from Kerala, three from Delhi and one from Karnataka.&nbsp;

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 5,24,103 with 10 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.74 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report A decrease of 766 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.79 per cent, according to the ministry. Watch | India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,63,949, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 190.50 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. Also read | Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. The 10 new fatalities include six from Kerala, three from Delhi and one from Karnataka.

India: Active COVID-19 cases dip to 19,637

Indian warships took part in joint military drills with Saudi vessels near Jeddah. Where does India-Saudi military cooperation go from here? Can India supply weapons to Saudi Arabia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Indian warships sail to Saudi Arabia

The Indian government is trying to make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub, by introducing world-class infrastructure and a new sports policy for the Union Territory. According to the sports council of Jammu and Kashmir, around 500 athletes won medals in various games at the national level.&nbsp;

There has been a massive change in sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Many new stadiums at the international level have been built while many others are being constructed in various districts of the Union Territory. The Sports Council of Jammu and Kashmir has been pushing youngsters to take up sports.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-let-commander-from-pak-among-two-terrorists-gunned-down-in-encounter-in-kashmir-477372">Top LeT commander from Pak among two terrorists gunned down in encounter in Kashmir</a>

"It's happening. We are doing our best to attract more and more youngsters towards sports.&nbsp;If we talk about last year, thousands of youngsters were brought in to be trained in various sports. In every event we do, more than 200-300 athletes are registered with us. There are various disciplines. We are way ahead in the medal tally as well. Parents are supportive as well. Sadia won a medal in Wushu, while Arif represented us at the Winter Olympics. Parents are pushing children to go for sports and our efforts are also to bring in as many as possible. We have won more than 500 national medals since last year, "said Nuzhat Ara, Divisional Sports Officer, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Kashmir Division has shown immense potential in the national games in various sports. Hundreds of medals have been brought home by these young athletes in the national tournaments.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;31-year-old Kashmiri man becomes only Indian to qualify for winter Olympics 2022

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"We get a lot of time to train. We won so many medals last year, we won 70 golds, around 90 silver medals, and 145 bronze medals. We got these medals due to the continuous efforts from the last 3-4 years. A lot of changes have been made in the department. We have worked very hard with our secretary. We are also pushing athletes in major sports as well. We have built one indoor stadium in every district of Kashmir Valley.'' said Mushtaq Zargar, Sports Officer, Sports Council.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir also received a special package from the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. A 200-crore package has been given to the Union Territory. Special sports festivals are being organised in every district of Union territory to look for talent in these smaller areas and train them to become professional athletes.&nbsp;

"The government has focused a lot on sports in the last few years, especially in the last 5 years." The reason is that the government has done a lot of funding. We always had talent, but we needed infrastructure, and now finally we have all the facilities. We have indoor as well as indoor stadiums. This is just the start and now we have to work on the second phase, which is talent identification and major games. We have to keep the Olympics in our minds. The biggest field is the Olympics, and that's our target as well." Shafqat Shafi, Coach, Sports Council.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The youth of the valley are happy about the changes in the sports sector. Girls in huge numbers are taking up sports and representing India at national and international events.&nbsp;

"I won a bronze medal at Kanyakumari recently in Wushu. It's a great step that sports are getting a lot of support from the government." I even see a lot of girls taking up sports, and it's great for our country. The parents should be supportive and proud of these girls too. I got to know about Wushu from my friends and started learning here. I won a bronze in my very first nationals. I want to go further and represent the country at international levels, "said K Mushtaq, Wushu Player."

The government has also been pushing for sports activities to keep the youth away from drugs and other illegal activities. The youngsters who pick up sports not only make a name for themselves but also earn out of it. These sportspeople are inspiring the younger generations also.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-moving-towards-becoming-high-tech-manufacturing-economy-piyush-goyal-477151">India moving towards becoming high-tech manufacturing economy: Piyush Goyal</a>

"I started when I was in second and I played martial arts." I played for the Nationals and won gold, bronze, and many other medals. I hope youngsters stay away from drugs and take up sports, "said Shah Talha, a Wushu player.&nbsp;

In the last two years, Kashmir athletes have proved their mettle. While Arif Khan represented India at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Sadia Tariq won India a gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Championship. Bilquis Mir, Director of water sports, also became the first Kashmiri woman to be a judge at the Olympics. And in the ongoing IPL, Umraan Malik has also made his name by being the fastest bowler in India.

