Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its&nbsp;Western counterparts.

Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share&nbsp;the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read|&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

"Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need."

Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years.

He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus.

A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts. Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require. Also read| EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines "Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need." Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years. He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus. A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries

The US on Friday booked five Chinese foreign nationals and two Chinese entities under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

"The Department of State joins the Department of the Treasury in announcing the designation of five People`s Republic of China foreign nationals — Ji Songyan, Zhan Longbao, Cheng Guifeng, Zheng Guangfu, and Hu Qi — and two Chinese entities — Wuhan Livika Technology Co. Ltd., and Global United Biotechnology Inc. — for their support to and involvement in the international drug trafficking operations of Chinese synthetic opioid traffickers Zheng Fujing and Yan Xiaobing and the Zheng Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO). These designations are made pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act)," US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said at a press briefing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-to-push-back-against-challenge-posed-by-china-pompeo-313923">Also read|&nbsp;It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo</a>

In August 2019, the Department of the Treasury had identified PRC national Fujing Zheng and the Zheng DTO as important foreign narcotics traffickers pursuant to the Kingpin Act.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also designated Guanghua Zheng, a PRC national, for his support to the Zheng DTO`s drug trafficking activities; Qinsheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a Chinese entity, for being owned or controlled by Fujing Zheng; and Xiaobing Yan, a PRC national, as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act.

"Today`s action is part of a continued whole-of-government effort to crack down on fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, trafficked from China, that have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans," Pompeo added.&nbsp;

The US on Friday booked five Chinese foreign nationals and two Chinese entities under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. "The Department of State joins the Department of the Treasury in announcing the designation of five People`s Republic of China foreign nationals — Ji Songyan, Zhan Longbao, Cheng Guifeng, Zheng Guangfu, and Hu Qi — and two Chinese entities — Wuhan Livika Technology Co.

The US on Friday booked five Chinese foreign nationals and two Chinese entities under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. "The Department of State joins the Department of the Treasury in announcing the designation of five People`s Republic of China foreign nationals — Ji Songyan, Zhan Longbao, Cheng Guifeng, Zheng Guangfu, and Hu Qi — and two Chinese entities — Wuhan Livika Technology Co. Ltd., and Global United Biotechnology Inc. — for their support to and involvement in the international drug trafficking operations of Chinese synthetic opioid traffickers Zheng Fujing and Yan Xiaobing and the Zheng Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO). These designations are made pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act)," US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said at a press briefing. Also read| It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo In August 2019, the Department of the Treasury had identified PRC national Fujing Zheng and the Zheng DTO as important foreign narcotics traffickers pursuant to the Kingpin Act. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also designated Guanghua Zheng, a PRC national, for his support to the Zheng DTO`s drug trafficking activities; Qinsheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a Chinese entity, for being owned or controlled by Fujing Zheng; and Xiaobing Yan, a PRC national, as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act. "Today`s action is part of a continued whole-of-government effort to crack down on fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, trafficked from China, that have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans," Pompeo added.

Chinese foreign nationals, entities booked under Foreign Narcotics Act in US

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/27-taliban-terrorists-killed-16-injured-in-afghanistan-313991">Also read:&nbsp;27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan</a>

In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah.

The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda.

"Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said.

The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added.

Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist.

"The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said.

The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list.

"TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet.

Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda. The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda. Also read: 27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah. The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda. "Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said. The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added. Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist. "The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement. Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said. The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list. "TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet. Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

UN blacklists Pakistan Taliban terror group's leader

The three White men charged with the murder of&nbsp;Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the&nbsp;Chatham County Superior Court on Friday.

Arbery was shot by&nbsp;a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23.&nbsp;

The father-son duo have been charged with&nbsp;murder and aggravated assault.&nbsp;Their neighbor who took the cellphone video, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., 50, was charged with murder and attempt to illegally detain and confine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-three-men-involved-in-killing-of-black-jogger-ahmaud-arbery-charged-with-murder-308382">Also read:&nbsp;All three men involved in killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery charged with murder</a>

The three of them pleaded not guilty. On the request of the defendants' lawyers, Judge Timothy Walmsley has accepted the not guilty pleas and waived arraignment.

“Keeping him in jail isn’t going to accomplish anything,” Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, told reporters on Thursday.

“Going in and out of jail is difficult because of the virus, and being in jail is tough with the virus,” he added.

