How does a GPU actually work? The technology behind modern graphics and AI

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

Nuclear blast in space won't hit Earth directly. But what comes next will spell doom

'Miracle on the Mississippi': Cruise boat capsizes after colliding with tanker in New Orleans, all 180 passengers aboard safe

Why are modern GPUs so expensive? 7 things that drive graphics card prices

Who is targeting US military bases in Britain? Drone scare at RAF Lakenheath raises alarm

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

Who is this girl wearing a man's torso? Meet Sofía Monroy, the 27-year-old Mexican-Swedish singer

'Don’t f–k around!' Travis Barker opens up on quitting smoking after precancer diagnosis

CPU vs GPU vs NPU: Which processor does your computer actually need?

After Venezuela and Iran, Trump sets sights on another military intervention before leaving office

'Forbidden' light proposed 40 years ago detected for first time in the universe

Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, keeps baby's name and partner's identity private

Why did the FAA suddenly ground flights across the US? Officials reveal what went wrong

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

Vaaste singer Dhvani Bhanushali announces engagement to esports entrepreneur Yash Bhanushali; see pics

From chipmakers to cloud giants: How is Nvidia's stock crash shaking the AI industry?

Crystal-clear Ganga water in Haridwar? Viral video creates buzz online | WATCH

Move over Ram and Ravan, Kunal Kapoor's Lord Indra in Ramayana is stealing hearts in Thailand

Nvidia scandal exposes cracks in Trump admin as Bessent blames Lutnick over Megaspeed blacklist delay

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's Australian home targeted by burglars;  3 cars stolen

Trump, Putin and Xi to hold historic trilateral meeting at APEC Summit in China

'Don't hike rates': US Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Fed against rate increase amid Iran war

India wins railway propulsion order from Japan, the home of bullet trains

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

A$AP Rocky's New York event disrupted by on-camera brawl, NYPD steps in

24 hours and counting: Microsoft says 'sorry' for global outage

CM Suvendhu Adhikari turns Bengal's Chhath ghats into launchpad for UP campaign

Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer with brace against Malawi

Video captures horrifying moment Brooklyn apartment building collapses, killing eight people

Colombia 'false positives' scandal: 5 retired army men sentenced over killing of 35 civilians

Who will replace Jensen Huang at Nvidia? 3 Indian-origin tech leaders emerge as possible contenders

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

India's former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi speaks to WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary about his life-long journey. Justice Gogoi has released an autobiography on his life.

Watch WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary interviewing India's former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Twitter account was compromised for a brief time before being secured back. The hackers posted out Tweet on Bitcoin from the Indian leader's Twitter handle

Indian PM Narendra Modi's Twitter account briefly compromised & has been secured back now

Vijay Diwas: How IAF's 'Sabre slayers' shot down PAF jets in dogfight during battle of Boyra

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country.

"People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities. There is a humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis," he said.

Since the Taliban's takeover in August, the country has slid in every parameter, even as the onset of winters has worsened the situation in the country.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay thanked New Delhi for its&nbsp;pledge to send 50,000 MT of wheat to the country.

He said, 'India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time." The envoy called for more visas by India for Afghans, especially students who have to continue their studies in Indian universities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-unveils-saryu-canal-national-project-to-benefit-29-lakh-farmers-436044" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu Canal National Project to benefit 29 lakh farmers</a>

In the first-ever extensive interview to any India-based channel since the Taliban takeover in August, envoy Mamundzay pointed how the last four&nbsp;months have been "difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially" for the mission and its diplomats but he pointed, "We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them."

WION: Your reaction to the humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the Afghanistan people? 
Farid Mamundzay: Yes, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time. The generous act of helping us with 50,000 MT of wheat with lifesaving medicines and half a million covid vaccines is something that is greatly needed in times of crisis and we are grateful for this assistance and support.

WION: But there are certain challenges, given it as to use Pakistani territory, and do you&nbsp;expect more such humanitarian support? 
Farid Mamundzay: Yes, that was something that was greatly discussed by the Afghan embassy and the Indian government, and the quickest route we found was Pakistan that will take a short period of time to send much-needed assistance to Afghanistan quite quickly. So I hope Pakistan would continue to assist us as they have indicated that they will allow this convey to transit through Pakistan. I hope that spirit will continue in Islamabad to allow the lifesaving drugs and wheat to flow into Afghanistan. The need is dire. The world food program estimates that around 9 million people require urgent food assistance. by end of next year, there will be 3 million malnutritional children. The need is huge and I hope more countries in the region and the globe will come in and elevate the suffering of Afghan people. There were billions of dollars and euros pledged by the international community in Europe last month. I hope more and more assistance would come to help our people at this difficult time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

WION: How difficult the situation is in Afghanistan, especially with the onset of the winter 
Farid Mamundzay: The winter is approaching rather fast; most banks are not operating as they were doing in the past. People are leaving in large number for many countries in the region and for western countries and capitals. People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activity. Teachers, Doctors are not being paid. There is a humanitarian crisis, an unfolding economic crisis, it's a catastrophic situation right across the country. The New Taliban regime hasn't been recognized by any country, even after 4 months. It's a difficult situation ordinary Afghans are facing; a lot of challenges and it is time for the international community to rescue and support Afghan people who are facing a difficult time after 20 years of a rather stable period in their lives.

WION: What more do you expect from New Delhi, especially on the issue of visas, visas for Afghan students. 
Farid Mamundzay: We require a lot of assistance from India in terms of humanitarian assistance at this stage. Together with humanitarian assistance we also need visa support. India so far has been kind to issue Afghans 200 visas but for a nation of 40 million people, it is five&nbsp;visas per million people that is certainly not enough and we expect India to help us during this difficult time. There are more than 2500 students stranded in Afghanistan who are in the middle of their studies, some of them in their second and third&nbsp;years. So if they don't come here, resume, and continue their studies they will lose whatever they have done in the past--those 2-3 years are going to be wasted. So, I request the Indian government to consider granting those students visas and consider them bringing them to India. Also, 50,000 people who came here for medical treatment annually, are people with fatal medical conditions. Those people are willing to here for medical treatment. So, people who have a long history of travel to India should be considered. We consider India our historic friend and a strategically and in this difficult hour that hand of cooperation is expected from millions of Afghans to be extended. We hope that policy will be continued to evolve and change and our needs will be considered.&nbsp;

WION: How has been the situation in Afghanistan, politically since the Taliban takeover.&nbsp; 
Farid Mamundzay: Well past four&nbsp;months we are going through an economic, political, and social freefall. The gains of the last 20 years have sadly been reversed or being reversed as we go into the future. So there is not any positive development on many fronts on political, social, and other fronts. The hope of the Afghan people is that we the Afghans reach a stage where we form an inclusive government, where the Taliban will allow shape a government that will be inclusive, where we would have true and fair representation of the entire country. And women would be given due rights, their rightful position in the Afghan society. They make up half of our population and they should be treated with rights, and they deserve dignity and respect. Women should be allowed to go to school and do their jobs. So there are expectations and we hope the international community will continue to engage the Taliban in order to encourage them to take appropriate steps required to put Afghanistan back on a trajectory where people of that country deserve to live a dignified life and not put Afghanistan through a stage where it will become a safe haven and a hub for regional and international terrorism. I hope that would not be repeated and there would be steps taken in order to avoid that.&nbsp;

WION: What is the status of the Afghan embassy, globally, and this one and financial crisis they have been facing... 
Farid Mamundzay: Well for the past four&nbsp;months has been difficult, emotionally and administratively, and financially. Most of the missions including here in India have not been receiving assistance that we used to get in the past from Kabul. But the spirit of our staff is high and they continue to serve the Afghan community and consular service have been running normally. Our focus in India has been on 3 main elements-- we focus greatly on humanitarian and relief assistance, wheat, covid vaccines, medicines and warm clothes, and things that are greatly needed in Afghanistan. So we are largely focused on working on humanitarian assistance to be challenged from India to Afghanistan in close coordination with relevant UN agencies like the world food progamme, world health organisations, and other relevant authorities. The second focus has been to provide consular services. There are 100,000 Afghan citizens living in India who require regular consular services and support. So, our focus is not to hinder, hamper or delay those services. services provisions for our community. The third&nbsp;is educational support for our students. Still, over 15000 Afghan students in India require ongoing support. These three&nbsp;areas are areas of main engagement, along with other diplomatic engagement with the host country here in India and other diplomatic missions. Life has been somewhat different, challenging. We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them.&nbsp;

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country. "People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities.

