India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-has-started-increasing-says-delhi-cm-kejriwal-as-air-quality-index-reaches-171-419550">Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171</a>

The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming".

In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank.

India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021.

The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e&nbsp;who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five).

The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report.

"People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-come-forward-in-support-of-minority-communities-to-save-kashmiriyat-420719">&nbsp;Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat</a>

Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report.

However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said.

According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030.

Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-conflict-arunachal-pradesh-integral-and-inalienable-part-of-india-mea-rebuffs-china-420399">India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China</a>

"Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said.

Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals.

Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday. Also Read | Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171 The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming". In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank. India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021. The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five). The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report. "People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said. Also Read | Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report. However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said. According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030. Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger. Also Read | India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China "Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said. Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals. Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India slips to 101st rank in Global Hunger Index 2021; behind Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

India is all set to participate in the 'Moscow Format' meeting on Afghanistan. The meet is scheduled to take place on the 20th of October in the Russian capital.

Russia calls for 'Moscow Format' meeting on Afghanistan

India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, with New Delhi's envoy here describing the election as a "robust endorsement" of the country's strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The 76th UN General Assembly held elections on Thursday for 18 new members of the UN Human Rights Council who will serve for a period of three years, starting in January 2022.

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India got 184 votes in the 193-member assembly, while the required majority was 97.

"I am truly delighted at this overwhelming support for India in elections to Human Rights Council. It's a robust endorsement of our strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. We thank all UN Member States for giving us a strong mandate," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told PTI.

India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted "India gets re-elected to the @UN_HRC (2022-24) for a 6th term with overwhelming majority. Heartfelt gratitude to the @UN membership for reposing its faith in India."

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India 🇮🇳 elected for the record 6th term of the Human Rights Council by an overwhelming endorsement of UN Member States. 
 
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India's current term was set to end on December 31 2021. For election for the term 2022-2024, there were five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific States category - India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

The 193-member General Assembly elected by secret ballot Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, UAE and the USA for the 2022-2024 term on the Council.

India's mission congratulated other UN Member States for their election to the Human Rights Council, which consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly.

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The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms.

The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats are distributed among regional groups Group of African States (13), Group of Asia-Pacific States (13), Group of Eastern European States (6), Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8) and Group of Western European and other States (7).

As of January 2021, 119 of the 193 UN member States will have served as a member of the HRC. "This broad membership not only reflects the UN's diversity, but it gives the Council legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries," the UN said.

In 2018, the US under the Donald Trump administration had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council. US Ambassador at UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington's election to the Council has "fulfilled President Biden's campaign pledge to rejoin the Human Rights Council" and the US will "work to ensure this body lives up to these principles."

"Our initial efforts as full members in the Council will focus on what we can accomplish in situations of dire need, such as in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen. More broadly, we will promote respect for fundamental freedoms and women's rights, and oppose religious intolerance, racial and ethnic injustices, and violence and discrimination against members of minority groups, including LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities," Thomas-Greenfield said.

India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, with New Delhi's envoy here describing the election as a "robust endorsement" of the country's strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2022-24 term on Thursday with an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, with New Delhi's envoy here describing the election as a "robust endorsement" of the country's strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The 76th UN General Assembly held elections on Thursday for 18 new members of the UN Human Rights Council who will serve for a period of three years, starting in January 2022. Also Read | Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat India got 184 votes in the 193-member assembly, while the required majority was 97. "I am truly delighted at this overwhelming support for India in elections to Human Rights Council. It's a robust endorsement of our strong roots in democracy, pluralism and fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. We thank all UN Member States for giving us a strong mandate," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told PTI. India's Permanent Mission to the UN tweeted "India gets re-elected to the @UN_HRC (2022-24) for a 6th term with overwhelming majority. Heartfelt gratitude to the @UN membership for reposing its faith in India." India 🇮🇳 elected for the record 6th term of the Human Rights Council by an overwhelming endorsement of UN Member States. We stand committed to work together with fellow members of the Council towards the goal of global promotion and protection of human rights. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/DtLocUCOxo — India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) October 14, 2021 × India's current term was set to end on December 31 2021. For election for the term 2022-2024, there were five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific States category - India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. The 193-member General Assembly elected by secret ballot Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, UAE and the USA for the 2022-2024 term on the Council. India's mission congratulated other UN Member States for their election to the Human Rights Council, which consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly. Also Read | Air India employees request cash and other benefits as Tata Group takes over The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms. The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, and seats are distributed among regional groups Group of African States (13), Group of Asia-Pacific States (13), Group of Eastern European States (6), Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (8) and Group of Western European and other States (7). As of January 2021, 119 of the 193 UN member States will have served as a member of the HRC. "This broad membership not only reflects the UN's diversity, but it gives the Council legitimacy when speaking out on human rights violations in all countries," the UN said. In 2018, the US under the Donald Trump administration had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council. US Ambassador at UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington's election to the Council has "fulfilled President Biden's campaign pledge to rejoin the Human Rights Council" and the US will "work to ensure this body lives up to these principles." "Our initial efforts as full members in the Council will focus on what we can accomplish in situations of dire need, such as in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Ethiopia, Syria, and Yemen. More broadly, we will promote respect for fundamental freedoms and women's rights, and oppose religious intolerance, racial and ethnic injustices, and violence and discrimination against members of minority groups, including LGBTQI+ persons and persons with disabilities," Thomas-Greenfield said.