Gough has also expressed his intentions of requesting a change of the lead prosecutor. However, it has not been made official, as of now.

(With inputs from agencies)

The three White men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the Chatham County Superior Court on Friday. Arbery was shot by a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23.

The three White men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the Chatham County Superior Court on Friday. Arbery was shot by a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23. The father-son duo have been charged with murder and aggravated assault. Their neighbor who took the cellphone video, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., 50, was charged with murder and attempt to illegally detain and confine. Also read: All three men involved in killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery charged with murder The three of them pleaded not guilty. On the request of the defendants' lawyers, Judge Timothy Walmsley has accepted the not guilty pleas and waived arraignment. “Keeping him in jail isn’t going to accomplish anything,” Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, told reporters on Thursday. “Going in and out of jail is difficult because of the virus, and being in jail is tough with the virus,” he added. Gough has also expressed his intentions of requesting a change of the lead prosecutor. However, it has not been made official, as of now. (With inputs from agencies)

Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery's alleged killers plead not guilty

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of&nbsp;Remdesivir drug against coronavirus.

The Hong Kong unit has, however, only received conditional nod, as of now. Gilead will have to&nbsp;continue to submit additional data on the safety, effectiveness and quality of Veklury, the active ingredient of which is Remdesivir, the Drug Office of Department of Health said on its website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reports-19-new-coronavirus-cases-down-from-recent-spike-313444">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong reports 19 new coronavirus cases, down from recent spike</a>

Remdesivir has become one of the most popular drug used by several countries to be used in the treatment of the novel coronavirus. The drug received a green signal from several countries after it&nbsp;helped shorten hospital recovery times in a US clinical trial.

While Hong Kong has not suffered as badly as other countries hit by coronavirus, the city has reported&nbsp;a total of 1,714 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths since late January. The government is reimposing partial lockdown in the city to contain the new spread of the infection.

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of Remdesivir drug against coronavirus.

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of Remdesivir drug against coronavirus. The Hong Kong unit has, however, only received conditional nod, as of now. Gilead will have to continue to submit additional data on the safety, effectiveness and quality of Veklury, the active ingredient of which is Remdesivir, the Drug Office of Department of Health said on its website. Also read: Hong Kong reports 19 new coronavirus cases, down from recent spike Remdesivir has become one of the most popular drug used by several countries to be used in the treatment of the novel coronavirus. The drug received a green signal from several countries after it helped shorten hospital recovery times in a US clinical trial. While Hong Kong has not suffered as badly as other countries hit by coronavirus, the city has reported a total of 1,714 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths since late January. The government is reimposing partial lockdown in the city to contain the new spread of the infection.

COVID 19: Gilead's Remdesivir gets a conditional green signal in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-return-to-normality-from-november-uk-pm-johnson-allows-schools-to-reopen-bring-back-audiences-in-stadiums-314053">'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/17/150257-johnson.jpg?itok=iUkeYFI7" />

Amid the new measures, PM Johnson gave new powers to local authorities to contain the outbreak while allowing public transport to operate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-billionaires-including-jack-ma-could-be-barred-from-us-with-travel-ban-314042">Chinese billionaires, including Jack Ma could be barred from US with travel ban</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/30490-alibaba%252525202-20171012031023.jpg?itok=qgBf5lzU" />

Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-facebooks-zuckerberg-lashes-out-at-trumps-coronavirus-response-during-live-stream-chat-with-fauci-314014">Now, Facebook's Zuckerberg lashes out at Trump's coronavirus response during live stream chat with Fauci</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/17/150238-fauci.jpg?itok=bQHern58" />

Fauci told Zukerberg that public health measures should be seen as a "vehicle or gateway to opening the country" and not as an "obstacle".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-police-raid-prominent-opposition-leaders-office-314055">Russia: Police raid prominent opposition leader's office</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/07/29/104212-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=1Y-fyL9Q" />

He said the ban was imposed on him to prevent his campaigning across the country ahead of the regional polls in September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-search-for-man-after-flag-stolen-from-site-of-hong-kong-handover-ceremony-314037">Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/17/150247-hong-kong.jpg?itok=6b22FZAy" />

Police said the man was reportedly wearing back shirt and black trousers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-government-urges-barcelona-residents-to-stay-home-amid-rise-in-coronavirus-cases-314023">Catalan government urges Barcelona residents to stay home amid rise in coronavirus cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/17/150241-kim.jpg?itok=vqslYbe4" />

