India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis.

India and European Union delegates discuss climate crisis

India’s telecom and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that the country is heading towards trumping China in the arena of mobile manufacturing.&nbsp;Prasad added that India will surpass China in terms of manufacturing electronics due to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which according to Prasad continues to attract global industry players to the country.

In a bid to expand on the PLI, he said that India would build on the momentum to invite companies to manufacture more electronics, not just mobile phones. He spoke about extending the PLI to other sectors in this regard.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/uttar-pradesh-approves-incentives-for-relocation-of-samsung-factory-from-china-349249" hreflang="en">Uttar Pradesh approves incentives for relocation of Samsung factory from China</a>

“We wanted India to become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world. Now I am pushing India to surpass China. That’s my goal and I am very clearly defining it,” Prasad said at the annual general meeting of FICCI, an industry chamber. In 2017, India became the second largest manufacturer of cellular devices, behind only China.

2019’s National Policy on Electronics intends to bring in turnover in electronic manufacturing amounting to over Rs 26 lakh crores by the end of 2025. Out of this amount, Rs 23 lakh crores are ideally expected to emanate from the mobile phone segment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touted India as the alternate manufacturing destination as the global rhetoric against China in the aftermath of the pandemic deepens.

The PLI could ease doing business in the country. “PLI is designed to enable global champion companies to come to India and make Indian companies national champion,” he further added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/burger-king-india-makes-a-blockbuster-listing-shares-soar-in-market-debut-349678" hreflang="en">Burger King India makes a blockbuster listing, shares soar in market debut</a>

As per the PLI scheme, companies deemed eligible can avail SOPs of around Rs 48,000 crores. Already, 16 proposals from both local and international companies have been cleared, amounting for up to Rs 11,000 crores. Within its ambit, mobile phones worth Rs 10.5 lakh crores will be manufactured over the next five years.

Companies that have availed the scheme’s benefits so far include iPhone makers Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron, Hon Hai. Additionally, Samsung has also joined in, along with domestic players like Lava and Micromax.

Just two days ago, Uttar Pradesh government approved incentives for Samsung to move its factory from China to the state.

India’s telecom and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that the country is heading towards trumping China in the arena of mobile manufacturing. Prasad added that India will surpass China in terms of manufacturing electronics due to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which according to Prasad continues to attract global industry players to the country.

India’s telecom and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said that the country is heading towards trumping China in the arena of mobile manufacturing. Prasad added that India will surpass China in terms of manufacturing electronics due to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which according to Prasad continues to attract global industry players to the country. In a bid to expand on the PLI, he said that India would build on the momentum to invite companies to manufacture more electronics, not just mobile phones. He spoke about extending the PLI to other sectors in this regard. Also read: Uttar Pradesh approves incentives for relocation of Samsung factory from China “We wanted India to become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world. Now I am pushing India to surpass China. That’s my goal and I am very clearly defining it,” Prasad said at the annual general meeting of FICCI, an industry chamber. In 2017, India became the second largest manufacturer of cellular devices, behind only China. 2019’s National Policy on Electronics intends to bring in turnover in electronic manufacturing amounting to over Rs 26 lakh crores by the end of 2025. Out of this amount, Rs 23 lakh crores are ideally expected to emanate from the mobile phone segment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touted India as the alternate manufacturing destination as the global rhetoric against China in the aftermath of the pandemic deepens. The PLI could ease doing business in the country. “PLI is designed to enable global champion companies to come to India and make Indian companies national champion,” he further added. Also read: Burger King India makes a blockbuster listing, shares soar in market debut As per the PLI scheme, companies deemed eligible can avail SOPs of around Rs 48,000 crores. Already, 16 proposals from both local and international companies have been cleared, amounting for up to Rs 11,000 crores. Within its ambit, mobile phones worth Rs 10.5 lakh crores will be manufactured over the next five years. Companies that have availed the scheme’s benefits so far include iPhone makers Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron, Hon Hai. Additionally, Samsung has also joined in, along with domestic players like Lava and Micromax. Just two days ago, Uttar Pradesh government approved incentives for Samsung to move its factory from China to the state.

Will push India to trump China in arena of mobile manufacturing, says IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

In the middle of a conflict with China, India has taken a significant step by authorising the defence forces to enhance their stocking of weapons and ammunition for a 15-day intense war now.