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country. "People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities. There is a humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis," he said. Since the Taliban's takeover in August, the country has slid in every parameter, even as the onset of winters has worsened the situation in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay thanked New Delhi for its pledge to send 50,000 MT of wheat to the country. He said, 'India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time." The envoy called for more visas by India for Afghans, especially students who have to continue their studies in Indian universities. Also read | Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu Canal National Project to benefit 29 lakh farmers In the first-ever extensive interview to any India-based channel since the Taliban takeover in August, envoy Mamundzay pointed how the last four months have been "difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially" for the mission and its diplomats but he pointed, "We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them." WION: Your reaction to the humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the Afghanistan people? Farid Mamundzay: Yes, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time. The generous act of helping us with 50,000 MT of wheat with lifesaving medicines and half a million covid vaccines is something that is greatly needed in times of crisis and we are grateful for this assistance and support. WION: But there are certain challenges, given it as to use Pakistani territory, and do you expect more such humanitarian support? Farid Mamundzay: Yes, that was something that was greatly discussed by the Afghan embassy and the Indian government, and the quickest route we found was Pakistan that will take a short period of time to send much-needed assistance to Afghanistan quite quickly. So I hope Pakistan would continue to assist us as they have indicated that they will allow this convey to transit through Pakistan. I hope that spirit will continue in Islamabad to allow the lifesaving drugs and wheat to flow into Afghanistan. The need is dire. The world food program estimates that around 9 million people require urgent food assistance. by end of next year, there will be 3 million malnutritional children. The need is huge and I hope more countries in the region and the globe will come in and elevate the suffering of Afghan people. There were billions of dollars and euros pledged by the international community in Europe last month. I hope more and more assistance would come to help our people at this difficult time. Also read | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN WION: How difficult the situation is in Afghanistan, especially with the onset of the winter Farid Mamundzay: The winter is approaching rather fast; most banks are not operating as they were doing in the past. People are leaving in large number for many countries in the region and for western countries and capitals. People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activity. Teachers, Doctors are not being paid. There is a humanitarian crisis, an unfolding economic crisis, it's a catastrophic situation right across the country. The New Taliban regime hasn't been recognized by any country, even after 4 months. It's a difficult situation ordinary Afghans are facing; a lot of challenges and it is time for the international community to rescue and support Afghan people who are facing a difficult time after 20 years of a rather stable period in their lives. WION: What more do you expect from New Delhi, especially on the issue of visas, visas for Afghan students. Farid Mamundzay: We require a lot of assistance from India in terms of humanitarian assistance at this stage. Together with humanitarian assistance we also need visa support. India so far has been kind to issue Afghans 200 visas but for a nation of 40 million people, it is five visas per million people that is certainly not enough and we expect India to help us during this difficult time. There are more than 2500 students stranded in Afghanistan who are in the middle of their studies, some of them in their second and third years. So if they don't come here, resume, and continue their studies they will lose whatever they have done in the past--those 2-3 years are going to be wasted. So, I request the Indian government to consider granting those students visas and consider them bringing them to India. Also, 50,000 people who came here for medical treatment annually, are people with fatal medical conditions. Those people are willing to here for medical treatment. So, people who have a long history of travel to India should be considered. We consider India our historic friend and a strategically and in this difficult hour that hand of cooperation is expected from millions of Afghans to be extended. We hope that policy will be continued to evolve and change and our needs will be considered. WION: How has been the situation in Afghanistan, politically since the Taliban takeover. Farid Mamundzay: Well past four months we are going through an economic, political, and social freefall. The gains of the last 20 years have sadly been reversed or being reversed as we go into the future. So there is not any positive development on many fronts on political, social, and other fronts. The hope of the Afghan people is that we the Afghans reach a stage where we form an inclusive government, where the Taliban will allow shape a government that will be inclusive, where we would have true and fair representation of the entire country. And women would be given due rights, their rightful position in the Afghan society. They make up half of our population and they should be treated with rights, and they deserve dignity and respect. Women should be allowed to go to school and do their jobs. So there are expectations and we hope the international community will continue to engage the Taliban in order to encourage them to take appropriate steps required to put Afghanistan back on a trajectory where people of that country deserve to live a dignified life and not put Afghanistan through a stage where it will become a safe haven and a hub for regional and international terrorism. I hope that would not be repeated and there would be steps taken in order to avoid that. WION: What is the status of the Afghan embassy, globally, and this one and financial crisis they have been facing... Farid Mamundzay: Well for the past four months has been difficult, emotionally and administratively, and financially. Most of the missions including here in India have not been receiving assistance that we used to get in the past from Kabul. But the spirit of our staff is high and they continue to serve the Afghan community and consular service have been running normally. Our focus in India has been on 3 main elements-- we focus greatly on humanitarian and relief assistance, wheat, covid vaccines, medicines and warm clothes, and things that are greatly needed in Afghanistan. So we are largely focused on working on humanitarian assistance to be challenged from India to Afghanistan in close coordination with relevant UN agencies like the world food progamme, world health organisations, and other relevant authorities. The second focus has been to provide consular services. There are 100,000 Afghan citizens living in India who require regular consular services and support. So, our focus is not to hinder, hamper or delay those services. services provisions for our community. The third is educational support for our students. Still, over 15000 Afghan students in India require ongoing support. These three areas are areas of main engagement, along with other diplomatic engagement with the host country here in India and other diplomatic missions. Life has been somewhat different, challenging. We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them.

Catastrophic situation right across the country says Farid Mamundzay, Afghanistan’s envoy to India

A limited-edition Hublot watch that once belonged to the football legend late Diego Maradona was recovered from India’s northeastern Assam state on Saturday morning after it went missing from Dubai.

The watch, worth around Rs 2 million (approx. US $13,206) was allegedly recovered from an Assam resident who used to work in Dubai and had returned to India recently, the Assam Police said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted that it was recovered with assistance from Dubai Police.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In an act of international cooperation <a href="https://twitter.com/assampolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@assampolice</a> has coordinated with <a href="https://twitter.com/DubaiPoliceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaipoliceHQ</a> through Indian federal LEA to recover a heritage <a href="https://twitter.com/Hublot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hublot</a> watch belonging to legendary footballer Late Diego Maradona and arrested one Wazid Hussein. Follow up lawful action is being taken. <a href="https://t.co/9NWLw6XAKz">pic.twitter.com/9NWLw6XAKz</a>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1469519162938519552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“In an act of international cooperation @assampolice has coordinated with @dubaipoliceHQ through Indian federal LEA to recover a heritage @Hublot watch belonging to legendary footballer Late Diego Maradona and arrested one Wazid Hussein. Follow up lawful action is being taken,” he said.

According to police, the accused person was working as a security guard at a company in Dubai in UAE that was storing the belongings of the late Argentinian footballer.

The accused is suspected to be involved in the theft of a safe in which the limited edition Hublot watch was also kept, Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said.

After working for a few days at the company, the accused returned to Assam in August, citing his father’s ill health as the reason.

After Dubai Police reached out to the Assam Police with information about the accused, the cops launched a massive hunt to trace his whereabouts.

Subsequently, Wazi Hussain was arrested from his residence at 4 am and the watch was recovered, he said.

Diego Maradona was seen wearing two Hublot Big Bang watches during the FIFA World Cup 2010 when Hublot launched its Maradona Big Bang Chronograph Limited Edition.

The watch has the football legend’s photo, with arms raised in victory, engraved on the back of the Hublot Big Bang Maradona case. It also has his signatures and jersey number.

(With inputs from agencies)

A limited-edition Hublot watch that once belonged to the football legend late Diego Maradona was recovered from India’s northeastern Assam state on Saturday morning after it went missing from Dubai.

A limited-edition Hublot watch that once belonged to the football legend late Diego Maradona was recovered from India’s northeastern Assam state on Saturday morning after it went missing from Dubai. The watch, worth around Rs 2 million (approx. US $13,206) was allegedly recovered from an Assam resident who used to work in Dubai and had returned to India recently, the Assam Police said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted that it was recovered with assistance from Dubai Police. In an act of international cooperation @assampolice has coordinated with @dubaipoliceHQ through Indian federal LEA to recover a heritage @Hublot watch belonging to legendary footballer Late Diego Maradona and arrested one Wazid Hussein. Follow up lawful action is being taken. pic.twitter.com/9NWLw6XAKz — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 11, 2021 × “In an act of international cooperation @assampolice has coordinated with @dubaipoliceHQ through Indian federal LEA to recover a heritage @Hublot watch belonging to legendary footballer Late Diego Maradona and arrested one Wazid Hussein. Follow up lawful action is being taken,” he said. According to police, the accused person was working as a security guard at a company in Dubai in UAE that was storing the belongings of the late Argentinian footballer. The accused is suspected to be involved in the theft of a safe in which the limited edition Hublot watch was also kept, Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said. After working for a few days at the company, the accused returned to Assam in August, citing his father’s ill health as the reason. After Dubai Police reached out to the Assam Police with information about the accused, the cops launched a massive hunt to trace his whereabouts. Subsequently, Wazi Hussain was arrested from his residence at 4 am and the watch was recovered, he said. Diego Maradona was seen wearing two Hublot Big Bang watches during the FIFA World Cup 2010 when Hublot launched its Maradona Big Bang Chronograph Limited Edition. The watch has the football legend’s photo, with arms raised in victory, engraved on the back of the Hublot Big Bang Maradona case. It also has his signatures and jersey number. (With inputs from agencies)

Maradona’s stolen watch worth Rs 2 million recovered from India’s Assam, 1 arrested

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday flight-tested the indigenously designed stand-off anti-tank (SANT) missile from Pokhran range.

