Based on a tip-off, the Indian Coast Guard team at Mandapam, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu seized a two-tonne shipment of marine species sea cucumber, that was being smuggled via Indian waters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Early on Sunday, coast guard teams in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay areas tracked the boat, and laid a cordon to block the suspect vessel at sea. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the marine ecosystem as they play an important role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. In India, sea cucumber is treated as an endangered species listed under schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The boat, which was found anchored 15km off the Vedalai South locality in Madapam, was boarded and searched by an ICG team. The boarding team of ICG Hovercraft H-183 recovered 200 gunny bags of sea cucumber, weighing 2000 kg or two tonnes. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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The boat alongwith seized sea cucumbers were brought to Mandapam and handed over to forest officials. The value of seized sea cucumbers is said to be around Rs 80 million. &nbsp;

According to the coast guard, investigation revealed that the consignment was planned for transshipment across the International Maritime Boundary Line. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sea cucumbers are in high demand in China and Southeast Asia, where it is consumed as food and used in medicine. This endangered species is primarily smuggled from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in fishing vessels from Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

By excreting inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, they enhance the productivity of benthic animals - those living on the ocean floor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reef. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-external-affairs-minister-meets-serbian-foreign-minister-holds-talks-414249" hreflang="en">Indian external affairs minister meets Serbian foreign minister, holds talks</a>

Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increases alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduces nutrient recycling and impacts biodiversity. &nbsp;

On September 18, in order to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, the ICG-led school and college students, NCC cadets and volunteers conducted a cleanup along India’s coast. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 7,000-member strong effort led to the collection of 44 tonnes of plastics and garbage from the oceans and beaches, spread across 44 locations.&nbsp;

Based on a tip-off, the Indian Coast Guard team at Mandapam, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu seized a two-tonne shipment of marine species sea cucumber, that was being smuggled via Indian waters.

Based on a tip-off, the Indian Coast Guard team at Mandapam, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu seized a two-tonne shipment of marine species sea cucumber, that was being smuggled via Indian waters. Early on Sunday, coast guard teams in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay areas tracked the boat, and laid a cordon to block the suspect vessel at sea. Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the marine ecosystem as they play an important role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. In India, sea cucumber is treated as an endangered species listed under schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The boat, which was found anchored 15km off the Vedalai South locality in Madapam, was boarded and searched by an ICG team. The boarding team of ICG Hovercraft H-183 recovered 200 gunny bags of sea cucumber, weighing 2000 kg or two tonnes. Watch: × The boat alongwith seized sea cucumbers were brought to Mandapam and handed over to forest officials. The value of seized sea cucumbers is said to be around Rs 80 million. According to the coast guard, investigation revealed that the consignment was planned for transshipment across the International Maritime Boundary Line. Sea cucumbers are in high demand in China and Southeast Asia, where it is consumed as food and used in medicine. This endangered species is primarily smuggled from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in fishing vessels from Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts. By excreting inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, they enhance the productivity of benthic animals - those living on the ocean floor. One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reef. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation. Also Read: Indian external affairs minister meets Serbian foreign minister, holds talks Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increases alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification. Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduces nutrient recycling and impacts biodiversity. On September 18, in order to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, the ICG-led school and college students, NCC cadets and volunteers conducted a cleanup along India’s coast. The 7,000-member strong effort led to the collection of 44 tonnes of plastics and garbage from the oceans and beaches, spread across 44 locations.

Indian Coast Guard seizes two tonnes of endangered sea cucumber worth Rs 80 million

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković. &nbsp;

Jaishankar discussed on ways to take the strong, traditional friendship between both the countries forward. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. 
 
Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. 
 
Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side. <a href="https://t.co/n7pNmL1d7K">pic.twitter.com/n7pNmL1d7K</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1439614842843717637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. And agreed to take forward the long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side, between the two nations. &nbsp;

In a tweet, Jaishankar announced, “Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side.” &nbsp;

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In the meeting with Saudi foreign minister, Jaishankar discussed various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also talked about ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Twitter, Jaishankar earlier said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/a-day-after-bitter-power-tussle-indias-northern-punjab-state-gets-new-cm-414241" hreflang="en">A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM</a>

The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković. Jaishankar discussed on ways to take the strong, traditional friendship between both the countries forward. Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side. pic.twitter.com/n7pNmL1d7K — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 19, 2021 × The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. And agreed to take forward the long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side, between the two nations. In a tweet, Jaishankar announced, “Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side.” Watch: × In the meeting with Saudi foreign minister, Jaishankar discussed various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also talked about ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. On Twitter, Jaishankar earlier said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." Also Read: A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian external affairs minister meets Serbian foreign minister, holds talks

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri.

Talking to PTI, Srivastav said seven children have succumbed to viral fever in Agra so far this month.

While a 14-year-old boy died in Chachiha village on Sunday morning, two siblings died in Fatehpur Sikri's Rasoolpur village on Saturday evening, he said.

Two deaths were reported from Giriraj Dham Colony under Itimad-ud-Daulah police station area and one death was reported from Nunhai locality on Thursday. One child died in Khadia village of Khandoli, he added.

"The peculiar thing about this fever is that we are getting very little time for treatment and people are dying quickly," the CMO claimed.

Srivastav dismissed reports claiming that dengue was the cause of the two deaths reported from Rasoolpur and said that the children died due to viral fever.

The CMO said Agra has reported 61 dengue cases so far this year. While 41 patients have recovered, 20 are undergoing treatment at government hospitals.

He appealed to people to immediately visit a government hospital or a community health centre in case they experience symptoms like high fever, vomiting and dizziness.

On steps being taken by the administration for the prevention of dengue, Srivastav said the health department is organising awareness and medical camps in villages and cities and fogging is being carried out.

Stagnant water is being cleared in villages and other areas, he said.

The officer also urged people to not allow water to collect inside or around their homes and suggested that they cover themselves fully when they step out.&nbsp;

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri.

