At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News.&nbsp;

The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.

No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

The blast has come a day after 10 people were killed in an explosion in the city.

Kunduz has been rocked by fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban's militants who staged an attack on the city last night.

While the Afghan government claims that the attack has been successfully repelled, the Sputnik correspondent reports that the fighting continues and there are fears that if the battle is not over till night, the Taliban might have a chance to seize the city, reported Sputnik.

At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News. The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.

At least six security personnel were killed in an explosion in Kunduz city, reported Tolo News. The city has been a battleground between the Afghan government`s forces and the Taliban for hours, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday. No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack. The blast has come a day after 10 people were killed in an explosion in the city. Kunduz has been rocked by fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban's militants who staged an attack on the city last night. While the Afghan government claims that the attack has been successfully repelled, the Sputnik correspondent reports that the fighting continues and there are fears that if the battle is not over till night, the Taliban might have a chance to seize the city, reported Sputnik.

Afghanistan: At least six security personnel killed in explosion in Kunduz city

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-qureshi-confirm-presence-at-informal-saarc-foreign-ministers-meet-in-september-246893">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

"Pleasure to receive New Zealand's Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Pleasure to receive New Zealand’s Leader of Opposition <a href="https://twitter.com/simonjbridges?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@simonjbridges</a>. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/e0LsX6Hc4j">pic.twitter.com/e0LsX6Hc4j</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1168436862161215490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last month, Jaishankar had met his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters during his visit to Bangkok for the ASEAN-related meetings.

Both the ministers had discussed Indo-Pacific and agreed to upgrade economic and political ties between India and New Zealand.

India and New Zealand have cordial and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy and English language.

The two countries have been fellow travellers in their commitment to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue, human rights, ecological preservation and combating international terrorism.

Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties. "Pleasure to receive New Zealand's Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations," Jaishankar tweeted. Pleasure to receive New Zealand’s Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/e0LsX6Hc4j — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 2, 2019 × Last month, Jaishankar had met his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters during his visit to Bangkok for the ASEAN-related meetings. Both the ministers had discussed Indo-Pacific and agreed to upgrade economic and political ties between India and New Zealand. India and New Zealand have cordial and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy and English language. The two countries have been fellow travellers in their commitment to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue, human rights, ecological preservation and combating international terrorism. Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar discusses Indo-Pacific, bilateral ties with New Zealand's Opposition leader

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive an award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from during his visit to the United States later this month.

Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said on Monday that "diligent and innovative" initiatives of Prime Minister were brining laurels from across the world.

"Another award, another moment of pride for every Indian, as PM Modi's diligent and innovative initiatives bring laurels from across the world. Sh Narendra Modi to receive an award from Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan during his visit to the United States," Jitendra Singh said in a tweet.

The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 and its components include the construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste management.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive an award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from during his visit to the United States later this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive an award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from during his visit to the United States later this month. Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said on Monday that "diligent and innovative" initiatives of Prime Minister were brining laurels from across the world. "Another award, another moment of pride for every Indian, as PM Modi's diligent and innovative initiatives bring laurels from across the world. Sh Narendra Modi to receive an award from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan during his visit to the United States," Jitendra Singh said in a tweet. The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 and its components include the construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste management.

PM Modi to receive award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in US for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2&nbsp;on Monday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to orbit the Moon in its existing orbit.

The Vikram Lander is currently located in an orbit of 119 km x 127 km, ISRO further said.

The next maneuver is scheduled on September 3.

Yesterday, Chandrayaan-2 successfully performed it's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fifth-and-final-lunar-bound-orbit-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-performed-successfully-isro-247032https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fifth-and-final-lunar-bound-orbit-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-performed-successfully-isro-247032">final and fifth lunar bound orbit maneuver</a> using the onboard propulsion system.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot.

Watch:&nbsp;Chandrayaan-2 captures first image of Moon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-news-chandrayaan-2-captures-first-image-of-moon-244871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body".

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.&nbsp;

The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 on Monday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to orbit the Moon in its existing orbit.

The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 on Monday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to orbit the Moon in its existing orbit. The Vikram Lander is currently located in an orbit of 119 km x 127 km, ISRO further said. The next maneuver is scheduled on September 3. Yesterday, Chandrayaan-2 successfully performed it's final and fifth lunar bound orbit maneuver using the onboard propulsion system. Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot. Watch: Chandrayaan-2 captures first image of Moon The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body". This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2: ISRO

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said.