"The flight test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives," the government said.

The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art millimetre wave seeker (MMW) which provides high precision strike capability and it can "neutralise" targets within a range of up to 10 kms.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | DRDO and Indian Air Force flight-tested indigenously designed and developed helicopter launched stand-off anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran range on today <a href="https://t.co/nzdcPTWwAR">pic.twitter.com/nzdcPTWwAR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1469647662735454209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The SANT missile is designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad along with the DRDO. It was the third launch in the stand-off weapon system after the&nbsp;long range bomb and smart anti-airfield weapon.

The government said the release mechanism including advanced guidance, tracking algorithms and avionics with integrated software performed satisfactorily along with the tracking systems which monitored all mission events.&nbsp;

DRDO's Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the successful flight test of the helicopter-launched missile would further bolster the coutry's indigenous defence capabilities.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday flight-tested the indigenously designed stand-off anti-tank (SANT) missile from Pokhran range.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday flight-tested the indigenously designed stand-off anti-tank (SANT) missile from Pokhran range. "The flight test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives," the government said. The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art millimetre wave seeker (MMW) which provides high precision strike capability and it can "neutralise" targets within a range of up to 10 kms. #WATCH | DRDO and Indian Air Force flight-tested indigenously designed and developed helicopter launched stand-off anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran range on today pic.twitter.com/nzdcPTWwAR — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2021 × The SANT missile is designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad along with the DRDO. It was the third launch in the stand-off weapon system after the long range bomb and smart anti-airfield weapon. The government said the release mechanism including advanced guidance, tracking algorithms and avionics with integrated software performed satisfactorily along with the tracking systems which monitored all mission events. DRDO's Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the successful flight test of the helicopter-launched missile would further bolster the coutry's indigenous defence capabilities. (With inputs from Agencies)

DRDO, IAF successfully flight-test stand-off anti-tank missile

India on Saturday sent 1.6 metric tons of medicines to Afghanistan via Kam airways, the first such assistance from New Delhi to Kabul since the Taliban's takeover in August.

The medicine consignment will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/catastrophic-situation-right-across-the-country-says-farid-mamundzay-afghanistans-envoy-to-india-436061">Also Read:&nbsp;Catastrophic situation right across the country says Afghanistan’s envoy to India</a>

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies on the return flight today".

The assistance from India comes even as the humanitarian crisis in the country has deteriorated.&nbsp;WION was the first India-based channel to break the news on Friday.

The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government has no formal ties but New Delhi has twice publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group - one in Doha and another in Moscow. Taliban has also accepted that it has had conversation with the Indian government.

The assistance was sent on Kam air flight that brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of the Afghan minority community on Friday.&nbsp;

The flight on its way back also carried back 100 passengers. This flight is also the first direct flight between the two&nbsp;countries since the Taliban took control of the country&nbsp;and the collapse of the Afghan republic.&nbsp;

Under "Operation Devi Shakti” launched in August, a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan by Indian authorities. It&nbsp;comprises of 448 Indians and 206 Afghans&nbsp;which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community.&nbsp;

"The first consignment of medical aid from India arrived in&nbsp;Kabul this morning. 1.6 metric tonne of life-saving medicines will help many families in this difficult time. Gift from people of India", Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay in a tweet said.

The assistance comes even as India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people. Modalities for transfer of assistance is being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad since it is planned to be sent via Pakistan to Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. New Delhi, in the last many years&nbsp;has invested more than $3 billion for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.

India on Saturday sent 1.6 metric tons of medicines to Afghanistan via Kam airways, the first such assistance from New Delhi to Kabul since the Taliban's takeover in August.

India on Saturday sent 1.6 metric tons of medicines to Afghanistan via Kam airways, the first such assistance from New Delhi to Kabul since the Taliban's takeover in August. The medicine consignment will be handed over to the representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kabul and will be administered at the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul. Also Read: Catastrophic situation right across the country says Afghanistan’s envoy to India The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "In view of the challenging humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance consisting of medical supplies on the return flight today". The assistance from India comes even as the humanitarian crisis in the country has deteriorated. WION was the first India-based channel to break the news on Friday. The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government has no formal ties but New Delhi has twice publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group - one in Doha and another in Moscow. Taliban has also accepted that it has had conversation with the Indian government. The assistance was sent on Kam air flight that brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, including members of the Afghan minority community on Friday. The flight on its way back also carried back 100 passengers. This flight is also the first direct flight between the two countries since the Taliban took control of the country and the collapse of the Afghan republic. Under "Operation Devi Shakti” launched in August, a total of 669 people have now been evacuated from Afghanistan by Indian authorities. It comprises of 448 Indians and 206 Afghans which includes members of the Afghan Hindu/Sikh minority community. "The first consignment of medical aid from India arrived in Kabul this morning. 1.6 metric tonne of life-saving medicines will help many families in this difficult time. Gift from people of India", Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay in a tweet said. The assistance comes even as India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people. Modalities for transfer of assistance is being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad since it is planned to be sent via Pakistan to Afghanistan. India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. New Delhi, in the last many years has invested more than $3 billion for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.

In a first since Taliban takeover, India sends medicines to Afghanistan

LAC row: China's 'disengagement' plan & deployment in eastern Ladakh

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowd as he arrives at the inauguration event of Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur. <a href="https://t.co/V2xBzJ6zZr">pic.twitter.com/V2xBzJ6zZr</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469574436151955456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The project, which will provide water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land, has come up at a cost of over Rs 9,800 crore. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012" hreflang="en">Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a>

More than Rs 4,600 crore was given for the project in the last four years. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh. I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nations stands with his family. The country also stands with the families who lost those brave soldiers: PM Narendra Modi in Balrampur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduChopperCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduChopperCrash</a> <a href="https://t.co/j78chCjMf2">pic.twitter.com/j78chCjMf2</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469590519122595844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At the inauguration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Balrampur: PM remembers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDSGeneralBipinRawat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDSGeneralBipinRawat</a> &amp; others who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduChopperCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduChopperCrash</a>. He says, "...I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in Dec 8 crash...India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill.." <a href="https://t.co/H0r21hv6c2">pic.twitter.com/H0r21hv6c2</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469593970179133442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

To ensure optimum usage of water resources, the Saryu canal project also includes interlinking of five rivers, such as Saryu, Rapti, Ghaghara, Banganga and Rohini, of the region. &nbsp;

India's prime minister also remembered CDS General Bipin Rawat who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu this week.&nbsp;

"I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in the December&nbsp;8 crash. India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-on-saturday-435949" hreflang="en">India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday</a>

According to an official statement, the work on the project had begun in 1978. Due to lack of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring, the project got delayed and was not completed even after four decades. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We launched projects of Rs 10,000cr on Dec 7 &amp;had inaugurated 9 medical colleges in Siddharthnagar &amp; 1 international airport in Kushinagar. Saryu Nahar National Project was approved in 1972, the year I was born. I grew up but it never got completed:CM Yogi Adityanath in Balrampur <a href="https://t.co/uzZGOIlyfH">pic.twitter.com/uzZGOIlyfH</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469591743079223296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The project was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in 2016 to complete it in a time-bound manner. It was completed in only about four years due to the renewed focus, it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh.

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowd as he arrives at the inauguration event of Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur. pic.twitter.com/V2xBzJ6zZr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × The project, which will provide water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land, has come up at a cost of over Rs 9,800 crore. Also Read | Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi More than Rs 4,600 crore was given for the project in the last four years. Doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh. I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nations stands with his family. The country also stands with the families who lost those brave soldiers: PM Narendra Modi in Balrampur #TamilNaduChopperCrash pic.twitter.com/j78chCjMf2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × At the inauguration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present. #WATCH | Balrampur: PM remembers #CDSGeneralBipinRawat & others who lost their lives in #TamilNaduChopperCrash. He says, "...I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in Dec 8 crash...India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill.." pic.twitter.com/H0r21hv6c2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × To ensure optimum usage of water resources, the Saryu canal project also includes interlinking of five rivers, such as Saryu, Rapti, Ghaghara, Banganga and Rohini, of the region. India's prime minister also remembered CDS General Bipin Rawat who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu this week. "I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in the December 8 crash. India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill," he said. Also Read: India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday According to an official statement, the work on the project had begun in 1978. Due to lack of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring, the project got delayed and was not completed even after four decades. We launched projects of Rs 10,000cr on Dec 7 &had inaugurated 9 medical colleges in Siddharthnagar & 1 international airport in Kushinagar. Saryu Nahar National Project was approved in 1972, the year I was born. I grew up but it never got completed:CM Yogi Adityanath in Balrampur pic.twitter.com/uzZGOIlyfH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × The project was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in 2016 to complete it in a time-bound manner. It was completed in only about four years due to the renewed focus, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu canal project; remembers General Bipin Rawat

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community.&nbsp;

The special Kam air flight was arranged by India under its Operation Devi Shakti that was launched in August to evacuate people from the country. Friday's evacuation included 9 children including 3 infants. The aid will be the first such supplies to the country since the Taliban takeover in August.