Making use of the extended stocking requirements and the emergency financial powers in the ongoing conflict with China in Eastern Ladakh, the defence forces are expected to spend over Rs 50,000 crore for acquisition of equipment and ammunition from both local and foreign sources.

The authorisation to increase the weapon and ammunition reserves to minimum 15-I levels from the earlier existing 10-day stocking is to prepare the defence forces for a two-front war with both China and Pakistan."A number of weapon systems and ammunition are being acquired now under the authorisation of having reserves to fight a 15-day intense war with the enemies. The stocking would now be at 15-I level from the 10 I levels," government sources told ANI.

The authorisation for enhanced stocking for the defence forces was approved some time ago, they said.

As per the authorisation many years ago, the armed forces were supposed to stock for a 40-day intense war but it was then brought down to 10-I level due to issues with the storage of weapons and ammunition as well as the changing nature of warfare.

After the Uri attack, it was realised that the war wastage reserves stocks were low and the then Manohar Parrikar-led defence ministry enhanced financial powers of the vice chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force to Ra 500 crore from Rs 100 crore.

The three services were also given the emergency financial powers to procure items worth Rs 300 crore to buy any equipment which they felt could be of use to them for fighting wars. The defence forces have been buying a number of spares, weapons, missiles and systems for effectively taking on the two adversaries.

Sources say a large number of missiles and ammunition for tanks and artillery have been acquired in satisfactory amounts to shed worries for the troops on the ground.India has been engaged with China in the Eastern Ladakh sector where the Chinese have been transgressed at multiple locations and trying to change the status quo on the LAC.&nbsp;

In the middle of a conflict with China, India has taken a significant step by authorising the defence forces to enhance their stocking of weapons and ammunition for a 15-day intense war now.

In the middle of a conflict with China, India has taken a significant step by authorising the defence forces to enhance their stocking of weapons and ammunition for a 15-day intense war now. Making use of the extended stocking requirements and the emergency financial powers in the ongoing conflict with China in Eastern Ladakh, the defence forces are expected to spend over Rs 50,000 crore for acquisition of equipment and ammunition from both local and foreign sources. The authorisation to increase the weapon and ammunition reserves to minimum 15-I levels from the earlier existing 10-day stocking is to prepare the defence forces for a two-front war with both China and Pakistan."A number of weapon systems and ammunition are being acquired now under the authorisation of having reserves to fight a 15-day intense war with the enemies. The stocking would now be at 15-I level from the 10 I levels," government sources told ANI. The authorisation for enhanced stocking for the defence forces was approved some time ago, they said. As per the authorisation many years ago, the armed forces were supposed to stock for a 40-day intense war but it was then brought down to 10-I level due to issues with the storage of weapons and ammunition as well as the changing nature of warfare. After the Uri attack, it was realised that the war wastage reserves stocks were low and the then Manohar Parrikar-led defence ministry enhanced financial powers of the vice chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force to Ra 500 crore from Rs 100 crore. The three services were also given the emergency financial powers to procure items worth Rs 300 crore to buy any equipment which they felt could be of use to them for fighting wars. The defence forces have been buying a number of spares, weapons, missiles and systems for effectively taking on the two adversaries. Sources say a large number of missiles and ammunition for tanks and artillery have been acquired in satisfactory amounts to shed worries for the troops on the ground.India has been engaged with China in the Eastern Ladakh sector where the Chinese have been transgressed at multiple locations and trying to change the status quo on the LAC.

Indian defence forces to stock weapons, ammo for 15-day intense war

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the country will always remember the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives during the terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001. "Their bravery will also be remembered by the future generations of this country," Singh tweeted.

Nine persons, including eight security personnel, died in the attack by terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based outfits. All five terrorists were killed by security forces.

"I salute the valour of all the brave security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while steadfastly countering the terrorist attack on Parliament on this day in 2001," Singh said. The terror attack led to high level of tension between India and Pakistan and a massive upgrade in the security of the Parliament.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the country will always remember the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives during the terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the country will always remember the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives during the terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001. "Their bravery will also be remembered by the future generations of this country," Singh tweeted. Nine persons, including eight security personnel, died in the attack by terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based outfits. All five terrorists were killed by security forces. "I salute the valour of all the brave security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while steadfastly countering the terrorist attack on Parliament on this day in 2001," Singh said. The terror attack led to high level of tension between India and Pakistan and a massive upgrade in the security of the Parliament.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to victims of parliament attack

India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis.

