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Shimla, The <keyword id="121337" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="himachal-pradesh-government">Himachal Pradesh government</keyword> on Tuesday said it will resume interstate services of <keyword id="1021788" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himachal-Road-Transport-Corporation">Himachal Road Transport Corporation</keyword> (HRTC) on select routes from Wednesday. <keyword id="10101012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="transport-minister-bikram-singh">Transport Minister Bikram Singh</keyword> said the bus services will resume on 25 routes in the first phase, including to and from Chandigarh, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Ambala, Haridwar, and other cities and towns. Only non-AC HRTC buses will ply on these interstate routes, including during night hours, in view of the Navratri and Dussehra festive season. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/gst-council-and-states-fail-to-reach-consensus-on-compensation-cess-no-dispute-we-may-have-differences-says-sitharaman/articleshow/78624857.cms">GST council and states fail to reach consensus on compensation cess — 'No dispute, we may have differences,' says Sitharaman</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/banking-stocks-like-sbi-hdfc-axis-icici-and-other-share-price-in-the-stock-market-ahead-of-the-moratorium-verdict/articleshow/78633357.cms">SBI, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and other bank stocks tread caution as they wait with bated breath for Supreme Court verdict on moratorium</a>

Interstate bus services from Himachal Pradesh to resume from October 14

<ul><li>Union Minister <keyword id="26680" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-gadkari">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> on Monday said "dead assets" who neither take decisions nor allow others to work, will be shown the exit door and red-tapism will not be tolerated.</li><li>Those officials who compromised on road safety by not taking timely decisions or are accountable for faulty DPRs (detailed project report) or road engineering will have to face stringent actions. </li><li> India topped the list of accidents globally with 65% of victims falling in the age range of 18-35 years.</li></ul>In a clear warning to "non-performing" officials in the ministry, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said "dead assets" who neither take decisions nor allow others to work, will be shown the exit door and red-tapism will not be tolerated.
 Addressing the 'Road Safety Stake-holders Meet,' Road Transport and Highways Minister made it clear that "there is a limit to testing one's patience" and those officials who compromised on road safety by not taking timely decisions or are accountable for faulty DPRs (detailed project report) or road engineering will have to face stringent actions.
 India is a country where more people die on roads than in militancy or extremism related incidents, he said and termed the scenario as "unfortunate and painful".
 The minister further noted that notwithstanding the the massive efforts to curb accidents there has been an increase in this space and India topped the list globally with 65 per cent of victims falling in the age range of 18-35 years.
 "Those non-productive, non-performing, dead assets in the Government ... should be shown the exit door. There should not be any hesitation. They lack sensitivity, they lack decision making, they make wrong DPRs and sit on the file for years. They neither take decisions nor allow others to take decisions. ... There is a limit to testing one's patience," Gadkari said.
 The Minister said: "We can not allow this to function. The government needs to take instant decisions. Those who do not work, those who do not take decisions and those who are involved in red-tapism... will be shown the exit."
 He said huge work has been done for building roads and adding highways but now was the time to weed out unproductive people from the system as was stressed by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>. "We will touch 30 km a day road building this year. The Prime Minister asked what steps have been taken against those who do not work. How many of such people were given retirement. I have asked my Secretary about how many people were shown the doors for not working," the minister said.
 Reiterating government's commitment to road safety, the minister said 22 driving centres have been opened and another 1,000 are on the anvil as there is a shortage of 22 lakh drivers.
 He said massive work was being done on accidents spots with Rs 7,000 crore assistance from the World Bank, Rs 7,000 crore from ADB and urged automobile manufacturers also to come forward in this direction.
 He also called upon teachers to join the crusade for imparting education among students on road safety.
 The Minister urged states to follow the example of Tamil Nadu which has reduced its accidents by 24.4 per cent in the last 2-3 years on the back of various initiatives.
 He said that Tata Trust NGO has proposed helicopter services at high accident spots and organ donation could be promoted in those cases where victims can not be saved.
 Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> said it was a matter of concern as to why road safety was lagging behind and wondered why Indians "who could know the way of reaching to the Moon or Mars, failed to learn the ways of safety in reaching homes and offices." He urged the youth to use social media platforms like Whatsapp, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for creating awareness among masses.
 Crediting Gadkari for massive works in this direction he reiterated Gadkari's words to imbibe sensitivity and said it was shocking to come across incidents where people instead of saving victims had been found making videos.
 He stressed the need to fight "terrorists" within oneself to tackle <keyword id="84827" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Road-rage">road rage</keyword> issues and safe driving. NAM DRR