Quoting Rift Valley regional police commander Marcus Ochola, Xinhua news agency confirmed that the incident occurred at the Hell's Gate National Park.

"The guides did not read the weather of the surroundings. They know the killer waters usually originate from the highlands but didn't read this. We are there searching for possible survivors," Ochola told Xinhua.

Residents said one of the survivors alerted officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manning the park, after managing to escape from the raging floods in the gorges.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred at around 4pm&nbsp;(local time), after rains pounded the areas of Mt. Longonot and Kingdom.

Ochola said search and rescue efforts were underway but water levels were high in the gorges, slowing down the process.

He added that more police officers have been deployed in the park to join the search and rescue team.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said that an unknown number of tourists are feared to have drowned in flash floods while others survived.

"The ministry of tourism and wildlife is coordinating government agencies in a search and rescue operation. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy," the ministry added in a statement.

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said.

At least six tourists, including a Kenyan tour guide and five Indian nationals, were killed when their van was swept away by sudden flash floods in the town of Naivasha on Sunday, the police said. Quoting Rift Valley regional police commander Marcus Ochola, Xinhua news agency confirmed that the incident occurred at the Hell's Gate National Park. "The guides did not read the weather of the surroundings. They know the killer waters usually originate from the highlands but didn't read this. We are there searching for possible survivors," Ochola told Xinhua. Residents said one of the survivors alerted officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) manning the park, after managing to escape from the raging floods in the gorges. According to local authorities, the incident occurred at around 4pm (local time), after rains pounded the areas of Mt. Longonot and Kingdom. Ochola said search and rescue efforts were underway but water levels were high in the gorges, slowing down the process. He added that more police officers have been deployed in the park to join the search and rescue team. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said that an unknown number of tourists are feared to have drowned in flash floods while others survived. "The ministry of tourism and wildlife is coordinating government agencies in a search and rescue operation. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy," the ministry added in a statement.

Five Indian nationals killed due to floods in Kenya

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said.

No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack.

Earlier in the day, at least 10 people were killed in an explosion that rocked the Afghan city of Kunduz.

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said.

At least eight people, including six civilians, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Anar Dara district of Farah province on Sunday, the provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said. No group has so far taken the responsibility of the attack. Earlier in the day, at least 10 people were killed in an explosion that rocked the Afghan city of Kunduz.

Afghanistan: At least eight killed in roadside bomb blast in Farah province

One Indian Army soldier lost his life in a&nbsp;ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch district on Sunday.

At about 1:00pm&nbsp;Pakistan initiated ceasefire violations by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Poonch, officials said.

Indian Army retaliated befittingly.

Pakistan has frequently violated ceasefire along the Line of Control ever since the Central government announced the decision to abrogate Article 370, withdrawing special status to Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

One Indian Army soldier lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch district on Sunday. At about 1:00pm Pakistan initiated ceasefire violations by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Poonch, officials said.

One Indian Army soldier lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch district on Sunday. At about 1:00pm Pakistan initiated ceasefire violations by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Poonch, officials said. Indian Army retaliated befittingly. Pakistan has frequently violated ceasefire along the Line of Control ever since the Central government announced the decision to abrogate Article 370, withdrawing special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Army soldier killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-for-objecting-to-article-370-abrogation-246996">Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday</a> said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region.

"Today I have received the honour of flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore. The people of Silvassa have been neglected long enough and they were awaiting development in the region," Shah said.

The Home Minister was here to inaugurate a health and wellness centre.

He said that development started in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the year 2014.

"The pace of the development further increased after Praful Patel became the administrator of the union territory. I can say with confidence that in terms of development, the region will soon become one of the best in the country," Shah said.

"Silvassa is amid a beautiful landscape with rivers and mountains all around it," he added.

He said that the health and wellness centre inaugurated here will come as a blessing for the people and will improve the quality of healthcare.

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region.

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region. "Today I have received the honour of flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore. The people of Silvassa have been neglected long enough and they were awaiting development in the region," Shah said. The Home Minister was here to inaugurate a health and wellness centre. He said that development started in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the year 2014. "The pace of the development further increased after Praful Patel became the administrator of the union territory. I can say with confidence that in terms of development, the region will soon become one of the best in the country," Shah said. "Silvassa is amid a beautiful landscape with rivers and mountains all around it," he added. He said that the health and wellness centre inaugurated here will come as a blessing for the people and will improve the quality of healthcare.