India re-elected to UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time with overwhelming majority

Kashmir is on the boil again. Apart from an uptick in terrorist activities there seems to be a new challenge posed for the security forces deployed in the valley, i.e., the presence of part time terrorists who the security agencies describe as hybrid terrorists.

J&K: Hybrid terrorists engage in normal jobs

Unique ways of celebrating Dussehra in different states of India

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure.

Representing India at the Counter Ransomware Initiative, hosted by the White House, Lt. Gen (Retd) Rajesh Pant, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, told the participating 30 countries that the rapid digitization and cryptocurrency have added to the vulnerabilities in the cyber domain.

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Ransomware is an evolving form of a cyber threat and the culprits are becoming more sophisticated and agile. The upcoming Global dynamics have also created a digital climate ripe for exploitation,&nbsp;Pant said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further added fuel to this and introduced many IT vulnerabilities due to the hasty Digital Transformation,&nbsp;he added.

Another contributor is the rising prominence of cryptocurrency, which is seemingly difficult to trace, he said at the two-day conference on Wednesday.

The conference concluded Thursday with a joint statement from 30 countries in which they pledged to act against safe havens for ransomware players.

India, considered an IT superpower, played a key role by leading discussions on resilience.

In today's world, Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by Public and Private sectors,&nbsp;Pant said, adding that by the end of 2021, ransomware is expected to attack a company every 11 seconds and cause damages of up to USD20 billion.

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In light of these rising threats, we need to ensure that our organisations, especially the Nation's Critical Infrastructure, remain safe and secure,&nbsp;he said.

Pant said it is the collective responsibility of the international community now to ensure that global cyberspace is not dominated by criminal activities such as Ransomware and we create for our future generations&nbsp;a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.

The Indian official appreciates the US initiative of bringing 30 nations on a common platform to discuss and find solutions to improve our collective resilience, misuse of virtual currency, and need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ransomware.&nbsp;

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure.

Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by public and private sectors, India has told a US-led international meet on the latest emerging challenge and has called for taking steps to ensure that the country's critical infrastructure remains safe and secure. Representing India at the Counter Ransomware Initiative, hosted by the White House, Lt. Gen (Retd) Rajesh Pant, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, told the participating 30 countries that the rapid digitization and cryptocurrency have added to the vulnerabilities in the cyber domain. Also Read | Not ransomware, 'killware' is the new threat, top US security official explains Ransomware is an evolving form of a cyber threat and the culprits are becoming more sophisticated and agile. The upcoming Global dynamics have also created a digital climate ripe for exploitation, Pant said. The COVID-19 pandemic has further added fuel to this and introduced many IT vulnerabilities due to the hasty Digital Transformation, he added. Another contributor is the rising prominence of cryptocurrency, which is seemingly difficult to trace, he said at the two-day conference on Wednesday. The conference concluded Thursday with a joint statement from 30 countries in which they pledged to act against safe havens for ransomware players. India, considered an IT superpower, played a key role by leading discussions on resilience. In today's world, Ransomware attacks are one of the most pressing threats faced by Public and Private sectors, Pant said, adding that by the end of 2021, ransomware is expected to attack a company every 11 seconds and cause damages of up to USD20 billion. Also Read | US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd In light of these rising threats, we need to ensure that our organisations, especially the Nation's Critical Infrastructure, remain safe and secure, he said. Pant said it is the collective responsibility of the international community now to ensure that global cyberspace is not dominated by criminal activities such as Ransomware and we create for our future generations a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace. The Indian official appreciates the US initiative of bringing 30 nations on a common platform to discuss and find solutions to improve our collective resilience, misuse of virtual currency, and need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ransomware.

Ransomware an evolving cyber threat, culprits becoming agile: India

India has taken cognisance of the deadly durga puja violence in neighbouring Bangladesh. At least three people have been killed in riots during the Hindu festival. Situation remains tense. Over 40 people have been arrested. Bangladesh has deployed its border guards to 22 districts.

Over 40 people arrested over durga puja violence in Bangladesh

PM of India, Narendra Modi launched new defence firms today. "Under the self-reliant India campaign, the country's goal is to make India the world's biggest military power on its own and development of modern military industry in India," PM Modi said. "In the last seven years, the country has worked to carry forward this resolve with the mantra of 'Make in India'," he added.

PM Narendra Modi addresses India, speaks on development of modern military industry in country

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is approaching, experts are busy predicting the result of the showpiece event. Now, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has also joined the list and weighed in on the possible winner.&nbsp;

"Obviously with Kohli and the captaincy, it's probably his last crack at it so he'll want to go out on a high. India would definitely be one of the top picks and could definitely win this thing," Foxsports.com.au quoted Lee as saying.&nbsp;

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Former pacer also shared his view on India's star batter, KL Rahul, as he said, "I've backed KL Rahul to get the most runs in the competition. I think KL Rahul coming off a great IPL, he's the pillar that the guys can build around him because it takes the pressure off Kohli if Rahul is scoring runs. It allows Kohli to just play his natural game."