The Indian government is trying to make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub, by introducing world-class infrastructure and a new sports policy for the Union Territory.

The Indian government is trying to make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub, by introducing world-class infrastructure and a new sports policy for the Union Territory. According to the sports council of Jammu and Kashmir, around 500 athletes won medals in various games at the national level. There has been a massive change in sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Many new stadiums at the international level have been built while many others are being constructed in various districts of the Union Territory. The Sports Council of Jammu and Kashmir has been pushing youngsters to take up sports. Also read | Top LeT commander from Pak among two terrorists gunned down in encounter in Kashmir "It's happening. We are doing our best to attract more and more youngsters towards sports. If we talk about last year, thousands of youngsters were brought in to be trained in various sports. In every event we do, more than 200-300 athletes are registered with us. There are various disciplines. We are way ahead in the medal tally as well. Parents are supportive as well. Sadia won a medal in Wushu, while Arif represented us at the Winter Olympics. Parents are pushing children to go for sports and our efforts are also to bring in as many as possible. We have won more than 500 national medals since last year, "said Nuzhat Ara, Divisional Sports Officer, Kashmir. The Kashmir Division has shown immense potential in the national games in various sports. Hundreds of medals have been brought home by these young athletes in the national tournaments. Watch | 31-year-old Kashmiri man becomes only Indian to qualify for winter Olympics 2022 "We get a lot of time to train. We won so many medals last year, we won 70 golds, around 90 silver medals, and 145 bronze medals. We got these medals due to the continuous efforts from the last 3-4 years. A lot of changes have been made in the department. We have worked very hard with our secretary. We are also pushing athletes in major sports as well. We have built one indoor stadium in every district of Kashmir Valley.'' said Mushtaq Zargar, Sports Officer, Sports Council. Jammu and Kashmir also received a special package from the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. A 200-crore package has been given to the Union Territory. Special sports festivals are being organised in every district of Union territory to look for talent in these smaller areas and train them to become professional athletes. "The government has focused a lot on sports in the last few years, especially in the last 5 years." The reason is that the government has done a lot of funding. We always had talent, but we needed infrastructure, and now finally we have all the facilities. We have indoor as well as indoor stadiums. This is just the start and now we have to work on the second phase, which is talent identification and major games. We have to keep the Olympics in our minds. The biggest field is the Olympics, and that's our target as well." Shafqat Shafi, Coach, Sports Council. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The youth of the valley are happy about the changes in the sports sector. Girls in huge numbers are taking up sports and representing India at national and international events. "I won a bronze medal at Kanyakumari recently in Wushu. It's a great step that sports are getting a lot of support from the government." I even see a lot of girls taking up sports, and it's great for our country. The parents should be supportive and proud of these girls too. I got to know about Wushu from my friends and started learning here. I won a bronze in my very first nationals. I want to go further and represent the country at international levels, "said K Mushtaq, Wushu Player." The government has also been pushing for sports activities to keep the youth away from drugs and other illegal activities. The youngsters who pick up sports not only make a name for themselves but also earn out of it. These sportspeople are inspiring the younger generations also. Also read | India moving towards becoming high-tech manufacturing economy: Piyush Goyal "I started when I was in second and I played martial arts." I played for the Nationals and won gold, bronze, and many other medals. I hope youngsters stay away from drugs and take up sports, "said Shah Talha, a Wushu player. In the last two years, Kashmir athletes have proved their mettle. While Arif Khan represented India at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Sadia Tariq won India a gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Championship. Bilquis Mir, Director of water sports, also became the first Kashmiri woman to be a judge at the Olympics. And in the ongoing IPL, Umraan Malik has also made his name by being the fastest bowler in India.

Indian government to make Jammu-Kashmir a sports hub by building world class infrastructure

India is currently undergoing a severe heat wave. With our limited resources, most of us try to prevent rising temperatures. However, even if the heat wave does not affect you, the economic consequences will. Summers with more heat mean more electricity demand. When we run out of coal, you'll notice more frequent power outages. There are other economic impacts of heatwave in India.