Transport minister Gadkari says that officials who are 'dead assets' will be shown the door

Imphal, Apr 28 () Manipur Public Works MinisterThongam Biswajit Singh on Tuesday apprised Union MinisterNitin Gadkari about issues faced during transportation ofcommodities and implementation of highway development projectsin the landlocked state, owing to the ongoing lockdown.During a video conference with Gadkari and ministersof other states, Singh highlighted hindrances in the movementof commodities in neighbouring states, an official releasesaid."The state is facing some issues regarding movement ofconstruction materials for highway projects and other non-essential commodities while passing through some neighbouringstates," Singh said.He, however, said there is no such problem intransportation of goods within the state.The country is under a lockdown to contain the spreadof COVID-19. CORRRBT RBT

Manipur minister flags commodity transportation issues during lockdown

New Delhi, <keyword id="6358032" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="SpiceJet">SpiceJet</keyword> has signed an agreement with Belgium's <keyword id="505425" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Brussels-airport">Brussels Airport</keyword> for providing seamless transportation of <keyword id="9078985" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19-Vaccines">COVID-19 vaccines</keyword>, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. As a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (<keyword id="6368586" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="MoU">MoU</keyword>), Brussels Airport would provide assistance to SpiceJet with regards to slots, networking contracts etc. for speedy delivery of vaccines, it noted. "The airline's cargo arm, SpiceXpress, envisions to provide rapid and secure transportation of COVID-19 vaccine from and to Europe and beyond with proper temperature-controlled mechanism under the MoU," the SpiceJet's statement said. As part of this association, Brussels Airport will be SpiceJet's first flight point for Europe, it mentioned. As strategic partners, both SpiceJet and Brussels Airport Company NV will jointly work with the government, pharma companies and forwarders to ensure a reliable ecosystem for vaccine delivery in a temperature-controlled environment, it said. India started its vaccine movement from Tuesday morning when SpiceJet flight SG8937 flight transported the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccine from Pune to Delhi. Civil Aviation Minister <keyword id="151350" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hardeep-Singh-Puri">Hardeep Singh Puri</keyword> said four airlines will operate nine flights to transport 56.5 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pune to 13 cities across the country on Tuesday. DSP CK

SpiceJet ties up with Brussels Airport for transportation of COVID vaccines to Europe

The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to lift all <keyword id="8764262" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">Covid</keyword> restrictions in the state following reduction in cases. Now, gathering for all activities- social, political, religious will be allowed at full capacity. Restaurants, cinema halls, theaters, sports activities etc would also be allowed to function at 100 per cent capacity. Similarly, the state government has announced to allow schools, colleges, coaching centres, hostels to operate at 100 per cent capacity. Swimming pools, public transports, Yoga events too will have no curbs. Business activities like, restaurants, eateries, hotels, weekly and daily markets will now be allowed to function at full capacity. "People can invite any number of guests in marriage and other functions. There would also be no restriction for gathering at funerals," Chief Minister <keyword id="94770" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shivraj-singh-chouhan" source="Orion">Shivraj Singh Chouhan</keyword> said. The announcement was made after the current situation of the Covid pandemic was reviewed in a meeting of cabinet ministers with senior officials. Chouhan said the state has reported five new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, while the tally of active cases stand at 78. "Observing that the Covid situation is under control, we have decided to ease all restrictions imposed to curb Covid pandemic in the state. However, it has to be ensured that Covid appropriate behaviour is followed in all the institutions, markets and offices. I would urge people to co-operate with medical staff when they visit their homes for Covid sample testing," Chouhan added during a post-meeting press briefing. Meanwhile, Chouhan also informed that over 91 per cent eligible people in the state have received their first dose of Covid vaccine, whereas, more than 50 per cent (at current 47 per cent) are yet to get their second dose. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/air-pollution-haryana-government-to-impose-odd-even-rule-in-gurugram-faridabad-jhajjar-and-sonipat-from-next-week/articleshow/87759760.cms">Air pollution: Haryana government to impose odd-even rule in Gurugram, Faridabad, Jhajjar and Sonipat from next week</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/oppo-starts-rolling-out-coloros-12-for-find-x2-reno-6-pro-series-in-india/articleshow/87759007.cms">Oppo starts rolling out ColorOS 12 for Find X2, Reno 6 Pro series in India</a>