Seven children have died due to viral fever in India's northern Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, so far in September, a senior officer said on Sunday. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Arun Kumar Srivastav also dismissed reports stating that two children succumbed to dengue in Fatehpur Sikri. Talking to PTI, Srivastav said seven children have succumbed to viral fever in Agra so far this month. While a 14-year-old boy died in Chachiha village on Sunday morning, two siblings died in Fatehpur Sikri's Rasoolpur village on Saturday evening, he said. Two deaths were reported from Giriraj Dham Colony under Itimad-ud-Daulah police station area and one death was reported from Nunhai locality on Thursday. One child died in Khadia village of Khandoli, he added. "The peculiar thing about this fever is that we are getting very little time for treatment and people are dying quickly," the CMO claimed. Srivastav dismissed reports claiming that dengue was the cause of the two deaths reported from Rasoolpur and said that the children died due to viral fever. The CMO said Agra has reported 61 dengue cases so far this year. While 41 patients have recovered, 20 are undergoing treatment at government hospitals. He appealed to people to immediately visit a government hospital or a community health centre in case they experience symptoms like high fever, vomiting and dizziness. On steps being taken by the administration for the prevention of dengue, Srivastav said the health department is organising awareness and medical camps in villages and cities and fogging is being carried out. Stagnant water is being cleared in villages and other areas, he said. The officer also urged people to not allow water to collect inside or around their homes and suggested that they cover themselves fully when they step out.

7 children have succumbed to viral fever in India's northern UP state so far in Sept: Official

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit&nbsp;to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday.

AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab."

Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population.

The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its

Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community.

Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously.

"The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders.

Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district.

He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet.

Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe".

"My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said.

Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance."

Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post.

However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command."

Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader.

Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked.

The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening.

He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party. Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday. AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab." Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population. The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community. Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government. Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously. "The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders. Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district. He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet. Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe". "My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said. Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance." Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post. However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command." Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader. Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked. The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening. He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM

Prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the United States this week&nbsp;with key focus on a number of bilateral events, the first Quad in-person summit and his United Nations General Assembly address.

The visit adds to already high-level visits, PM Modi has undertaken to the US so far in&nbsp;September 2014, September 2015,&nbsp; 2016, June 2017 and September 2019.

The first leg of the direct visit to the US will be Washington&nbsp;that will see three key bilateral events with Australian Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden.

It will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Biden since the new administration took charge in the US in January. Both leaders have spoken three&nbsp;times and were present together at two&nbsp;key virtual meets-&nbsp; Biden's climate change summit on April 22 and the virtual Quad meeting on March 12.&nbsp;

PM Modi had spoken to President-elect Biden on November 17 2020 to congratulate him on his victory in the US&nbsp;presidential elections. It was followed by a conversation on February 8 and April 26 2021 on strategic partnership and cooperation against COVID-19.&nbsp;

On Friday the much-anticipated Quad - India, US, Australia and Japan meeting will be conducted. It is&nbsp;the first in-person Quad meeting&nbsp;and outcomes are much anticipated.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi last week said, "PM will participate in first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on September 24...while PM is in Washington, he will have bilateral with President Biden, and other Quad leaders".

He will be in New York on Saturday for his United Nations General Assembly address and hold bilateral on its sidelines with various countries. It&nbsp;will be his fourth address to the body since 2014. He has addressed the body three&nbsp;times earlier - in 2014, when he proposed the Yoga Day which has grown in scale with each passing year, followed by 2019 and 2020. His 2020 address to the global body was virtual.

The theme for this year’s general debate is "Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people&nbsp;and revitalise the United Nations". The high-level week opens in New York on Tuesday with President Biden addressing it on the first day.&nbsp;

Both India and the US have been engaging with each other in several sectors. In October both will hold 2+2 foreign and defense ministers dialogue in the US.

The dialogue alternates between the two&nbsp;countries and India has such format for talks with all Quad partner countries and Russia.&nbsp;

Since the Biden administration&nbsp;took charge, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken both have visited India. John Kerry, the US climate envoy has made two&nbsp;visits-&nbsp;the last being last week to New Delhi.

Prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the United States this week with key focus on a number of bilateral events, the first Quad in-person summit and his United Nations General Assembly address.

Prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the United States this week with key focus on a number of bilateral events, the first Quad in-person summit and his United Nations General Assembly address. The visit adds to already high-level visits, PM Modi has undertaken to the US so far in September 2014, September 2015, 2016, June 2017 and September 2019. The first leg of the direct visit to the US will be Washington that will see three key bilateral events with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden. It will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Biden since the new administration took charge in the US in January. Both leaders have spoken three times and were present together at two key virtual meets- Biden's climate change summit on April 22 and the virtual Quad meeting on March 12. PM Modi had spoken to President-elect Biden on November 17 2020 to congratulate him on his victory in the US presidential elections. It was followed by a conversation on February 8 and April 26 2021 on strategic partnership and cooperation against COVID-19. On Friday the much-anticipated Quad - India, US, Australia and Japan meeting will be conducted. It is the first in-person Quad meeting and outcomes are much anticipated. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi last week said, "PM will participate in first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington on September 24...while PM is in Washington, he will have bilateral with President Biden, and other Quad leaders". He will be in New York on Saturday for his United Nations General Assembly address and hold bilateral on its sidelines with various countries. It will be his fourth address to the body since 2014. He has addressed the body three times earlier - in 2014, when he proposed the Yoga Day which has grown in scale with each passing year, followed by 2019 and 2020. His 2020 address to the global body was virtual. The theme for this year’s general debate is "Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalise the United Nations". The high-level week opens in New York on Tuesday with President Biden addressing it on the first day. Both India and the US have been engaging with each other in several sectors. In October both will hold 2+2 foreign and defense ministers dialogue in the US. The dialogue alternates between the two countries and India has such format for talks with all Quad partner countries and Russia. Since the Biden administration took charge, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken both have visited India. John Kerry, the US climate envoy has made two visits- the last being last week to New Delhi.

PM Modi all set to visit US this week for Quad; key bilateral meetings on the anvil

In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The wide-ranging talks also covered bilateral issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two leaders discussed ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. &nbsp;

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." &nbsp;

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A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Faisalbinfarhan</a>. 
 
Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. 
 
Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/0cYq6I5VUU">pic.twitter.com/0cYq6I5VUU</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1439513708238049283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” &nbsp;

On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-as-chair-of-united-nations-security-council-creates-record-of-sorts-414157" hreflang="en">India as chair of United Nations Security Council creates record of sorts</a>

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit has come at a time when India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban. &nbsp;

Afghanistan was a major area of focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.