Watch | Economic impact of heatwave in India

A day after it came to light that IndiGo barred a specially-abled child from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic", Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday that no human being should have to go through this and he himself is investigating the incident.

As the boy was prohibited from boarding the airline's Ranchi-Hyderabad flight on Saturday, his parents, who were with him, also decided to not enter the plane.

The Saturday's incident came to light after other passengers posted about this incident on social media on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-airline-website-hacked-by-passenger-after-losing-baggage-467210">IndiGo website 'hacked' by passenger after losing baggage</a>

Commenting on one such social media post regarding this incident, Scindia on Monday said on Twitter, "There is zero tolerance towards such behaviour. No human being should have to go through this! Investigating the matter by myself, post which appropriate action will be taken."

DGCA chief Arun Kumar had on Sunday told PTI that the regulator has sought a report from IndiGo on this matter.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing this incident and it will take appropriate action, he said.

A passenger named Manisha Gupta had detailed this incident on LinkedIn. She said that on Saturday, at the Ranchi airport, an adolescent with special needs, was in great discomfort.

"The exhaustion of the drive to the airport and then the stress of security check has sent him into the throes of hunger, thirst, anxiety and confusion. His parents obviously knew how to handle his meltdown - with patience, cajoling, stern-ness, many hugs," she mentioned.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Severe turbulence hits SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Durgapur

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By the time the boarding began, the child had been fed and given his medicines, she said.

He seemed ready except for some big displays of general teenage assertiveness, she noted.

"Then we witnessed the full display of brute authority and power. The IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) staff declared that the child would not be allowed to take the flight because he was a risk to other passengers," she mentioned.

"The Indigo manager also said something on lines of 'behaviours such as this, and that of drunk passengers, deems them unfit to travel'," she said.

The other passengers opposed him resolutely and they demanded that the child and his parents board the flight as soon as possible, she mentioned.

Several challenged the Indigo staff to calibrate his decision with corresponding statements in the rule book, she said.

"They held up their mobile phones with news articles, and Twitter posts on supreme court judgements on how no airline could discriminate against passengers with disabilities. There was a delegation of doctors that was taking the same flight. They offered to provide full support to the child and his parents, if any health episode were to occur mid-air," she noted.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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However, IndiGo staff did not change their decision of barring the child from taking the flight, she said.

When asked about the incident, IndiGo had on Sunday said, "In view of the safety of passengers, a specially-abled child could not board the flight with his family on May 7, as he was in a state of panic."

The ground staff waited for him to calm down till the last minute but to no avail, it said.

The airline made the family comfortable by providing them a hotel stay and they flew the next morning to their destination, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-spicejet-flight-hits-severe-turbulence-passengers-injured-475559">Watch | SpiceJet flight hits severe turbulence; passengers injured</a>

"We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers. IndiGo prides itself on being an inclusive organisation, be it for employees or its customers; and over 75,000 specially-abled passengers fly with IndiGo every month," it said.

IndiGo India's largest carrier carried 58.61 lakh passengers within the country in March, a 54.8 per cent share of the domestic market, as per the DGCA data.

A day after it came to light that IndiGo barred a specially-abled child from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic", Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday that no human being should have to go through this and he himself is investigating the incident.