Madhya Pradesh government lifts all COVID-19 restrictions including opening of restaurants, cinema halls at full capacity

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 () Odishas Rural Development and Labour Minister Susanta Singh on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19. The MLA from Bhatli assembly constituency is the first minister in Odisha to have been infected with the virus. "I have tested positive for Corona and I am stable now. Those who have came in contact with me recently are requested to stay isolated and get tested," the minister tweeted. Singh was the chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations in Balasore district. Earlier, five MLAs had tested positive for novel coronavirus. They are Khandapadas MLA and editor of Sambad Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu, Remuna MLA Sudhanshu Shekhar Parida, Nilgiri MLA Sukanta Kumar Nayak and Salepur MLA Prasant Behera. State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari and Transport Minister Padmanav Behera went on home isolation on August 14 after a person, who was later found to be COVID-positive, came in their proximity. Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari has also tested positive for the virus and is in home quarantine on the advice of doctors. AAM MM MM

Susanta Singh first Odisha minister to test COVID-19 positive

<h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"> </h2>Narendra Modi, who led the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to a spectacular victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, on Thursday took oath as the Prime Minister. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy in Hindi to Modi at a ceremony attended by thousands of people at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan Sushma Swaraj, Suresh Prabhu, V.K. Singh, Mahesh Sharma, Jayant Sinha and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore were among the Union Ministers missing from the dais for ministers to be inducted in the new Modi government. Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his 57-member council of ministers were sworn in by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday, Here are the portfolio for Cabinet Minister is: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em; box-shadow: none; width: 1023.33px; font-family: Merriweather; padding-bottom: 10px !important; background-image: inherit !important; background-position: inherit !important; background-size: inherit !important; background-repeat: inherit !important; background-attachment: inherit !important; background-origin: inherit !important; background-clip: inherit !important;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-width: 1px 0.742187pt 0.742187pt; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(221, 221, 221) rgb(197, 197, 197) rgb(197, 197, 197); padding: 4pt 6pt; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: top;">Modi Cabinet 2.0: List of new Council of Ministers 2019</td></tr></tbody></table> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"></td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Portfolio </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Cabinet Ministers </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Home Affairs </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Amit Shah </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Defence </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Rajnath Singh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Ministry of Road Transport and Highways </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Nitin Gadkari </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Nirmala Sitharaman </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Women and Child Development and Minister of Textile </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Smriti Irani </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of External Affairs </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">S Jaishankar </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Law and Justice, Minister of Communications and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Ravi Shankar Prasad </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">D.V. Sadananda Gowda </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Food Processing Industries </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Harsimrat Kaur Badal </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Skill development and Entrepreneurship </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Mahendra Nath Pandey </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Arvind Sawant </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Coal and Minister ofMines </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Prahlad Joshi </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce and Industry </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Piyush Goyal </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Minister of Information and Broadcasting </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Prakash Javadekar </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Minority Affairs </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Ram Vilas Paswan </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Thawar Chand Gehlot </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Giriraj Singh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Gajendra Singh Shekhawat </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare , Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Panchayati Raj </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Narendra Singh Tomar </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Arjun Munda </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Dr Harshavardhan </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Dharmendra Pradhan </td></tr><tr><td style="border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-right:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;border-top:solid #c5c5c5 0.7421872500000001pt;vertical-align:top;padding:4pt 6pt 4pt 6pt;">Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank </td></tr></tbody></table>

