India’s homegrown missile push gains pace with 200-acre Andhra Pradesh plan

Mumbai local train horror: Woman loses arm after confronting alleged harasser; accused arrested

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

Nvidia’s interim CEO Colette, board chair Harvey break silence in emails to staff: Here's what they  said?

Trump, Netanyahu's Iran phone call turns into 'shouting match from hell': Report

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

Microsoft Outlook outage: What is Exchange Online, the technology behind Microsoft's email service?

Ex-CEO Jensen Huang accused of having a third affair, with another Nvidia employee

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

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

Clashing Through the Snow trailer: Christopher Briney and Michelle Randolph's holiday road trip takes an unexpected romantic turn

IND vs NZ 4th ODI: 39-year-old 'teenager' Rohit shows off fielding skills with diving catch

Indian Navy demonstrates global reach with simultaneous operations from Atlantic to Pacific

Microsoft Outlook and Teams outage continues with tens of thousands affected

Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) to fit Indian-made electronics on warships under new manufacturing pact

Andhra to enact India’s 1st ‘Investors Protection Act’; got $345bn investment proposals since June 2024: Govt

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

Salman Khan reacts to Ramayana's Rs 4,000 crore budget: 'I just don’t think...'

Iran shoots down US MQ-1 drone near Hormuz after strikes American radar base in Bahrain

Hegseth awards medal to soldier who admonished him at Arlington National Cemetery

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

Norway journalist Helle Lyng among 115 denied entry to India for Congress' Bharat Summit

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

Nvidia CEO resigns: Will OpenAI, Microsoft and Google rethink their AI strategies?

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

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

Soldier scolds Hegseth for laughing at Tomb of Unknown Soldier | Gravitas

Kerala Police arrest Congress-allied body chief over fake ED notice extortion racket

Nvidia ex-CEO Jensen Huang agrees to testify before US Congress after quitting over affairs

Microsoft 365 outage chaos: Teams, Outlook disruptions hit airlines in India, banks and finance in Asia, govts across world

'No rush, Take your time': Microsoft outage leaves Outlook, Teams down; internet reacts with memes

Deadpool and Wolverine to return in Avengers: Doomsday? Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's writing credit sparks frenzy

Shawn Mendes calls for 'Free Palestine', asks artists to speak out against Gaza violence

WION World Is One Golf Invitational 2026: Where Golf Meets Global Diplomacy

Trump says he would not hesitate to resume military strikes on Iran if necessary

Microsoft outage: Teams, Outlook, Microsoft 365 hit by glitches; company issues update

'You're gonna be remembered': Musk posts video in solidarity with former Nvidia chief Jensen Huang

WATCH | Hanuman Chalisa recited for 1st time at UK House of Lords

Iranians selling liver tissue, kidney, testicles amid economic crisis: Report

Sharad Kapoor's emotional video goes viral; fans concerned over Josh actor's appearance

In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Recently, the reports were rife that the Indian government and the Niki Sumi-led Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) are going to sign a ceasefire agreement in New Delhi. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian NSA Doval and top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/indian-nsa-doval-and-top-russian-security-official-hold-talks-on-afghan-crisis-411679/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the sources, the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG Nagaland) Lt Gen (retired) AS Bedi was in Delhi to prepare the groundwork with the Union Home Ministry for the new agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2015, the NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Centre. Following its move, the Union Home Ministry declared the group as a banned outfit and an “unlawful association”. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-firm-tata-to-make-40-out-of-56-transport-aircraft-for-indian-air-force-411681" hreflang="en">Private firm TATA to make 40 out of 56 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force</a>

The NSCN (K) had been operating to establish a sovereign state, which brings all Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar and India under one administrative setup. &nbsp;

After abrogating the ceasefire agreement with Indian government in 2015, the NSCN (K) led by its leader SS Khaplang had went on to establish a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2017, Khaplang died of a cardiac arrest at Taga in Myanmar’s Sagaing region under Naga self-administered zone. The group, which was later taken over by Khaplang’s relative Yung Aung, had split into different factions. The Niki-led NSCN (K) is one of them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday.

In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday. Recently, the reports were rife that the Indian government and the Niki Sumi-led Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) are going to sign a ceasefire agreement in New Delhi. Watch: Indian NSA Doval and top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis × According to the sources, the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG Nagaland) Lt Gen (retired) AS Bedi was in Delhi to prepare the groundwork with the Union Home Ministry for the new agreement. In 2015, the NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Centre. Following its move, the Union Home Ministry declared the group as a banned outfit and an “unlawful association”. Also Read: Private firm TATA to make 40 out of 56 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force The NSCN (K) had been operating to establish a sovereign state, which brings all Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar and India under one administrative setup. After abrogating the ceasefire agreement with Indian government in 2015, the NSCN (K) led by its leader SS Khaplang had went on to establish a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar. In 2017, Khaplang died of a cardiac arrest at Taga in Myanmar’s Sagaing region under Naga self-administered zone. The group, which was later taken over by Khaplang’s relative Yung Aung, had split into different factions. The Niki-led NSCN (K) is one of them. (With inputs from agencies)

India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 56 C-295 MW cargo planes for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

Within 48 months of signing the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain, and TATA Consortium will produce 40 aircraft in India within ten years.

This is the first initiative of its sort in which a commercial company will produce a military aircraft in India.

In a statement, the government stated, "All 56 aircraft will be equipped with an indigenous electronic warfare suite."&nbsp;

This is the first initiative of its sort in which a commercial company will produce a military aircraft in India.

According to the government, the project will enhance India's aerospace ecosystem by involving various MSMEs from throughout the country in the production of aeroplane parts.

According to the ministry, the project will improve India's aerospace industry by including various small and medium-sized businesses in the production of aeroplane parts.&nbsp;

According to the statement, the programme is intended to create 600 high-skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3000 medium-skilled job prospects.

The government thinks that the project will help reduce defence import dependency while simultaneously increasing exports.

The C-295MW aircraft, which has a payload of 5-10 tonnes and is equipped with modern equipment, would replace the IAF's old Avro aircraft, according to the military ministry.