Remember, India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people as humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-taliban-declares-end-to-ceasefire-with-pak-government-vows-to-resume-attacks-435946">Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with Pak government; vows to resume attacks</a>

Since the assistance will be transferred via Pakistani territory, the modalities are still being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan has in principle announced that it will allow Indian support to go Afghanistan over its territory.&nbsp;

The humanitarian situation in the country has deteriorated especially with the onset of winters

A total of 565 stranded people have been evacuated under "Operation Devi Shakti" before Friday's operation. 74 members of minority communities from Afghanistan, primarily Afghan Sikhs, were evacuated on board the special Indian Air Force/Air India flights arranged by the Government of India under Operation Devi Shakti.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

In the aftermath of the August Taliban takeover, the ministry of external affairs had set up a 24 x 7 Special Afghanistan Cell to facilitate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan. In the month of August alone, the Special Afghanistan Cell responded to 3,436 telephone calls, 9,581 Whatsapp messages and 4,569 emails.

India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. In all New Delhi has invested more than USD 3 billion in the country in last 2 decades.

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community.

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community. The special Kam air flight was arranged by India under its Operation Devi Shakti that was launched in August to evacuate people from the country. Friday's evacuation included 9 children including 3 infants. The aid will be the first such supplies to the country since the Taliban takeover in August. Remember, India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people as humanitarian assistance. ALSO READ | Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with Pak government; vows to resume attacks Since the assistance will be transferred via Pakistani territory, the modalities are still being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan has in principle announced that it will allow Indian support to go Afghanistan over its territory. The humanitarian situation in the country has deteriorated especially with the onset of winters A total of 565 stranded people have been evacuated under "Operation Devi Shakti" before Friday's operation. 74 members of minority communities from Afghanistan, primarily Afghan Sikhs, were evacuated on board the special Indian Air Force/Air India flights arranged by the Government of India under Operation Devi Shakti. ALSO READ | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN In the aftermath of the August Taliban takeover, the ministry of external affairs had set up a 24 x 7 Special Afghanistan Cell to facilitate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan. In the month of August alone, the Special Afghanistan Cell responded to 3,436 telephone calls, 9,581 Whatsapp messages and 4,569 emails. India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. In all New Delhi has invested more than USD 3 billion in the country in last 2 decades.

India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-on-saturday-435949" hreflang="en">India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday</a>

This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. &nbsp;

The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. &nbsp;

On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-alarmed-over-declining-mask-usage-in-country-asks-people-to-follow-covid-rules-435878" hreflang="en">Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules</a>

Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. &nbsp;

India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12.

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Also Read: India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Also Read: Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi

Rich Tributes were paid across Kashmir Valley to India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat along with his wife and 11 other brave hearts who sacrificed their lives in an unfortunate helicopter crash.

Rich Tributes were paid across Kashmir Valley to India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat along with his wife and 11 other brave hearts who sacrificed their lives in an unfortunate helicopter crash. A prayer meeting was held at Srinagar's army headquarters to honour the CDS and others killed in the Helicopter crash. The Indian Army GOC DP Pandey along with other top officials of various security agencies attended the ceremony. A candlelight vigil was also held at the Army's war memorial. "We organized this programme as a tribute for the CDS. It’s from the people of the valley towards all the martyrs. It was held across the Kashmir valley. You must have seen in the last 48 hours, how the people have carried out rallies, the way they have carried out candlelight vigils, in fact, marches indicate the connection the general had with the people of Kashmir Valley. A large number of people from Kashmir have gone to attend General's last rites in Delhi," said DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps. Obituary | Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation In North Kashmir's Kupwara and Keran Sector, several prayers meets during Friday prayers were held. In the mosques of Macchil, Pushwari, Dabpal and T Shuntwari of Machil Sector, the religious heads addressed the people and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. "It was the memorial service for the CDS and his wife along with officers in the helicopter crash. He has served here and had a relationship with the people of the Kashmir valley. He did have a Kashmir connection. Very significant part of his duty was spent in the valley in some of the toughest phases. He connected with the people and forces in the valley," said Junaid Mattoo, Mayor Srinagar. The tributes were not only paid by the army and other administrative officers but the locals of the valley too. A large group of people in various parts of Kashmir valley held candlelight vigils to honour the General. The locals also attended the function organised by the Indian Army. ALSO READ | CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's demise 'great loss' for both nations: US State Secy Antony Blinken speaks to Jaishankar ''I am in deep shock as a Kashmiri youth. If you see the past ten years, the situation in north Kashmir was very volatile, but General saab worked for the area and there was a connection of youth with him. He connected hearts in the valley. No one was working with the army in Kashmir, but It was only when the General was posted here that he bridged the gap. There are many examples from north Kashmir of people who are mainstream now because of General. . He will be in our hearts always. We are mourning and it’s painful," said Aqib Renzu, Councilor, Srinagar. These events saw a great patriotic fervour among the people who had gathered for these prayer meets and candlelight vigils across the Valley.

Rich tributes paid to General Bipin Rawat across Kashmir valley

Over 25 countries extended condolences to New Delhi in the aftermath of the tragic death of India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 defence personnel in the helicopter crash that took place in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Condolences were sent at the level of the head of government by six countries—Bhutan, Israel, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal.

In fact, a special prayer ceremony was led by Bhutan's King and his father the Fourth King In Thimphu on Thursday morning for General Rawat &amp; his wife. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj was also present in the prayers.

Not just at the head of the state level, condolences were sent personally by foreign ministers and defence ministers, and also through their ministries.

At the level of foreign ministers, nine countries sent condolence messages—Bhutan, Czech Republic, Japan, Maldives, Oman, Serbia, Sri Lanka, USA&nbsp;and Venezuela.

At the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 11 countries sent messages—Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Iran, Estonia, Greece, Iran, Latvia, UAE, USA&nbsp;and Venezuela.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mortal-remains-of-gen-rawat-his-wife-consigned-to-flames-after-17-gun-salute-435793">Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, his wife consigned to flames after 17-gun salute</a>

Globally, defence ministers also extended messages of support and solidarity. &nbsp;

At the level of defence ministers, 10 countries— Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, Latvia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and EU —sent condolence messages.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tributes-pour-in-for-gen-bipin-rawat-us-defence-secretary-un-chief-extend-their-condolences-435195">Also Read:&nbsp;Tributes pour in for Gen Bipin Rawat: US defence secretary, UN chief extend their condolences</a>

While at the level of the defence ministry, 13 countries sent messages, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and EU.

On Friday, many envoys visited General Rawat’s official residence at Kamraj Road in Delhi and also at the Brar Square crematorium.

UK, French, Israel, Maldives, Italy, Afghanistan envoys visited his residence to pay their respects. Germany and Indonesia were represented at deputy envoy level.&nbsp; Pakistan was represented by its defence attaché and naval advisor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-pays-tribute-to-cds-gen-bipin-rawat-and-12-others-killed-in-iaf-chopper-crash-435606">Also read | PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others killed in IAF chopper crash</a>

Four countries—Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh —were represented by top army officials.

Sri Lanka sent its Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Gen Shavendra Silva. He was accompanied by Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne (Retd), the former Chief of Defence Staff, who was also the fellow mate of CDS General Rawat at National Defence College.

Bhutan was represented by Brig Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army, who is the 2nd most senior most officer of the Royal Bhutan Army.

Nepal was represented by Lt Gen Bal Krishna Karki, the Chief of General Staff (equivalent to Vice Chief of Army Staff), Nepali Army.

Bangladesh was represented by Lt Gen Waker-UZ-Zaman, the Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh.

The Indian Army and defence establishment have close linkages with forces of neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan.

Gen Bipin Rawat as the Indian Army Chief was conferred with the honorary general of Nepalese Army. As a tradition, Indian and Nepali armies confer honorary rank of General to each other's army chiefs, signifying close military ties between both countries.