Despite backing Kohli-led Team India to reach the finals, Lee also&nbsp;praised the Australian side and said that he wants his country to win the World Cup and considers that it is the best chance for the Aaron Finch-led side to clinch the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

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"I'm very patriotic, I want Australia to win and I think they can, but India definitely will be in the final and I think Australia has their best chance," he added.&nbsp;

Men's T20 World Cup will get underway from October 17 and Kohli-led team India will start their campaign with a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai.&nbsp;

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is approaching, experts are busy predicting the result of the showpiece event. Now, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has also joined the list and weighed in on the possible winner.

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is approaching, experts are busy predicting the result of the showpiece event. Now, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has also joined the list and weighed in on the possible winner. "Obviously with Kohli and the captaincy, it's probably his last crack at it so he'll want to go out on a high. India would definitely be one of the top picks and could definitely win this thing," Foxsports.com.au quoted Lee as saying. ALSO READ | From India vs Pakistan to Manchester United vs Liverpool: Could October 24 get any better? Former pacer also shared his view on India's star batter, KL Rahul, as he said, "I've backed KL Rahul to get the most runs in the competition. I think KL Rahul coming off a great IPL, he's the pillar that the guys can build around him because it takes the pressure off Kohli if Rahul is scoring runs. It allows Kohli to just play his natural game." Despite backing Kohli-led Team India to reach the finals, Lee also praised the Australian side and said that he wants his country to win the World Cup and considers that it is the best chance for the Aaron Finch-led side to clinch the coveted trophy. ALSO READ | Watch: Team India's jersey for T20 World Cup displayed at Burj Khalifa with a breathtaking light show "I'm very patriotic, I want Australia to win and I think they can, but India definitely will be in the final and I think Australia has their best chance," he added. Men's T20 World Cup will get underway from October 17 and Kohli-led team India will start their campaign with a heavyweight clash against Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai.

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee predicts winner of T20 World Cup

The second phase of the Malabar Exercise has now begun in the Bay of Bengal. This time the maritime exercise features all four of the Quad Countries i.e India, US, Australia, Japan.

Malabar Naval Exercise: U.S navy chief hosts Indian counterpart

The Indian envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that the "character and content" of Indo US relationship is very substantial and PM Modi and President Biden's "chemistry was very much visible" during the former's Washington visit. Speaking to our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Washington, Envoy Sandhu said PM's US visit in September was "landmark visit in terms of symbolism, atmospherics, substance" which key focus during the bilateral was on covid, trade, Afghanistan, defense. September in person meet between PM Modi and President Biden was the first such meet between the 2 leaders since the new admin took charge in Washington earlier this year. He pointed out to the increased engagements between the 2 sides including the visit of US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman, United States' chief of naval operations admiral Michael M Gilday India visit, and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's US visit. He said, "no area of human endeavor that is untouched by this important partnership". Both sides will soon be part annual 2+2 foreign and defense ministers meet in US towards the end of the year. He also slammed Pakistan, saying, "events in Afghanistan have only exposed them even more". Pakistan's support to cross border terror has been key part of India, US conversations.

Content of India, US Relation substantial says Indian Envoy to US Taranjit Sandhu

In a bid to boost bilateral defence cooperation, Indian army chief general M.M. Naravane met Sri Lanka's top military leadership and discussed steps to further enhance relations between the two countries.

Indian army chief general M.M. Naravane meets Sri Lanka's top military leadership

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa. Both the tribes are isolated from the population on mainland India and are found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Speaking about the research, Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of the BHU, who co-led the exercise with CSIR’s Kumarasamy Thangaraj said, "There might be some speculations on the effects on Covid-19 among isolated populations. However, for the first time, we used genomic data to study the risk of the infection on 227 isolated Indian populations. It was found that the ones which carry long homozygous segments in their genome are highly susceptible to Covid-19.”&nbsp;

Homozygous is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same gene variants or alleles for a particular gene from both parents.

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As a part of the study, the high-density genomic data of more than 1600 people across these 227 groups was investigated.

Among these, high frequency for COVID-19 risk alleles (gene) was found among the Onge and Jarawa tribes. The other groups included the Great Andamanese and Sentinels.

“The study noted that these inhabitants live in protected areas and the general public is not allowed to interact with them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-spotted-smiling-and-clapping-as-soldiers-lie-on-bed-of-nails-420694">Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails</a>

However, after seeing the number of cases among the islanders, it can be said that they are at greater risk mainly from illegal intruders and health workers. The total census of this population is less than 1000 in number,” said Professor Gyaneshwer.&nbsp;

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa.