In the run up to the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the global ‘Climate Action Summit’ on Saturday (December 12), parliamentarians and climate change experts from India and the Europe came together on a common platform to discuss the mutual cooperation and brainstorm on avenues for working together to tackle climate change this week in a webinar organised by UK based think tank Europe Asia Foundation Limited (EAFL).

EAFL is a UK-based organisation that provides a platform that brings together democracies of Europe and Asia.

The webinar on climate change was a part of the ‘India Talks’ series initiative of the EAFL. The panelists included MEP Bas Eickhout, Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar, and India’s former Ambassador to EU Manjeev Puri, and European Policy Centre’s Senior Policy Analyst Annika Hedberg. Former German Environment Minister and MEP Jo Leinen chaired and moderated the event while the Director of the Europe Asia Foundation Limited and former MEP Neena Gill hosted the event.&nbsp;

MJ Akbar highlighted the possibilities of cooperation in green energy through International Solar Alliance - an ambitious project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He then argued, "While solar energy on paper is cheaper, however, unless the battery storage problem isn’t sorted out, it can’t be a fully dependable initiative. We are working fast to sort this out. We will have to provide a better life for people.&nbsp;

"Nations that have used coal extensively and have contributed hugely to the crisis cannot give us sermons and lectures. There is a commitment that has been made. 100 billion dollars is a term that has been mentioned. I don’t know how many of these dollars have reached developing countries. If we have not learned anything from this year, then our future is definitely pessimistic."

He further said that India and Europe can take a shared approach, adding, "no issues if all the world does not come together. India and Europe are massive and huge powers and can do a lot together."

Putting forward his expectations from COP-26 to be held at Glasgow, Akbar said, "I would like to reiterate the word of Elliott - 'The world will not end with a bang, but it might be through a whimper.' We need to communicate to people that if the world would end, it might not be due to murder, but due to suicide."

MEP Bas Eickhout opined that in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, "we all were wondering how it is going to change public perceptions. As far as the EU is concerned, the first reactions of governments were quite reactive and nationalistic. Especially during the first wave."

He added, "A green recovery is central as a part of that investment programme. An efficient formulation, intention, and direction of the European investment programme would help in investing in a more resilient economy, which is ready for the next crisis – that is the climate crisis." He also reiterated the importance of LULUCF, earlier mentioned by Manjeev Puri.

About his expectations from the upcoming COP-26 meeting, Eickhout said, “One of the major objectives of the Paris meeting was to review the progress every five years. However, the Emission Report that has been just now published has reflected that the world is not moving forward to tackle the issue at all. The five-years review should have been there. We now really have to look towards ourselves. Europe needs to have its own house in order. The US will come forward with their new plan back in play. The big question is what the other countries are going to do?”

Ambassador Manjeev Puri highlighted that it is very important to reaffirm that India and the EU have put climate change on their agenda very-very early.

He mentioned the report on ‘Climate Change Performance Index’, released on December 7 -- which highlighted that India is amongst the top ten best performers in climate change.

China was 33rd and the US was unfortunately near the bottom in the list.

Throwing light on India’s achievements in the field of solar energy, he said solar power has become cheaper in India than coal generated electricity in the day. This one fundamental change has propelled solar power change in India and there is no second example. He also mentioned two major objectives of India in the field of green power. First, to decarbonise electricity generation and second, to electrify everything else.&nbsp;

“India and the EU collaborate on a lot of things. The European Investment Bank has been proved to be of much help for India. Investments made by the Bank have led to wonderful outcomes. It also financed the Lucknow Metro. The fact that the metro is coming all over in India shall help us to ensure that carbon emissions from personal vehicles in India get rapidly reduced. India and Europe can get together on a huge global mission on hydrogen. Something similar to India-led initiative on solar power and perhaps, provide fast results as a consequence of the reduction in dependency on fossil fuels," he added.