Narendra Modi announces Union Cabinet portfolio

The <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. The C-17 aircraft of the <keyword id="6355075" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF">IAF</keyword> took off from the <keyword id="6371680" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindon">Hindon</keyword> airbase on the outskirts of Delhi for Singapore's Changi airport early on Saturday morning. India is struggling with the second wave of the coronavirus infection and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds in view of a rising number of COVID-19 cases. Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients. The IAF was also transporting essential medicines as well as equipment required by the designated COVID-19 hospitals in various parts of the country. "The Indian Air Force is taking sorties to reduce the transportation time of Oxygen and other critical supplies. One C-17 has reached Changi airport in Singapore today. These containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks will help boosting the oxygen supply in the country," <keyword id="32723" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence">Defence</keyword> Minister Rajnath Singh's office tweeted earlier. On Friday, the <keyword id="65242" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-home-ministry">Union Home Ministry</keyword> said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. The move came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the coronavirus situation in the country. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-choose-the-right-pulse-oximeter/articleshow/82228819.cms">Pulse oximeter buying guide - here's how to choose the right oximeter for home</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/covid-19-pandemic-has-thrown-the-spotlight-on-a-five-year-old-startup-with-emergency-ambulance-service/articleshow/82229745.cms">COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the spotlight on a five-year old startup with emergency ambulance service⁠</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/the-covid-19-crisis-would-be-much-worse-without-these-good-samaritans-of-india-providing-home-cooked-food-financial-assistance-and-medicines/slidelist/82230244.cms#slideid=82230293">The COVID-19 crisis would be much worse without these good samaritans of India providing home-cooked food, financial assistance and medicines</a>

Four cryogenic tanks for transportation of oxygen brought from Singapore

After Pakistan, China is also creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a "mission", Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> said on Monday, as Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months. The defence minister, speaking at an online event after inaugurating 44 bridges, said India is not only facing the situations along the frontiers resolutely, but it is also bringing in major development including in border areas. "You are well aware of the conditions created along our northern and eastern borders. First it was Pakistan, and now also by China, as if a border dispute is being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000 km with these countries where the tension continues," Singh said. The defence minister was speaking after inaugurating the bridges built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. A majority of these bridges are expected to significantly improve movement of troops in areas along the border with China in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors, officials said. Both India and China held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border standoff. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to defuse the situation. Singh said in the challenging times of COVID-19 and despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country was not only resolutely facing them but also bringing about historical changes in all sectors of development. The defence minister also laid the foundation stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. This 450 metre-long tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity across Nechiphu pass. The bridges inaugurated by Singh included 10 in Jammu and Kashmir, eight in Ladakh, two in Himachal Pradesh, four each in Punjab and Sikkim and eight each in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. In his address, Singh complimented the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their achievements in improving infrastructure in border areas and said that dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record. He said the annual budget of BRO that varied from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 4,600 crore in years between 2008 and 2016, saw a substantial rise and is pegged at over Rs 11,000 crore in 2020-21. "There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19," he said Singh said construction of the bridges will benefit both the civilian population as well as the military in the areas. "Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transport is not available throughout the year," he said, noting improvement in border infrastructure will significantly help armed forces. "These roads are not only for strategic needs, but they also reflect equal participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation," Singh said. The defence minister praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for working tirelessly even during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown period. The defence ministry said despite unprecedented snowfall breaking a 60-year record, all strategic passes and roads were cleared for traffic about one month before their average yearly opening dates. "I am happy to know that over 2,200 kilometers of roads have been cut by the BRO during the last two years, using the latest technologies, and state-of-the-art equipment. Also, surfacing was carried out on about 4200 kms of roads," he added. Amid the border standoff with China, India is expediting work on several key projects including on a strategic road linking Darcha in Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh that will criss-cross a number of high-altitude snow-bound passes. The nearly 290-km-long road will be crucial for the movement of troops and heavy weaponry into the frontier bases of the Ladakh region and will provide a crucial link to the Kargil region. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-launches-earth-observation-satellite-amid-border-tensions-with-india/articleshow/78613147.cms">China launches Earth observation satellite amid border tensions with India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/massive-power-cut-reported-across-mumbai-discom-points-finger-at-tatas/articleshow/78613787.cms">Massive power cut across Mumbai due to grid failure —electricity restored in certain areas</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/sitharaman-offers-states-12000-crore-interest-free-for-the-next-50-years-if-they-can-spend-it-on-capital-projects-by-march-2021/articleshow/78616741.cms">Sitharaman offers states ₹12,000 crore interest-free for the next 50 years if they can spend it on capital projects by March 2021</a>

India-China border dispute created as if part of a 'mission', says Indian Defence Minister