Amit Shah flags off development schemes worth Rs 290 crore in Silvassa

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday allayed the concerns of job losses in the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-announces-4-state-run-banks-mergers-246642">merger of public banks</a>.

"Absolutely ill-informed. I want to assure every union in each one of these banks to recall what I said last Friday. When we spoke about the amalgamation of banks, each time I have very clearly underlined the fact that not even one employee shall be removed," she said while addressing media persons here.

"We are not looking at any employee being removed. I am reiterating that. Therefore, they need not have any concern on this issue," said the Finance Minister, adding that there is no closure of any bank. "No bank is being asked to do something different from what they were doing earlier," she added.

On Friday, the Central government announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation's bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years.

After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Sitharaman had said. Apart from this, the government had also announced Rs 55,250 crore upfront as capital infusion in the PSBs.

Talking about the economy, which reported a sluggish growth of 5 per cent in the last quarter of the current financial year, Sitharaman said that her government was prepared to respond to the industry's "needs and suggestions."

When asked if the government acknowledges there is a slowdown in the economy, she said: "I am meeting industries and taking their inputs, suggestions on what they want and expect from government. I am responding to them. I have already done this twice. I will do it more number of times so that every industry which has approached me, I will respond."

"Across the board there is no one particular answer that I can give, saying this is the magic wand. Sectorally, what they want, we are responding.

Agriculture, for instance, after this monsoon hopefully, overall we feel that monsoon will meet the basic requirement of agriculture. Even for the farming sector, we have consultations going on. I am sure we will able to respond to them also," she said.

She said that the government is in consultation with sectors which wanted to speak to us about various measures they expect. "Having heard them and having spent some time on how we can respond, the first tranche of announcements were made on August 23. Last Friday, I made another set of announcements. The process of consultations is over. We have worked on how we can respond," she said.

The Finance Minister said the issues of each sector vary. "Automobile (sector) has an issue. Agriculture has a different issue. So each sector has a sectoral requirement, which we want to respond," she said.

Earlier in the day, former Prime Minister hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government at the Centre, alleging that its "all-round mismanagement" is responsible for the "worrisome" state of the economy.

"The state of the economy today is deeply worrying. The last quarter's GDP growth rate of 5 per cent signals that we are in the midst of a prolonged slowdown. India has the potential to grow at a much faster rate but all-round mismanagement by the Modi government has resulted in this slowdown," said Singh in a statement.

"Our youth, farmers and farmworkers, entrepreneurs and the marginalised sections deserve better. India cannot afford to continue down this path. Therefore, I urge the government to put aside vendetta politics, and reach out to all sane voices and thinking minds, to steer our economy out of this man-made crisis," Singh added.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday allayed the concerns of job losses in the wake of the merger of public banks. "Absolutely ill-informed. I want to assure every union in each one of these banks to recall what I said last Friday.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday allayed the concerns of job losses in the wake of the merger of public banks. "Absolutely ill-informed. I want to assure every union in each one of these banks to recall what I said last Friday. When we spoke about the amalgamation of banks, each time I have very clearly underlined the fact that not even one employee shall be removed," she said while addressing media persons here. "We are not looking at any employee being removed. I am reiterating that. Therefore, they need not have any concern on this issue," said the Finance Minister, adding that there is no closure of any bank. "No bank is being asked to do something different from what they were doing earlier," she added. On Friday, the Central government announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation's bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years. After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Sitharaman had said. Apart from this, the government had also announced Rs 55,250 crore upfront as capital infusion in the PSBs. Talking about the economy, which reported a sluggish growth of 5 per cent in the last quarter of the current financial year, Sitharaman said that her government was prepared to respond to the industry's "needs and suggestions." When asked if the government acknowledges there is a slowdown in the economy, she said: "I am meeting industries and taking their inputs, suggestions on what they want and expect from government. I am responding to them. I have already done this twice. I will do it more number of times so that every industry which has approached me, I will respond." "Across the board there is no one particular answer that I can give, saying this is the magic wand. Sectorally, what they want, we are responding. Agriculture, for instance, after this monsoon hopefully, overall we feel that monsoon will meet the basic requirement of agriculture. Even for the farming sector, we have consultations going on. I am sure we will able to respond to them also," she said. She said that the government is in consultation with sectors which wanted to speak to us about various measures they expect. "Having heard them and having spent some time on how we can respond, the first tranche of announcements were made on August 23. Last Friday, I made another set of announcements. The process of consultations is over. We have worked on how we can respond," she said. The Finance Minister said the issues of each sector vary. "Automobile (sector) has an issue. Agriculture has a different issue. So each sector has a sectoral requirement, which we want to respond," she said. Earlier in the day, former Prime Minister hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government at the Centre, alleging that its "all-round mismanagement" is responsible for the "worrisome" state of the economy. "The state of the economy today is deeply worrying. The last quarter's GDP growth rate of 5 per cent signals that we are in the midst of a prolonged slowdown. India has the potential to grow at a much faster rate but all-round mismanagement by the Modi government has resulted in this slowdown," said Singh in a statement. "Our youth, farmers and farmworkers, entrepreneurs and the marginalised sections deserve better. India cannot afford to continue down this path. Therefore, I urge the government to put aside vendetta politics, and reach out to all sane voices and thinking minds, to steer our economy out of this man-made crisis," Singh added.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allays concerns of job losses over merger of public sector banks

Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sowjanya on Sunday launched 'Voter Verification Program' for the state of Uttarakhand here. The drive will conclude on October 15.

"Election Commission of India has organised the 'Voter Verification Program' from September 1 to October 15. The objective of the program is to make the voter list completely verified and error-free and also eliminate duplications in the voter list," Sowjanya said.

In order for voters to verify their details, they can log on to website www.nvsp.in by using their voter-id card number.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that in order to make a change in a voter's details, the applicants will need to upload one of the following documents- Passport, Driving license, Aadhar card, Bank Passbook, Kisan Pehchan Patra, PAN card; gas, water or electricity connection bill.

Those attaining the age of 18 years by January 1, 2020, can also register themselves in the voter list.

"The voter list will be published after verification on October 15. Complaints on the voter list can be registered by December 15. After settling of all disputes and claims, the new voter list will be published on January 1, 2020," the Chief Electoral officer said.

The registered voters will also be given a facility of permanent login account and upon providing their mobile number, the person will be provided SMS information alerts.

For further information, booth level officer can be contacted. In addition, voters can also contact the election commission via helpline number 1950.

Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sowjanya on Sunday launched 'Voter Verification Program' for the state of Uttarakhand here. The drive will conclude on October 15.

Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sowjanya on Sunday launched 'Voter Verification Program' for the state of Uttarakhand here. The drive will conclude on October 15. "Election Commission of India has organised the 'Voter Verification Program' from September 1 to October 15. The objective of the program is to make the voter list completely verified and error-free and also eliminate duplications in the voter list," Sowjanya said. In order for voters to verify their details, they can log on to website www.nvsp.in by using their voter-id card number. The Chief Electoral Officer informed that in order to make a change in a voter's details, the applicants will need to upload one of the following documents- Passport, Driving license, Aadhar card, Bank Passbook, Kisan Pehchan Patra, PAN card; gas, water or electricity connection bill. Those attaining the age of 18 years by January 1, 2020, can also register themselves in the voter list. "The voter list will be published after verification on October 15. Complaints on the voter list can be registered by December 15. After settling of all disputes and claims, the new voter list will be published on January 1, 2020," the Chief Electoral officer said. The registered voters will also be given a facility of permanent login account and upon providing their mobile number, the person will be provided SMS information alerts. For further information, booth level officer can be contacted. In addition, voters can also contact the election commission via helpline number 1950.

Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer launches 'Voter Verification Program'

The final and fifth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-lunar-bound-orbit-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-performed-successfully-isro-246182">lunar bound orbit maneuver for Chandrayaan-2</a> spacecraft was performed successfully using the onboard propulsion system on Sunday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

The duration of the maneuver was 52 seconds.&nbsp;

The orbit achieved is 119 km x 127 km, ISRO added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/important-step-in-landmark-journey-to-moon-pm-modi-on-chandrayaan-2-entering-lunar-orbit-244403">Also read:&nbsp;Important step in landmark journey to Moon: PM Modi on Chandrayaan-2 entering lunar orbit</a>

The next operation is the separation of Vikram Lander from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, which is scheduled on September 2.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot.

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body".

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.&nbsp;

The final and fifth lunar bound orbit maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully using the onboard propulsion system on Sunday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

The final and fifth lunar bound orbit maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully using the onboard propulsion system on Sunday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. The duration of the maneuver was 52 seconds. The orbit achieved is 119 km x 127 km, ISRO added. Also read: Important step in landmark journey to Moon: PM Modi on Chandrayaan-2 entering lunar orbit The next operation is the separation of Vikram Lander from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, which is scheduled on September 2. Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body". This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

Fifth and final lunar-bound orbit maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 performed successfully: ISRO

India on Sunday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/final-list-of-assam-nrc-out-over-19-lakh-excluded-311-crore-included-in-list-246782">people excluded from the National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC) in Assam have not become "stateless" and will enjoy all rights as before till they exhaust all remedies available under the law.