In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The wide-ranging talks also covered bilateral issues. The two leaders discussed ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Watch: × The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/0cYq6I5VUU — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 19, 2021 × The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: India as chair of United Nations Security Council creates record of sorts The Saudi foreign minister’s visit has come at a time when India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban. Afghanistan was a major area of focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian EAM meets Saudi foreign minister, discusses regional, bilateral issues

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes.&nbsp;

China's state-run Global Times had reported last month that the PLA's Tibet military command had conducted large-scale joint exercises in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/model-battalion-chinese-president-xi-encourages-pla-troops-at-india-china-border-in-tibet-413200">Tibet</a>&nbsp;plateau region.&nbsp;

Watch:

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The exercise known as "Snowfield Duty-2021" involved ten brigades and regiments affiliated with the PLA Tibet military command. The drill included the latest weapons and equipment as PLA troops held the exercise at an elevation of 4,500 meters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-building-30-airports-near-indias-border-in-tibet-xinjiang-report-413459" hreflang="en">China building 30 airports near India’s border in Tibet, Xinjiang: Report</a>

The night and day exercise was conducted with howitzers, multiple rocket launcher systems including anti-aircraft batteries.

Reports claimed the PLA also used attack helicopters and Type 15 light tanks during the exercise.

PLA daily claimed forces in the Xinjiang military district have been carrying out night drills at an altitude of around 5,000 metres.

Earlier, senior military commanders linked to PLA had conducted an exercise at Zhurihe training base. The military exercise was reportedly conducted to ensure "combat readiness".&nbsp;

There were at least 200 military commanders from three theatres during the exercise including from Tibet and Xinjiang.

The heightened Chinese military exercises come as President Xi Jinping visited Tibet in July. During the visit, Xi reportedly also visited the Nyingchi railway station to plan the Sichuan-Tibet railway line.

The Chinese president reportedly met locals and spoke in front of Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;Xi had last visited the region in 2011 when he was vice-president.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes.

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes. China's state-run Global Times had reported last month that the PLA's Tibet military command had conducted large-scale joint exercises in the Tibet plateau region. Watch: The exercise known as "Snowfield Duty-2021" involved ten brigades and regiments affiliated with the PLA Tibet military command. The drill included the latest weapons and equipment as PLA troops held the exercise at an elevation of 4,500 meters. Also Read: China building 30 airports near India’s border in Tibet, Xinjiang: Report The night and day exercise was conducted with howitzers, multiple rocket launcher systems including anti-aircraft batteries. Reports claimed the PLA also used attack helicopters and Type 15 light tanks during the exercise. PLA daily claimed forces in the Xinjiang military district have been carrying out night drills at an altitude of around 5,000 metres. Earlier, senior military commanders linked to PLA had conducted an exercise at Zhurihe training base. The military exercise was reportedly conducted to ensure "combat readiness". There were at least 200 military commanders from three theatres during the exercise including from Tibet and Xinjiang. The heightened Chinese military exercises come as President Xi Jinping visited Tibet in July. During the visit, Xi reportedly also visited the Nyingchi railway station to plan the Sichuan-Tibet railway line. The Chinese president reportedly met locals and spoke in front of Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. Xi had last visited the region in 2011 when he was vice-president. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese military conducts drill along India border with advanced equipment: Report

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

The daily positivity rate stood at 1.97 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 20 days As of 8 am on Sunday, the total caseload reached 3,34,48,163, the health ministry said.

In the last 24 hours, 309 people died due to COVID-19 in the country, pushing the total death toll to 4,44,838.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-all-set-to-visit-us-this-week-for-quad-key-bilateral-meetings-on-the-anvil-414076">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi all set to visit US this week for Quad; key bilateral meetings on the anvil</a>

As per the health ministry, the weekly positivity rate for the COVID-19 in the country stood at 2.04 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 86 days.

Around 86.6 per cent of the new cases are reported from states including, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram, with Kerala alone responsible for 62.8 per cent of the new cases.

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

India recorded 30,773 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 13.7 per cent lower than cases registered on Saturday, according to the data released by the Union Health Ministry. The daily positivity rate stood at 1.97 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 20 days As of 8 am on Sunday, the total caseload reached 3,34,48,163, the health ministry said. In the last 24 hours, 309 people died due to COVID-19 in the country, pushing the total death toll to 4,44,838. Also read | PM Modi all set to visit US this week for Quad; key bilateral meetings on the anvil As per the health ministry, the weekly positivity rate for the COVID-19 in the country stood at 2.04 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 86 days. Around 86.6 per cent of the new cases are reported from states including, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram, with Kerala alone responsible for 62.8 per cent of the new cases.

India records 30,773 new COVID-19 cases

According to ISIS-K propaganda magazine, the terrorist who conducted the suicide attack on American service members and Afghans at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-apologise-us-admits-kabul-airstrike-killed-10-civilians-not-isis-k-militants-413889">Kabul</a> airport on August 26 was arrested in India five years ago.

The terrorist organisation claimed Abdur Rahman al-Logri had travelled to Delhi and was caught by authorities in the capital in 2016.&nbsp;

Al-Logri was reportedly set to carry out a suicide attack in India's capital. He was imprisoned and later deported to Afghanistan, the propaganda channel claimed.

Watch:

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The ISIS-K terrorist had carried out a&nbsp;suicide attack last month in which 13 US service members were killed including several Afghans.

After the attack, US President Joe Biden had said the country will continue its fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, warning the ISIS-K, "We are not done with you yet."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-brother-of-afghan-killed-in-us-drone-strike-demands-compensation-thanks-wion-414114">Also Read:&nbsp;Brother of Afghan killed in US drone strike demands compensation; thanks WION</a>

The ISIS-K is believed to largely comprise of terrorists from the breakaway Pakistan Taliban group. ISIS-K reportedly belongs to&nbsp;the Islamic State's Afghanistan-Pakistan chapter and has been active in northeastern Afghanistan. The terror group&nbsp;had pledged allegiance to slain IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

It was responsible for carrying out&nbsp;attacks on&nbsp;mosques, shrines and&nbsp;public squares in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

According to United Nations monitors, the terrorist group had "sleeper cells" in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Kabul with at least 500 fighters in the group.

According to ISIS-K propaganda magazine, the terrorist who conducted the suicide attack on American service members and Afghans at the Kabul airport on August 26 was arrested in India five years ago.

