With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, speculations are running high on which countries will finally send their athletes and diplomats to the Chinese capital to take part in the winter games. Now according to the latest reports that have come in, no high-level political representation from India is expected during the Winter Olympics. However, India will send Arif Khan, the only entry from India this time.

Kashmir's Arif Khan will represent India in Beijing Winter Olympics

Eminent aerospace engineer and rocket scientist Dr S Somanath was been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) a few days ago. He was also appointed as Secretary of the Department of Space for a joint tenure of three years. He succeeded Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the occupant of the position. WION spoke to Dr S Somanath on his new role and his top priorities as the Chairman of ISRO.

Opening up for our sector is a priority: Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO

In the first reaction after India's construction plan along the Lipulekh Pass stirred unrest in Nepal polity, New Delhi's mission in Kathmandu has said that the government of India's position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known.

New Delhi: Our position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known, consistent

India celebrated Army Day, acknowledging the importance of the Indian army and honoring the sacrifices of soldiers.

Indian Army Chief MM Naravane on Army Day: Will not let anyone change the status quo at the borders

Indian road transport ministry informed that it will make it mandatory for carmakers to provide a minimum of six airbags in motor vehicles that can carry up to 8 passengers in order to enhance road safety of occupants from October this year.

The ministry also said that the decision has been made to enhance safety features by amending the country's Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.

The implementation of the fitment of the driver airbag with effect from July 1 2019 and the front co-passenger airbag with effect from January 1 2022 was already mandated, India's Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.&nbsp;

He further said, "In order to enhance the safety of the occupants in motor vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers, I have now approved a Draft GSR Notification to make a minimum of 6 airbags compulsory," Gadkari had said. GSR here stands for General Statutory Rules."

<blockquote>
The ministry informed: "A draft notification has been issued on January 14, 2022, which mandates that vehicles of category M1, manufactured after October 1, 2022, shall be fitted with two side/side torso air bags, one each for the persons occupying front row outboard seating positions, and two side curtain/tube air bags, one each for the persons occupying outboard seating positions."&nbsp;
</blockquote>

As pe the latest government data, total of 1,16,496 road accidents occurred on national highways (NHs), including expressways, in 2020, causing 47,984 deaths.

Indian road transport ministry informed that it will make it mandatory for carmakers to provide a minimum of six airbags in motor vehicles that can carry up to 8 passengers in order to enhance road safety of occupants from October this year.

Indian road transport ministry informed that it will make it mandatory for carmakers to provide a minimum of six airbags in motor vehicles that can carry up to 8 passengers in order to enhance road safety of occupants from October this year. The ministry also said that the decision has been made to enhance safety features by amending the country's Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. The implementation of the fitment of the driver airbag with effect from July 1 2019 and the front co-passenger airbag with effect from January 1 2022 was already mandated, India's Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. He further said, "In order to enhance the safety of the occupants in motor vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers, I have now approved a Draft GSR Notification to make a minimum of 6 airbags compulsory," Gadkari had said. GSR here stands for General Statutory Rules." The ministry informed: "A draft notification has been issued on January 14, 2022, which mandates that vehicles of category M1, manufactured after October 1, 2022, shall be fitted with two side/side torso air bags, one each for the persons occupying front row outboard seating positions, and two side curtain/tube air bags, one each for the persons occupying outboard seating positions." As pe the latest government data, total of 1,16,496 road accidents occurred on national highways (NHs), including expressways, in 2020, causing 47,984 deaths.

India to mandate minimum six airbags in vehicles carrying up to eight passengers

Ever since India signed a five billion dollar deal with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defence missile system, the white house under the Trump administration and also under Joe Biden has discussed the possibilities of invoking the CAATSA act against India.

Will India get a CAATSA waiver after purchasing the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia?

India will be celebrating January 16 as "National Start-up day", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. While addressing start-ups across the country, he said, "To make the culture of start-ups reach the far-flung parts of the country, it has been decided to celebrate January 16 as "National Start-up Day."

In his interaction, he called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. &nbsp;

The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. PM Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event.&nbsp;

"Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said.

He further highlighted that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos.&nbsp;

"India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India will be celebrating January 16 as "National Start-up day", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. While addressing start-ups across the country, he said, "To make the culture of start-ups reach the far-flung parts of the country, it has been decided to celebrate January 16 as "National Start-up Day.

India will be celebrating January 16 as "National Start-up day", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. While addressing start-ups across the country, he said, "To make the culture of start-ups reach the far-flung parts of the country, it has been decided to celebrate January 16 as "National Start-up Day." In his interaction, he called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. PM Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event. "Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said. He further highlighted that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos. "India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

To promote culture of start-ups, January 16 to be celebrated as 'National Start-up Day,' says PM Modi

With a better party structure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now eyeing Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the upcoming assembly elections. States like UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab are on the top agenda for the party.