Over 25 countries extended condolences to New Delhi in the aftermath of the tragic death of India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 defence personnel in the helicopter crash that took place in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Over 25 countries extended condolences to New Delhi in the aftermath of the tragic death of India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 defence personnel in the helicopter crash that took place in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Condolences were sent at the level of the head of government by six countries—Bhutan, Israel, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal. In fact, a special prayer ceremony was led by Bhutan's King and his father the Fourth King In Thimphu on Thursday morning for General Rawat & his wife. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj was also present in the prayers. Not just at the head of the state level, condolences were sent personally by foreign ministers and defence ministers, and also through their ministries. At the level of foreign ministers, nine countries sent condolence messages—Bhutan, Czech Republic, Japan, Maldives, Oman, Serbia, Sri Lanka, USA and Venezuela. At the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 11 countries sent messages—Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Iran, Estonia, Greece, Iran, Latvia, UAE, USA and Venezuela. Also read | Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, his wife consigned to flames after 17-gun salute Globally, defence ministers also extended messages of support and solidarity. At the level of defence ministers, 10 countries— Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, Latvia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and EU —sent condolence messages. Also Read: Tributes pour in for Gen Bipin Rawat: US defence secretary, UN chief extend their condolences While at the level of the defence ministry, 13 countries sent messages, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and EU. On Friday, many envoys visited General Rawat’s official residence at Kamraj Road in Delhi and also at the Brar Square crematorium. UK, French, Israel, Maldives, Italy, Afghanistan envoys visited his residence to pay their respects. Germany and Indonesia were represented at deputy envoy level. Pakistan was represented by its defence attaché and naval advisor. Also read | PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others killed in IAF chopper crash Four countries—Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh —were represented by top army officials. Sri Lanka sent its Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Gen Shavendra Silva. He was accompanied by Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne (Retd), the former Chief of Defence Staff, who was also the fellow mate of CDS General Rawat at National Defence College. Bhutan was represented by Brig Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army, who is the 2nd most senior most officer of the Royal Bhutan Army. Nepal was represented by Lt Gen Bal Krishna Karki, the Chief of General Staff (equivalent to Vice Chief of Army Staff), Nepali Army. Bangladesh was represented by Lt Gen Waker-UZ-Zaman, the Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh. The Indian Army and defence establishment have close linkages with forces of neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan. Gen Bipin Rawat as the Indian Army Chief was conferred with the honorary general of Nepalese Army. As a tradition, Indian and Nepali armies confer honorary rank of General to each other's army chiefs, signifying close military ties between both countries.

CDS Bipin Rawat’s tragic death: International community sends condolences to India

In a virtual address at the Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the story of India serves as a clear message to the world that the power of democracy can, has and will always deliver.

Democracy has & will continue to deliver, says Indian PM Modi while addressing Summit for Democracy

By Praveen Menon WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Middle-earth came to life again this week as New Zealand celebrated 20 years since the premiere of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy with special screenings, costume exhibition and art displays. Friday marked the 20th anniversary of when the first feature film of the J.R.R Tolkien`s "The Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies premiered at Odeon Leicester Square in London on Dec. 10, 2001, bringing instant fame to New Zealand`s rolling hills, meadows and forests, which were the backdrop for the mythical Middle-Earth. Screenings were planned in cinemas in Auckland and Wellington, including an outdoor screening on Friday in Hobbiton, a sheep and beef farm about 160 kilometers from Auckland, famous as "the home of the Hobbits". "This event was sold out quicker than any we have ever done," said Shayne Forrest, general manager of Hobbiton. Fans coming to the screening have been preparing their costumes for nearly 12 months, Forrest said, adding he expects to see many dressed as Hobbits, the Dark Lord Suaron, Orcs and Gollums. "We have a Sauron coming who has a full armour suit and a full head dress, and he is not going to fit on our bus," Forrest said. New Zealand`s tourism industry has been hurt over the last 20 months by border closures and pandemic restrictions. Hobbiton received 650,000 tourists each year before the pandemic, but saw just 90,000 visitors in the last 12 months. It cut its staff to 50 people from about 320. The celebrations this week were an opportunity to put New Zealand on the world stage again, Forrest said. The hairy feet and pointed-ear Hobbits are set to hit the screens again as Amazon Studios began filming of the “The Lord of the Rings” series in New Zealand last year, a TV show widely tipped to be the most expensive ever made. But Amazon said the second season of the multimillion-dollar television series will be filmed in the United Kingdom, moving Middle-earth out of New Zealand for the first time. The series` success helped New Zealand`s film industry attract some of the biggest Hollywood productions, including James Cameron`s "Avatar" and more recently Jane Campion`s "The Power of the Dog" and Netflix series such as "Sweet Tooth". Many productions chose New Zealand last year because of the country`s COVID-19 free status. But with the Delta outbreak this year, the industry, which is worth around NZ$3.3 billion and employs about 15,000 New Zealanders, has faced challenges. "But we have a resilient industry," said David Strong, CEO of New Zealand’s Film Commission. "Next year we are opening up and international productions are very keen to come back," he added. (Editing by Gerry Doyle)

By Praveen Menon WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Middle-earth came to life again this week as New Zealand celebrated 20 years since the premiere of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy with special screenings, costume exhibition and art displays.

By Praveen Menon WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Middle-earth came to life again this week as New Zealand celebrated 20 years since the premiere of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy with special screenings, costume exhibition and art displays. Friday marked the 20th anniversary of when the first feature film of the J.R.R Tolkien`s "The Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies premiered at Odeon Leicester Square in London on Dec. 10, 2001, bringing instant fame to New Zealand`s rolling hills, meadows and forests, which were the backdrop for the mythical Middle-Earth. Screenings were planned in cinemas in Auckland and Wellington, including an outdoor screening on Friday in Hobbiton, a sheep and beef farm about 160 kilometers from Auckland, famous as "the home of the Hobbits". "This event was sold out quicker than any we have ever done," said Shayne Forrest, general manager of Hobbiton. Fans coming to the screening have been preparing their costumes for nearly 12 months, Forrest said, adding he expects to see many dressed as Hobbits, the Dark Lord Suaron, Orcs and Gollums. "We have a Sauron coming who has a full armour suit and a full head dress, and he is not going to fit on our bus," Forrest said. New Zealand`s tourism industry has been hurt over the last 20 months by border closures and pandemic restrictions. Hobbiton received 650,000 tourists each year before the pandemic, but saw just 90,000 visitors in the last 12 months. It cut its staff to 50 people from about 320. The celebrations this week were an opportunity to put New Zealand on the world stage again, Forrest said. The hairy feet and pointed-ear Hobbits are set to hit the screens again as Amazon Studios began filming of the “The Lord of the Rings” series in New Zealand last year, a TV show widely tipped to be the most expensive ever made. But Amazon said the second season of the multimillion-dollar television series will be filmed in the United Kingdom, moving Middle-earth out of New Zealand for the first time. The series` success helped New Zealand`s film industry attract some of the biggest Hollywood productions, including James Cameron`s "Avatar" and more recently Jane Campion`s "The Power of the Dog" and Netflix series such as "Sweet Tooth". Many productions chose New Zealand last year because of the country`s COVID-19 free status. But with the Delta outbreak this year, the industry, which is worth around NZ$3.3 billion and employs about 15,000 New Zealanders, has faced challenges. "But we have a resilient industry," said David Strong, CEO of New Zealand’s Film Commission. "Next year we are opening up and international productions are very keen to come back," he added. (Editing by Gerry Doyle)

Hobbit, Sauron and Gollum makeovers in New Zealand as Lord of the Rings turns 20

India's CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others passed away in Wednesday in a deadly IAF chopper crash. The mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife arrived in the national capital, PM Narendra Modi met the family members paid tribute by placing wreath before each of the 13 caskets, last rites will be performed today.

Mortal remains of General Bipin Rawat and others arrives in capital, last rites to be held today

India's CDS Gen Bipin Rawat laid to final rest with full military honours. His last rites were performed along with his wife Madhulika Rawat, who too lost her life in Tamil Nadu chopper crash. Their daughters performed the last rites.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat cremated with full military honours in New Delhi, daughters perform last rites

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India.

Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”.

The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”.

"We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

“WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said.

The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases.

The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said.

Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said.

The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days.

Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country. The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India. Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”. The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”. "We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist “WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said. The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases. The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said. Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said. The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days. Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules

A new study by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) shows that India can leapfrog to a more sustainable power system by 2030, thanks to dramatic cost reductions in battery storage and wind and solar energy.

In the publication, "Least Cost Pathway for India's Power System Investments", the researchers examined a least-cost investment pathway to meet India's electricity demand through 2030.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-achieve-450-gw-renewable-energy-installed-capacity-by-2030-centre-420061">India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030: Centre</a>

According to the study, if India achieves its goal of installing 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, it could reduce electricity costs by eight to ten per cent, provided that the price of renewable energy and batteries continue to fall. 
 
2030 will see&nbsp;the carbon emissions intensity of India's&nbsp;electricity supply dropping by 43 to 50 per cent from 2020 levels.