According to ISIS-K propaganda magazine, the terrorist who conducted the suicide attack on American service members and Afghans at the Kabul airport on August 26 was arrested in India five years ago. The terrorist organisation claimed Abdur Rahman al-Logri had travelled to Delhi and was caught by authorities in the capital in 2016. Al-Logri was reportedly set to carry out a suicide attack in India's capital. He was imprisoned and later deported to Afghanistan, the propaganda channel claimed. Watch: The ISIS-K terrorist had carried out a suicide attack last month in which 13 US service members were killed including several Afghans. After the attack, US President Joe Biden had said the country will continue its fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, warning the ISIS-K, "We are not done with you yet." Also Read: Brother of Afghan killed in US drone strike demands compensation; thanks WION The ISIS-K is believed to largely comprise of terrorists from the breakaway Pakistan Taliban group. ISIS-K reportedly belongs to the Islamic State's Afghanistan-Pakistan chapter and has been active in northeastern Afghanistan. The terror group had pledged allegiance to slain IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. It was responsible for carrying out attacks on mosques, shrines and public squares in Afghanistan. According to United Nations monitors, the terrorist group had "sleeper cells" in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Kabul with at least 500 fighters in the group.

Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror

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March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-combat-covid-19s-second-wave-india-inc-spent-over-rs-16-billion-412792" hreflang="en">To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion</a>

The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Quad first came into existence after the 2004 Tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. &nbsp;

The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.&nbsp;

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". Watch: Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror × March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. Also Read: To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 Tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in-person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24, says White House  

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties.

The Saudi foreign minister begins his three-day visit to India on Saturday evening.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will hold talks with Jaishankar on Sunday and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Al Saud is scheduled to leave for New York from here on Monday evening.

The visit by the Saudi foreign minister to India comes at a time India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

People familiar with the visit said Afghanistan is expected to be a major focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud.

Being a major regional player, Saudi Arabia's position on the developments in Kabul assumes significance as several countries in the Gulf region including Qatar and Iran were playing a role in the Afghan peace process before the Taliban's capture of power.

In the Gulf region, India has been in touch with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran over the unfolding developments in Afghanistan.

In reflection of India's views on the matter, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said the global community should decide "collectively" and "thoughtfully" on according recognition to the new set-up in

Afghanistan in view of questions over its acceptability as the change of power was not "inclusive".

He made the remarks during a virtual address at a meeting on Afghanistan of the heads of state of the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

The defence and security ties between India and Saudi Arabia are witnessing gradual expansion.

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December last in the first-ever visit by a head of the 1.3 million-strong Army to the strategically important Gulf nation. Gen Naravane held extensive talks with senior military officials of that country with an aim to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties. The Saudi foreign minister begins his three-day visit to India on Saturday evening. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will hold talks with Jaishankar on Sunday and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Al Saud is scheduled to leave for New York from here on Monday evening. The visit by the Saudi foreign minister to India comes at a time India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban. People familiar with the visit said Afghanistan is expected to be a major focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. Being a major regional player, Saudi Arabia's position on the developments in Kabul assumes significance as several countries in the Gulf region including Qatar and Iran were playing a role in the Afghan peace process before the Taliban's capture of power. In the Gulf region, India has been in touch with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran over the unfolding developments in Afghanistan. In reflection of India's views on the matter, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said the global community should decide "collectively" and "thoughtfully" on according recognition to the new set-up in Afghanistan in view of questions over its acceptability as the change of power was not "inclusive". He made the remarks during a virtual address at a meeting on Afghanistan of the heads of state of the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. The defence and security ties between India and Saudi Arabia are witnessing gradual expansion. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December last in the first-ever visit by a head of the 1.3 million-strong Army to the strategically important Gulf nation. Gen Naravane held extensive talks with senior military officials of that country with an aim to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar to hold wide-ranging talks with Saudi counterpart on Sunday

&nbsp;No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home.

All four are teachers at the Bakhtar University in Kabul, which was overrun by the Taliban three days ago.

"We have reached out to every possible forum in India and we are hoping that the government will do something to ensure our immediate evacuation. I have not stepped out of the campus in two days and every time there is a commotion outside, my heart skips a beat," Mohd Aasif Shah told PTI over the phone.

Shah, who is a resident of Kashmir and has been teaching economics at the Kabul-based varsity for four years, said he like his colleagues fear the current atmosphere following the unexpected turn of events.

"I had plans to go back on Monday. I even had my ticket booked but the situation was rapidly changing. It took me hours to get to the airport and the sight at the airport was like the entire Kabul had gathered there. The flight was cancelled and I had no choice, but to return to the university hostel," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/making-taliban-great-again-billboards-with-biden-dressed-as-taliban-militant-pop-up-in-us-413542">'Making Taliban great again': Billboards with Biden dressed as Taliban militant pop up in US</a>

Shah had returned to Afghanistan two months back after the government decided to conducted offline examinations.

"My family used to be here with me in Kabul. We all went back to India after the Covid outbreak, and classes were online. However, the government decided to hold exams offline. So only I came back for two months and I was to return after the exams were over," he said.

Watch

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Syed Abid Hussain from Bihar, who teaches marketing at the university, said so far everybody is safe but considering the situation, "we do not want to live in this uncertainty".

"We have tried to get in touch with the embassy as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. We have not heard from them yet but I am confident that the government must be putting efforts for our safe and quick evacuation from Kabul," he said.

Adil Rasool from Kashmir, whose wife is there with him at the varsity said, "We are just praying that the situation does not get any worse than this and we are able to go home safely."

Right now everybody is inside the campus and waiting for a positive development from the Indian embassy or the government, said Rasool, who has been teaching management at the university since 2017.

Afroz Alam from Jharkhand, who teaches computer science at the university, said so far there has been no bloodshed but the fear remains.

"There has been no bloodshed outside, we have not heard gunshots too in the city but the scare remains whether this is momentary. The campus is huge, we do not have to move outside for necessities too. I am just hoping for safe and quick evacuation from here," he said.

Two days after Kabul fell to the Taliban, India on Tuesday completed the evacuation of all its diplomats and other staff members from the Afghan capital under a "difficult and complicated" exercise, effectively closing its mission for the second time since 1996 when the militant group captured power.

The mission to evacuate close to 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers in two military aircraft was accomplished with support from the US, a day after the Kabul airport witnessed unprecedented scenes of desperate residents rushing into it in an attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's brutality.

Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon told media persons that the situation in Kabul is complex and "quite fluid" and that the remaining Indians stuck in the city will be brought back home when the commercial flight services resume.

On its part, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital in view of the prevailing situation in the country, adding India's visa services will continue through an e-Emergency visa facility and it has been extended to Afghan nationals.