The aircraft includes a rear ramp door for quick response and cargo and troop paradropping.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 56 C-295 MW cargo planes for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. Within 48 months of signing the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain, and TATA Consortium will produce 40 aircraft in India within ten years.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 56 C-295 MW cargo planes for the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. Within 48 months of signing the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain, and TATA Consortium will produce 40 aircraft in India within ten years. This is the first initiative of its sort in which a commercial company will produce a military aircraft in India. In a statement, the government stated, "All 56 aircraft will be equipped with an indigenous electronic warfare suite." This is the first initiative of its sort in which a commercial company will produce a military aircraft in India. According to the government, the project will enhance India's aerospace ecosystem by involving various MSMEs from throughout the country in the production of aeroplane parts. According to the ministry, the project will improve India's aerospace industry by including various small and medium-sized businesses in the production of aeroplane parts. According to the statement, the programme is intended to create 600 high-skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs, and an additional 3000 medium-skilled job prospects. The government thinks that the project will help reduce defence import dependency while simultaneously increasing exports. The C-295MW aircraft, which has a payload of 5-10 tonnes and is equipped with modern equipment, would replace the IAF's old Avro aircraft, according to the military ministry. The aircraft includes a rear ramp door for quick response and cargo and troop paradropping. (With inputs from agencies)

Private firm TATA to make 40 out of 56 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force

The Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Varma has said that India and Russia have a "common position, common approach" when it comes to Afghanistan and both countries are "particularly affected" by the developments in the country with respect to the issue of terrorism, drug trafficking and other issues.

The Taliban takeover of the Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15 surprised the international community and since then heartbreaking visuals have emerged from the Kabul international airport of people trying to leave the country.

The ambassador, speaking to RIA Novosti explained, "the situation in Afghanistan is a matter of concern for the entire region....This situation poses threat to the interests of both India and&nbsp;Russia on account of the possibility of rising of terrorist groups, increased drug trafficking, organized crime, the flow of refugees" and also that a "very large amount of very advanced weapons are now in the hands of a large number of armed groups."

The comments come before the meeting between&nbsp;Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev and Indian NSA Ajit Doval on Wednesday to&nbsp;discuss Afghanistan in Delhi.

The meet is part of the permanent consultative mechanism to discuss Afghanistan established after Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin's talks on August 24.

On the talks, the envoy said, "We expect discussions between Indian, Russia to be very in-depth and action-oriented. India &amp; Russia have a lot of common interests in addressing the Afghan situation, including in the field of anti-terrorism." This is the first visit of Patrushev to any foreign country after the emergence&nbsp;of the Taliban as the dominant force in Afghanistan.

He highlighted the "very fast-moving developments in Afghanistan", including a protests rally in the Afghan capital Kabul which saw anti-Pakistan slogans on Tuesday and was covered by the Afghan and international press. The rally came days after ISI Chief was seen in the Kabul hotel lobby, sparking worries over Islamabad's continued interference into domestic affairs of Afghanistan.

On the Doha talks and the Troika Plus meetings, the envoy said that they "have not yielded the right results", and when it comes to Afghanistan and both countries are in discussing the "evolving situation including on the issue of recognition of the Taliban."

Last year in the Doha talks, under which US and Taliban signed a pact in February that began the process of US withdrawal and later the talks between Taliban and representatives of the former Ghani-led Afghan republic that ended as a failure. Troika format was the US, China, and Russia plus Pakistan discussing Afghanistan.

Envoy Verma said, "The Doha Agreement of February 2020, the Troika Plus talks - finally the results of these international efforts were not matched by the subsequent developments", pointing out that that, "it is better that India and Russia work together with respect to Afghanistan. That is the most important lesson for us."

Interestingly, during his interview, the envoy mentioned India's "interest in the stability of Central Asian states" in the backdrop of the Afghan crisis. 3 central Asian states, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan share a border with Afghanistan, and the fear is that crisis can impact them as well. Both New Delhi and Moscow share close ties with these central Asian countries, with Russia being major security and economic partner due to the soviet connection.

&nbsp;

The Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Varma has said that India and Russia have a "common position, common approach" when it comes to Afghanistan and both countries are "particularly affected" by the developments in the country with respect to the issue of terrorism, drug trafficking and other issues.

The Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Varma has said that India and Russia have a "common position, common approach" when it comes to Afghanistan and both countries are "particularly affected" by the developments in the country with respect to the issue of terrorism, drug trafficking and other issues. The Taliban takeover of the Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15 surprised the international community and since then heartbreaking visuals have emerged from the Kabul international airport of people trying to leave the country. The ambassador, speaking to RIA Novosti explained, "the situation in Afghanistan is a matter of concern for the entire region....This situation poses threat to the interests of both India and Russia on account of the possibility of rising of terrorist groups, increased drug trafficking, organized crime, the flow of refugees" and also that a "very large amount of very advanced weapons are now in the hands of a large number of armed groups." The comments come before the meeting between Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev and Indian NSA Ajit Doval on Wednesday to discuss Afghanistan in Delhi. The meet is part of the permanent consultative mechanism to discuss Afghanistan established after Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin's talks on August 24. On the talks, the envoy said, "We expect discussions between Indian, Russia to be very in-depth and action-oriented. India & Russia have a lot of common interests in addressing the Afghan situation, including in the field of anti-terrorism." This is the first visit of Patrushev to any foreign country after the emergence of the Taliban as the dominant force in Afghanistan. He highlighted the "very fast-moving developments in Afghanistan", including a protests rally in the Afghan capital Kabul which saw anti-Pakistan slogans on Tuesday and was covered by the Afghan and international press. The rally came days after ISI Chief was seen in the Kabul hotel lobby, sparking worries over Islamabad's continued interference into domestic affairs of Afghanistan. On the Doha talks and the Troika Plus meetings, the envoy said that they "have not yielded the right results", and when it comes to Afghanistan and both countries are in discussing the "evolving situation including on the issue of recognition of the Taliban." Last year in the Doha talks, under which US and Taliban signed a pact in February that began the process of US withdrawal and later the talks between Taliban and representatives of the former Ghani-led Afghan republic that ended as a failure. Troika format was the US, China, and Russia plus Pakistan discussing Afghanistan. Envoy Verma said, "The Doha Agreement of February 2020, the Troika Plus talks - finally the results of these international efforts were not matched by the subsequent developments", pointing out that that, "it is better that India and Russia work together with respect to Afghanistan. That is the most important lesson for us." Interestingly, during his interview, the envoy mentioned India's "interest in the stability of Central Asian states" in the backdrop of the Afghan crisis. 3 central Asian states, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan share a border with Afghanistan, and the fear is that crisis can impact them as well. Both New Delhi and Moscow share close ties with these central Asian countries, with Russia being major security and economic partner due to the soviet connection.