Highlighting the importance of ‘green recovery’, Annika Hedberg stated, “We need to commit to green recovery from the coronavirus crisis. We also need to take into account other things and need to invest in the future in areas of utmost importance to society. Most importantly, we need to be people centric. In Europe, areas which have invested a lot on fossil fuels and are still dependent on coal. The transition for countries like Poland is going to be a major task.&nbsp;

"And at the same time, we need to help such countries in transition. There is a need to recognise the support system and extend help to upskill them. In Germany, there are significant regions that are heavily dependent over coal. These people are very keen on such a pattern and want to remain in the same energy space. We have been getting some very positive signals as important developments are taking place in the EU regarding such transitions. A number of regions are currently in the middle of the transition. The other member nations need to support these regions.”

Jo Leinen moderated the discussion and touched upon a number of burning topics related to prolonged as well as real-time issues, bringing up topics like biodiversity, adaptation, climate finance, cooperation, greenhouse emissions, COP-26, etc. in the discussion.&nbsp;

About India’s steps in the field of biodiversity, he said, “I know that there are social problems and economic problems but you are famous for biological products. Your products are much more enhancive and are accepted in most parts of the world and are really an asset for India. You have such beautiful landscapes and I think India can be an example in biodiversity globally.”

Neena Gill concluded the event, and presented the vote of thanks. She said, "We need to get this message and understanding across to a wider audience. That is one of the ambitions of this organisation to transmit such conversations into public space, to ordinary people. When we look at the 27 EU states, they are at different trajectories of climate change awareness and likewise are the states in India.&nbsp;

"I hope we would be able to take these debates to the state level, connecting with the local people in different states and connect countries through this initiative. The idea is to have a bottom-up approach that links local initiatives internationally. This is not the end of this debate but the beginning.”

The discussion becomes more important as Indian PM Modi is expected to participate in the summit and was invited by the UK government to attend the event earlier in November.