Catalonia had recorded three deaths and 938 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with most cases reported in Barcelona.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-revokes-permits-of-north-korean-defector-groups-313999">Seoul revokes permits of North Korean defector groups</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/04/143252-balloons.jpg?itok=j3bzZWK4" />

The leaflets -- usually attached to hot air balloons or floated in bottles -- criticise North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-researchers-invent-20-minute-coronavirus-blood-test-313975">Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/29/138595-covid-test-afp.jpg?itok=JgrXowCE" />

Their test, using 25 microlitres of plasma from blood samples, looks for agglutination, or a clustering of red blood cells, that the coronavirus causes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-coronavirus-rescue-summit-moment-of-truth-says-macron-313966">European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/03/148012-macron.jpg?itok=GkvT_dnF" />

The EU is planning to spend around $2.3 billion on the advance purchase of vaccines in testing on behalf of its 27 member states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notorious-russian-pranksters-trick-polish-president-by-claiming-to-be-un-secretary-general-313944">Notorious Russian pranksters trick Polish President by claiming to be UN secretary general</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/14/144834-poland-prez-reters.jpg?itok=CA_jvB2I" />

The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.&nbsp;

'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums Amid the new measures, PM Johnson gave new powers to local authorities to contain the outbreak while allowing public transport to operate.

'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums Amid the new measures, PM Johnson gave new powers to local authorities to contain the outbreak while allowing public transport to operate. Chinese billionaires, including Jack Ma could be barred from US with travel ban Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China Now, Facebook's Zuckerberg lashes out at Trump's coronavirus response during live stream chat with Fauci Fauci told Zukerberg that public health measures should be seen as a "vehicle or gateway to opening the country" and not as an "obstacle". Russia: Police raid prominent opposition leader's office He said the ban was imposed on him to prevent his campaigning across the country ahead of the regional polls in September. Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony Police said the man was reportedly wearing back shirt and black trousers. Catalan government urges Barcelona residents to stay home amid rise in coronavirus cases Catalonia had recorded three deaths and 938 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with most cases reported in Barcelona. Seoul revokes permits of North Korean defector groups The leaflets -- usually attached to hot air balloons or floated in bottles -- criticise North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over human rights abuses and his nuclear ambitions. Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test Their test, using 25 microlitres of plasma from blood samples, looks for agglutination, or a clustering of red blood cells, that the coronavirus causes. European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron The EU is planning to spend around $2.3 billion on the advance purchase of vaccines in testing on behalf of its 27 member states. Notorious Russian pranksters trick Polish President by claiming to be UN secretary general The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.

Top 10 world news today: Zuckerberg lashes out at Trump, UK schools to reopen and more

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as&nbsp;34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning.&nbsp;

The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours.

One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported&nbsp;8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported&nbsp;4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state.&nbsp;Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths.

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10 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>
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The national capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered.

Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths.

Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours. One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported 8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state. Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths. 10 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) #Maharashtra — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × The national capital Delhi reported 1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered. Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths. Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil.

Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which&nbsp;will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It&nbsp;was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India&nbsp;and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-driving-india-out-of-iran-313860/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment."

Then came a report from <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/iran-drops-india-key-rail-project-citing-funding-delays-200715063259623.Html">Al Jazeera</a> and another twist in the tale. The&nbsp;report said that India was never really part of the&nbsp;railway project&nbsp;so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is&nbsp;Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation.

He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project.

In a press release of MEA from 2016 the&nbsp;list&nbsp;of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran&nbsp;there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC).

<img alt="MoU of IRCON" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a3b3ce1-3bd9-45bc-b798-3c9c445adf89" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MoU%20of%20IRCON.jpg" />

The description of the&nbsp;MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with&nbsp;around $1.6 billion committed as financing.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the&nbsp;MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward.

Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It&nbsp;is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy.

The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments.

India plans to invest $500 million into the project because&nbsp;its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too.

The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia.

Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised,&nbsp;India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion.

There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar.

In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2&nbsp;billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million.