The Taliban swept across the country this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1

No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home.

No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home. All four are teachers at the Bakhtar University in Kabul, which was overrun by the Taliban three days ago. "We have reached out to every possible forum in India and we are hoping that the government will do something to ensure our immediate evacuation. I have not stepped out of the campus in two days and every time there is a commotion outside, my heart skips a beat," Mohd Aasif Shah told PTI over the phone. Shah, who is a resident of Kashmir and has been teaching economics at the Kabul-based varsity for four years, said he like his colleagues fear the current atmosphere following the unexpected turn of events. "I had plans to go back on Monday. I even had my ticket booked but the situation was rapidly changing. It took me hours to get to the airport and the sight at the airport was like the entire Kabul had gathered there. The flight was cancelled and I had no choice, but to return to the university hostel," he said. Also read | 'Making Taliban great again': Billboards with Biden dressed as Taliban militant pop up in US Shah had returned to Afghanistan two months back after the government decided to conducted offline examinations. "My family used to be here with me in Kabul. We all went back to India after the Covid outbreak, and classes were online. However, the government decided to hold exams offline. So only I came back for two months and I was to return after the exams were over," he said. Watch Syed Abid Hussain from Bihar, who teaches marketing at the university, said so far everybody is safe but considering the situation, "we do not want to live in this uncertainty". "We have tried to get in touch with the embassy as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. We have not heard from them yet but I am confident that the government must be putting efforts for our safe and quick evacuation from Kabul," he said. Adil Rasool from Kashmir, whose wife is there with him at the varsity said, "We are just praying that the situation does not get any worse than this and we are able to go home safely." Right now everybody is inside the campus and waiting for a positive development from the Indian embassy or the government, said Rasool, who has been teaching management at the university since 2017. Afroz Alam from Jharkhand, who teaches computer science at the university, said so far there has been no bloodshed but the fear remains. "There has been no bloodshed outside, we have not heard gunshots too in the city but the scare remains whether this is momentary. The campus is huge, we do not have to move outside for necessities too. I am just hoping for safe and quick evacuation from here," he said. Two days after Kabul fell to the Taliban, India on Tuesday completed the evacuation of all its diplomats and other staff members from the Afghan capital under a "difficult and complicated" exercise, effectively closing its mission for the second time since 1996 when the militant group captured power. The mission to evacuate close to 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers in two military aircraft was accomplished with support from the US, a day after the Kabul airport witnessed unprecedented scenes of desperate residents rushing into it in an attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's brutality. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon told media persons that the situation in Kabul is complex and "quite fluid" and that the remaining Indians stuck in the city will be brought back home when the commercial flight services resume. On its part, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital in view of the prevailing situation in the country, adding India's visa services will continue through an e-Emergency visa facility and it has been extended to Afghan nationals. The Taliban swept across the country this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1

Hope govt will ensure our immediate evacuation: Indian teachers stranded at Kabul varsity

Airlines can now operate a maximum of 85 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic flights instead of the 72.5 per cent allowed till date, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on Saturday.

The carriers have been operating 72.5 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic flights since August 12, according to the ministry's order.

Between July 5 and August 12, the cap stood at 65 per cent. Between June 1 and July 5, the cap was at 50 per cent.

The ministry issued a fresh order on Saturday, in which it modified the August 12 order stating that "72.5 per cent capacity may be read as 85 per cent capacity". 
Saturday's order also noted that the 72.5 per cent cap will remain in place "until further order".

When the government had resumed the scheduled domestic flights on May 25 last year after a two-month break, the ministry had allowed the carriers to operate not more than 33 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic services.

The cap was gradually increased to 80 per cent by December.

The 80 per cent cap remained in place till June 1.

The May 28 decision to bring down the cap from 80 to 50 per cent from June 1 onwards was taken "in view of the sudden surge in the number of active COVID-19 cases across the country, decrease in passenger traffic and the passenger load (occupancy rate) factor", the ministry had said.&nbsp;

Airlines can now operate a maximum of 85 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic flights instead of the 72.5 per cent allowed till date, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on Saturday.

Airlines can now operate a maximum of 85 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic flights instead of the 72.5 per cent allowed till date, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on Saturday. The carriers have been operating 72.5 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic flights since August 12, according to the ministry's order. Between July 5 and August 12, the cap stood at 65 per cent. Between June 1 and July 5, the cap was at 50 per cent. The ministry issued a fresh order on Saturday, in which it modified the August 12 order stating that "72.5 per cent capacity may be read as 85 per cent capacity". Saturday's order also noted that the 72.5 per cent cap will remain in place "until further order". When the government had resumed the scheduled domestic flights on May 25 last year after a two-month break, the ministry had allowed the carriers to operate not more than 33 per cent of their pre-Covid domestic services. The cap was gradually increased to 80 per cent by December. The 80 per cent cap remained in place till June 1. The May 28 decision to bring down the cap from 80 to 50 per cent from June 1 onwards was taken "in view of the sudden surge in the number of active COVID-19 cases across the country, decrease in passenger traffic and the passenger load (occupancy rate) factor", the ministry had said.

Indian airlines can now operate 85% of pre-Covid domestic flights: Aviation Ministry

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months.

Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh.

"I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

"I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said.

The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster".

The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said.

Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister.

"He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh.

If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail".

Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes."

"I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said.

He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor.

Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post.

In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress.

"I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters.

"They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said.

"I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said.

To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and

I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics."

"I have only resigned for myself," he said.

"I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said.

In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge.

"I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh.

The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability.

"I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign.

"In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. 
Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question.

Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present.

"I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.&nbsp;

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls. The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months. Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh. "I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. "I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said. The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster". The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said. Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister. "He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh. If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail". Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes." "I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said. He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor. Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post. In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress. "I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters. "They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said. "I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said. To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics." "I have only resigned for myself," he said. "I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said. In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge. "I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh. The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability. "I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign. "In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question. Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present. "I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.

India's Punjab state chief minister resigns, says 'feel humiliated'

Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. are among technology giants which are lining up to utilise data from India’s farmers in an ambitious government-led productivity drive. It is aimed at transforming an outmoded agricultural industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which is seeking to ensure food security in the world’s second-most populous nation, has signed preliminary agreements with the three US titans and a slew of local businesses.&nbsp;

Modi is betting the private sector can help farmers boost yields with apps and tools built from information such as crop output, soil quality and landholdings.