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa. Both the tribes are isolated from the population on mainland India and are found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Speaking about the research, Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of the BHU, who co-led the exercise with CSIR’s Kumarasamy Thangaraj said, "There might be some speculations on the effects on Covid-19 among isolated populations. However, for the first time, we used genomic data to study the risk of the infection on 227 isolated Indian populations. It was found that the ones which carry long homozygous segments in their genome are highly susceptible to Covid-19.” Homozygous is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same gene variants or alleles for a particular gene from both parents. Also read | Turkey’s 24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi titled as tallest woman living As a part of the study, the high-density genomic data of more than 1600 people across these 227 groups was investigated. Among these, high frequency for COVID-19 risk alleles (gene) was found among the Onge and Jarawa tribes. The other groups included the Great Andamanese and Sentinels. “The study noted that these inhabitants live in protected areas and the general public is not allowed to interact with them. Also read | Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails However, after seeing the number of cases among the islanders, it can be said that they are at greater risk mainly from illegal intruders and health workers. The total census of this population is less than 1000 in number,” said Professor Gyaneshwer.

Isolated populations of India more likely to contract COVID-19: Study

Now that India's national airline has been sold off to a private group its employees are left with questions about their leave encashment, medical benefits, and accommodation.

Air India employees left with questions after airline sold off to private group

The Delhi Police on Tuesday said it has foiled a major terror plan during the festival season with the arrest of a 40-year-old Pakistani terrorist who has ISI links and had been living in India for over ten years under a fake identity.

Mohammad Ashraf alias Ali Ahmed Noorie, a resident of Naroval in Pakistan's Punjab province, was arrested from east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar, officials said, adding he is also suspected to be involved in terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India in the past.

The police said that preliminary interrogation revealed that Ashraf had been acting as head of a sleeper cell in India and was assigned to carry out terror strikes during the festival season at the behest of Pakistan's ISI.

Based on his interrogation, raids were carried out in and around the Trans-Yamuna area and one AK-47 assault rifle, one hand grenade, two magazines of AK-47 along with 60 rounds, two sophisticated China-made pistols along with 50 rounds, and one Indian passport and other Indian IDs obtained on forged documents were recovered from his possession, the police claimed.

Ashraf came to India via Bangladesh and had been staying in the country for over a decade as Ali Ahmed Noorie.

On Monday, information was received that Ashraf was staying in the area of Laxmi Nagar. Thereafter, a team was deployed at Laxmi Nagar area and it apprehended Ashraf,&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha said.

The police said that with the arrest of Ashraf, a possible terror strike during the festival season has been averted.

The police got a tip-off around two months ago regarding an active sleeper cell, officials said.

They found that a Pakistani national has been directed to undertake terror attacks in India and was in an advanced stage of preparation for procuring arms and explosives.

It was also learnt that Ashraf has been an active part of a sleeper cell and has carried out many terror attacks and espionage activities in India in the last several years, police said.

He has managed to obtain Indian identities and had been living in Delhi while posing as a 'maulana' (religious preacher), they said.

A case under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act and Arms Act has been registered in order to thoroughly investigate the matter and to prevent any terror attack, the police said.

Ashraf was recruited by the Pakistani spy agency ISI directly after he completed his Class X and was trained for six months, he said.

He had been staying in India using the fake identity of Ali Ahmed Noori, a resident of Shastri Park in Delhi, the DCP said.

In 2004, he got his training from an ISI handler code name Nasir' in Sialkot, Pakistan. Nasir motivated him to work as a sleeper cell for subversive activities for Pakistan in India, police said.

After completion of his training, Ashraf managed to enter India through the Siliguri border, West Bengal during the same year. He stayed in Siliguri for a couple of months and later went to Ajmer and befriended a cleric at a local mosque in Ajmer, police said.

In 2006, he accompanied the cleric to Delhi. He came to a factory of a relative of the cleric in the walled city area and started Tilawat (daily wages prayer job) at factories in that locality, they said.

He met other relatives of the cleric and managed to win over their trust and started receiving money from his ISI handler via money transfer through their IDs, police said.

During his stay in India, he was in regular touch with his handler Nasir through different secure communication channels of social media.

Recently, he was tasked by his Pakistani handler to carry out terror strikes during the festival season and the recovered arms and ammunition were arranged by the Pakistani handler to carry out the same, Kushwaha said.

Officials said Ashraf was supposed to get information from Nasir about the planned terror attack. He has changed five-six locations in over a decade, they said.

He never stayed at any specific location for long and to acquire documents, he also got married to a woman in Vaishali, Ghaziabad for a couple of months and later left his wife. He lived in India in various places, including Delhi, Ajmer, Ghaziabad, Jammu and Udhampur, they said.

He established his Indian identity from a village in Bihar after his marriage. Later, he made ID cards on other addresses and on the basis of those documents, he got his passport made in 2014. He had visited Saudi Arabia and Thailand, police said, adding that the dates are being verified.

He has a permanent address of Bihar and has different addresses on other IDs, they said.

He portrayed himself as 'Peer Maulana' and claimed to cure diseases by reading Ayats from Quran in Delhi and nearby areas. He has two hideouts in Delhi -- one in the walled city and the other one in Laxmi Nagar, police said.