India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis. In the run up to the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the global ‘Climate Action Summit’ on Saturday (December 12), parliamentarians and climate change experts from India and the Europe came together on a common platform to discuss the mutual cooperation and brainstorm on avenues for working together to tackle climate change this week in a webinar organised by UK based think tank Europe Asia Foundation Limited (EAFL). EAFL is a UK-based organisation that provides a platform that brings together democracies of Europe and Asia. The webinar on climate change was a part of the ‘India Talks’ series initiative of the EAFL. The panelists included MEP Bas Eickhout, Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar, and India’s former Ambassador to EU Manjeev Puri, and European Policy Centre’s Senior Policy Analyst Annika Hedberg. Former German Environment Minister and MEP Jo Leinen chaired and moderated the event while the Director of the Europe Asia Foundation Limited and former MEP Neena Gill hosted the event. MJ Akbar highlighted the possibilities of cooperation in green energy through International Solar Alliance - an ambitious project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He then argued, "While solar energy on paper is cheaper, however, unless the battery storage problem isn’t sorted out, it can’t be a fully dependable initiative. We are working fast to sort this out. We will have to provide a better life for people. "Nations that have used coal extensively and have contributed hugely to the crisis cannot give us sermons and lectures. There is a commitment that has been made. 100 billion dollars is a term that has been mentioned. I don’t know how many of these dollars have reached developing countries. If we have not learned anything from this year, then our future is definitely pessimistic." He further said that India and Europe can take a shared approach, adding, "no issues if all the world does not come together. India and Europe are massive and huge powers and can do a lot together." Putting forward his expectations from COP-26 to be held at Glasgow, Akbar said, "I would like to reiterate the word of Elliott - 'The world will not end with a bang, but it might be through a whimper.' We need to communicate to people that if the world would end, it might not be due to murder, but due to suicide." MEP Bas Eickhout opined that in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, "we all were wondering how it is going to change public perceptions. As far as the EU is concerned, the first reactions of governments were quite reactive and nationalistic. Especially during the first wave." He added, "A green recovery is central as a part of that investment programme. An efficient formulation, intention, and direction of the European investment programme would help in investing in a more resilient economy, which is ready for the next crisis – that is the climate crisis." He also reiterated the importance of LULUCF, earlier mentioned by Manjeev Puri. About his expectations from the upcoming COP-26 meeting, Eickhout said, “One of the major objectives of the Paris meeting was to review the progress every five years. However, the Emission Report that has been just now published has reflected that the world is not moving forward to tackle the issue at all. The five-years review should have been there. We now really have to look towards ourselves. Europe needs to have its own house in order. The US will come forward with their new plan back in play. The big question is what the other countries are going to do?” Ambassador Manjeev Puri highlighted that it is very important to reaffirm that India and the EU have put climate change on their agenda very-very early. He mentioned the report on ‘Climate Change Performance Index’, released on December 7 -- which highlighted that India is amongst the top ten best performers in climate change. China was 33rd and the US was unfortunately near the bottom in the list. Throwing light on India’s achievements in the field of solar energy, he said solar power has become cheaper in India than coal generated electricity in the day. This one fundamental change has propelled solar power change in India and there is no second example. He also mentioned two major objectives of India in the field of green power. First, to decarbonise electricity generation and second, to electrify everything else. “India and the EU collaborate on a lot of things. The European Investment Bank has been proved to be of much help for India. Investments made by the Bank have led to wonderful outcomes. It also financed the Lucknow Metro. The fact that the metro is coming all over in India shall help us to ensure that carbon emissions from personal vehicles in India get rapidly reduced. India and Europe can get together on a huge global mission on hydrogen. Something similar to India-led initiative on solar power and perhaps, provide fast results as a consequence of the reduction in dependency on fossil fuels," he added. Highlighting the importance of ‘green recovery’, Annika Hedberg stated, “We need to commit to green recovery from the coronavirus crisis. We also need to take into account other things and need to invest in the future in areas of utmost importance to society. Most importantly, we need to be people centric. In Europe, areas which have invested a lot on fossil fuels and are still dependent on coal. The transition for countries like Poland is going to be a major task. "And at the same time, we need to help such countries in transition. There is a need to recognise the support system and extend help to upskill them. In Germany, there are significant regions that are heavily dependent over coal. These people are very keen on such a pattern and want to remain in the same energy space. We have been getting some very positive signals as important developments are taking place in the EU regarding such transitions. A number of regions are currently in the middle of the transition. The other member nations need to support these regions.” Jo Leinen moderated the discussion and touched upon a number of burning topics related to prolonged as well as real-time issues, bringing up topics like biodiversity, adaptation, climate finance, cooperation, greenhouse emissions, COP-26, etc. in the discussion. About India’s steps in the field of biodiversity, he said, “I know that there are social problems and economic problems but you are famous for biological products. Your products are much more enhancive and are accepted in most parts of the world and are really an asset for India. You have such beautiful landscapes and I think India can be an example in biodiversity globally.” Neena Gill concluded the event, and presented the vote of thanks. She said, "We need to get this message and understanding across to a wider audience. That is one of the ambitions of this organisation to transmit such conversations into public space, to ordinary people. When we look at the 27 EU states, they are at different trajectories of climate change awareness and likewise are the states in India. "I hope we would be able to take these debates to the state level, connecting with the local people in different states and connect countries through this initiative. The idea is to have a bottom-up approach that links local initiatives internationally. This is not the end of this debate but the beginning.” The discussion becomes more important as Indian PM Modi is expected to participate in the summit and was invited by the UK government to attend the event earlier in November.

India and Europe to fight climate change together

The Balakot terror camp in Pakistan, which was targeted by the Indian Air Force in February last year. Has once again reopened to train terrorists and launch attacks, according to sources the camp operations this time will predominantly focus on anti-India activities.

Pakistan continues to be a safe haven for terrorists

After Russia accused United States-led West of trying to undermine its ties with India, India has replied saying that its relations with Moscow stand on their own merit.

India: Relations with Moscow based on its own merit

Next week, Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina will virtually re-open an India-Bangladesh cross-border rail route after 55 years. WION's Palki tells you how India and Bangladesh are ready to kick off a new phase in their partnership.

Gravitas: A new chapter in India - Bangladesh ties

In India, the head of the Serum Institute which has tasked to develop the AstraZeneca based Covishield vaccine in the country now says, that the positive late state trial results of the candidates will allow it to seek emergency use approval by the year end.

Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech vaccines applied for emergency use in India

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire. The comments come even as the past few weeks have witnessed a spate of attacks in the country including rocket attacks.

Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu said, It is important to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan caused by the violence committed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups. Peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand, and we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. "

This year saw a number of developments in Afghanistan, including a pact between the Taliban and the US and the start of intra Afghan talks between the Taliban and the Afghan govt. The development comes even as the US is eager to remove its troops from the country, which is seen as an opportunity by Islamabad to increase its influence in Kabul.

In the speech, pointing at Pakistan, Nagaraj Naidu listed out the "artificial and political obstacles of non-permit of full transit rights to Afghanistan" hindering its trade with India.

He said," It is important for Afghanistan to have access to high seas for a prosperous future. The international community should work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure all transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance"

India in the aftermath of the fall of the Taliban in 2001 has committed over $ 3 billion towards development, reconstruction and capacity building of the country. Both countries recently concluded an agreement for building the Shatoot dam which will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents capital Kabul city. New Delhi will also launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan, which includes around 150 projects worth US$ 80 million.

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire.

India has highlighted the violence committed by the Taliban and other terror groups in Afghanistan at the United Nations even has it has reiterated its call for a ceasefire. The comments come even as the past few weeks have witnessed a spate of attacks in the country including rocket attacks. Speaking at United Nations General Assembly, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu said, It is important to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan caused by the violence committed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups. Peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand, and we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. " This year saw a number of developments in Afghanistan, including a pact between the Taliban and the US and the start of intra Afghan talks between the Taliban and the Afghan govt. The development comes even as the US is eager to remove its troops from the country, which is seen as an opportunity by Islamabad to increase its influence in Kabul. In the speech, pointing at Pakistan, Nagaraj Naidu listed out the "artificial and political obstacles of non-permit of full transit rights to Afghanistan" hindering its trade with India. He said," It is important for Afghanistan to have access to high seas for a prosperous future. The international community should work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure all transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance" India in the aftermath of the fall of the Taliban in 2001 has committed over $ 3 billion towards development, reconstruction and capacity building of the country. Both countries recently concluded an agreement for building the Shatoot dam which will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents capital Kabul city. New Delhi will also launch Phase-IV of High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan, which includes around 150 projects worth US$ 80 million.

India highlights violence committed by Taliban in Afghanistan at UN; reiterates calls for a ceasefire

The total active <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases </a>in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday.

"The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases. India's present active caseload consists of just 3.71 per cent of India's total cases," said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs.

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"India's total active caseload has significantly dropped to 3.63 lakh (363,749) today. This is the lowest after 146 days. The total active cases were 358,692 on 18th July, 2020."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-lockdowns-positive-impact-on-environment-348993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It also said that the country has recorded 29,398 cases in the last 24 hours and added that the total recoveries are closing in on 9.3 million.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India on Friday recorded less than 30,000 cases, a figure witnessed for the second time in the month and suggests that the deadly virus's decline in the country continues.&nbsp;

As many as 9,290,834 people have recuperated from the virus, taking the overall recovery rate to 94.84 per cent.&nbsp;

After touching a peak of about 100,000 cases a day, India is witnessing a significant drop in the number of cases and deaths on a daily basis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The total active coronavirus cases in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday. "The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases.

The total active coronavirus cases in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday. "The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases. India's present active caseload consists of just 3.71 per cent of India's total cases," said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. Also read | Britons could be banned from EU after January 1 under Covid rules "India's total active caseload has significantly dropped to 3.63 lakh (363,749) today. This is the lowest after 146 days. The total active cases were 358,692 on 18th July, 2020." Watch | It also said that the country has recorded 29,398 cases in the last 24 hours and added that the total recoveries are closing in on 9.3 million. Meanwhile, India on Friday recorded less than 30,000 cases, a figure witnessed for the second time in the month and suggests that the deadly virus's decline in the country continues. As many as 9,290,834 people have recuperated from the virus, taking the overall recovery rate to 94.84 per cent. After touching a peak of about 100,000 cases a day, India is witnessing a significant drop in the number of cases and deaths on a daily basis.

India's active coronavirus cases lowest in about five months

India-Bangladesh to relaunch defunct rail route. Rail route will re-open after 55 years. Watch this video to know more.

India-Bangladesh to relaunch defunct rail route

India offers jet trainers to US Navy, pilots use jet trainers before flying the actual planes.