However, India had hiked&nbsp;allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget&nbsp;almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason. On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment." Then came a report from Al Jazeera and another twist in the tale. The report said that India was never really part of the railway project so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation. He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project. In a press release of MEA from 2016 the list of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC). The description of the MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with around $1.6 billion committed as financing. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward. Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy. The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments. India plans to invest $500 million into the project because its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too. The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia. Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised, India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion. There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar. In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2 billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million. However, India had hiked allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Twist and turn in Chabahar-Zahedan rail project

Winnie the Pooh scares&nbsp;Chinese President&nbsp;more than democracy and social unrest. It gives the Chinese president nightmares.

'Pooh' is a nickname for Xi Jinping and the President has used every possible tool&nbsp;to bury this reference, but it continues to pop up every now and then. The latest to toy around with Xi's fear was Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State.

He tweeted this photo with the caption "Mercer and all her favourite toys".

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Mercer and all of her favorite toys! 🐶 <a href="https://t.co/bGal0ui6E2">pic.twitter.com/bGal0ui6E2</a>
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1283197610757632001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mercer is Pompeo's dog, and among her toys lay Winnie the Pooh. The joke was in the face and netizens could not get enough of it. They cheered Pompeo's sense of humour, and someone even mentioned "Winnie the flu".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-chinas-president-xi-jinping-fears-winnie-the-pooh-313823">Also read:&nbsp;Why China's President Xi Jinping fears 'Winnie the Pooh'</a>

Pompeo was asked about it in a recent interview "Was this a Winnie the pooh-gate?" The secretary of state appeared oblivious.

However, the tweet was far from innocent.&nbsp;It is in line with Pompeo's scathing attacks on China. The Secretary of State has been towing a rather hard line on Beijing. He has been criticising China daily and way more than the US President Donald Trump.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mike-pompeo-mocks-xi-jinping-with-winnie-the-pooh-313859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pompeo has said, "We have a Chinese Communist Party that is putting freedom and democracy at risk by their expanionist, imperialist, authoritarian behavior."

He has also said,&nbsp;"This is a regime that failed to disclose information they had about a virus." and&nbsp;"We want them to respect the rule of law.

The Secretary of State has also talked about the world uniting against China.&nbsp;"I think we are watching the world unite to come to understand the threat from the chinese communist party." and&nbsp;"We will support countries all across the world who recognize that china has violated their legal territorial claims as well - or maritime claims."

The Chinese Communist Party fears its own people more than anything else including Winnie the Pooh.

Mike Pompeo has been leading the US&nbsp;attack on China. On Thursday, he said that the world will make China pay for the pandemic.

On July 14, Pompeo urged free elections in Hong Kong and&nbsp;even congratulated Hong Kong's democrats for a successful primary.

On July 09, he hit out at China for its aggression in Ladakh.&nbsp;He has previously called China a 'rogue actor' for the Galwan provocation. On July 1, Pompeo lauded India's ban on 59 Chinese apps.

The US Secretary of state has also criticised China for its economic exploitation of Africa and&nbsp;Pompeo has spoken about reviewing the US troop deployment to counter China in the Himalayan region.

He has also claimed that the US will assist all countries that are resisting Chinese annexation in the South China sea. Pompeo has also been campaigning to ban TikTok in the US.

So, what really scares Xi Jinping is democracy, social unrest, Winnie the Pooh&nbsp;and Mike Pompeo.

Winnie the Pooh scares Chinese President more than democracy and social unrest. It gives the Chinese president nightmares. 'Pooh' is a nickname for Xi Jinping and the President has used every possible tool to bury this reference, but it continues to pop up every now and then.