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) The first consignment of Covid-19 vaccine arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport of the national capital as the country's civil aviation sector has swung into action for providing an expeditious roll-out of India's mega anti-Covid vaccination drive. The first consignment of 'Covishield' vaccine consisting of 34 boxes and weighing 1,088 kg was carried from Pune to Delhi on SpiceJet flight 8937. "Today, we have received the first batch of Covid-19 vaccine at our airport. Temperature-controlled facility, ranging from -20 Deg C to +25 Deg C, at our two Cargo terminals can efficiently and safely handle these temperature sensitive vaccines," said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, the CEO of DIAL. He noted that there are "Cool Chambers" and "Cool Dollies" to maintain temperature required for these vaccines at the cargo terminal and during transit between aircraft and terminal or vice versa. "Our both the terminals can handle around 5.7 million vials in a day," Jaipuriar said. He added that DIAL has synergised and collaborated with all the stakeholders including exporters, importers, logistics companies, freight forwarders or agents, government, airlines, cargo terminal operators, to ensure faster turnaround of the vaccines. During the day, nine flights operated by various domestic airlines will ferry 56.5 lakh doses from Pune to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Chandigarh, tweeted Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. "Today @airindiain@flyspicejet @goairlinesindia&amp;@IndiGo6E will operate 9 flights from Pune with 56.5 lakh doses to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bengaluru, Lucknow &amp; Chandigarh," he said. In another tweet, Puri said: "Civil aviation sector launches yet another momentous mission. Vaccine movement starts. First two flights operated by aa@flyspicejet &amp; aa@goairlinesindia from Pune to Delhi &amp; Chennai have taken off." Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said that the airline will be carrying multiple vaccine consignments to different Indian cities including Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Patna and Vijayawada through the day. "SpiceJet is fully committed and prepared to transport the Covid vaccine both within and outside India," he said. "Today marks the beginning of a long and decisive phase in India's fight against the pandemic and SpiceJet is proud to assist in the biggest vaccination drive in the history of mankind," Singh said. --IANS rv-rrb/sn/rs

Vaccine transport commences, first consignment reaches Delhi

The flow of <keyword id="6355653" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gas" source="Orion">gas</keyword> from <keyword id="6358826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> to <keyword id="87" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="germany" source="Orion">Germany</keyword> through <keyword id="3424654" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nord-stream" source="Orion">Nord Stream</keyword> 1 stopped for maintenance until July 21, severely reducing the country's gas imports, the pipeline operator said. "Nord Stream AG has started maintenance work on the pipeline. The flow of gas through the pipeline will be throttled within a few hours of the start of the work," a company spokesperson told Xinhua news agency on Monday. <keyword id="1310497" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gas-storage" source="Orion">Gas storage</keyword> facilities in Germany are currently filled at 64.6 per cent, according to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). The country seeks to reach a storage level of 90 per cent before winter, Xinhua news agency reported. Although gas supply in Germany remained secure, the situation was "tense and a deterioration of the situation cannot be ruled out," BNetzA said on Monday. In the event of a shortage in winter, the government would have to decide on who gets no more gas, a "political nightmare scenario," <keyword id="14430023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Minister-for-Economic-Affairs-and-Climate-Action" source="Orion">Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action</keyword> <keyword id="3758881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Robert-Habeck" source="Orion">Robert Habeck</keyword> warned last week. "That will put Germany to a test that we have not had for a long time," he said. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which went into operation in 2011, transports gas from Vyborg in Russia to Lubmin in northeastern Germany. From there, gas is further transported to other European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France and the Netherlands, according to the operator. However, some countries such as Denmark, France and the Netherlands, have no longer received any Russian gas because they refused to pay their bills in rubles. "We also need to prepare now for further disruption of gas supply and even a complete cutoff of Russian gas supply," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned last week. The share of the European Union's gas supply provided by Russia dropped from more than 40 per cent in 2021 to 20 per cent in June 2022, according to Brussels-based Bruegel think-tank. Without any Russian gas, the EU would have to reduce demand by nearly 15 per cent. In June this year, Russia curtailed the flow of gas through Nord Stream 1 to 40 per cent of the pipeline's total capacity, citing the delayed return of a turbine being serviced by German company Siemens Energy in Canada. Germany's government in June declared the second stage of the country's national gas emergency plan as a result of the reduced gas capacity. "The situation is serious," said Habeck, describing the cutback in gas supplies as an "economic attack". --IANs SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/spicejet-says-its-md-ajay-singh-is-the-victim-to-a-bogus-complaint/articleshow/92818041.cms">SpiceJet says it’s MD Ajay Singh is the victim to a bogus complaint</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/best-bollywood-actor-and-actress-comeback-to-ott/slidelist/92802567.cms">Best Bollywood comebacks to OTT; Sushmita Sen, Karisma Kapoor, Bobby Deol and more</a>