Further investigations are on including if a lone wolf attack had been planned. The identification of the source of the weapon is also underway, police said

The Delhi Police on Tuesday said it has foiled a major terror plan during the festival season with the arrest of a 40-year-old Pakistani terrorist who has ISI links and had been living in India for over ten years under a fake identity.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday said it has foiled a major terror plan during the festival season with the arrest of a 40-year-old Pakistani terrorist who has ISI links and had been living in India for over ten years under a fake identity. Mohammad Ashraf alias Ali Ahmed Noorie, a resident of Naroval in Pakistan's Punjab province, was arrested from east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar, officials said, adding he is also suspected to be involved in terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India in the past. The police said that preliminary interrogation revealed that Ashraf had been acting as head of a sleeper cell in India and was assigned to carry out terror strikes during the festival season at the behest of Pakistan's ISI. Based on his interrogation, raids were carried out in and around the Trans-Yamuna area and one AK-47 assault rifle, one hand grenade, two magazines of AK-47 along with 60 rounds, two sophisticated China-made pistols along with 50 rounds, and one Indian passport and other Indian IDs obtained on forged documents were recovered from his possession, the police claimed. Ashraf came to India via Bangladesh and had been staying in the country for over a decade as Ali Ahmed Noorie. On Monday, information was received that Ashraf was staying in the area of Laxmi Nagar. Thereafter, a team was deployed at Laxmi Nagar area and it apprehended Ashraf, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha said. The police said that with the arrest of Ashraf, a possible terror strike during the festival season has been averted. The police got a tip-off around two months ago regarding an active sleeper cell, officials said. They found that a Pakistani national has been directed to undertake terror attacks in India and was in an advanced stage of preparation for procuring arms and explosives. It was also learnt that Ashraf has been an active part of a sleeper cell and has carried out many terror attacks and espionage activities in India in the last several years, police said. He has managed to obtain Indian identities and had been living in Delhi while posing as a 'maulana' (religious preacher), they said. A case under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act and Arms Act has been registered in order to thoroughly investigate the matter and to prevent any terror attack, the police said. Ashraf was recruited by the Pakistani spy agency ISI directly after he completed his Class X and was trained for six months, he said. He had been staying in India using the fake identity of Ali Ahmed Noori, a resident of Shastri Park in Delhi, the DCP said. In 2004, he got his training from an ISI handler code name Nasir' in Sialkot, Pakistan. Nasir motivated him to work as a sleeper cell for subversive activities for Pakistan in India, police said. After completion of his training, Ashraf managed to enter India through the Siliguri border, West Bengal during the same year. He stayed in Siliguri for a couple of months and later went to Ajmer and befriended a cleric at a local mosque in Ajmer, police said. In 2006, he accompanied the cleric to Delhi. He came to a factory of a relative of the cleric in the walled city area and started Tilawat (daily wages prayer job) at factories in that locality, they said. He met other relatives of the cleric and managed to win over their trust and started receiving money from his ISI handler via money transfer through their IDs, police said. During his stay in India, he was in regular touch with his handler Nasir through different secure communication channels of social media. Recently, he was tasked by his Pakistani handler to carry out terror strikes during the festival season and the recovered arms and ammunition were arranged by the Pakistani handler to carry out the same, Kushwaha said. Officials said Ashraf was supposed to get information from Nasir about the planned terror attack. He has changed five-six locations in over a decade, they said. He never stayed at any specific location for long and to acquire documents, he also got married to a woman in Vaishali, Ghaziabad for a couple of months and later left his wife. He lived in India in various places, including Delhi, Ajmer, Ghaziabad, Jammu and Udhampur, they said. He established his Indian identity from a village in Bihar after his marriage. Later, he made ID cards on other addresses and on the basis of those documents, he got his passport made in 2014. He had visited Saudi Arabia and Thailand, police said, adding that the dates are being verified. He has a permanent address of Bihar and has different addresses on other IDs, they said. He portrayed himself as 'Peer Maulana' and claimed to cure diseases by reading Ayats from Quran in Delhi and nearby areas. He has two hideouts in Delhi -- one in the walled city and the other one in Laxmi Nagar, police said. Further investigations are on including if a lone wolf attack had been planned. The identification of the source of the weapon is also underway, police said

Pakistani terrorist arrested, was living in India under fake identity for over 10 years: Delhi Police

India has issued a strong reply to China's comments on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh saying that it is an integral part of India.

India Vs China Standoff: India rebuffs China's Arunachal Pradesh remarks

India's economy, which contracted due to the covid pandemic, is expected to grow by 9.5% in 2021, and 8.5% in 2022, according to latest projections released by the international monetary fund.

India's economy expected to grow by 9.5% in 2021

The much-awaited Malabar exercise continues in the Bay Of Bengal, naval forces of all QUAD nations have assembled in India's backyard for the mega war game.

India: Multi-lateral Naval exercise of QUAD nations kickstarts in Bay Of Bengal

India is opening doors for private companies to enter space. PM Narendra Modi launched the Indian Space Association that will serve as a "single-window" for matters of space technology. What is India's game plan to win the global space race? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's game plan to win the global space race

India is set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Monday.

Earlier this month, the MNRE in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised a series of events, from October 6 to 8, 2021 during the Climate and Biodiversity Week at Expo 2020 Dubai.