In light of rapid industrialization and rising incomes, India, home to more than 1 billion people, has set ambitious clean-energy targets to reduce pollution and combat climate change while meeting growing electricity demands. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow that India would install 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2022, up from 100 GW currently, and 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-at-unga-india-to-become-the-worlds-biggest-green-hydrogen-hub-415915">PM Modi at UNGA: India to become the world's biggest Green Hydrogen hub</a>

"We found that building such high levels of renewable energy would actually be economical for India, thanks to the cost reductions in clean technologies that have occurred much faster than anticipated," said Berkeley Lab scientist and the study`s lead author, Nikit Abhyankar. 
 
"However, the key to achieving the lowest costs, while maintaining grid reliability, lies in complementing the renewable energy buildout with flexible resources such as energy storage and demand response, and utilizing the existing thermal power assets in the country in the most efficient manner." 
 
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that nearly half of India's electricity supply could be carbon-free by 2030, compared to only 25 per cent in 2020. In order to achieve this, renewable energy capacity would have to quadruple over the next decade.

Watch |&nbsp;Portugal's 70% of power is generated by renewable sources of energy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/portugals-70-of-power-is-generated-by-renewable-sources-of-energy-416837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The researchers also found that integrating renewable energy with flexible resources such as shifting agricultural electricity consumption to solar hours, using batteries to store four to six hours of daily energy for nighttime use, and utilising flexibility in existing thermal power plants saves money over building new coal or gas-fired plants. 
 
The study shows that by 2030 coal consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector can almost hold at 2020 levels. It is therefore unlikely that switching to clean energy sources will result in job losses in mining and transportation over the near to medium term, giving India time to plan for a longer-term transition.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) shows that India can leapfrog to a more sustainable power system by 2030, thanks to dramatic cost reductions in battery storage and wind and solar energy.

A new study by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) shows that India can leapfrog to a more sustainable power system by 2030, thanks to dramatic cost reductions in battery storage and wind and solar energy. In the publication, "Least Cost Pathway for India's Power System Investments", the researchers examined a least-cost investment pathway to meet India's electricity demand through 2030. Also read | India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030: Centre According to the study, if India achieves its goal of installing 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, it could reduce electricity costs by eight to ten per cent, provided that the price of renewable energy and batteries continue to fall. 2030 will see the carbon emissions intensity of India's electricity supply dropping by 43 to 50 per cent from 2020 levels. In light of rapid industrialization and rising incomes, India, home to more than 1 billion people, has set ambitious clean-energy targets to reduce pollution and combat climate change while meeting growing electricity demands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow that India would install 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2022, up from 100 GW currently, and 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030. Also read | PM Modi at UNGA: India to become the world's biggest Green Hydrogen hub "We found that building such high levels of renewable energy would actually be economical for India, thanks to the cost reductions in clean technologies that have occurred much faster than anticipated," said Berkeley Lab scientist and the study`s lead author, Nikit Abhyankar. "However, the key to achieving the lowest costs, while maintaining grid reliability, lies in complementing the renewable energy buildout with flexible resources such as energy storage and demand response, and utilizing the existing thermal power assets in the country in the most efficient manner." Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that nearly half of India's electricity supply could be carbon-free by 2030, compared to only 25 per cent in 2020. In order to achieve this, renewable energy capacity would have to quadruple over the next decade. Watch | Portugal's 70% of power is generated by renewable sources of energy The researchers also found that integrating renewable energy with flexible resources such as shifting agricultural electricity consumption to solar hours, using batteries to store four to six hours of daily energy for nighttime use, and utilising flexibility in existing thermal power plants saves money over building new coal or gas-fired plants. The study shows that by 2030 coal consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector can almost hold at 2020 levels. It is therefore unlikely that switching to clean energy sources will result in job losses in mining and transportation over the near to medium term, giving India time to plan for a longer-term transition. (With inputs from agencies)

By 2030, India will be able to meet its electricity needs through renewable energy: Study

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

The MEA informed that a special Kam Air flight was arranged by India to retrieve the evacuees.

"Under Operation Devi Shakti, a special Kam Air flight arranged by India has arrived in New Delhi from Kabul,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a tweet.

“It has brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community," Bagchi added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Flash: Special flight from Kabul to Delhi to bring stranded Indians, Afghan Hindus &amp; Sikhs; 3 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji &amp; copy of Ramayan , Mahabharat &amp; Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir, Kabul are along being flown: Puneet Singh Chandhok, Prz 
Indian World Forum <a href="https://t.co/ptk0Ctt0Qm">pic.twitter.com/ptk0Ctt0Qm</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1469174741143408644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Apart from that, holy scriptures of Hindus and Sikhs, including three copies of Guru Granth Sahib, copy of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul, were also flown in.

It is learnt that both the Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi coordinated to arrange for the flight.

According to reports, the flight is likely to fly back over 90 Afghan nationals stranded in India along with some medical supplies.

Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of Indian World Forum, in a statement earlier, said it's a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures, including Ramanaya, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita," from the fifth century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi.

Last week, the Government stated in Lok Sabha that India has evacuated 565 stranded persons from Afghanistan since after Taliban ousted the civilian government in mid-August.

Answering a question from Congress MP Hibi Eden, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were in contact with the Indians left behind.

The statement, however, did not elaborate if the airlifted individuals also included some Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The MEA informed that a special Kam Air flight was arranged by India to retrieve the evacuees. "Under Operation Devi Shakti, a special Kam Air flight arranged by India has arrived in New Delhi from Kabul,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a tweet. “It has brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community," Bagchi added. Flash: Special flight from Kabul to Delhi to bring stranded Indians, Afghan Hindus & Sikhs; 3 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & copy of Ramayan , Mahabharat & Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir, Kabul are along being flown: Puneet Singh Chandhok, Prz Indian World Forum pic.twitter.com/ptk0Ctt0Qm — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 10, 2021 × Apart from that, holy scriptures of Hindus and Sikhs, including three copies of Guru Granth Sahib, copy of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul, were also flown in. It is learnt that both the Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi coordinated to arrange for the flight. According to reports, the flight is likely to fly back over 90 Afghan nationals stranded in India along with some medical supplies. Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of Indian World Forum, in a statement earlier, said it's a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures, including Ramanaya, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita," from the fifth century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. Last week, the Government stated in Lok Sabha that India has evacuated 565 stranded persons from Afghanistan since after Taliban ousted the civilian government in mid-August. Answering a question from Congress MP Hibi Eden, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were in contact with the Indians left behind. The statement, however, did not elaborate if the airlifted individuals also included some Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

India evacuates 104 people, including members of Hindu and Sikh community, from Kabul

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the Summit for Democracy saying that 'democratic spirit' and 'pluralistic ethos' are ingrained in Indians.

PM Modi highlights India's democratic ethos while addressing Summit for Democracy

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday.

The flight&nbsp;carried&nbsp;several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

It seems the group is also looking to bring three Guru Granth Sahibs and some Hindu religious texts from the ancient Asamai Mandir in Kabul. &nbsp;

More than 90 Afghans, who have been stranded in India, may also fly back home along with some medical supplies on the return flight, the sources said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-hill-city-where-general-bipin-rawats-chopper-crashed-mourns-enters-voluntary-shutdown-to-pay-homage-435739" hreflang="en">Indian hill city where General Bipin Rawat's chopper crashed mourns, enters voluntary shutdown to pay homage</a>

The Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi have been coordinating to arrange the flight, the sources added. &nbsp;

Earlier, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president, Indian World Forum, said it is a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures including Ramayana, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita" from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday. The flight carried several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter.

A special flight with more than 100 people onboard has arrived in New Delhi on Friday. The flight carried several Afghan Sikhs and Indians, a PTI report said citing people familiar with the matter. Also Read | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN It seems the group is also looking to bring three Guru Granth Sahibs and some Hindu religious texts from the ancient Asamai Mandir in Kabul. More than 90 Afghans, who have been stranded in India, may also fly back home along with some medical supplies on the return flight, the sources said. Also Read: Indian hill city where General Bipin Rawat's chopper crashed mourns, enters voluntary shutdown to pay homage The Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi have been coordinating to arrange the flight, the sources added. Earlier, Puneet Singh Chandhok, president, Indian World Forum, said it is a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures including Ramayana, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita" from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Special flight with over 100 people, religious texts arrives in Delhi from Kabul

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (December 10) said that the Indian story has a clear message to the world that democracy can deliver, has delivered and will continue to deliver. He added that centuries of colonial rule could not suppress the democratic spirit of the Indian people.