Russia to Germany gas flow pauses but for maintenance only

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) The country's civil aviation sector swung into action on Tuesday for providing expeditious logistical support to the roll-out of India's mega anti-Covid vaccination drive. Accordingly, the operation conducted seamlessly all across the country commenced from Pune, the base of Serum Institute of India, manufacturers of the Covishield vaccine. Subsequently, the precious, temperature controlled cargo first travelled via trucks to Pune airport. Subsequently, nine flights operated by various domestic airlines ferried 56.5 lakh doses from Pune to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Chandigarh. "Today @airindiain@flyspicejet @goairlinesindia&amp;@IndiGo6E will operate 9 flights from Pune with 56.5 lakh doses to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bengaluru, Lucknow &amp; Chandigarh," Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a tweet. Last week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued guidelines to airlines and other aircraft operators for transportation of Covid-19 vaccines. As per the guidelines, authorised airlines can carry the vaccine packed in dry ice in the passenger or the cargo cabin. The circular noted that the carriage of Covid-19 vaccines from the manufacturing units to the place of administration gains significant importance especially in the light of the high expectations of the governments, healthcare personnel and the general public. Sector wise, national carrier Air India ferried the consignment of 276,000 vaccine doses weighing approximately 700 kg, from Pune to Ahmedabad. On its part, IndiGo transported 900 kg of vaccine from Pune to Chandigarh and Lucknow via flight 6E 6515 and 6E 882 respectively today. From Wednesday, it will transport vaccines from Mumbai to other cities, basis the allocation. Besides, GoAir operated two flights from Pune to Chennai ferrying 708,000 doses of the vaccine. "While our efforts to alleviate the complexities of the vaccine movement given the scale of the consignments and logistics, we are taking every possible step to support the institutions and our stakeholders to reach the vaccine in all possible corners of the country," said GoAir CEO Kaushik Khona. "This responsibility of vaccine shipment recognises the efforts taken by GoAir towards developing its cargo services for critical vaccine movement and motivates us to take the lead in order to remain the preferred choice for the industry." A BIAL spokesperson said that 54 boxes of the vaccine, consisting of approximately 650,000 doses arrived at Bengaluru airport from Pune "at 1145 hours on Tuesday, January 12, 2021". Budget airline SpiceJet carried the first consignment of Covid-19 vaccine from Pune to Delhi. The first consignment of Covishield consisted of 2,64,000 doses from Pune to Delhi on SpiceJet flight SG 8937. Subsequently, the Delhi airport received the first consignment of Covid vaccine. "Today, we have received the first batch of Covid-19 vaccine at our airport. Temperature-controlled facility, ranging from -20 Deg C to +25 Deg C, at our two Cargo terminals can efficiently and safely handle these temperature sensitive vaccines," said CEO-DIAL Videh Kumar Jaipuriar. "We have 'Cool Chambers and Cool Dollies' to maintain temperature required for these vaccines at the cargo terminal and during transit between aircraft and terminal or vice versa. Our both the terminals can handle around 5.7 million vials in a day." According to Jaipuriar, DIAL has synergised and collaborated with all the stakeholders including exporters, importers, logistics companies, freight forwarders or agents, government, airlines, cargo terminal operators, to ensure faster turnaround of the vaccines. Furthermore, SpiceJet transported multiple vaccine consignments from Pune to different Indian cities including 276,000 doses to Guwahati, 996,000 doses to Kolkata, 3,72,000 doses to Hyderabad, 480,000 doses to Bhubaneswar, 648,000 doses to Bengaluru, 552,000 doses to Patna and 408,000 doses to Vijayawada on Tuesday. "On Day One, SpiceJet is shipping 4 million doses of Covishield vaccine weighing close to 11 tonnes to eight different cities which include Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Patna, Vijayawada and Delhi," said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. On Wednesday, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will begin with its first domestic distribution of the Covishield vaccine consignment from early morning to tomorrow and cater to a minimum of 16 destinations. India's mega anti-Covid vaccination campaign is expected to commence from January 16. (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in) --IANS rv/sn/ash

Airlines swing into action as vaccine transport commences across the country (Roundup)