India, Russia have 'common position and approach' on Afghanistan, says envoy Venkatesh Varma

India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met with William Burns, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting's specifics have not been made public, although it is believed to have focused on security concerns in the wake of the Taliban government's creation in Afghanistan.

This meeting takes place just one day after the Taliban released the names of people who will serve in Afghanistan's new Cabinet.

On Tuesday, the Taliban revealed a hardline interim administration led by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, with high-profile members of the insurgent group receiving crucial responsibilities, including the interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, an especially designated global terrorist of the infamous Haqqani Network.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Doval is in Delhi today to meet with his Russian counterpart, Nikolai Patrushev.

Following the Taliban takeover and the installation of a new caretaker government of the "Islamic Emirate" in the war-torn country, India and Russia are holding a high-level discussion on the situation in Afghanistan.

Representatives from India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and security agencies attended the India-Russia inter-governmental meetings on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met with William Burns, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting's specifics have not been made public, although it is believed to have focused on security concerns in the wake of the Taliban government's creation in Afghanistan.

India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met with William Burns, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting's specifics have not been made public, although it is believed to have focused on security concerns in the wake of the Taliban government's creation in Afghanistan. This meeting takes place just one day after the Taliban released the names of people who will serve in Afghanistan's new Cabinet. On Tuesday, the Taliban revealed a hardline interim administration led by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, with high-profile members of the insurgent group receiving crucial responsibilities, including the interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, an especially designated global terrorist of the infamous Haqqani Network. Meanwhile, Doval is in Delhi today to meet with his Russian counterpart, Nikolai Patrushev. Following the Taliban takeover and the installation of a new caretaker government of the "Islamic Emirate" in the war-torn country, India and Russia are holding a high-level discussion on the situation in Afghanistan. Representatives from India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and security agencies attended the India-Russia inter-governmental meetings on Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief meets Ajit Doval in Delhi amid Taliban government formation

After the famed floating gardens and floating post office, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar gets its first floating ATM.

The cash dispensing machine has been installed for the convenience of people living near the lake as well as for the tourists staying in the houseboats. Many local business owners&nbsp;believe that it can become the new tourist attraction as it is the first such floating ATM in the Union Territory.&nbsp;

"SBI opened an ATM on a houseboat at Dal Lake, Srinagar, for the convenience of locals &amp; tourists. The floating ATM in the popular Dal Lake fulfils a long-standing need &amp; will be an added attraction to the charm of Srinagar," the bank tweeted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-health-infrastructure-upgraded-in-rural-areas-world-bank-helps-401784">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Health infrastructure upgraded in rural areas, World Bank helps</a>

Many houseboat owners were relieved to have the ATM nearby as they had to travel all the way to the main city, which is about 8.8 kilometres from Dal Lake, for withdrawing money. They also said that it would boost their business as the tourists can now stay at the houseboats without having to worry about travelling long distances&nbsp;to get cash.

''We are thankful to the State Bank of India. This is the first floating ATM in Jammu Kashmir. This will benefit the locals as well as the tourists coming to the valley. It could become a tourist attraction as it's a unique concept. The tourists who are living in different houseboats are also appreciating the step,'' Saqib Ibrahim, owner of a houseboat in Dal Lake, said.&nbsp;

Several tourists also appreciated the bank’s gesture, saying that they can now stay at the houseboats without worrying about the cash crunch.

A tourist from Kerala, Nabeel Ahmad, said, “'We have a floating ATM in Kerala. I think it's a very good move by the bank. Dal Lake has floating markets and now an ATM too. It will immensely contribute to boosting the business of locals. The guests who stay in these houseboats can now take a shikhara and withdraw the money. It's a wonderful experience.”

After the famed floating gardens and floating post office, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar gets its first floating ATM. The cash dispensing machine has been installed for the convenience of people living near the lake as well as for the tourists staying in the houseboats.

After the famed floating gardens and floating post office, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar gets its first floating ATM. The cash dispensing machine has been installed for the convenience of people living near the lake as well as for the tourists staying in the houseboats. Many local business owners believe that it can become the new tourist attraction as it is the first such floating ATM in the Union Territory. "SBI opened an ATM on a houseboat at Dal Lake, Srinagar, for the convenience of locals & tourists. The floating ATM in the popular Dal Lake fulfils a long-standing need & will be an added attraction to the charm of Srinagar," the bank tweeted. Also read | Jammu & Kashmir: Health infrastructure upgraded in rural areas, World Bank helps Many houseboat owners were relieved to have the ATM nearby as they had to travel all the way to the main city, which is about 8.8 kilometres from Dal Lake, for withdrawing money. They also said that it would boost their business as the tourists can now stay at the houseboats without having to worry about travelling long distances to get cash. ''We are thankful to the State Bank of India. This is the first floating ATM in Jammu Kashmir. This will benefit the locals as well as the tourists coming to the valley. It could become a tourist attraction as it's a unique concept. The tourists who are living in different houseboats are also appreciating the step,'' Saqib Ibrahim, owner of a houseboat in Dal Lake, said. Several tourists also appreciated the bank’s gesture, saying that they can now stay at the houseboats without worrying about the cash crunch. A tourist from Kerala, Nabeel Ahmad, said, “'We have a floating ATM in Kerala. I think it's a very good move by the bank. Dal Lake has floating markets and now an ATM too. It will immensely contribute to boosting the business of locals. The guests who stay in these houseboats can now take a shikhara and withdraw the money. It's a wonderful experience.”

Jammu and Kashmir’s Dal Lake gets its first floating ATM

India logged 37,875 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,96,718, while the active cases declined to 3,91,256, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The death toll climbed to 4,41,411 with 369 fatalities reported, according to the health ministry.

The active cases comprise 1.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.48 per cent, the ministry said.