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According to the official statement released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the events covered the themes of India's Renewable Energy Achievements and Ambitions, Emerging Areas and Opportunities for Renewable Energy in India, and also focussed events anchored by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

Addressing the event on Monday, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said, "India is already ahead of what we pledged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Already 39 per cent of our installed capacity is from non-fossil based sources. By 2022 we will reach our target of 40 per cent."

"We are launching the Green Corridor Phase 2 and we are generally expanding transmission to put in place systems for renewable power evacuation from sites where irradiation is high, or wind speed is high," he said further.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/despite-the-green-energy-push-oil-will-be-worlds-no-1-energy-source-opec-416913">Despite the green energy push, Oil will be world's No 1 energy source: OPEC</a>

Speaking on the opportunities for green hydrogen in India, Singh said that his ministry will work out with bids for electrolysers and that mandates for green hydrogen consumption in refining, fertilizer, piped natural gas.

"India has embarked on an exciting journey and is treading where no one has ventured before, and SECI will continue to work towards meeting the ambition of 450 GW by 2030," the minister added.&nbsp;

India is set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Monday. Earlier this month, the MNRE in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised a series of events, from October 6 to 8, 2021 during the Climate and Biodiversity Week at Expo 2020 Dubai.

India is set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Monday. Earlier this month, the MNRE in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised a series of events, from October 6 to 8, 2021 during the Climate and Biodiversity Week at Expo 2020 Dubai. Also Read | Soaring energy prices climb up EU's political agenda According to the official statement released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the events covered the themes of India's Renewable Energy Achievements and Ambitions, Emerging Areas and Opportunities for Renewable Energy in India, and also focussed events anchored by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). Addressing the event on Monday, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said, "India is already ahead of what we pledged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Already 39 per cent of our installed capacity is from non-fossil based sources. By 2022 we will reach our target of 40 per cent." "We are launching the Green Corridor Phase 2 and we are generally expanding transmission to put in place systems for renewable power evacuation from sites where irradiation is high, or wind speed is high," he said further. Also Read | Despite the green energy push, Oil will be world's No 1 energy source: OPEC Speaking on the opportunities for green hydrogen in India, Singh said that his ministry will work out with bids for electrolysers and that mandates for green hydrogen consumption in refining, fertilizer, piped natural gas. "India has embarked on an exciting journey and is treading where no one has ventured before, and SECI will continue to work towards meeting the ambition of 450 GW by 2030," the minister added.

India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030: Centre

The US chief of Naval operations Michael Gilday is in Delhi for a five-day visit, he held talks with Indian Navy chief. Officials representing both sides exchanged crucial information on regional security and more.

US chief of Naval operations Michael Gilday on five-day visit to India

Amazon India on Tuesday announced the launch of 'Delivering Smiles'&nbsp;initiative, where the company will directly give, and facilitate contribution of digital devices like mobile phones, and laptops, among students and young people from marginalised communities.

The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in the country, increase accessibility of digital devices for students from underprivileged communities, and empower them for a brighter future.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/amazon-launches-dog-like-robot-that-can-monitor-your-home-416781">&nbsp;Amazon launches dog-like robot that can monitor your home</a>

As part of the initiative, Amazon will directly provide 20,000 new digital devices to underprivileged young people, in partnership with over 150 large and small non-profit organisations, impacting over 100,000 students across India, the company said in a statement.

In addition, the company also encourages its customers to either contribute in cash on Amazon Pay or donate their old devices essentially mobile phones, and laptops, that will be refurbished and distributed to provide digital learning devices for young people, it added.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to focus the stark digital divide, not only in the field of education but also in access to essential services. Amongst the most adversely affected are young people from marginalised communities," said Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Amazon India, in the statement.

"Together with our customers, employees and partners, we aim to bridge the gap by enabling young people with digital devices for continued access to online education and essential services for their families," he added.

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Cash contribution from customers is enabled by a partnership between Amazon Pay and GiveIndia. Proceeds from the contribution will be used for purchasing new devices, data cards and digital accessories for students.

Old mobiles that customers contribute will be picked-up by Cashify, Amazon's partner in this initiative, who will refurbish it and donate to Goonj, a nonprofit organization working in the field of sustainable material giving, the company said.

Amazon India on Tuesday announced the launch of 'Delivering Smiles' initiative, where the company will directly give, and facilitate contribution of digital devices like mobile phones, and laptops, among students and young people from marginalised communities.

Amazon India on Tuesday announced the launch of 'Delivering Smiles' initiative, where the company will directly give, and facilitate contribution of digital devices like mobile phones, and laptops, among students and young people from marginalised communities. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in the country, increase accessibility of digital devices for students from underprivileged communities, and empower them for a brighter future. Also Read | Amazon launches dog-like robot that can monitor your home As part of the initiative, Amazon will directly provide 20,000 new digital devices to underprivileged young people, in partnership with over 150 large and small non-profit organisations, impacting over 100,000 students across India, the company said in a statement. In addition, the company also encourages its customers to either contribute in cash on Amazon Pay or donate their old devices essentially mobile phones, and laptops, that will be refurbished and distributed to provide digital learning devices for young people, it added. "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to focus the stark digital divide, not only in the field of education but also in access to essential services. Amongst the most adversely affected are young people from marginalised communities," said Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Amazon India, in the statement. "Together with our customers, employees and partners, we aim to bridge the gap by enabling young people with digital devices for continued access to online education and essential services for their families," he added. Also Read | Jeff Bezos shares an old article predicting Amazon's failure, Elon Musk replies Cash contribution from customers is enabled by a partnership between Amazon Pay and GiveIndia. Proceeds from the contribution will be used for purchasing new devices, data cards and digital accessories for students. Old mobiles that customers contribute will be picked-up by Cashify, Amazon's partner in this initiative, who will refurbish it and donate to Goonj, a nonprofit organization working in the field of sustainable material giving, the company said.