With a better party structure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now eyeing Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the upcoming assembly elections. States like UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab are on the top agenda for the party. The results in these states will determine if AAP can expand its leadership umbrella beyond Delhi and achieve ‘national party’ status. When AAP's President, Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party would contest the UP elections in 2022, he highlighted how the state has been drowned in corruption. He spoke about how the state leaders are hampering the state’s development. With this, Kejriwal also spoke about the very known Delhi model and how it garnered success - a way by which Kejriwal plans on winning the seat in UP. “If government hospitals in Delhi can improve, people here can get free electricity 24*7, why can’t the same happen in UP?" he said during his speech. Even after the party has become visible on the political circuit under Sanjay Singh (face of the UP poll campaign), there are multiple challenges that it can encounter. Delhi’s model of governance is not sufficient AAP's performance in many other states like Haryana and Maharashtra has already shown that their Delhi model is not enough to expand as a national party. Earlier n 2019, the party got fewer votes than those cast in favour of NOTA. According to the Election Commission, most candidates of the party secured less than 1,000 votes in the two states. A battle against the very well established BSP and SP In Delhi, AAP was fighting primarily against one opposition party, which is, the Bhartiya Janta Party. This is where it managed to gather support from different religious communities, including Muslims, Sikhs and Dalits. Also read | India Assembly elections 2022 | Kejriwal a political tourist, his ‘Punjab Model’ a copycat one: Sidhu However, in its fight in UP, Kejriwal-led AAP will have to battle against Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). While BSP retains its support among the Dalits, SP is still known for the support it has garnered from the Muslim and Yadav community. Leadership still remains an issue AAP was born out of India Against Corruption campaign led by social activist Anna Hazare. After the party was elected in the 2013 assembly election in Delhi, it gave up power after just 49 days of running the government as it wanted to contest all the Lok Sabha seats during the 2014 general elections. This raised a lot of questions on the party president Kejriwal. Will SP-AAP alliance remain an option? Earlier last month there were speculations of an AAP and SP alliance, following a meet up between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Sanjay Singh. A report by The Print suggests that senior members of both parties met multiple times to discuss the seat-sharing plans. However, they could not reach a consensus. “The idea of an alliance is not working. We will contest in all 403 seats on our own now,” Sanjay Singh was quoted in a report by The Print. Top leaders of both parties have not yet revealed the reason behind the talks not working out. However, a senior SP leader on the condition of anonymity said that SP, during the talks realised that they were not gaining anything as AAP does not have a specific support base in the state.

As AAP gazes 2022 assembly polls in UP, here are a few obstacles that the Kejriwal-led party can face

Netflix Inc has raised its monthly subscription price by $1 to $2 per month in the United States depending on the plan, the company said on Friday, to help pay for new programming to compete in the crowded streaming TV market. 
 
The standard plan, which allows for two simultaneous streams, now costs $15.49 per month, up from $13.99, in the United States. 
Prices also rose in Canada, where the standard plan climbed to C$16.49 from C$14.99. 
 
Shares of Netflix gained nearly 3% to $533.84 on Nasdaq after Reuters broke the news of the price rises. They closed 1.3% higher at $525.69. 
The increases, the first in those markets since October 2020, took effect immediately for new customers. Existing members will see the new prices in the coming weeks when they receive their monthly bills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-speechless-and-beyond-excited-squid-game-stars-react-to-historic-sag-nominations-444672" hreflang="en">Speechless and beyond excited! 'Squid Game' stars react to historic SAG nominations</a> 
 
"We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members," a Netflix spokesperson said. 
 
"We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget," the spokesperson added. 
 
The world`s largest streaming service is facing the most competitive ever from companies looking to attract viewers to online entertainment. Walt Disney Co, AT&amp;T Inc`s WarnerMedia, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc are among the rivals pouring billions into new programming. 
Netflix has added customers despite prior price increases, which shows its members have been willing to accept higher costs, Evercore ISI analyst Mark Mahaney said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinas-highest-grossing-film-battle-at-lake-changjin-sequel-to-release-on-this-date-444611" hreflang="en">China's highest grossing film 'Battle at Lake Changjin' sequel to release on this date</a> 
 
"This is evidence that Netflix has pricing power," Mahaney said. 
 
Netflix had said it would spend $17 billion on programming in 2021. The company has not disclosed spending for 2022. 
 
The U.S. price of Netflix's premium plan, which enables four streams at a time and streaming in ultra HD, was increased by $2 to $19.99 per month. For Netflix`s basic plan, with one stream, the cost rose by $1 to $9.99 per month. In Canada, the premium plan rose by C$2 to C$20.99, and the basic plan was unchanged at C$9.99. 
 