As per the government, io Platforms Ltd, which is controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., and tobacco giant ITC Ltd are among local powerhouses that have signed up for the programme.

With the project, the Modi government seeks to usher in long-due reforms to makeover a farm sector that employs almost half of the nation’s 1.3 billion people and contributes about a fifth of Asia’s third-biggest economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-new-defence-offices-slams-central-vista-critics-413481">Also read |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics</a>

Ankur Pahwa, a partner at consultancy EY India, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "This is a high impact industry and private players are sensing the opportunity and want to be a large part of it".

He further added, "India has a very high amount of food wastage because of lack of technology and infrastructure. So there’s a huge upside to the program.”

The idea is to seed all the information such as crop pattern, soil health, insurance, credit, and weather patterns into a single database and then analyse it through AI and data analytics.&nbsp;

After that, the goal is to develop personalised services for a sector replete with challenges such as peaking yields, water stress, degrading soil and lack of infrastructure including temperature-controlled warehouses and refrigerated trucks.

As of now, the government has seeded publicly available data for more than 50 million farmers of the 120 million identified land-holding growers. Some of the local companies that have signed up include Star Agribazaar Technology, ESRI India

Technologies, yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Organic Research Institute and Ninjacart. However, the success rate is far from guaranteed.&nbsp;

The plan to rope in big corporations is already drawing criticisms from critics.&nbsp;

As per the critics, the move comes as another attempt by the government to give the private sector a greater sway.

Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. are among technology giants which are lining up to utilise data from India’s farmers in an ambitious government-led productivity drive.

Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. are among technology giants which are lining up to utilise data from India’s farmers in an ambitious government-led productivity drive. It is aimed at transforming an outmoded agricultural industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which is seeking to ensure food security in the world’s second-most populous nation, has signed preliminary agreements with the three US titans and a slew of local businesses. Modi is betting the private sector can help farmers boost yields with apps and tools built from information such as crop output, soil quality and landholdings. As per the government, io Platforms Ltd, which is controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., and tobacco giant ITC Ltd are among local powerhouses that have signed up for the programme. With the project, the Modi government seeks to usher in long-due reforms to makeover a farm sector that employs almost half of the nation’s 1.3 billion people and contributes about a fifth of Asia’s third-biggest economy. Also read | Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics Ankur Pahwa, a partner at consultancy EY India, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying, "This is a high impact industry and private players are sensing the opportunity and want to be a large part of it". He further added, "India has a very high amount of food wastage because of lack of technology and infrastructure. So there’s a huge upside to the program.” The idea is to seed all the information such as crop pattern, soil health, insurance, credit, and weather patterns into a single database and then analyse it through AI and data analytics. After that, the goal is to develop personalised services for a sector replete with challenges such as peaking yields, water stress, degrading soil and lack of infrastructure including temperature-controlled warehouses and refrigerated trucks. As of now, the government has seeded publicly available data for more than 50 million farmers of the 120 million identified land-holding growers. Some of the local companies that have signed up include Star Agribazaar Technology, ESRI India Technologies, yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Organic Research Institute and Ninjacart. However, the success rate is far from guaranteed. The plan to rope in big corporations is already drawing criticisms from critics. As per the critics, the move comes as another attempt by the government to give the private sector a greater sway.

Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco among tech giants to utilise data from India’s farmers

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials.

The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-partnership-with-india-eu-steps-up-engagement-in-indo-pacific-with-new-plan-413844">Also read |&nbsp;Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan</a>

Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA.

The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent.

All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL.

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin. The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials. The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring. Also read | Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA. The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent. All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Covaxin's wait continues as WHO delays emergency use again

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization."

PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism."

PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS.

Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity.

He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, &nbsp;Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping.&nbsp;

A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization." PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism." PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS. Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity. He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping. A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

At SCO, PM Modi highlights Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stated on Friday that YouTube pays him Rs 4 lakh per month in royalties since viewing of his video lectures on the social media platform rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gadkari said his ministry has begun grading road building contractors and consultants while reviewing the development of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME) in Bharuch.

Gadkari stated he did two things during COVID-19.&nbsp;

"I became a chef and started cooking at home and giving lectures through video conference. I delivered more than 950 lectures online, including lectures to foreign university students, which were uploaded on YouTube. "Viewership of my YouTube channel has increased, and YouTube now pays me Rs. 4 lakh per month as royalty, " he said.

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In COVID time, I did two things -- I started cooking at home &amp; giving lectures through video conference. I delivered many lectures online, which were uploaded on YouTube. Owing to huge viewership, YouTube now pays me Rs 4 lakhs per month: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari (16.09) <a href="https://t.co/IXWhDK6wG9">pic.twitter.com/IXWhDK6wG9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1438605973896106006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Gadkari, who is known for his candid opinions, stated that those who perform well in India do not receive recognition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stated on Friday that YouTube pays him Rs 4 lakh per month in royalties since viewing of his video lectures on the social media platform rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stated on Friday that YouTube pays him Rs 4 lakh per month in royalties since viewing of his video lectures on the social media platform rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gadkari said his ministry has begun grading road building contractors and consultants while reviewing the development of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME) in Bharuch. Gadkari stated he did two things during COVID-19. "I became a chef and started cooking at home and giving lectures through video conference. I delivered more than 950 lectures online, including lectures to foreign university students, which were uploaded on YouTube. "Viewership of my YouTube channel has increased, and YouTube now pays me Rs. 4 lakh per month as royalty, " he said. In COVID time, I did two things -- I started cooking at home & giving lectures through video conference. I delivered many lectures online, which were uploaded on YouTube. Owing to huge viewership, YouTube now pays me Rs 4 lakhs per month: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari (16.09) pic.twitter.com/IXWhDK6wG9 — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2021 × Gadkari, who is known for his candid opinions, stated that those who perform well in India do not receive recognition. (With inputs from agencies)

I earn Rs 400000 royalty per month from YouTube: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Jaishankar told Yi that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity and that it is the basis for the development of overall ties.

It is understood that developments in Afghanistan figured in the talks between the two foreign ministers.

"Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. 
 
Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties. <a href="https://t.co/wmO0sxeWwL">pic.twitter.com/wmO0sxeWwL</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1438577491308793861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

After the meeting, Jaishankar said India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.

"Also exchanged views on global developments. Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," he said.