A day after it came to light that IndiGo barred a specially-abled child from boarding a flight at the Ranchi airport as he was in "a state of panic", Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday that no human being should have to go through this and he himself is investigating the incident. As the boy was prohibited from boarding the airline's Ranchi-Hyderabad flight on Saturday, his parents, who were with him, also decided to not enter the plane. The Saturday's incident came to light after other passengers posted about this incident on social media on Sunday. Also read | IndiGo website 'hacked' by passenger after losing baggage Commenting on one such social media post regarding this incident, Scindia on Monday said on Twitter, "There is zero tolerance towards such behaviour. No human being should have to go through this! Investigating the matter by myself, post which appropriate action will be taken." DGCA chief Arun Kumar had on Sunday told PTI that the regulator has sought a report from IndiGo on this matter. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing this incident and it will take appropriate action, he said. A passenger named Manisha Gupta had detailed this incident on LinkedIn. She said that on Saturday, at the Ranchi airport, an adolescent with special needs, was in great discomfort. "The exhaustion of the drive to the airport and then the stress of security check has sent him into the throes of hunger, thirst, anxiety and confusion. His parents obviously knew how to handle his meltdown - with patience, cajoling, stern-ness, many hugs," she mentioned. Watch | Gravitas: Severe turbulence hits SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Durgapur By the time the boarding began, the child had been fed and given his medicines, she said. He seemed ready except for some big displays of general teenage assertiveness, she noted. "Then we witnessed the full display of brute authority and power. The IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) staff declared that the child would not be allowed to take the flight because he was a risk to other passengers," she mentioned. "The Indigo manager also said something on lines of 'behaviours such as this, and that of drunk passengers, deems them unfit to travel'," she said. The other passengers opposed him resolutely and they demanded that the child and his parents board the flight as soon as possible, she mentioned. Several challenged the Indigo staff to calibrate his decision with corresponding statements in the rule book, she said. "They held up their mobile phones with news articles, and Twitter posts on supreme court judgements on how no airline could discriminate against passengers with disabilities. There was a delegation of doctors that was taking the same flight. They offered to provide full support to the child and his parents, if any health episode were to occur mid-air," she noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: However, IndiGo staff did not change their decision of barring the child from taking the flight, she said. When asked about the incident, IndiGo had on Sunday said, "In view of the safety of passengers, a specially-abled child could not board the flight with his family on May 7, as he was in a state of panic." The ground staff waited for him to calm down till the last minute but to no avail, it said. The airline made the family comfortable by providing them a hotel stay and they flew the next morning to their destination, it said. Also read | Watch | SpiceJet flight hits severe turbulence; passengers injured "We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers. IndiGo prides itself on being an inclusive organisation, be it for employees or its customers; and over 75,000 specially-abled passengers fly with IndiGo every month," it said. IndiGo India's largest carrier carried 58.61 lakh passengers within the country in March, a 54.8 per cent share of the domestic market, as per the DGCA data.

IndiGo bars specially-abled child; Scindia says no human being should have to go through this

Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter was born on May 7, 1861. He was the first non-European and the first lyricist to win Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913&nbsp;for his profoundly sensitive, fresh and lovely poetry&nbsp;Gitanjali.&nbsp;

Tagore began writing poems at the age of eight and published his own collection a decade later named ‘Bhanusimha.’ He’s also the man who composed national anthems for three countries:&nbsp;Jana Gana Mana for India, Amar Sonar Bangla for Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka Mata for Sri Lanka.

On Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, here are some of the must-read books by the litterateur, and famous poems

Gitanjali

Gitanjali is an anthology of poems and it is Tagore’s most well-known and influential work. Originally, the book was published in 1910, but he republished it in 1912 as a collection of English-translated prose poems named ‘Gitanjali: Song Offerings'. Old Indian devotion songs provided Tagore’s model for the poems of&nbsp;Gitanjali. He also composed music for these lyrics. Love is the principal subject, although some poems detail the internal conflict between spiritual longings and earthly desires.&nbsp;

The collections helped him win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The Postmaster</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"> 
The Postmaster cemented Tagore as India’s greatest romantic, as the story beautifully examines the human condition in its varied forms, from the innocence of childhood to the contrast between a bustling city and a rustic village as well as love and loss and the natural and supernatural.&nbsp;If you are just starting with Tagore’s incredible literature, this is definitely the one you can pick!</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

Gora

One of Tagore’s many excellent works, it depicts the social, political and religious society of Bengal during the colonial rule in the 1880s. He hoped that this book would transform the country’s social, political and religious scene. His analysis of that time is still applicable in today’s modern world, which makes it a must-read&nbsp;at least once in their lifetime.

Tagore was not only an excellent writer but also a brilliant poet whose thought-provoking proses revolved around freedom, courage and anti-colonialism.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are some of the famous poems written by the Nobel Laureate.