At $15.49 per month, the standard U.S. plan from Netflix now costs more than competitors. HBO Max, owned by AT&amp;T Inc, is currently offering an $11.99-a-month promotion for 12 months. 
 
The price of Walt Disney Co`s Disney+ is $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year. The United States and Canada is Netflix`s largest region with 74 million streaming customers as of September 2021. The region accounted for nearly 44% of the company`s revenue in 2021`s third quarter, or about $3.3 billion. 
 
Most of the company`s recent pickup in subscribers has come from overseas. 
 
Netflix's subscriber growth slowed from a boom early in the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded with help from the global phenomenon 'Squid Game,'&nbsp;a dystopian thriller from South Korea released in September. Total global subscriptions reached 213.6 million. 
 
The company`s next subscriber report is due Thursday when Netflix posts quarterly earnings. Analysts project the company will report 8.5 million new sign-ups from October through December, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S data, bringing its global subscriber base to 222 million.

Netflix Inc has raised its monthly subscription price by $1 to $2 per month in the United States depending on the plan, the company said on Friday, to help pay for new programming to compete in the crowded streaming TV market.

Netflix Inc has raised its monthly subscription price by $1 to $2 per month in the United States depending on the plan, the company said on Friday, to help pay for new programming to compete in the crowded streaming TV market. The standard plan, which allows for two simultaneous streams, now costs $15.49 per month, up from $13.99, in the United States. Prices also rose in Canada, where the standard plan climbed to C$16.49 from C$14.99. Shares of Netflix gained nearly 3% to $533.84 on Nasdaq after Reuters broke the news of the price rises. They closed 1.3% higher at $525.69. The increases, the first in those markets since October 2020, took effect immediately for new customers. Existing members will see the new prices in the coming weeks when they receive their monthly bills. Speechless and beyond excited! 'Squid Game' stars react to historic SAG nominations "We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members," a Netflix spokesperson said. "We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options. As always we offer a range of plans so members can pick a price that works for their budget," the spokesperson added. The world`s largest streaming service is facing the most competitive ever from companies looking to attract viewers to online entertainment. Walt Disney Co, AT&T Inc`s WarnerMedia, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc are among the rivals pouring billions into new programming. Netflix has added customers despite prior price increases, which shows its members have been willing to accept higher costs, Evercore ISI analyst Mark Mahaney said. China's highest grossing film 'Battle at Lake Changjin' sequel to release on this date "This is evidence that Netflix has pricing power," Mahaney said. Netflix had said it would spend $17 billion on programming in 2021. The company has not disclosed spending for 2022. The U.S. price of Netflix's premium plan, which enables four streams at a time and streaming in ultra HD, was increased by $2 to $19.99 per month. For Netflix`s basic plan, with one stream, the cost rose by $1 to $9.99 per month. In Canada, the premium plan rose by C$2 to C$20.99, and the basic plan was unchanged at C$9.99. At $15.49 per month, the standard U.S. plan from Netflix now costs more than competitors. HBO Max, owned by AT&T Inc, is currently offering an $11.99-a-month promotion for 12 months. The price of Walt Disney Co`s Disney+ is $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year. The United States and Canada is Netflix`s largest region with 74 million streaming customers as of September 2021. The region accounted for nearly 44% of the company`s revenue in 2021`s third quarter, or about $3.3 billion. Most of the company`s recent pickup in subscribers has come from overseas. Netflix's subscriber growth slowed from a boom early in the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded with help from the global phenomenon 'Squid Game,' a dystopian thriller from South Korea released in September. Total global subscriptions reached 213.6 million. The company`s next subscriber report is due Thursday when Netflix posts quarterly earnings. Analysts project the company will report 8.5 million new sign-ups from October through December, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S data, bringing its global subscriber base to 222 million.

Netflix raises monthly subscription prices in US, Canada

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that startups are going to be the backbone of new India and added that January 16 will be celebrated as 'National Startup Day'. "Start-ups are going to be the backbone of new India. When India completes 100 years of independence, startups will have an important role. Country's innovators are making the country proud globally," the Indian Prime Minister said during his interaction with startups across different sectors.

January 16 will be celebrated as 'National Startup Day': Indian PM Modi

A month after the tragic crash, which killed 14 people, including India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, the Indian Air Force court of inquiry has ruled out any technical snag or sabotage, pinning the prime cause of the event on bad weather.

General Bipin Rawat helicopter crash: IAF court of inquiry rules out any technical snag or sabotage

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Moscow values its relationship deeply with New Delhi, adding that it will continue to develop ties with India.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow values its relationship deeply with New Delhi

Virat Kohli has stepped down as India's Test captain. Kohli took to Twitter to announce his decision.