"As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," the external affairs minister said. 
The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area last month, in a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region.

In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Jaishankar told Yi that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity and that it is the basis for the development of overall ties. It is understood that developments in Afghanistan figured in the talks between the two foreign ministers. "Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted. Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/wmO0sxeWwL — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 16, 2021 × After the meeting, Jaishankar said India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. "Also exchanged views on global developments. Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," he said. "As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," the external affairs minister said. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area last month, in a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region. In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan features in Sino-Indian foreign minister talks at SCO

The Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO meet.

MEA S Jaishankar, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi hold key talks at SCO summit

Five patients recently recovered from COVID-19 at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have suffered gallbladder gangrene, alarming medical professionals. According to doctors at the hospital, this is the first time similar cases have been reported in India.

Five patients recently recovered from COVID-19 at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have suffered gallbladder gangrene, alarming medical professionals. According to doctors at the hospital, this is the first time similar cases have been reported in India. Gangrene was reported in five individuals, four males and a woman, aged 37 to 75, according to a newspaper article. Between June and August, they were all successfully treated at the hospital. Fever, pain in the right upper quadrant of the belly, and vomiting were among their complaints. Two of them were diabetics, and one had heart trouble. According to the report, three individuals were given steroids to treat COVID-19 effects. Gallbladder stone illness, according to the PTI, is a frequent condition in North India, accounting for 90 percent of instances of acute inflammation known as cholecystitis. Only ten percent of the patients have "acalculous cholecystitis," or gallbladder inflammation without gallstones or cystic duct obstruction. (With inputs from agencies)

Gallbladder gangrene reported in 5 Covid-recovered patients; first such case in India

India set a record on Friday by administering over 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, in a major push to the inoculation drive on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday.

The cumulative doses administered in the country reached 2,03,68,343 at 5.27 pm, according to data on the Co-WIN portal.

The total number of doses administered in the country has crossed 787 million.

"A gift to the prime minister on behalf of health workers and the people of the country. On the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, India has crossed the historic figure of administering 20 million vaccine doses in a day, setting a new record. Well done India! " Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted in Hindi.

The daily vaccinations crossed the 10 million mark for the fourth time in less than a month.

Mandaviya said this is the fastest pace at which 10 million doses have been administered.

"On PM @Narendra Modi Ji's birthday, till 1:30 pm, the country has crossed the mark of 10 million vaccines, the fastest so far, and we are continuously moving forward. I believe that today we will all make a new record of vaccination and give it as a gift to the prime minister," he said in a tweet in Hindi earlier along with the hashtags "VaccineSeva" and "HappyBdayModiji".

The daily COVID-19 vaccinations in the country were over 10 million on September 6, August 31 and August 27.

Mandaviya, on Thursday, had called for a major push to the COVID-19 vaccination drive during Prime Minister Modi's birthday on Friday, saying it would be the perfect gift for him.

The BJP has asked its units across the country to help get a large number of people vaccinated on the occasion.

India took 85 days to touch the 100 million vaccination mark, 45 more days to cross the 200 million mark and 29 more days to reach the 300 million mark, according to the ministry.

The country took 24 days to reach 400 million from 300 million doses and then 20 more days to cross the 500 million vaccination mark on August 6, it said.

It took 19 more days to go past the 600 million mark and took only 13 days to reach 700 million from 600 million on September 7, the ministry said.

The total number of doses administered crossed the 750 million mark on September 13.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

The country launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1.

The government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 to be vaccinated from May 1.

India set a record on Friday by administering over 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, in a major push to the inoculation drive on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday.

India set a record on Friday by administering over 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, in a major push to the inoculation drive on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The cumulative doses administered in the country reached 2,03,68,343 at 5.27 pm, according to data on the Co-WIN portal. The total number of doses administered in the country has crossed 787 million. "A gift to the prime minister on behalf of health workers and the people of the country. On the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, India has crossed the historic figure of administering 20 million vaccine doses in a day, setting a new record. Well done India! " Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted in Hindi. The daily vaccinations crossed the 10 million mark for the fourth time in less than a month. Mandaviya said this is the fastest pace at which 10 million doses have been administered. "On PM @Narendra Modi Ji's birthday, till 1:30 pm, the country has crossed the mark of 10 million vaccines, the fastest so far, and we are continuously moving forward. I believe that today we will all make a new record of vaccination and give it as a gift to the prime minister," he said in a tweet in Hindi earlier along with the hashtags "VaccineSeva" and "HappyBdayModiji". The daily COVID-19 vaccinations in the country were over 10 million on September 6, August 31 and August 27. Mandaviya, on Thursday, had called for a major push to the COVID-19 vaccination drive during Prime Minister Modi's birthday on Friday, saying it would be the perfect gift for him. The BJP has asked its units across the country to help get a large number of people vaccinated on the occasion. India took 85 days to touch the 100 million vaccination mark, 45 more days to cross the 200 million mark and 29 more days to reach the 300 million mark, according to the ministry. The country took 24 days to reach 400 million from 300 million doses and then 20 more days to cross the 500 million vaccination mark on August 6, it said. It took 19 more days to go past the 600 million mark and took only 13 days to reach 700 million from 600 million on September 7, the ministry said. The total number of doses administered crossed the 750 million mark on September 13. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. The country launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1. The government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 to be vaccinated from May 1.

Setting a record, India administers over 20 million vaccine doses on PM Modi's birthday

India has now administered more than two million covid-19 vaccines in a single day, a huge milestone in the country's fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

India administers 20 million Covid-19 jabs to mark PM Modi's birthday

Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back. This is aimed at commemorating India’s extraordinary military operation in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the selfless sacrifice, dedication, and devotion of the Indian Armed Forces personnel in preserving our freedom.

The team of 16 cyclists were flagged off by Group Captain PA Shah, Station Commander, Air Force Station Thanjavur on 10th September and they pedalled past Kumbakonam, Chidambaram and Pondicherry to reach Mamallapuram. The journey that began on 10th September will culminate on 18th September, Saturday, at the airbase.&nbsp;

As the country celebrates 50 years since our victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Central Government has dedicated this year to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (Golden Jubilee year of victory), with a series of programmes and activities to mark this occasion.

In a spectacular display of military coordination, precise planning and execution with a determined resolve to succeed, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious in one of the shortest yet most convincing and one-sided battles in the subcontinent from 3rd to 16th December 1971. Back then, the Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometres of Pakistani territory in 1971, which they so graciously returned the following year.