1. ‘Where the Mind without Fear’- A magnificent poetry&nbsp;that speaks of the limitless potential of human knowledge, the valour of standing by the truth and the feeling of true freedom.&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;‘Let Me Not Forget,’- A&nbsp;beautiful work of poetry, depicts the wonderful emptiness a person has for missing the beloved.&nbsp;

3. 'Last Curtain'- It explores the vulnerability that one feels as one approaches death. The only real things one can take to the grave are his/her good acts.&nbsp;

4. 'Freedom'-&nbsp;The speaker of this powerful poem is informing his listeners or readers, the people of India, that he is going to fight for their freedom. It is the freedom that will allow them to break free from the oppression they have endured of various kinds.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter was born on May 7, 1861. He was the first non-European and the first lyricist to win Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his profoundly sensitive, fresh and lovely poetry Gitanjali.

Rabindranath Tagore, a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter was born on May 7, 1861. He was the first non-European and the first lyricist to win Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his profoundly sensitive, fresh and lovely poetry Gitanjali. Tagore began writing poems at the age of eight and published his own collection a decade later named ‘Bhanusimha.’ He’s also the man who composed national anthems for three countries: Jana Gana Mana for India, Amar Sonar Bangla for Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka Mata for Sri Lanka. On Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, here are some of the must-read books by the litterateur, and famous poems Gitanjali Gitanjali is an anthology of poems and it is Tagore’s most well-known and influential work. Originally, the book was published in 1910, but he republished it in 1912 as a collection of English-translated prose poems named ‘Gitanjali: Song Offerings'. Old Indian devotion songs provided Tagore’s model for the poems of Gitanjali. He also composed music for these lyrics. Love is the principal subject, although some poems detail the internal conflict between spiritual longings and earthly desires. The collections helped him win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. The Postmaster The Postmaster cemented Tagore as India’s greatest romantic, as the story beautifully examines the human condition in its varied forms, from the innocence of childhood to the contrast between a bustling city and a rustic village as well as love and loss and the natural and supernatural. If you are just starting with Tagore’s incredible literature, this is definitely the one you can pick! Gora One of Tagore’s many excellent works, it depicts the social, political and religious society of Bengal during the colonial rule in the 1880s. He hoped that this book would transform the country’s social, political and religious scene. His analysis of that time is still applicable in today’s modern world, which makes it a must-read at least once in their lifetime. Tagore was not only an excellent writer but also a brilliant poet whose thought-provoking proses revolved around freedom, courage and anti-colonialism. Here are some of the famous poems written by the Nobel Laureate. 1. ‘Where the Mind without Fear’- A magnificent poetry that speaks of the limitless potential of human knowledge, the valour of standing by the truth and the feeling of true freedom. 2. ‘Let Me Not Forget,’- A beautiful work of poetry, depicts the wonderful emptiness a person has for missing the beloved. 3. 'Last Curtain'- It explores the vulnerability that one feels as one approaches death. The only real things one can take to the grave are his/her good acts. 4. 'Freedom'- The speaker of this powerful poem is informing his listeners or readers, the people of India, that he is going to fight for their freedom. It is the freedom that will allow them to break free from the oppression they have endured of various kinds.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2022: Here are the best known works of the 'Indian polymath'

In pics: India’s fastest metro train for the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail RRTS project

The report of the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealed that the total fertility rate of India has declined from 2.2 to 2.0 indicating the significant progress of population control measures.

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) which is measured as the average number of children per woman, has come down from 2.2 to 2.0 at the national level between NFHS-4 and 5.

There are only five states in India, which are above the replacement level of fertility of 2.1. This includes&nbsp;Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26) and Manipur (2.17).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/using-violence-as-a-political-resource-is-an-act-of-terrorism-says-tamil-nadu-governor-rn-ravi-476788">Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi</a>

The NFHS-5 survey work was conducted in around 6.37 lakh sample households from 707 districts (as of March 2017) of the country from 28 States and 8 UTs, covering 7,24,115 women and 1,01,839 men to provide disaggregated estimates up to district level.

The Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially from 54 per cent to 67 per cent in the country.

"Use of modern methods of contraceptives has also increased in almost all States/UTs. Unmet needs for family planning have witnessed a significant decline from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. The unmet need for spacing, which remained a major issue in India in the past has come down to less than 10 per cent," said an official statement.

The NHFS-5 also mentioned that institutional births have increased substantially from 79 per cent to 89 per cent in India. Even in rural areas around 87 per cent of births are delivered in institutions and the same is 94 per cent in urban areas.