Winnie the Pooh scares Chinese President more than democracy and social unrest. It gives the Chinese president nightmares. 'Pooh' is a nickname for Xi Jinping and the President has used every possible tool to bury this reference, but it continues to pop up every now and then. The latest to toy around with Xi's fear was Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State. He tweeted this photo with the caption "Mercer and all her favourite toys". Mercer and all of her favorite toys! 🐶 pic.twitter.com/bGal0ui6E2 — Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) July 15, 2020 × Mercer is Pompeo's dog, and among her toys lay Winnie the Pooh. The joke was in the face and netizens could not get enough of it. They cheered Pompeo's sense of humour, and someone even mentioned "Winnie the flu". Also read: Why China's President Xi Jinping fears 'Winnie the Pooh' Pompeo was asked about it in a recent interview "Was this a Winnie the pooh-gate?" The secretary of state appeared oblivious. However, the tweet was far from innocent. It is in line with Pompeo's scathing attacks on China. The Secretary of State has been towing a rather hard line on Beijing. He has been criticising China daily and way more than the US President Donald Trump. Pompeo has said, "We have a Chinese Communist Party that is putting freedom and democracy at risk by their expanionist, imperialist, authoritarian behavior." He has also said, "This is a regime that failed to disclose information they had about a virus." and "We want them to respect the rule of law. The Secretary of State has also talked about the world uniting against China. "I think we are watching the world unite to come to understand the threat from the chinese communist party." and "We will support countries all across the world who recognize that china has violated their legal territorial claims as well - or maritime claims." The Chinese Communist Party fears its own people more than anything else including Winnie the Pooh. Mike Pompeo has been leading the US attack on China. On Thursday, he said that the world will make China pay for the pandemic. On July 14, Pompeo urged free elections in Hong Kong and even congratulated Hong Kong's democrats for a successful primary. On July 09, he hit out at China for its aggression in Ladakh. He has previously called China a 'rogue actor' for the Galwan provocation. On July 1, Pompeo lauded India's ban on 59 Chinese apps. The US Secretary of state has also criticised China for its economic exploitation of Africa and Pompeo has spoken about reviewing the US troop deployment to counter China in the Himalayan region. He has also claimed that the US will assist all countries that are resisting Chinese annexation in the South China sea. Pompeo has also been campaigning to ban TikTok in the US. So, what really scares Xi Jinping is democracy, social unrest, Winnie the Pooh and Mike Pompeo.

What really scares Xi Jinping: Democracy, social unrest, Winnie the Pooh and Mike Pompeo

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West".&nbsp;Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one&nbsp;but&nbsp;Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace.

The United States of America made it happen. It slapped crippling sanctions on Iran and bullied allies to keep distance from Tehran and&nbsp;India was one of the countries that complied.

Last year, when the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a visit to India, he had a clear message on Iran while sitting right next to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo said: "We also know that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, and we know the Indian people, how they have suffered from terror around the world."

That statement was a sign of things to come.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-us-policy-soured-india-iran-ties-313865/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Donald Trump's&nbsp;administration is on a collision course with Iran. Trump walked out of the nuclear deal, slapped sanctions on Tehran and swept allies into confrontation, whether they liked it or not.

India was one of them,&nbsp;it chose to side with the US and stopped buying oil from Iran,&nbsp;and put its investment in the Chabahar project in cold storage. India chose to comply with American sanctions.

Close ties with America is a priority for the Modi government. Prime Minister Modi has invested personal political capital in the&nbsp;relationship. First with the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston — an event that was attended by 50,000 people. Trump used the opportunity to attract more Indian-Americans to his corner.

A few months later, the US President repeated this pitch in Ahmedabad. He received a king's welcome in Modi's home state. Trump was greeted by locals in a 22-kilometer roadshow and thrown a grand reception at the world's largest cricket stadium.

However, New Delhi's list of complaints with Washington is growing. The biggest pinch that India has felt after siding with the US is on its oil bills. India is the world's third-biggest oil consumer. India imports almost 80 per cent of its oil requirements&nbsp;and Iran was the third-largest supplier&nbsp;mainly because of the easy transaction terms.

Iran reportedly used to offer India a longer credit period of 60 days and the cargo insurance was free but&nbsp;American sanctions have forced India to buy from other West Asian nations.&nbsp;Other bilateral issues with the US have also been hurting India. The US terminated the preferential trade status for India — a move that led to duties on exports of nearly two thousand Indian products.

Trump’s tone and tenor hasn’t helped the relationship. In April, the US&nbsp;President had warned of retaliation over the curbs on exports of hydroxychloroquine.

Trump’s tough stand has driven Tehran towards Beijing. China and Iran are on the cusp of signing a $400 billion strategic partnership.