While speaking during at 'Summit for Democracy', via video conferencing, PM Modi said the concept of democracy is just not about of, by or for the people but also with the people and within the people.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that India's independence from oppressive British rule led to an unparalleled story in democratic nation-building over the last 75 years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cds-gen-bipin-rawats-demise-great-loss-for-both-nations-us-state-secy-antony-blinken-speaks-to-jaishankar-435828">CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's demise 'great loss' for both nations: US State Secy Antony Blinken speaks to Jaishankar</a>

The Indian PM said that he is proud to represent the world's largest democracy at the 'Summit of Democracy'

"The structural features like multi-party elections, independent judiciary, and free media - are important instruments of democracy. However, the basic strength of democracy is the spirit and ethos that lie within our citizens and our societies," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

On the ending note PM Modi said that India would be happy to share its expertise in holding free and fair elections, and in enhancing transparency in all areas of governance through innovative digital solutions.&nbsp;

"We must also jointly shape global norms for emerging technologies like social media and crypto-currencies, so that they are used to empower democracy, not to undermine it," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible</a>

The United States President Biden kicked off the first-ever summit for democracy on Thursday and around 80 world leaders attended the opening remarks virtually.&nbsp;

The main focus of the summit is to create a common platform for the world to focus on challenges and opportunities facing democracies.&nbsp;

It will also provide a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad.&nbsp;

Important to note that China was not invited to the summit while Pakistan had declined to participate without divulging details.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-pm-narendra-modi-to-address-us-president-joe-bidens-virtual-democracy-summit-435822/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ahead of his participation in the Summit for Democracy hosted by the United States President Joe Biden, PM Modi had tweeted, "Happy to have participated in the Summit for Democracy at the invitation of President Biden. As the world's largest democracy, India stands ready to work with our partners to strengthen democratic values globally, including in multilateral fora."

The prime minister had further stated that technology firms should contribute to preserving democratic societies as technology has the ability to impact democracy "positively or negatively", Modi had said at the virtual summit.

Biden hosted the Summit for Democracy and representatives from over a hundred countries are attending it.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (December 10) said that the Indian story has a clear message to the world that democracy can deliver, has delivered and will continue to deliver.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (December 10) said that the Indian story has a clear message to the world that democracy can deliver, has delivered and will continue to deliver. He added that centuries of colonial rule could not suppress the democratic spirit of the Indian people. While speaking during at 'Summit for Democracy', via video conferencing, PM Modi said the concept of democracy is just not about of, by or for the people but also with the people and within the people. PM Modi said that India's independence from oppressive British rule led to an unparalleled story in democratic nation-building over the last 75 years. ALSO READ | CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's demise 'great loss' for both nations: US State Secy Antony Blinken speaks to Jaishankar The Indian PM said that he is proud to represent the world's largest democracy at the 'Summit of Democracy' "The structural features like multi-party elections, independent judiciary, and free media - are important instruments of democracy. However, the basic strength of democracy is the spirit and ethos that lie within our citizens and our societies," said PM Modi. On the ending note PM Modi said that India would be happy to share its expertise in holding free and fair elections, and in enhancing transparency in all areas of governance through innovative digital solutions. "We must also jointly shape global norms for emerging technologies like social media and crypto-currencies, so that they are used to empower democracy, not to undermine it," PM Modi said. ALSO READ | Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible The United States President Biden kicked off the first-ever summit for democracy on Thursday and around 80 world leaders attended the opening remarks virtually. The main focus of the summit is to create a common platform for the world to focus on challenges and opportunities facing democracies. It will also provide a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad. Important to note that China was not invited to the summit while Pakistan had declined to participate without divulging details. × Ahead of his participation in the Summit for Democracy hosted by the United States President Joe Biden, PM Modi had tweeted, "Happy to have participated in the Summit for Democracy at the invitation of President Biden. As the world's largest democracy, India stands ready to work with our partners to strengthen democratic values globally, including in multilateral fora." The prime minister had further stated that technology firms should contribute to preserving democratic societies as technology has the ability to impact democracy "positively or negatively", Modi had said at the virtual summit. Biden hosted the Summit for Democracy and representatives from over a hundred countries are attending it.

The India story has clear message to the world: PM Modi says democracy has delivered, will continue to deliver

Mortal remains of India’s top military officer General Bipin Rawat and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash, were consigned to flames with full military honours in Delhi on Friday.

The funeral procession began at 2 pm and the funeral took place at the Brar Square Crematorium.&nbsp;

The Chief of Defence Staff was accorded a 17-gun salute, as per laid down protocols. After playing the Last Post and Rouse by tri-services buglers, the funeral pyre was lit by his two daughters.

Top military officers from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan joined for the final rites. Sri Lanka was represented by the chief of defence staff and commander of the Sri Lankan Army Gen Shavendra Silva.&nbsp;

The Royal Bhutan Army was represented by Brig&nbsp;Dorji Rinchen, deputy&nbsp;chief operations officer of&nbsp;Royal Bhutan Army.&nbsp; The Nepal Army was represented by vice-chief of Army staff Lt General Bal Krishna Karki and chief of Army staff Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma.

Among the foreign diplomats present for the final rites include Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, and Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDSGeneralBipinRawat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDSGeneralBipinRawat</a> laid to final rest with full military honours, 17-gun salute. His last rites were performed along with his wife Madhulika Rawat, who too lost her life in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduChopperCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduChopperCrash</a>. 
 
Their daughters Kritika and Tarini performed their last rites. <a href="https://t.co/uTECZlIhI0">pic.twitter.com/uTECZlIhI0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1469269351459004417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and around 800 service personnel were in attendance for the military funeral of General Rawat.

<img alt="Family members of General Bipin Rawat pay last respects " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="573609b0-89fc-4079-82e7-bbda444c035f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rata%202.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tributes-pour-in-for-gen-bipin-rawat-us-defence-secretary-un-chief-extend-their-condolences-435195">Also Read:&nbsp;Tributes pour in for Gen Bipin Rawat: US defence secretary, UN chief extend their condolences</a>

“It’s incredibly sad. He was a pioneer as he started the joint defence approach which we follow in the UK. He led that approach in India. It's very sad for India to lose a great leader, a soldier &amp; a thoroughly nice man,” Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner, told news agency ANI.

“He was somebody who invested a lot in improving the links between the UK and India in the area of defence. So, it’s a great loss. We remember him, his wife and all others who died in the crash, including many close friends of British High Commission,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-pays-tribute-to-cds-gen-bipin-rawat-and-12-others-killed-in-iaf-chopper-crash-435606">Also read | PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others killed in IAF chopper crash</a>

Earlier, the mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife were kept at their official residence before cremation, to allow people to pay respects.

General Rawat's two daughters performed traditional rituals before the caskets of their parents were moved to the gun carriage.

Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and a host of other dignitaries, among others laid wreaths on the mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife.

Military personnel drawn from all the three services marched towards the streets as drummers played along in tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff.

Several foreign envoys also reached Rawat’s residence to pay their tributes.

Obituary |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-bipin-rawat-biography-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-led-a-life-dedicated-to-the-nation-435166">Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation</a>

Earlier in the day, right outside his official residence at 3, Kamraj Marg, several people who had gathered, raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Victory for Mother India), 'Gen Rawat amar rahe' (long live, General Rawat, and 'Uttarakhand ka heera amar rahe' (Long live, Uttarakhand’s diamond), while dignitaries paid floral tributes and last respects till the funeral procession left the bungalow.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Citizens raise slogans of "Jab tak suraj chaand rahega, Bipin ji ka naam rahega", as the cortège of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDSGeneralBipinRawat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDSGeneralBipinRawat</a> proceeds towards Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment. <a href="https://t.co/s7sjV4vg73">pic.twitter.com/s7sjV4vg73</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1469234053144408064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As the mortal remains of General Rawat, carried in a casket wrapped in a tricolour, was moved to a gun carriage, decorated with flowers, people showered petals and raised slogans in his praise.

General Rawat, 63, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other defence personnel were killed when a Mi17V5 helicopter carrying them crashed near Coonoor in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

<img alt="Funeral procession of late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat from his residence to Brar Square in Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3676becd-7e3a-4105-94b3-9082e88c678a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fr.jpg" />

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-hill-city-where-general-bipin-rawats-chopper-crashed-mourns-enters-voluntary-shutdown-to-pay-homage-435739">Nilgiris district is wearing a gloomy look on Friday</a>

Earlier in the day, the funeral of Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder, defence assistant to General Rawat, and another victim of the chopper crash, was held at Delhi Cantonment.

As India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat was tasked to bring in theatre command and jointness among the three services, and he was pushing these with a tough approach and specific timelines in the last two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mortal remains of India’s top military officer General Bipin Rawat and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash, were consigned to flames with full military honours in Delhi on Friday.