"Exclusion from the NRC has no implication on the rights of an individual resident in Assam. For those who are not in the final list will not be detained and will continue to enjoy all the rights as before till they have exhausted all the remedies available under the law. It does not make the excluded person 'stateless'," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"It also does not make him or her a 'foreigner' within the legal meaning of the term. They will not be deprived of any rights or entitlements which they have enjoyed before," he noted at a press conference here.

He termed as "incorrect" commentaries in sections of the foreign media about aspects of the final NRC.

Kumar said updating of the NRC is a statutory, transparent, legal process mandated by the Supreme Court and this is not an executive-driven process.

"The process is being monitored by the Supreme Court directly and the government is acting in accordance with the directives issued by the court. The apex court of the land has itself set the deadlines for all steps that have been taken so far," he said.

Stressing that the NRC is a fair process based on scientific methods, Kumar said, "Inclusion in the NRC is a unique process, as it is based on 'application rather than 'house to house enumeration'. It means that any person in Assam could have sought to be included in the list on the basis of having documentation to prove lineage from an entitled person -- a person who was a resident of Assam as on March 24, 1971."

The NRC is a non-discriminatory process, which leaves "no room for bias and injustice".

As can be seen from the application form for data entry in NRC, there was no column in the application, asking for the "religion of the applicant", the MEA spokesperson said.

Anyone excluded from the list at this stage has a right to file an appeal within 120 days before a designated Foreigners Tribunal of receiving the notification of exclusion, Kumar said.

"All appeals and excluded cases will be examined by this Tribunal i.e. a judicial process. This judicial process will commence only after the appellate period is over. Thereafter, anyone still aggrieved by any decision of being excluded will have the right to approach the High Court of Assam and then the Supreme Court," he said.

Over 19 lakh people were excluded from the final NRC list that was published on Saturday.

"A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC, leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," NRC State Coordinator Prateek Hajela had said.

The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.

India on Sunday said people excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam have not become "stateless" and will enjoy all rights as before till they exhaust all remedies available under the law.

India on Sunday said people excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam have not become "stateless" and will enjoy all rights as before till they exhaust all remedies available under the law. "Exclusion from the NRC has no implication on the rights of an individual resident in Assam. For those who are not in the final list will not be detained and will continue to enjoy all the rights as before till they have exhausted all the remedies available under the law. It does not make the excluded person 'stateless'," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "It also does not make him or her a 'foreigner' within the legal meaning of the term. They will not be deprived of any rights or entitlements which they have enjoyed before," he noted at a press conference here. He termed as "incorrect" commentaries in sections of the foreign media about aspects of the final NRC. Kumar said updating of the NRC is a statutory, transparent, legal process mandated by the Supreme Court and this is not an executive-driven process. "The process is being monitored by the Supreme Court directly and the government is acting in accordance with the directives issued by the court. The apex court of the land has itself set the deadlines for all steps that have been taken so far," he said. Stressing that the NRC is a fair process based on scientific methods, Kumar said, "Inclusion in the NRC is a unique process, as it is based on 'application rather than 'house to house enumeration'. It means that any person in Assam could have sought to be included in the list on the basis of having documentation to prove lineage from an entitled person -- a person who was a resident of Assam as on March 24, 1971." The NRC is a non-discriminatory process, which leaves "no room for bias and injustice". As can be seen from the application form for data entry in NRC, there was no column in the application, asking for the "religion of the applicant", the MEA spokesperson said. Anyone excluded from the list at this stage has a right to file an appeal within 120 days before a designated Foreigners Tribunal of receiving the notification of exclusion, Kumar said. "All appeals and excluded cases will be examined by this Tribunal i.e. a judicial process. This judicial process will commence only after the appellate period is over. Thereafter, anyone still aggrieved by any decision of being excluded will have the right to approach the High Court of Assam and then the Supreme Court," he said. Over 19 lakh people were excluded from the final NRC list that was published on Saturday. "A total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final NRC, leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims," NRC State Coordinator Prateek Hajela had said. The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.

People excluded from National Register of Citizens not 'stateless': Ministry of External Affairs

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Riya Gupta

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