India offers jet trainers to US Navy, New Delhi sends report detailing jet's specification

The Wuhan virus pandemic disrupted the world order, displayed its shortcomings, and exposed the lack of leadership. The crisis has also raised a question- who will lead the post-pandemic world? Will it be India?

Gravitas: The Pandemic and a New World order

Ambassadors and High Commissioners of around 60 countries have landed in Hyderabad, India to visit Bharat Biotech headquarter and Biological E limited which are working on the COVID-19 vaccine.

India: Envoys from 60 nations arrived in Hyderabad to visit Bharat-Biotech HQ

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a strong statement on China. Jaishankar has said that China has become more nationalistic in its approach. EAM Jaishankar also talked about border tensions between India & China and said that this is the most difficult phase with china in last 30 years.

India's EAM Jaishankar: Most difficult phase with China in last 30 years

Ambassadors and High Commissioners of around 80 countries will be landing in Hyderabad, India on December 9 to visit Bharat Biotech and BE limited which are working on the COVID-19 vaccine.

India: Envoys from 80 nations to visit Bharat-Biotech HQ

Indian Pharmaceuticals firm Bharat Biotech is seeking emergency authorisation of its Coronavirus vaccine 'Covaxin'. This comes after Pfizer & Serum institute producing AstraZeneca vaccine have applied for the emergency use authorisation from DGCI.

India: Bharat Biotech latest to seek emergency use authorisation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, where both the leaders discussed a wide range of issues.

Indian PM speaks to Macron, conveyed condolences for France terror attacks

Five suspected terrorists were arrested on Monday in Delhi, India after an encounter and have revealed Pakistan spy agency ISI’s attempt to link up terror outfits in Kashmir with Khalistan operatives. Two out of them were allegedly involved in the murder of Shaurya Chakra winner Balwinder Singh in Punjab.

India: 5 terrorists arrested in Delhi, Khalistani-Kashmir terror link exposed

The total coronavirus cases in India mounted to 96,77,203 with 32,981 new infections being reported in a day and the death toll rose to 1,40,573 with 391 new fatalities, the data issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at 8 am showed.

As many as 39,109 new cases have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of discharges to 91,39,901.

With 391 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,40,573.

India reported less than 50,000 cases for the 29th day in a row. The last time the daily new cases crossed the 50,000-threshold was on November 7.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by the pandemic with 18,52,266 cases.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 14,77,87,656 samples tested for COVID19, up to 6th December 2020. Of these, 8,01,081 samples were tested on Sunday.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an all-party meeting, had said that the COVID-19 vaccine is expected in the next few weeks, and vaccination will start in India as soon as scientists give a green signal.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total coronavirus cases in India mounted to 96,77,203 with 32,981 new infections being reported in a day and the death toll rose to 1,40,573 with 391 new fatalities, the data issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at 8 am showed.

The total coronavirus cases in India mounted to 96,77,203 with 32,981 new infections being reported in a day and the death toll rose to 1,40,573 with 391 new fatalities, the data issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at 8 am showed. As many as 39,109 new cases have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of discharges to 91,39,901. With 391 new deaths, the cumulative toll mounted to 1,40,573. India reported less than 50,000 cases for the 29th day in a row. The last time the daily new cases crossed the 50,000-threshold was on November 7. Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by the pandemic with 18,52,266 cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 14,77,87,656 samples tested for COVID19, up to 6th December 2020. Of these, 8,01,081 samples were tested on Sunday. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an all-party meeting, had said that the COVID-19 vaccine is expected in the next few weeks, and vaccination will start in India as soon as scientists give a green signal. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 32,981 new COVID-19 cases, 391 deaths in the last 24 hours

Luxembourg firm, that will be building portable and non-portable COVID-19 vaccine refrigerators for the Indian government will set up a plant in India, which will be up and running by mid-march.

Luxembourg firm key to India's COVID immunisation, plans to set up plant in India

Foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows into India crossed the $500 billion milestone between April 2000 to September 2020, strengthening the country’s credentials as an investment destination.

World Business Watch: FDI equity inflows into India cross $500 bn milestone

About 4000 people gathered outside the Indian High Commission office in London and demanded to struck down controversial Farm Laws of India. According to reports, 13 people have been arrested for flouting COVID-19 guidelines.

4,000 people assemble in London, 13 arrested for flouting COVID rules

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