A decrease of 1,608 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 17,53,745 tests were conducted on Tuesday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,49,43,093.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 2.16 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last nine days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.49 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 75 days, according to the health ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,22,64,051, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

India logged 37,875 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,96,718, while the active cases declined to 3,91,256, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

India logged 37,875 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,96,718, while the active cases declined to 3,91,256, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The death toll climbed to 4,41,411 with 369 fatalities reported, according to the health ministry. The active cases comprise 1.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.48 per cent, the ministry said. A decrease of 1,608 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 17,53,745 tests were conducted on Tuesday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,49,43,093. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 2.16 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last nine days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.49 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 75 days, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,22,64,051, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

India records over 37,000 coronavirus cases; active cases decline

The Indian Air Force is looking at procuring around 350 aircraft in the next two decades, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Wednesday.

In an address at a conference on the Indian aerospace sector, the Chief of Air Staff also talked about the need for developing asymmetric capabilities to bolster the IAF's overall strength in view of challenges from China.

"Looking at the northern neighbour, we have to have niche technologies which must be built in-house by our own industry for reasons of security," the IAF chief said.

Emphasising that India becoming self-reliant in the defence sector is crucial for dealing with various challenge, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the IAF is looking at procuring around 350 aircraft from within the country in the next two decades.

At the same time, he noted that it is a rough projection.

The IAF chief also said the Tejas light combat aircraft project has instilled confidence in the aerospace industry in India and that it has huge potential to grow further.

The Indian Air Force is looking at procuring around 350 aircraft in the next two decades, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Wednesday. In an address at a conference on the Indian aerospace sector, the Chief of Air Staff also talked about the need for developing asymmetric capabilities to bolster the IAF's overall strength in view of challenges from China.

The Indian Air Force is looking at procuring around 350 aircraft in the next two decades, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Wednesday. In an address at a conference on the Indian aerospace sector, the Chief of Air Staff also talked about the need for developing asymmetric capabilities to bolster the IAF's overall strength in view of challenges from China. "Looking at the northern neighbour, we have to have niche technologies which must be built in-house by our own industry for reasons of security," the IAF chief said. Emphasising that India becoming self-reliant in the defence sector is crucial for dealing with various challenge, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the IAF is looking at procuring around 350 aircraft from within the country in the next two decades. At the same time, he noted that it is a rough projection. The IAF chief also said the Tejas light combat aircraft project has instilled confidence in the aerospace industry in India and that it has huge potential to grow further.

IAF looking at procuring around 350 aircraft: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria

Amid still unfolding situation in Afghanistan India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval&nbsp;met his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on Wednesday (September 8) in New Delhi. The meet had&nbsp;been scheduled just one day&nbsp;the Taliban announced its government on Tuesday. The government has a number of hardliners and does not give representation to any woman

ANI quoted sources to say that Patrushev will also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The high-level consultations will reflect on the situation in Afghanistan after US withdrawal.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468">We will judge Taliban by its actions, says US on new government</a>

Both NSA`s will also review activities of terrorist groups including Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, threats from drugs, the role of regional countries and details of Indo-Russia cooperation to meet current and future threats and measures to assist Afghanistan, said the sources.

Earlier, Doval hosted the 11th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives Responsible for National Security through video conferencing on August 31. His Russian counterpart was also present in the meeting.

India raised the issue of cross-border terrorism and activities of groups such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed at the meeting of BRICS representatives responsible for national security and said these groups "enjoy state support" and threaten peace and security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid still unfolding situation in Afghanistan India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on Wednesday (September 8) in New Delhi.

Amid still unfolding situation in Afghanistan India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on Wednesday (September 8) in New Delhi. The meet had been scheduled just one day the Taliban announced its government on Tuesday. The government has a number of hardliners and does not give representation to any woman ANI quoted sources to say that Patrushev will also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The high-level consultations will reflect on the situation in Afghanistan after US withdrawal. Also Read | We will judge Taliban by its actions, says US on new government Both NSA`s will also review activities of terrorist groups including Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, threats from drugs, the role of regional countries and details of Indo-Russia cooperation to meet current and future threats and measures to assist Afghanistan, said the sources. Earlier, Doval hosted the 11th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives Responsible for National Security through video conferencing on August 31. His Russian counterpart was also present in the meeting. India raised the issue of cross-border terrorism and activities of groups such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed at the meeting of BRICS representatives responsible for national security and said these groups "enjoy state support" and threaten peace and security. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian NSA Ajit Doval meets Russian counterpart over Afghanistan

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.

These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement&nbsp;on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power.

Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.”

Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus.&nbsp;

Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-will-the-taliban-govern-a-history-of-rebel-rule-offers-clues-410481">How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues</a>

India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting.

Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.”

While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban.

Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s&nbsp;after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans. These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power. Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.” Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus. Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.” Also read | How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting. Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.” While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban. Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”

Endgame was not something that anybody saw coming: Jaishankar on Afghanistan

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm."

Last year, the LAC border in eastern Ladakh saw a massive build-up by China’s People's Liberation Army which eventually led to clashes between India and Chinese armed forces in Galwan Valley in June.

India lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China, though initially reluctant, finally accepted four deaths. However, there are credible reports to suggest that the toll from the Chinese side could be higher.

The Indian foreign minister pointed out that China didn't follow the treaties signed in the 1990s that called for peace and tranquillity at the border.

“There was a large Chinese military presence in a very operational mode that was brought to the border without, frankly, a good reason...Once India countered, it led to a very serious clash last June, in which a lot of lives were lost,” he said.

This year, however, both Indian and China managed to dial down the tempers and engaged in disengagement at Pangong Lake and Gogra post at the LAC. Earlier in the day, the&nbsp;Indian Army announced that both the armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in the Gogra friction. But other friction points such as Hot Springs and Depsang plains are yet to be resolved.

The comments come even as plans are afoot for the first-ever Quad leaders level meet between India, the US, Japan and Australia later this month in Washington.&nbsp;

Speaking on the importance of the grouping, the EAM said, "The fact is that the days of unilateralism are over. Bilateralism has its own limits, and as Covid reminded us, multilateralism is simply not working well enough. The resistance to reforming the international organisations compel us to look for a more practical and immediate solution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the case for the Quad.”.

The first Quad leaders level meeting was held in March virtually. The key outcome of that meeting was the Quad Covid vaccine initiative, in which vaccines will be produced in India for the Indo-Pacific region.