Amazon to provide 20K digital devices to underprivileged youth in India

Indian hospitality startup Zostel has asked the market regulator to reject an application from SoftBank Group-backed rival Oyo Hotels and Rooms to go public due to a legal tussle between the firms over a deal that fell apart six years ago.

Zostel said Oyo's capital structure was not final and that its draft prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was "replete with material omissions," showed a copy of a letter Zostel sent to SEBI, seen by Reuters.

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Oyo said Zostel's intervention represented "unnecessary and repetitive efforts to create a wrong perception".

"This shows a pattern of Zostel trying to distract Oyo from pursuing its business goals," it said in a statement to Reuters.

Oyo filed papers in late September for an initial public offering (IPO) that will consist of a fresh issue of shares of up to 70 billion rupees ($927.30 million) and an offer for sale of existing shares of as much as 14.30 billion rupees.

It is seeking a valuation of $10 billion to $12 billion, a source told Reuters this month.

Oyo and Zostel have been in a legal battle over a 2015 deal for Oyo to buy some of Zostel's businesses and Zostel to get a 7 per cent&nbsp;stake in Oyo. Though the deal fell through, Zostel has said it is still entitled to the stake, whereas Oyo has said otherwise, arguing they had not reached a definitive agreement.

Zostel has asked a Delhi court to stop Oyo from changing its shareholder structure, including through an IPO, according to a petition previously seen by Reuters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-stock-exchange-halts-trading-of-evergrande-shares-418036">Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares</a>

In its letter to SEBI dated October&nbsp;11, Zostel said SEBI's regulations prohibit Oyo from making any public offer of its shares since it had not issued the stake to Zostel's shareholders.

Separately, Oyo has challenged an order from a Supreme Court-appointed arbitrator who ruled that the terms of the 2015 deal were binding and that Oyo breached its obligations by failing to execute a definitive agreement.

An Oyo counsel told Reuters late on Monday there was nothing in the order that prevented Oyo from going ahead with its IPO.

Zostel and SEBI did not respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.

Indian hospitality startup Zostel has asked the market regulator to reject an application from SoftBank Group-backed rival Oyo Hotels and Rooms to go public due to a legal tussle between the firms over a deal that fell apart six years ago.

Indian hospitality startup Zostel has asked the market regulator to reject an application from SoftBank Group-backed rival Oyo Hotels and Rooms to go public due to a legal tussle between the firms over a deal that fell apart six years ago. Zostel said Oyo's capital structure was not final and that its draft prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was "replete with material omissions," showed a copy of a letter Zostel sent to SEBI, seen by Reuters. Also Read | Pandemic saviors, food delivery apps now under fire Oyo said Zostel's intervention represented "unnecessary and repetitive efforts to create a wrong perception". "This shows a pattern of Zostel trying to distract Oyo from pursuing its business goals," it said in a statement to Reuters. Oyo filed papers in late September for an initial public offering (IPO) that will consist of a fresh issue of shares of up to 70 billion rupees ($927.30 million) and an offer for sale of existing shares of as much as 14.30 billion rupees. It is seeking a valuation of $10 billion to $12 billion, a source told Reuters this month. Oyo and Zostel have been in a legal battle over a 2015 deal for Oyo to buy some of Zostel's businesses and Zostel to get a 7 per cent stake in Oyo. Though the deal fell through, Zostel has said it is still entitled to the stake, whereas Oyo has said otherwise, arguing they had not reached a definitive agreement. Zostel has asked a Delhi court to stop Oyo from changing its shareholder structure, including through an IPO, according to a petition previously seen by Reuters. Also Read | Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares In its letter to SEBI dated October 11, Zostel said SEBI's regulations prohibit Oyo from making any public offer of its shares since it had not issued the stake to Zostel's shareholders. Separately, Oyo has challenged an order from a Supreme Court-appointed arbitrator who ruled that the terms of the 2015 deal were binding and that Oyo breached its obligations by failing to execute a definitive agreement. An Oyo counsel told Reuters late on Monday there was nothing in the order that prevented Oyo from going ahead with its IPO. Zostel and SEBI did not respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.

India's Zostel asks regulator to reject SoftBank-backed Oyo's IPO filing

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that this is the golden period of agriculture happening in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"This is the golden period of agriculture happening in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and technological interventions, research and innovation in agriculture under his leadership will double the farmer's income by 2022," Singh said, as per the release by the Ministry of Science &amp; Technology.