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) With the much-anticipated vaccination drive to combat Covid-19 on the anvil, domestic airlines on Tuesday have started transporting doses of the vaccine to cities across the country. Flights across airlines would carry a total of 56.5 lakh doses to several cities during the day from Pune. The first two flights of carrying vaccines have already departed from Pune to Delhi and Chennai. Taking to Twitter, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri said: "Civil aviation sector launches yet another momentous mission. Vaccine movement starts. First two flights operated by @flyspicejet &amp; @goairlinesindia from Pune to Delhi &amp; Chennai have taken off." In another tweet, Puri said that Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo will operate nine flights from Pune with 56.5 lakh doses to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Chandigarh. Ajay Singh, the Chairman of SpiceJet, tweeted: "Proud to say that @flyspicejet carried India's first consignment of COVID vaccines from Pune to Delhi this morning." The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that the much-awaited coronavirus vaccination drive will kick off on January 16. The roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine will give priority to the healthcare and frontline workers who are estimated to be around 3 crore, followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with comorbidities numbering around 27 crore. On January 3, two vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved for restricted emergency use. The vaccine approval process has been marred with controversies after Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's Covaxin was approved for emergency use without the phase-3 trials. The total tally of Covid-positive cases in India have scaled up to over 1.04 crore cases and death toll stands at over 1.51 lakh, as per Health Ministry data. --IANS rrb/sn/rs

Vaccine onboard: Airlines to transport 56.5L doses on Tuesday

NEW DELHI: The world’s second-largest standing <keyword id="15350" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Army">Army</keyword> is fast running out of ammunition. Tanks and air defence units, artillery batteries and infantry soldiers are all facing the crunch. The Army is, obviously, tight-lipped on the ammunition shortage. But a simple calculation reveals that at present, it may not have enough ammunition reserves to sustain a full-fledged war for even 20 days. 
 The norm is that war wastage reserves (WWR) should be adequate for 40 days of intense fighting, with 21 days earmarked for ammunition with shorter shelf-life. But according to a recent statement by Army chief General <keyword id="130318" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bikram-Singh">Bikram Singh</keyword>, if there is proper budgetary support for the new ammunition roadmap, the Army should have 50 per cent WWR and three years of training ammunition by 2015. 
 
In other words, the Army is at not even 50 per cent WWR right now, which means it does not have adequate reserves to fight a war for even 20 days. It is expected to reach 100 per cent WWR only by 2019. 
 With the huge shortages adversely impacting both operational readiness and training, the 1.18-million strong <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> is desperate that the new government which takes charge in May actively supports its new ammunition roadmap of around Rs 19,250 crore, both in terms of fund allocations and timelines. 
 
 
 This becomes all the more crucial since the Army has kick-started the raising of the new XVII <keyword id="184463" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mountain-Strike-Corps">Mountain Strike Corps</keyword>, which will come into full force with over 90,000 soldiers over the next seven years, to add some much-needed teeth to its deterrence posture against China. This alone will see the raising of 32 new infantry battalions, apart from armoured, artillery and air defence units. 
 
The Army already has 13 corps, which includes the three "strike" ones headquartered at Mathura (I Corps), Ambala (II Corps) and Bhopal (XXI Corps). They add up to 382 infantry battalions, 281 artillery, 63 armoured, 44 mechanized and 56 air defence regiments, apart from other support arms like signals, engineers, ordnance and the like. 
 
Plans didn't take off 
 
On one hand, almost none of its critical modernization projects for new howitzers, helicopters, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or air defence guns have materialized till now. On the other, operational hollowness or "critical" deficiencies in ammunition and fuses for existing weapon systems have built up over the last decade. 
 
"There is a glaring mismatch between operational and training requirements vis-a-vis budget allocations, imports and the inadequate production capacity of our 39 ordnance factories," said a senior officer. 
 
The Army holds ammunition, which is costly and also has shelf-life, at three levels. The "first line" of operational and training ammunition is held at the battalion level in the shape of "on weapon and unit reserves", while the "second line" is with higher formations like brigades and divisions. 
 
Finally, there is the WWR, held in a dispersed manner. 
 With <keyword id="6366153" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Defence-Minister">defence minister</keyword> AK Antony sanctioning the roadmap, the next government will have to take it forward.

You Searched For "transport minister bikram singh" and got 14 results

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