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm.

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm." Last year, the LAC border in eastern Ladakh saw a massive build-up by China’s People's Liberation Army which eventually led to clashes between India and Chinese armed forces in Galwan Valley in June. India lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China, though initially reluctant, finally accepted four deaths. However, there are credible reports to suggest that the toll from the Chinese side could be higher. The Indian foreign minister pointed out that China didn't follow the treaties signed in the 1990s that called for peace and tranquillity at the border. “There was a large Chinese military presence in a very operational mode that was brought to the border without, frankly, a good reason...Once India countered, it led to a very serious clash last June, in which a lot of lives were lost,” he said. This year, however, both Indian and China managed to dial down the tempers and engaged in disengagement at Pangong Lake and Gogra post at the LAC. Earlier in the day, the Indian Army announced that both the armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in the Gogra friction. But other friction points such as Hot Springs and Depsang plains are yet to be resolved. The comments come even as plans are afoot for the first-ever Quad leaders level meet between India, the US, Japan and Australia later this month in Washington. Speaking on the importance of the grouping, the EAM said, "The fact is that the days of unilateralism are over. Bilateralism has its own limits, and as Covid reminded us, multilateralism is simply not working well enough. The resistance to reforming the international organisations compel us to look for a more practical and immediate solution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the case for the Quad.”. The first Quad leaders level meeting was held in March virtually. The key outcome of that meeting was the Quad Covid vaccine initiative, in which vaccines will be produced in India for the Indo-Pacific region.

Challenge to manage relation with China ranks high, says India’s foreign minister

India's health officials administered&nbsp;over 180 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-plans-50-increase-in-oxygen-production-amid-fears-of-third-wave-411161">coronavirus</a> vaccines in August, which is more than all the Group of Seven (G7) countries combined.

India on Monday had administered over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

"September has started on a high note as India touches 10 million&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccinations today. Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the world's largest vaccination drive is scaling massive heights," India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-vaccine-do-we-really-need-a-covid-19-vaccine-booster-shot-410745/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A total of 1,05,76,911 doses were administered on Monday.

"Safety to those who keep us safe. The first dose of vaccine has been administered for the complete vaccination of the security forces deployed in Kutch and to protect their families from COVID-19. The government has achieved this important achievement in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Mandaviya added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
September has started on a high note as India touches 1 crore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccinations today 
 
Under PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji's leadership, world's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccinationDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccinationDrive</a> is scaling massive heights 
 
देश में फिर लगे 1 करोड़ से अधिक कोरोना टीके। टीकाकरण अभियान को मिल रही अभूतपूर्व रफ़्तार <a href="https://t.co/pHmGER59TC">pic.twitter.com/pHmGER59TC</a>
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1434874091538845707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reports say at least 473 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine so far. India's financial capital Mumbai which was one of the worst-hit cities due to the virus logged less than 400 COVID-19 cases on Monday with 3,771 active COVID-19 cases.

India's Uttar Pradesh state reported 12 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of infections to 17,09,457 with no death reported in the last 24 hours amid the vaccination drive.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government said it is working on fully vaccinating the entire adult population against coronavirus by November end.

"Target has been set to complete both the doses for all by November," the state's health and medical education minister K Sudhakar asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

India's health officials administered over 180 million doses of coronavirus vaccines in August, which is more than all the Group of Seven (G7) countries combined.

India's health officials administered over 180 million doses of coronavirus vaccines in August, which is more than all the Group of Seven (G7) countries combined. India on Monday had administered over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. "September has started on a high note as India touches 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations today. Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the world's largest vaccination drive is scaling massive heights," India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted. Watch: A total of 1,05,76,911 doses were administered on Monday. "Safety to those who keep us safe. The first dose of vaccine has been administered for the complete vaccination of the security forces deployed in Kutch and to protect their families from COVID-19. The government has achieved this important achievement in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Mandaviya added. September has started on a high note as India touches 1 crore #COVID19 vaccinations today Under PM @NarendraModi ji's leadership, world's #LargestVaccinationDrive is scaling massive heights देश में फिर लगे 1 करोड़ से अधिक कोरोना टीके। टीकाकरण अभियान को मिल रही अभूतपूर्व रफ़्तार pic.twitter.com/pHmGER59TC — Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) September 6, 2021 × Reports say at least 473 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine so far. India's financial capital Mumbai which was one of the worst-hit cities due to the virus logged less than 400 COVID-19 cases on Monday with 3,771 active COVID-19 cases. India's Uttar Pradesh state reported 12 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of infections to 17,09,457 with no death reported in the last 24 hours amid the vaccination drive. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government said it is working on fully vaccinating the entire adult population against coronavirus by November end. "Target has been set to complete both the doses for all by November," the state's health and medical education minister K Sudhakar asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

India administered more vaccine doses than all G7 nations combined in August

&nbsp;An Indian&nbsp;merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed.

The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system.

It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members.&nbsp;During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired at them using AK-47, the family members claimed.

However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery.&nbsp;

The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members.

When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.”

The representative also said that a statement would be issued later.&nbsp;

(This is a developing story and will be updated)

An Indian merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed.

An Indian merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed. The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system. It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members. During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired at them using AK-47, the family members claimed. However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery. The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members. When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.” The representative also said that a statement would be issued later. (This is a developing story and will be updated)

Pirates attack Indian merchant ship off African coast, 2 injured, 1 kidnapped

&nbsp;An Indian&nbsp;merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed.

The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system.

It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members.&nbsp;During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired using AK-47, the family members claimed.

However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery.&nbsp;

The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members.

When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.”