According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war. Of the 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. It was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 personnel who were injured.

Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back.

Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back. This is aimed at commemorating India’s extraordinary military operation in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the selfless sacrifice, dedication, and devotion of the Indian Armed Forces personnel in preserving our freedom. The team of 16 cyclists were flagged off by Group Captain PA Shah, Station Commander, Air Force Station Thanjavur on 10th September and they pedalled past Kumbakonam, Chidambaram and Pondicherry to reach Mamallapuram. The journey that began on 10th September will culminate on 18th September, Saturday, at the airbase. As the country celebrates 50 years since our victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Central Government has dedicated this year to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (Golden Jubilee year of victory), with a series of programmes and activities to mark this occasion. In a spectacular display of military coordination, precise planning and execution with a determined resolve to succeed, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious in one of the shortest yet most convincing and one-sided battles in the subcontinent from 3rd to 16th December 1971. Back then, the Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometres of Pakistani territory in 1971, which they so graciously returned the following year. According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war. Of the 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. It was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 personnel who were injured.

India-Pakistan war of 1971: Air warriors cycle 700km to commemorate 50 years of victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation.

In a virtual address at the annual SCO summit, Modi said the "root cause" of the problems faced by the region is increasing radicalisation and the developments in Afghanistan reflected the challenge.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Iran to the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) and issued a warning against radicalisation 
 
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"I believe that the biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is the increasing radicalisation. The recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge more clear," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-new-defence-offices-slams-central-vista-critics-413481">Also read |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics</a>

He further said that the SCO should develop a template to fight radicalisation and extremism.

He urged the SCO to&nbsp;work on developing a strong network among moderate, tolerant and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam.

The prime minister also said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia.

At the same time, he also said that any connectivity initiative cannot be a "one-way street" and connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation. In a virtual address at the annual SCO summit, Modi said the "root cause" of the problems faced by the region is increasing radicalisation and the developments in Afghanistan reflected the challenge. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Iran to the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) and issued a warning against radicalisation For more videos, visit: https://t.co/dm7SyBIpO6 pic.twitter.com/N2MCqXTrno — WION (@WIONews) September 17, 2021 × "I believe that the biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is the increasing radicalisation. The recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge more clear," he said. Also read | Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics He further said that the SCO should develop a template to fight radicalisation and extremism. He urged the SCO to work on developing a strong network among moderate, tolerant and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam. The prime minister also said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. At the same time, he also said that any connectivity initiative cannot be a "one-way street" and connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

PM Modi calls for SCO template to fight radicalisation, extremism

India has highlighted the "&nbsp;systematic persecution, forced conversions, targeted killings, sectarian violence and faith-based discrimination" minorities in Pakistan while slamming the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

In the "right of reply", the first secretary at the Indian mission to the UN in Geneva, Pawan Badhe pointed out that, "Pakistan has failed to protect the rights of its minorities, including Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas", even as "thousands of women and girls from minority communities have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan" and "its occupied territories" in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK).&nbsp;&nbsp;

There have been several cases of abduction, including of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur in 2019 and Bulbul Kaur in 2020. Jagjit was the daughter of a Granthi and later converted to Ayesha Bibi.

In the statement, the Indian diplomat also talked about how "Pakistan has been engaged in incidents of violence against minority communities" which included&nbsp;"attacks on their places of worship, cultural heritage, as well as their private property being&nbsp;taken away&nbsp;with impunity."

December last year saw a Hindu shrine being demolished by an extremist mob in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The demolishing took place after a local cleric Maulvi Mohammad Sharif incited a mob to demolish the shrine&nbsp;since then, there have been more such instances, including the attack on a Ganesh temple.

India also raised the issue of Pakistan "openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists including UN proscribed terrorists" as a "matter of state policy".

UN has listed a large number of Pakistan-based individuals and groups as international terrorists&nbsp;including Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT)&nbsp;and Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for major attacks in India including the 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008 and the Pulwama attack in 2019.

Giving an earful to Pakistan, Pawan said, "India&nbsp;as not only the world’s largest democracy but a robustly functional and a vibrant one does not need lessons from a failed state like Pakistan which is the epicentre of terrorism and the worst abuser of Human Rights."

During the statement, India also&nbsp;regretted the&nbsp;references made by the Organisation&nbsp;of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;on Jammu and Kashmir and asked the group&nbsp;not to allow&nbsp;itself to be "held hostage by Pakistan". Pakistan holds the chairmanship of OIC's Geneva chapter.

India has highlighted the " systematic persecution, forced conversions, targeted killings, sectarian violence and faith-based discrimination" minorities in Pakistan while slamming the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

India has highlighted the " systematic persecution, forced conversions, targeted killings, sectarian violence and faith-based discrimination" minorities in Pakistan while slamming the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In the "right of reply", the first secretary at the Indian mission to the UN in Geneva, Pawan Badhe pointed out that, "Pakistan has failed to protect the rights of its minorities, including Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Ahmadiyas", even as "thousands of women and girls from minority communities have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan" and "its occupied territories" in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK). There have been several cases of abduction, including of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur in 2019 and Bulbul Kaur in 2020. Jagjit was the daughter of a Granthi and later converted to Ayesha Bibi. In the statement, the Indian diplomat also talked about how "Pakistan has been engaged in incidents of violence against minority communities" which included "attacks on their places of worship, cultural heritage, as well as their private property being taken away with impunity." December last year saw a Hindu shrine being demolished by an extremist mob in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The demolishing took place after a local cleric Maulvi Mohammad Sharif incited a mob to demolish the shrine since then, there have been more such instances, including the attack on a Ganesh temple. India also raised the issue of Pakistan "openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists including UN proscribed terrorists" as a "matter of state policy". UN has listed a large number of Pakistan-based individuals and groups as international terrorists including Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for major attacks in India including the 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008 and the Pulwama attack in 2019. Giving an earful to Pakistan, Pawan said, "India as not only the world’s largest democracy but a robustly functional and a vibrant one does not need lessons from a failed state like Pakistan which is the epicentre of terrorism and the worst abuser of Human Rights." During the statement, India also regretted the references made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir and asked the group not to allow itself to be "held hostage by Pakistan". Pakistan holds the chairmanship of OIC's Geneva chapter.

Climate of fear among minorities in Pakistan: India at UNHRC

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