Mortal remains of India’s top military officer General Bipin Rawat and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash, were consigned to flames with full military honours in Delhi on Friday. The funeral procession began at 2 pm and the funeral took place at the Brar Square Crematorium. The Chief of Defence Staff was accorded a 17-gun salute, as per laid down protocols. After playing the Last Post and Rouse by tri-services buglers, the funeral pyre was lit by his two daughters. Top military officers from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan joined for the final rites. Sri Lanka was represented by the chief of defence staff and commander of the Sri Lankan Army Gen Shavendra Silva. The Royal Bhutan Army was represented by Brig Dorji Rinchen, deputy chief operations officer of Royal Bhutan Army. The Nepal Army was represented by vice-chief of Army staff Lt General Bal Krishna Karki and chief of Army staff Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma. Among the foreign diplomats present for the final rites include Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, and Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner. #WATCH | Delhi: #CDSGeneralBipinRawat laid to final rest with full military honours, 17-gun salute. His last rites were performed along with his wife Madhulika Rawat, who too lost her life in #TamilNaduChopperCrash. Their daughters Kritika and Tarini performed their last rites. pic.twitter.com/uTECZlIhI0 — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2021 × Defence minister Rajnath Singh and around 800 service personnel were in attendance for the military funeral of General Rawat. Also Read: Tributes pour in for Gen Bipin Rawat: US defence secretary, UN chief extend their condolences “It’s incredibly sad. He was a pioneer as he started the joint defence approach which we follow in the UK. He led that approach in India. It's very sad for India to lose a great leader, a soldier & a thoroughly nice man,” Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner, told news agency ANI. “He was somebody who invested a lot in improving the links between the UK and India in the area of defence. So, it’s a great loss. We remember him, his wife and all others who died in the crash, including many close friends of British High Commission,” he added. Also read | PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 others killed in IAF chopper crash Earlier, the mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife were kept at their official residence before cremation, to allow people to pay respects. General Rawat's two daughters performed traditional rituals before the caskets of their parents were moved to the gun carriage. Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and a host of other dignitaries, among others laid wreaths on the mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife. Military personnel drawn from all the three services marched towards the streets as drummers played along in tribute to India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Several foreign envoys also reached Rawat’s residence to pay their tributes. Obituary | Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation Earlier in the day, right outside his official residence at 3, Kamraj Marg, several people who had gathered, raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Victory for Mother India), 'Gen Rawat amar rahe' (long live, General Rawat, and 'Uttarakhand ka heera amar rahe' (Long live, Uttarakhand’s diamond), while dignitaries paid floral tributes and last respects till the funeral procession left the bungalow. #WATCH | Delhi: Citizens raise slogans of "Jab tak suraj chaand rahega, Bipin ji ka naam rahega", as the cortège of #CDSGeneralBipinRawat proceeds towards Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment. pic.twitter.com/s7sjV4vg73 — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2021 × As the mortal remains of General Rawat, carried in a casket wrapped in a tricolour, was moved to a gun carriage, decorated with flowers, people showered petals and raised slogans in his praise. General Rawat, 63, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other defence personnel were killed when a Mi17V5 helicopter carrying them crashed near Coonoor in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Also read | Nilgiris district is wearing a gloomy look on Friday Earlier in the day, the funeral of Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder, defence assistant to General Rawat, and another victim of the chopper crash, was held at Delhi Cantonment. As India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat was tasked to bring in theatre command and jointness among the three services, and he was pushing these with a tough approach and specific timelines in the last two years. (With inputs from agencies)

Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, his wife consigned to flames after 17-gun salute

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the untimely demise of India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is a 'great loss' for&nbsp;both the nations - the US and India.&nbsp;

Taking to his Twitter, Blinken informed that he spoke to the Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to express grief and condolences over the tragic accident.&nbsp;

"Today I spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to express my condolences for the tragic death of Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife, and colleagues. Gen. Rawat was a strong leader and advocate for India, and his passing is a great loss for both of our nations," tweeted Blinken.&nbsp;

Obituary |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-bipin-rawat-biography-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-led-a-life-dedicated-to-the-nation-435166">Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today I spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> to express my condolences for the tragic death of Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife, and colleagues. Gen. Rawat was a strong leader and advocate for India, and his passing is a great loss for both of our nations.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1469017077260369929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other 11 Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday (December 8).&nbsp;

Indian Air Force helicopter Mi-17V5, carrying defence chief crashed in southern India - near the town of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The helicopter was on its way from Sulur in Coimbatore to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaf-chopper-crash-leaders-pay-last-respect-to-general-bipin-rawat-435767/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gen Bipin Rawat was India's first chief of defence staff. It is a position that the Indian government established in 2019. He was credited with reducing insurgency on India's northeastern frontier.&nbsp;

CDS Rawat was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1978. He previously served as Chief of the Army Staff from January 2017 to December 2019.&nbsp;

In four decades of service, General Rawat was decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, and Sena Medal.

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the untimely demise of India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is a 'great loss' for both the nations - the US and India.

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the untimely demise of India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is a 'great loss' for both the nations - the US and India. Taking to his Twitter, Blinken informed that he spoke to the Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to express grief and condolences over the tragic accident. "Today I spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to express my condolences for the tragic death of Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife, and colleagues. Gen. Rawat was a strong leader and advocate for India, and his passing is a great loss for both of our nations," tweeted Blinken. Obituary | Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation Today I spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to express my condolences for the tragic death of Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife, and colleagues. Gen. Rawat was a strong leader and advocate for India, and his passing is a great loss for both of our nations. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 9, 2021 × CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other 11 Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday (December 8). Indian Air Force helicopter Mi-17V5, carrying defence chief crashed in southern India - near the town of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The helicopter was on its way from Sulur in Coimbatore to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. × Gen Bipin Rawat was India's first chief of defence staff. It is a position that the Indian government established in 2019. He was credited with reducing insurgency on India's northeastern frontier. CDS Rawat was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1978. He previously served as Chief of the Army Staff from January 2017 to December 2019. In four decades of service, General Rawat was decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, and Sena Medal.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's demise 'great loss' for both nations: US State Secy Antony Blinken speaks to Jaishankar

Speaking to media on the ongoing Police probe into the fatal and unfortunate Mi17 V5 VVIP chopper crash in the Nilgiri district, a top State Police official has revealed that Tamil Nadu Police had placed the entire Nilgiris district and the route from Sulur Air Force base to Nilgiris under a security blanket, ahead of the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat's visit.

As per the Director General of Police Sylendra Babu, the State Police had made&nbsp;security arrangements for the General's travel via the Air and Road routes. "The aerial route and the road route were sterilized and kept under a security blanket. The entire road route from Sulur to Coonoor was under full Police security" he added.&nbsp;

The DGP's words gain significance, given that India's top Defence Official was among the victims of this unfortunate crash.

Sylendra Babu visited the Nanjappan Chatram village near the crash site, in order to thank and provide some essential winter supplies to the residents there.&nbsp;

Living meters away from the crash site, the residents there played the most important role as first responders, in carrying out basic relief and rescue using limited resources. They had also immediately alerted the authorities to mobilise fire tenders and manpower to the crash site.&nbsp;

This prompt action led to the rescue of three persons from the site. However, only one of them (the pilot) survived and is undergoing critical care.&nbsp;

Regarding the ongoing probe by the Tamil Nadu Police, the DGP had said that 24 eye-witnesses had been questioned and that Muthumanickam, an Additional Superintendent rank officer, would be heading the efforts.&nbsp;

Speaking to media on the ongoing Police probe into the fatal and unfortunate Mi17 V5 VVIP chopper crash in the Nilgiri district, a top State Police official has revealed that Tamil Nadu Police had placed the entire Nilgiris district and the route from Sulur Air Force base to Nilgiris under a security blanket, ahead of the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat's visit.

Speaking to media on the ongoing Police probe into the fatal and unfortunate Mi17 V5 VVIP chopper crash in the Nilgiri district, a top State Police official has revealed that Tamil Nadu Police had placed the entire Nilgiris district and the route from Sulur Air Force base to Nilgiris under a security blanket, ahead of the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat's visit. As per the Director General of Police Sylendra Babu, the State Police had made security arrangements for the General's travel via the Air and Road routes. "The aerial route and the road route were sterilized and kept under a security blanket. The entire road route from Sulur to Coonoor was under full Police security" he added. The DGP's words gain significance, given that India's top Defence Official was among the victims of this unfortunate crash. Sylendra Babu visited the Nanjappan Chatram village near the crash site, in order to thank and provide some essential winter supplies to the residents there. Living meters away from the crash site, the residents there played the most important role as first responders, in carrying out basic relief and rescue using limited resources. They had also immediately alerted the authorities to mobilise fire tenders and manpower to the crash site. This prompt action led to the rescue of three persons from the site. However, only one of them (the pilot) survived and is undergoing critical care. Regarding the ongoing probe by the Tamil Nadu Police, the DGP had said that 24 eye-witnesses had been questioned and that Muthumanickam, an Additional Superintendent rank officer, would be heading the efforts.

Entire Nilgiris district, route was under security blanket for CDS visit, says TN DGP

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news