The representative also said that a statement would be issued later.&nbsp;

(This is a developing story and will be updated)

An Indian merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed. The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system. It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members. During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired using AK-47, the family members claimed. However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery. The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members. When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.” The representative also said that a statement would be issued later. (This is a developing story and will be updated)

Pirates attack Indian merchant ship off African coast, 2 suffer bullet injuries, 1 kidnapped

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported. The Western Theatre Command oversees the borders with India. &nbsp;

The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Jinping also heads the Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC is the overall high command of the country's army.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Military claims coup in Guinea, nationwide curfew declared by rebels

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/military-claims-coup-in-guinea-nationwide-curfew-declared-by-rebels-411124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 68-year-old leader has promoted Wang and four other military officers to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active military service in China, reported state-run website chinamil on Monday. He also presented certificates of order promoting them to the military rank of General, the report said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-presents-classified-evidence-on-how-to-land-hypersonic-drone-report-411337" hreflang="en">Chinese military presents classified evidence on how to land hypersonic drone: Report</a>

"The promoted officers are Commander of the PLA Western Theater Command Wang Haijiang, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the PLA Navy Dong Jun and Commander of the PLA Air Force Chang Dingqiu and President of PLA National Defence University Xu Xueqiang," the report added.&nbsp;

Since the eastern Ladakh standoff began in May last year, Gen Wang is the fourth commander to head the Western Theatre Command.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported.

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported. The Western Theatre Command oversees the borders with India. The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Jinping also heads the Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC is the overall high command of the country's army. Watch: Military claims coup in Guinea, nationwide curfew declared by rebels × The 68-year-old leader has promoted Wang and four other military officers to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active military service in China, reported state-run website chinamil on Monday. He also presented certificates of order promoting them to the military rank of General, the report said. Also Read | Chinese military presents classified evidence on how to land hypersonic drone: Report "The promoted officers are Commander of the PLA Western Theater Command Wang Haijiang, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the PLA Navy Dong Jun and Commander of the PLA Air Force Chang Dingqiu and President of PLA National Defence University Xu Xueqiang," the report added. Since the eastern Ladakh standoff began in May last year, Gen Wang is the fourth commander to head the Western Theatre Command. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi appoints new army commander to lead PLA troops at Indo-China border

Amid Taliban's control over Afghanistan, the Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev told a new agency his country shares concerns with India on terror spreading to "Russian territory and the territory of Kashmir".

“Both India and Russia are concerned about the situation in Afghanistan. We want an inclusive government," Kudashev said while adding that the Afghan soil should not be a "source of terror".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/endgame-was-not-something-that-anybody-saw-coming-jaishankar-on-afghanistan-411221">Also Read:&nbsp;Endgame was not something that anybody saw coming, says&nbsp;Jaishankar on Afghanistan</a>

"We do share our concerns with India. There is a danger of terror being spread to the Russian territory and the territory of Kashmir. This is a matter of common concern," the ambassador added.

Russia has retained its embassy in Kabul even as the embassy said it was making plans for extra evacuation flights from Afghanistan.

"Russia was ready to help rebuild Afghanistan's economy," Putin's special representative on Afghanistan&nbsp;Zamir Kabulov said as he urged Western nations not to freeze Afghanistan's finances due to the current crisis as the Taliban sets about the task of forming the government.

Russia is reportedly set to open extra evacuation flights for its citizens as well as for nationals of countries who come under the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) which is a &nbsp;post-Soviet security bloc.

The country has already evacuated 360 people even as it has boosted the motorised infantry troops at its military base in Tajikistan.

Russia is set to conduct another military drill close to the Afghan border this month with CSTO nations set to hold an&nbsp;exercise in Kyrgyzstan's Russian military airbase.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid Taliban's control over Afghanistan, the Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev told a new agency his country shares concerns with India on terror spreading to "Russian territory and the territory of Kashmir".

Amid Taliban's control over Afghanistan, the Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev told a new agency his country shares concerns with India on terror spreading to "Russian territory and the territory of Kashmir". “Both India and Russia are concerned about the situation in Afghanistan. We want an inclusive government," Kudashev said while adding that the Afghan soil should not be a "source of terror". Also Read: Endgame was not something that anybody saw coming, says Jaishankar on Afghanistan "We do share our concerns with India. There is a danger of terror being spread to the Russian territory and the territory of Kashmir. This is a matter of common concern," the ambassador added. Russia has retained its embassy in Kabul even as the embassy said it was making plans for extra evacuation flights from Afghanistan. "Russia was ready to help rebuild Afghanistan's economy," Putin's special representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said as he urged Western nations not to freeze Afghanistan's finances due to the current crisis as the Taliban sets about the task of forming the government. Russia is reportedly set to open extra evacuation flights for its citizens as well as for nationals of countries who come under the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) which is a post-Soviet security bloc. The country has already evacuated 360 people even as it has boosted the motorised infantry troops at its military base in Tajikistan. Russia is set to conduct another military drill close to the Afghan border this month with CSTO nations set to hold an exercise in Kyrgyzstan's Russian military airbase. (With inputs from Agencies)

Danger of terror spreading to Russia & Kashmir: Russian ambassador to India on Taliban's takeover

India logged 31,222 cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,58,843, while the active cases were recorded below four lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The death toll has climbed to 4,41,042 with 290 fatalities in the last 24 hours, according to the ministry.

The case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-administered-more-vaccine-doses-than-all-g7-nations-combined-in-august-411295">Also Read:&nbsp;India administered more vaccine doses than all G7 nations combined in August</a>

The active cases have declined to 3,92,864 comprising 1.19 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.48 per cent, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 active caseload in Ladakh dipped to 54 while five fresh cases were reported in the Union Territory taking the tally to 20,588.

Ladakh has registered 207 Covid-related deaths 149 in Leh and 58 in Kargil since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. All five fresh cases were reported in Leh.

The total number of COVID-19 active cases in Ladakh now stands at 54 including 50 in Leh and four in Kargil district.

India logged 31,222 cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,58,843, while the active cases were recorded below four lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry.

India logged 31,222 cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,30,58,843, while the active cases were recorded below four lakh, according to the Union Health Ministry. The death toll has climbed to 4,41,042 with 290 fatalities in the last 24 hours, according to the ministry. The case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. Also Read: India administered more vaccine doses than all G7 nations combined in August The active cases have declined to 3,92,864 comprising 1.19 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.48 per cent, the ministry said. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 active caseload in Ladakh dipped to 54 while five fresh cases were reported in the Union Territory taking the tally to 20,588. Ladakh has registered 207 Covid-related deaths 149 in Leh and 58 in Kargil since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. All five fresh cases were reported in Leh. The total number of COVID-19 active cases in Ladakh now stands at 54 including 50 in Leh and four in Kargil district.