Institutional births increased by a maximum of 27 percentage points in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by over 10 percentage points in Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Over 91 per cent of districts have more than 70 per cent of births in the last 5 years that took place in health facilities.

As per the survey, the level of stunting among children under 5 years has marginally declined from 38 to 36 per cent for India in the last four years.

Stunting is higher among children in rural areas (37 per cent) than in urban areas (30 per cent) in 2019-21. Variation in stunting ranges from the lowest in Puducherry (20 per cent) and highest in Meghalaya (47 per cent).

A notable decrease in stunting was observed in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim (7 percentage points each), Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh and Manipur (6 percentage points each), and Chandigarh and Bihar (5 percentage points each).

Compared with NFHS-4, the prevalence of overweight or obesity has increased in most States/UTs in NFHS-5. At the national level, it increases from 21 per cent to 24 per cent among women and 19 per cent to 23 per cent among men. More than a third of women in Kerala, A&amp;N Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Manipur, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Punjab, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep (34-46 per cent) are overweight or obese.

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In NFHS-5, more than three-fourths (77 per cent) of children aged 12-23 months were fully immunized, compared with 62 per cent in NFHS-4 as the full vaccination coverage among children ranges from 57 per cent in Nagaland to 95 per cent in DNH and DD. Odisha (91 per cent), Tamil Nadu (89 per cent), and West Bengal (88 per cent) also have shown relatively higher immunization coverage.

Interestingly, NFHS-5 data showed an overall improvement in SDG indicators in all States/UTs. The extent to which married women usually participate in three household decisions (about health care for themselves; making major household purchases; visiting their family or relatives) indicates that their participation in decision making is high, ranging from 80 per cent in Ladakh to 99 per cent in Nagaland and Mizoram. Rural (77 per cent) and urban (81 per cent) differences are found to be marginal.

The prevalence of women having bank or savings accounts that they use has increased from 53 to 79 per cent in the last 4 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-3-years-jet-airways-conducts-first-test-flight-in-hyderabad-476761">After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad</a>

NFHS-5 also mentions an increase in usage of clean cooking fuel (44 per cent to 59 per cent) and improved sanitation facilities (49 per cent to 70 per cent), including a hand-washing facility with soap and water (60 per cent to 78 per cent) have improved considerably.

There has been a substantial increase in the proportion of households using improved sanitation facilities, which could be attributed to the Swatch Bharat Mission programme.

The report of the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealed that the total fertility rate of India has declined from 2.2 to 2.0 indicating the significant progress of population control measures.