Virat Kohli resigns as India's Test captain

Virat Kohli steps down as India's Test captain

“Sex workers can say no, why not married women?” This was the Delhi High Court’s question to the government on marital rape. Palki Sharma tells you why it’s high time India criminalised marital rape.

Gravitas: Time for India to criminalise marital rape

The Philippines is all set to buy anti-ship BrahMos missiles from India. Can India build on this deal and enter the global arms market? How should India pivot from arms buyer to seller? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: The Philippines to buy India’s BrahMos missile

Pakistan has unveiled its first-ever national security policy. The document blames India for Islamabad’s strategic and economic failures. Palki Sharma tells you why this is a new policy with the old anti-India obsession.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants ‘100 years of peace’ with India

India and Sri Lanka on Saturday reviewed the progress in extending loans worth a total of $1.5 billion to the island nation for emergency purchases of food, medicines and fuel to tide over an economic crisis. The matter figured in a virtual meeting between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan finance minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Indian EAM S Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan FM Basil Rajapaksa

India might start the Republic Day celebrations every year from January 23 instead of January 24 in order to include the birth anniversary of the country's freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, news agency PTI reported citing government sources.&nbsp;

The sources have said that the latest reports are is in line with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's focus on commemorating important aspects of our history and culture.&nbsp;

India celebrates January 26 as Republic Day, which is a national holiday in the country. The nation marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26 in 1950.&nbsp;

When it replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The nation was turned into a newly formed republic.

Earlier, the government had started the celebration of the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose as Parakram Divas.&nbsp;

Other important days that have become a yearly affair are Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (August 14), National Unity Day (October 31), Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15), Constitution Day (November 26), Veer Baal Diwas (December 26).

(With inputs from agencies)

India might start the Republic Day celebrations every year from January 23 instead of January 24 in order to include the birth anniversary of the country's freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, news agency PTI reported citing government sources.

India might start the Republic Day celebrations every year from January 23 instead of January 24 in order to include the birth anniversary of the country's freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, news agency PTI reported citing government sources. The sources have said that the latest reports are is in line with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's focus on commemorating important aspects of our history and culture. India celebrates January 26 as Republic Day, which is a national holiday in the country. The nation marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26 in 1950. When it replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The nation was turned into a newly formed republic. Earlier, the government had started the celebration of the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose as Parakram Divas. Other important days that have become a yearly affair are Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (August 14), National Unity Day (October 31), Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15), Constitution Day (November 26), Veer Baal Diwas (December 26). (With inputs from agencies)

India to begin Republic Day celebrations from Subhas Chandra Bose birth anniversary on January 23: Reports

India is currently witnessing a record surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant. With an upward move in cases every day, the country is under the grip of an aggressive third wave.

India reports over 200,000 cases for 3 consecutive days due to the Omicron variant

The Indian Army honours its brave soldiers on January 15 and also gives gallantry awards and Sena medals. It was on this day that Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over command of the Army in 1949. Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over command from General Sir Francis Butcher who was the last British commander-in-chief of India. The Indian Army is one of the largest in the world with seven commands. The Indian Army has fought in every conflict since 1947. Indian Army soldiers had also fought in World War-I and World War-II.

What you need to know about Army Day

In an interaction with startups,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-president-ram-nath-kovind-laud-indian-armys-contributions-towards-national-safety-444926" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind laud Indian Army's contributions towards national safety</a>

"Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said, while interacting with the youngsters from the domain of startups. &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd66359c-7932-44f4-b2fa-113ed5545038" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Modi%202.jpg" />

Modi said that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/general-bipin-rawat-copter-crash-what-is-controlled-flight-into-terrain-444914" hreflang="en">General Bipin Rawat copter crash: What is Controlled Flight into Terrain?</a>

The government has been focusing on three aspects to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem - "Freeing entrepreneurship, innovation from government and bureaucratic silos; setting up institutional mechanisms to promote innovation, and handholding of youth innovators," the Indian leader said. &nbsp;

"India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an interaction with startups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

In an interaction with startups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind laud Indian Army's contributions towards national safety "Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said, while interacting with the youngsters from the domain of startups. Modi said that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos. Also Read: General Bipin Rawat copter crash: What is Controlled Flight into Terrain? The government has been focusing on three aspects to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem - "Freeing entrepreneurship, innovation from government and bureaucratic silos; setting up institutional mechanisms to promote innovation, and handholding of youth innovators," the Indian leader said. "India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with startups, calls for innovating 'for India, from India'  

India reports 268,833 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

India reports 264,202 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

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