India reports over 31,000 coronavirus cases; 290 fatalities in last 24 hours

Visiting Bangladesh&nbsp;Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi.

A life-size photo of Rahman was also unveiled in the presence of minister Mahmud and Bangladesh&nbsp;high commissioner&nbsp;Muhammad Imran.&nbsp;It is for the first time that a media centre has been named after a foreign leader at any press club in India.&nbsp;

Hasan said, “It's my great pleasure to inaugurate the Bangabandhu Media Centre at the Indian press club. I want to register my thanks to the leaders of the press club, secretary and the committee to decide the set up the media centre that will facilitate the journalist here, to know Bangabandhu, the struggle of Bangabandhu and also strengthen ties between Bangladesh and India."

The development comes as Bangladesh is celebrating the Mujib year on the occasion of the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country to take part in the national day celebrations. It was his first outside visit since the Covid pandemic began.&nbsp;The last being in 2019.&nbsp;

He batted for strong ties with India, saying, “India and Bangladesh relationship is a wide-ranging one. We have a historic relationship."

Responding to a question by WION on the Afghanistan situation, he said, “Stability in Afghanistan is important for stability in South Asia.”&nbsp;

Asked on COVID vaccine export he said, “We understand your local demand. Understand your local complexity. My visit is not for the vaccine.”

India had sent 103 lakh doses of vaccines to the country, of which 33 lakh was via grant, and 70 lakh was sent commercially. India had to suspend further exports globally as the country was grappling with the 2nd wave of the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

Visiting Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi.

Visiting Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday inaugurated the Bangabandhu Media Centre, named after the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Press Club of India (PCI) in Delhi. A life-size photo of Rahman was also unveiled in the presence of minister Mahmud and Bangladesh high commissioner Muhammad Imran. It is for the first time that a media centre has been named after a foreign leader at any press club in India. Hasan said, “It's my great pleasure to inaugurate the Bangabandhu Media Centre at the Indian press club. I want to register my thanks to the leaders of the press club, secretary and the committee to decide the set up the media centre that will facilitate the journalist here, to know Bangabandhu, the struggle of Bangabandhu and also strengthen ties between Bangladesh and India." The development comes as Bangladesh is celebrating the Mujib year on the occasion of the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country to take part in the national day celebrations. It was his first outside visit since the Covid pandemic began. The last being in 2019. He batted for strong ties with India, saying, “India and Bangladesh relationship is a wide-ranging one. We have a historic relationship." Responding to a question by WION on the Afghanistan situation, he said, “Stability in Afghanistan is important for stability in South Asia.” Asked on COVID vaccine export he said, “We understand your local demand. Understand your local complexity. My visit is not for the vaccine.” India had sent 103 lakh doses of vaccines to the country, of which 33 lakh was via grant, and 70 lakh was sent commercially. India had to suspend further exports globally as the country was grappling with the 2nd wave of the Covid pandemic.

Bangladesh I&B Minister inaugurates Bangabandhu Media Centre in Delhi, calls for strong ties with India

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme.&nbsp;

Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus.&nbsp;

Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours.&nbsp;

In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality.&nbsp;

Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money.&nbsp;

In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers.&nbsp;The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right.

Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs.&nbsp; 
Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs.&nbsp;

The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility.&nbsp;

A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound.&nbsp;

Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly.

It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala.&nbsp;

It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours.&nbsp;

The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population.

This is despite having acquired land from there.

It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of

Rupees are also handed to the locals.&nbsp;

According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing.&nbsp;

Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”.

The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s.

The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess.

It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue.&nbsp;

It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred. VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme. Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus. Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours. In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality. Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money. In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers. The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right. Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs. Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs. The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility. A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound. Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly. It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala. It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours. The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population. This is despite having acquired land from there. It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of Rupees are also handed to the locals. According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing. Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”. The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s. The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess. It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue. It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

Head-load workers and locals block ISRO’s cargo and demand money for unloading

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders.

Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak.

Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave.

The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

"There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added.

Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752.

The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23.

The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said. The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders. Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak. Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave. The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days "There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added. Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752. The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23. The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India plans 50% increase in oxygen production amid fears of third wave

Schools reopened in&nbsp;India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday&nbsp;as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus.

Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday.

India&nbsp;reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined. India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus. But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus. Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday. India reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopen in parts of India in further easing of restrictions

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world.&nbsp;

Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats.

As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets. The GI tagging will also help in increasing the prices of the Kashmir willow bats.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4f4aad5-cc92-40a6-b88a-e1879069773e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_Image_0.jpeg" />

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7ff9cf0-55a7-41ce-937b-e7e9f32cac27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2.jpeg" />

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3a62e75-2419-42d3-9393-0a92b13e295e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.jpeg" />

A study released recently by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;deemed as "Indian Sports Goods Industry: Strategies for Tapping the Export Potential" revealed that "Kashmir willow bat is one such product, which holds significance". This is because it is made from some of the "best quality wood in the world".&nbsp;

The bat makers in Kashmir are eagerly waiting for the GI Tag.

''It's a good step by the government and we have been expecting it. The government is helping the small scale industries at the moment and due to this Kashmir willow will get the recognition it deserves. The English willow is considered good but the Kashmir willow is as good. And if we get the tagging it would help us. The top grade willow bats are good and need to be promoted as much. If we have GI Tag, the sales will go up.'' said Asif Majeed Parray, Owner MS Bat Factory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-kashmirs-budgam-brick-kiln-owners-taking-up-apple-cultivation-thanks-to-govts-new-initiative-409976">Also read |&nbsp;In Kashmir’s Budgam, brick kiln owners taking up apple cultivation thanks to govt’s new initiative</a>

There are more than 200 bat making factories in Kashmir and hundreds of people earning their livelihoods.&nbsp;

The ongoing pandemic had badly hit the industry and there were hardly any new orders. However, now the makers are hoping that things will change after GI Tagging.&nbsp;

''If the government takes this step, the GI tag will benefit us a lot, it would be great for us. The maximum number of bats are made in Kashmir. Now with the tagging, we can send our bats to every country. We can sell online with the tag and earn customer trust. We make more than 2 lakh bats every month in Kashmir in around 200 factories. It will be our honour to make bats that will be picked by international players. Our bats have recently been taken by two specially-abled Kashmiris who are selected in the Indian team to play in an ODI in Bangladesh.'' said Javaid Ahmad, MJS Bat Factory Owner.&nbsp;

The Kashmir willow bats fetch a maximum of Rs 3,500 rupees per bat, as against the English willow bats whose retail price range is between $220 to $450 per bat in the international markets.