The report of the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealed that the total fertility rate of India has declined from 2.2 to 2.0 indicating the significant progress of population control measures. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) which is measured as the average number of children per woman, has come down from 2.2 to 2.0 at the national level between NFHS-4 and 5. There are only five states in India, which are above the replacement level of fertility of 2.1. This includes Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26) and Manipur (2.17). Also read | Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi The NFHS-5 survey work was conducted in around 6.37 lakh sample households from 707 districts (as of March 2017) of the country from 28 States and 8 UTs, covering 7,24,115 women and 1,01,839 men to provide disaggregated estimates up to district level. The Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially from 54 per cent to 67 per cent in the country. "Use of modern methods of contraceptives has also increased in almost all States/UTs. Unmet needs for family planning have witnessed a significant decline from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. The unmet need for spacing, which remained a major issue in India in the past has come down to less than 10 per cent," said an official statement. The NHFS-5 also mentioned that institutional births have increased substantially from 79 per cent to 89 per cent in India. Even in rural areas around 87 per cent of births are delivered in institutions and the same is 94 per cent in urban areas. Institutional births increased by a maximum of 27 percentage points in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by over 10 percentage points in Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Over 91 per cent of districts have more than 70 per cent of births in the last 5 years that took place in health facilities. As per the survey, the level of stunting among children under 5 years has marginally declined from 38 to 36 per cent for India in the last four years. Stunting is higher among children in rural areas (37 per cent) than in urban areas (30 per cent) in 2019-21. Variation in stunting ranges from the lowest in Puducherry (20 per cent) and highest in Meghalaya (47 per cent). A notable decrease in stunting was observed in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim (7 percentage points each), Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh and Manipur (6 percentage points each), and Chandigarh and Bihar (5 percentage points each). Compared with NFHS-4, the prevalence of overweight or obesity has increased in most States/UTs in NFHS-5. At the national level, it increases from 21 per cent to 24 per cent among women and 19 per cent to 23 per cent among men. More than a third of women in Kerala, A&N Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Manipur, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Punjab, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep (34-46 per cent) are overweight or obese. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: In NFHS-5, more than three-fourths (77 per cent) of children aged 12-23 months were fully immunized, compared with 62 per cent in NFHS-4 as the full vaccination coverage among children ranges from 57 per cent in Nagaland to 95 per cent in DNH and DD. Odisha (91 per cent), Tamil Nadu (89 per cent), and West Bengal (88 per cent) also have shown relatively higher immunization coverage. Interestingly, NFHS-5 data showed an overall improvement in SDG indicators in all States/UTs. The extent to which married women usually participate in three household decisions (about health care for themselves; making major household purchases; visiting their family or relatives) indicates that their participation in decision making is high, ranging from 80 per cent in Ladakh to 99 per cent in Nagaland and Mizoram. Rural (77 per cent) and urban (81 per cent) differences are found to be marginal. The prevalence of women having bank or savings accounts that they use has increased from 53 to 79 per cent in the last 4 years. Also read | After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad NFHS-5 also mentions an increase in usage of clean cooking fuel (44 per cent to 59 per cent) and improved sanitation facilities (49 per cent to 70 per cent), including a hand-washing facility with soap and water (60 per cent to 78 per cent) have improved considerably. There has been a substantial increase in the proportion of households using improved sanitation facilities, which could be attributed to the Swatch Bharat Mission programme.

India's total fertility rate declines from 2.2 to 2.0: National Family Health Survey

Nearly 80 per cent of Indian states are prone to heatwaves, according to a Indian government official. Speaking to Reuters, the official said that most of them have strategies in place to adjust school, office, and labour hours to avoid the hottest time of day when necessary.

India saw its hottest March in over a century, and many cities like the national capital Delhi experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on most days of April. Power demand has also reached multi-year highs and more than two dozen people have died of suspected heat strokes.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-a-heatwave-how-is-it-declared-and-what-are-the-many-types-of-alerts-in-india-475448">What is a heatwave, how is it declared, and what are the many types of alerts in India?</a>

In light of the heat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a meeting with other government officials on Tuesday (May 3) that hospitals should review their safety protocols on a regular basis.

Watch |&nbsp;Extreme heatwave grips Pakistan as it records the hottest March since 1961

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 23 out of the 28 Indian states and more than a hundred cities and districts as being at high risk of heat. &nbsp;

Nineteen states have already developed heat-action plans and others are in the process of doing so, said Kunal Satyarthi, NDMA’s policy and planning adviser.

He went on to say that there were only nine states identified as heatwave-prone just a few years ago, but today there are 23. According to him, the preparation includes decreasing people’s exposure to heat by providing drinking water in public places and others measures as well.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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According to the NDMA website, the western part of Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai, plans to change the market hours, provide public shelters, sprinkle mist in public spaces, and keep ice bags at the public health centres.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extreme-heat-waves-here-is-how-to-keep-yourself-protected-474914">&nbsp;Extreme heat waves: Here is how to keep yourself protected</a>

Long-term solutions include planting more trees, rainwater harvesting, providing cover for traffic officers, and installing green netting for shade in market areas, according to the website.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 80 per cent of Indian states are prone to heatwaves, according to a Indian government official. Speaking to Reuters, the official said that most of them have strategies in place to adjust school, office, and labour hours to avoid the hottest time of day when necessary.