America gets its way and&nbsp;China gets a new partner&nbsp;but&nbsp;India has lost a strategic ally and an oil supplier. Delhi's policy of strategic autonomy is yet to show in the case of Iran.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West". Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one but Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West". Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one but Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace. The United States of America made it happen. It slapped crippling sanctions on Iran and bullied allies to keep distance from Tehran and India was one of the countries that complied. Last year, when the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a visit to India, he had a clear message on Iran while sitting right next to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo said: "We also know that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, and we know the Indian people, how they have suffered from terror around the world." That statement was a sign of things to come. Donald Trump's administration is on a collision course with Iran. Trump walked out of the nuclear deal, slapped sanctions on Tehran and swept allies into confrontation, whether they liked it or not. India was one of them, it chose to side with the US and stopped buying oil from Iran, and put its investment in the Chabahar project in cold storage. India chose to comply with American sanctions. Close ties with America is a priority for the Modi government. Prime Minister Modi has invested personal political capital in the relationship. First with the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston — an event that was attended by 50,000 people. Trump used the opportunity to attract more Indian-Americans to his corner. A few months later, the US President repeated this pitch in Ahmedabad. He received a king's welcome in Modi's home state. Trump was greeted by locals in a 22-kilometer roadshow and thrown a grand reception at the world's largest cricket stadium. However, New Delhi's list of complaints with Washington is growing. The biggest pinch that India has felt after siding with the US is on its oil bills. India is the world's third-biggest oil consumer. India imports almost 80 per cent of its oil requirements and Iran was the third-largest supplier mainly because of the easy transaction terms. Iran reportedly used to offer India a longer credit period of 60 days and the cargo insurance was free but American sanctions have forced India to buy from other West Asian nations. Other bilateral issues with the US have also been hurting India. The US terminated the preferential trade status for India — a move that led to duties on exports of nearly two thousand Indian products. Trump’s tone and tenor hasn’t helped the relationship. In April, the US President had warned of retaliation over the curbs on exports of hydroxychloroquine. Trump’s tough stand has driven Tehran towards Beijing. China and Iran are on the cusp of signing a $400 billion strategic partnership. America gets its way and China gets a new partner but India has lost a strategic ally and an oil supplier. Delhi's policy of strategic autonomy is yet to show in the case of Iran.

India suffers as Trump's tough line allows Iran to embrace China

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gagandeep Jindal allowed the foreigners to walk free on payment of a fine of $80 (INR 6,000) each, said advocate, Ashima Mandla appearing for them.

The court directed the foreigners to deposit their fines at the PM CARES Fund, since the foreigners have been found guilty of violating government orders pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-detained-tablighi-jamaat-members-to-be-moved-to-haj-service-society-tamil-nadu-government-to-high-court-313075">Also read|&nbsp;All detained Tablighi Jamaat members to be moved to Haj service society: Tamil Nadu government to high court</a>

It allowed them to walk free after the Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar, Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to it.

However, seven Thai nationals did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. 
The court was hearing their plea bargain applications.

The court had on Thursday directed 22 Nepalese to walk free on payment of $53 (INR 4,000) fine each, which was also deposited at PM CARES Fund.

A total of Rs 2,92,000 have been deposited in PM CARES Fund by 56 foreign nationals.

PM CARES Fund was set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the country. 
Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.?

The Criminal Procedure of Code allows plea bargaining for cases where the maximum punishment is imprisonment for seven years, where offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and when the offences are not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years.

The foreigners were charge sheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of $133 (INR 10,000) each.

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown. Metropolitan Magistrate Gagandeep Jindal allowed the foreigners to walk free on payment of a fine of $80 (INR 6,000) each, said advocate, Ashima Mandla appearing for them. The court directed the foreigners to deposit their fines at the PM CARES Fund, since the foreigners have been found guilty of violating government orders pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic. Also read| All detained Tablighi Jamaat members to be moved to Haj service society: Tamil Nadu government to high court It allowed them to walk free after the Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar, Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to it. However, seven Thai nationals did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. The court was hearing their plea bargain applications. The court had on Thursday directed 22 Nepalese to walk free on payment of $53 (INR 4,000) fine each, which was also deposited at PM CARES Fund. A total of Rs 2,92,000 have been deposited in PM CARES Fund by 56 foreign nationals. PM CARES Fund was set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.? The Criminal Procedure of Code allows plea bargaining for cases where the maximum punishment is imprisonment for seven years, where offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and when the offences are not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years. The foreigners were charge sheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of $133 (INR 10,000) each.

Tablighi Jamaat: Court allows 34 Thai nationals to walk free on payment of $80 fine

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Maharashtra&nbsp;state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines.

The guidelines, which were earlier issued by&nbsp;Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques.&nbsp;It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic.

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Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
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All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines.

"Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying.

Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe. Maharashtra state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines. The guidelines, which were earlier issued by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques. It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic. Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt #COVID19 — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines. "Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying. Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Keep Eid celebrations simple and safe: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

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