The Minister said this while attending the concluding ceremony of the five-day-long Northern India Regional Agriculture Fair 2021 as chief guest at SKUAST Jammu.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said that PM Modi is seriously towards agriculture development in India that can be judged from the fact that two new Ministries, Jal Shakti and Skill Development &amp; Entrepreneurship have been created only to promote agriculture and doubling the farmer's&nbsp;income by 2022.

He also remarked that the Modi government is giving special impetus to Agriculture Start-Ups.

Singh said that the agriculture and farm production has been revolutionised in India under the current government which is evident from the various initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of farmers like the Soil Health Card, Neem Coated Urea, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kissan Sammaan, e-Nam,PM Kissan Maandhan Yojana, which have empowered the Agriculture sector financially and resourcefully.

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Enumerating the development initiatives taken in J&amp;K vis-a-vis agriculture &amp; innovation, Dr Singh said the establishment of north India's first biotechnology park, two high seed processing plants at Kathua, the launch of India's first Aroma Mission will open new vistas of growth, opportunities and innovation in agriculture in Jammu, read the release.

Speaking to the farmers present on the occasion, he emphasised that a farmer can now engage himself in multiple activities depending upon his capacity, resources so as to become integrated as the working in silos is over now.

Giving examples of the entrepreneurs involved in various innovative agricultural practices &amp; who are earning in lakhs, Singh stressed upon the students present there to become job providers and not job seekers, become agricultural technocrats through start-ups &amp; be the architects of innovative India as the agriculture in India is no longer the traditional farming of 19th Century.

Dr&nbsp;Jitendra Singh also urged SKUAST administration to promote 75 agricultural Startups from this university on 75 years of India's independence on the lines of his Ministry which is also promoting start-ups as 75 young start-ups in science, 75 women start-ups in science, 75 SIT hubs dedicated to SCs and STs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-7-civilians-killed-in-10-days-sikh-leaders-urge-people-to-not-go-to-work-until-situation-normalises-418925">J&amp;K: 7 civilians killed in 10 days, sikh leaders urge people to not go to work until situation normalises</a>

Singh further said, "A proactive outreach for the start-ups is the need of the hour to get the best minds for the promotion of our products at national and international level be that the basmati rice, rajmash or other products.

"For the promotion of the products and the start-ups, the Minister emphasised the creation of a wider media space accompanied by the latest technology and social media boom so as to promote the local products and start-ups.

During his address, the Minister asserted sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming which is being promoted by the current government.&nbsp;

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that this is the golden period of agriculture happening in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that this is the golden period of agriculture happening in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This is the golden period of agriculture happening in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and technological interventions, research and innovation in agriculture under his leadership will double the farmer's income by 2022," Singh said, as per the release by the Ministry of Science & Technology. The Minister said this while attending the concluding ceremony of the five-day-long Northern India Regional Agriculture Fair 2021 as chief guest at SKUAST Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said that PM Modi is seriously towards agriculture development in India that can be judged from the fact that two new Ministries, Jal Shakti and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship have been created only to promote agriculture and doubling the farmer's income by 2022. He also remarked that the Modi government is giving special impetus to Agriculture Start-Ups. Singh said that the agriculture and farm production has been revolutionised in India under the current government which is evident from the various initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of farmers like the Soil Health Card, Neem Coated Urea, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kissan Sammaan, e-Nam,PM Kissan Maandhan Yojana, which have empowered the Agriculture sector financially and resourcefully. Also Read | As special envoy of PM Modi, MoS Lekhi to visit Serbia to attend 60th anniversary of NAM Enumerating the development initiatives taken in J&K vis-a-vis agriculture & innovation, Dr Singh said the establishment of north India's first biotechnology park, two high seed processing plants at Kathua, the launch of India's first Aroma Mission will open new vistas of growth, opportunities and innovation in agriculture in Jammu, read the release. Speaking to the farmers present on the occasion, he emphasised that a farmer can now engage himself in multiple activities depending upon his capacity, resources so as to become integrated as the working in silos is over now. Giving examples of the entrepreneurs involved in various innovative agricultural practices & who are earning in lakhs, Singh stressed upon the students present there to become job providers and not job seekers, become agricultural technocrats through start-ups & be the architects of innovative India as the agriculture in India is no longer the traditional farming of 19th Century. Dr Jitendra Singh also urged SKUAST administration to promote 75 agricultural Startups from this university on 75 years of India's independence on the lines of his Ministry which is also promoting start-ups as 75 young start-ups in science, 75 women start-ups in science, 75 SIT hubs dedicated to SCs and STs. Also Read | J&K: 7 civilians killed in 10 days, sikh leaders urge people to not go to work until situation normalises Singh further said, "A proactive outreach for the start-ups is the need of the hour to get the best minds for the promotion of our products at national and international level be that the basmati rice, rajmash or other products. "For the promotion of the products and the start-ups, the Minister emphasised the creation of a wider media space accompanied by the latest technology and social media boom so as to promote the local products and start-ups. During his address, the Minister asserted sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming which is being promoted by the current government.

Indian agriculture witnessing golden period under PM Modi, says MoS Jitendra Singh

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