Nearly 80 per cent of Indian states are prone to heatwaves, according to a Indian government official. Speaking to Reuters, the official said that most of them have strategies in place to adjust school, office, and labour hours to avoid the hottest time of day when necessary. India saw its hottest March in over a century, and many cities like the national capital Delhi experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on most days of April. Power demand has also reached multi-year highs and more than two dozen people have died of suspected heat strokes. Also read | What is a heatwave, how is it declared, and what are the many types of alerts in India? In light of the heat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a meeting with other government officials on Tuesday (May 3) that hospitals should review their safety protocols on a regular basis. Watch | Extreme heatwave grips Pakistan as it records the hottest March since 1961 The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 23 out of the 28 Indian states and more than a hundred cities and districts as being at high risk of heat. Nineteen states have already developed heat-action plans and others are in the process of doing so, said Kunal Satyarthi, NDMA’s policy and planning adviser. He went on to say that there were only nine states identified as heatwave-prone just a few years ago, but today there are 23. According to him, the preparation includes decreasing people’s exposure to heat by providing drinking water in public places and others measures as well. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: According to the NDMA website, the western part of Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai, plans to change the market hours, provide public shelters, sprinkle mist in public spaces, and keep ice bags at the public health centres. Also read | Extreme heat waves: Here is how to keep yourself protected Long-term solutions include planting more trees, rainwater harvesting, providing cover for traffic officers, and installing green netting for shade in market areas, according to the website. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official

India's foreign exchange reserves dropped below $600 bn, the lowest level in nearly a year. The rupee has been severely weakened due to various factors, hitting an all-time low yesterday.

Indian economy: India forex reserves dip below $600 bn, Rupee hit an-all time low

Amid the rising&nbsp;COVID-19 cases&nbsp;in India,&nbsp;the central government&nbsp;has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times.

While India began administering the third dosage of vaccination to its adult population earlier this year, it was only to individuals who had chosen Covaxin and Covishield.

Currently, there is no such opportunity for people who had chosen two doses of Sputnik V vaccines to receive a third dose.&nbsp;No specific time frame about how long the availability&nbsp;process will take is declared but the officials suggested that it might take a few weeks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-who-data-collection-methodology-unsound-and-scientifically-questionable-476612">India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable'</a>

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which has the rights to market and distribute the Russian vaccine in India, has already begun its talk with hospitals and manufacturing partners, and especially the government to make the vaccine available on CoWIN app as an option.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India's Central Bank hikes interest rates

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Dr Reddy’s statement said, “This week, component 1 of Sputnik V (or Sputnik Light) was approved for administration at private centres as the precaution dose for those who received Sputnik V as their primary vaccine. Having now received official confirmation of the approval, we are working with manufacturing partners in India...”

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The Supreme Court of India had earlier this week asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to decide on a person’s request to change the COVDI-19 policy to allow voluntary re-vaccination of people who had received the Sputnik V vaccine and wanted to travel abroad, reported by Times Now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-indian-states-ready-with-plans-says-official-476886">India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official</a>

In February of this year, Sputnik Light acquired an Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drugs Controller general of India (DGCI). Sputnik’s V two dosages are separated by the duration of 21 to 30 days and have different formulations. The booster ‘light’ jab on the other hand, is some what identical to the standard edition’s initial dose.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in India, the central government has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times.

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in India, the central government has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times. While India began administering the third dosage of vaccination to its adult population earlier this year, it was only to individuals who had chosen Covaxin and Covishield. Currently, there is no such opportunity for people who had chosen two doses of Sputnik V vaccines to receive a third dose. No specific time frame about how long the availability process will take is declared but the officials suggested that it might take a few weeks. Also read | India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable' Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which has the rights to market and distribute the Russian vaccine in India, has already begun its talk with hospitals and manufacturing partners, and especially the government to make the vaccine available on CoWIN app as an option. Watch | Gravitas: India's Central Bank hikes interest rates Dr Reddy’s statement said, “This week, component 1 of Sputnik V (or Sputnik Light) was approved for administration at private centres as the precaution dose for those who received Sputnik V as their primary vaccine. Having now received official confirmation of the approval, we are working with manufacturing partners in India...” WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Supreme Court of India had earlier this week asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to decide on a person’s request to change the COVDI-19 policy to allow voluntary re-vaccination of people who had received the Sputnik V vaccine and wanted to travel abroad, reported by Times Now. Also read | India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official In February of this year, Sputnik Light acquired an Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drugs Controller general of India (DGCI). Sputnik’s V two dosages are separated by the duration of 21 to 30 days and have different formulations. The booster ‘light’ jab on the other hand, is some what identical to the standard edition’s initial dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report

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