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world. Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats. As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets.

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world. Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats. As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets. The GI tagging will also help in increasing the prices of the Kashmir willow bats. A study released recently by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman deemed as "Indian Sports Goods Industry: Strategies for Tapping the Export Potential" revealed that "Kashmir willow bat is one such product, which holds significance". This is because it is made from some of the "best quality wood in the world". The bat makers in Kashmir are eagerly waiting for the GI Tag. ''It's a good step by the government and we have been expecting it. The government is helping the small scale industries at the moment and due to this Kashmir willow will get the recognition it deserves. The English willow is considered good but the Kashmir willow is as good. And if we get the tagging it would help us. The top grade willow bats are good and need to be promoted as much. If we have GI Tag, the sales will go up.'' said Asif Majeed Parray, Owner MS Bat Factory. Also read | In Kashmir’s Budgam, brick kiln owners taking up apple cultivation thanks to govt’s new initiative There are more than 200 bat making factories in Kashmir and hundreds of people earning their livelihoods. The ongoing pandemic had badly hit the industry and there were hardly any new orders. However, now the makers are hoping that things will change after GI Tagging. ''If the government takes this step, the GI tag will benefit us a lot, it would be great for us. The maximum number of bats are made in Kashmir. Now with the tagging, we can send our bats to every country. We can sell online with the tag and earn customer trust. We make more than 2 lakh bats every month in Kashmir in around 200 factories. It will be our honour to make bats that will be picked by international players. Our bats have recently been taken by two specially-abled Kashmiris who are selected in the Indian team to play in an ODI in Bangladesh.'' said Javaid Ahmad, MJS Bat Factory Owner. The Kashmir willow bats fetch a maximum of Rs 3,500 rupees per bat, as against the English willow bats whose retail price range is between $220 to $450 per bat in the international markets.

Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging, study reveals this will serve as a great marketing strategy

Independence Day Special: How India overcame Pakistan in 1947-48 conflict and again in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war

India-China standoff: How India intends to combat China's GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed drones along LAC in eastern Ladakh

At least 124 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this year, according to a civic report released on Monday.

The number of dengue cases for the January 1-September 4 period&nbsp;is also the highest this year since 2018 when the count had stood at 137 in the same duration.

72 cases were reported in August, according to the report, which is about 58 per cent of the total reported cases.&nbsp;No cases have been recorded in the first four days of September.

Dengue mosquito larvae breed in clear, standing water while those of malaria thrive even in dirty water.

The cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November but the period may stretch till mid-December.

According to the civic report issued by the municipal corporations last week, 97 cases of dengue were recorded till August 28 this year.

At least 124 cases have been reported this year till September 4, the report said.

The month-wise distribution of cases are as follows: January (0), February (2), March (5), April (10) and May (12), June (7) and July (16).

In the previous years, the cases in the same period were 771 (2016), 829 (2017), 137 (2018), 122 (2019) and 96 (2020), as per the report.

However, no deaths have been reported due to dengue in the city till now, the report added.

According to the civic report released on Monday, 57 cases of malaria and 32 cases of chikungunya have also been reported till August 28 this year.

Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are accompanied with high fever and therefore doctors feel that people might suspect that they have contracted COVID-19.

At least 124 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this year, according to a civic report released on Monday. The number of dengue cases for the January 1-September 4 period is also the highest this year since 2018 when the count had stood at 137 in the same duration.

At least 124 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this year, according to a civic report released on Monday. The number of dengue cases for the January 1-September 4 period is also the highest this year since 2018 when the count had stood at 137 in the same duration. 72 cases were reported in August, according to the report, which is about 58 per cent of the total reported cases. No cases have been recorded in the first four days of September. Dengue mosquito larvae breed in clear, standing water while those of malaria thrive even in dirty water. The cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November but the period may stretch till mid-December. According to the civic report issued by the municipal corporations last week, 97 cases of dengue were recorded till August 28 this year. At least 124 cases have been reported this year till September 4, the report said. The month-wise distribution of cases are as follows: January (0), February (2), March (5), April (10) and May (12), June (7) and July (16). In the previous years, the cases in the same period were 771 (2016), 829 (2017), 137 (2018), 122 (2019) and 96 (2020), as per the report. However, no deaths have been reported due to dengue in the city till now, the report added. According to the civic report released on Monday, 57 cases of malaria and 32 cases of chikungunya have also been reported till August 28 this year. Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are accompanied with high fever and therefore doctors feel that people might suspect that they have contracted COVID-19.

Dengue cases spiked in India's capital in August, says report

The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation K Sivan on Monday inaugurated a Lunar Science Workshop 2021&nbsp;to commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft around the lunar orbit.

Chandrayaan-2 data product and science documents were released by Sivan who is also the secretary in the Department of Space (DoS), along with data from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter payloads, Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said in a statement.

The eight payloads onboard Chandrayaan-2 are conducting scientific observations of the Moon by remote sensing, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-indias-orbiter-validates-earlier-finding-of-water-on-the-lunar-surface-406078">Also Read:&nbsp;Chandrayaan-2-&nbsp;India’s orbiter validates earlier finding of water on the lunar surface</a>

"The science data are being made available for analysis by academia and institutes, for a greater participation to bring out more science from Chandrayaan-2 mission," ISRO said.

The two-day workshop, organised by ISRO, is being livestreamed on the space agency's website and Facebook page for effectively reaching the students, academia and institutes and to engage the scientific community to analyse Chandrayaan-2 data.

The science results from the eight payloads are being presented by the scientists in the workshop being held virtually.

In addition, there will be lectures on the Chandrayaan-2 mission, tracking, operations, and data archival aspects.

Along with the scientists from ISRO/DoS, there will also be lectures on lunar science to be delivered by scientists from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, it was stated.

The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation K Sivan on Monday inaugurated a Lunar Science Workshop 2021 to commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft around the lunar orbit.

The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation K Sivan on Monday inaugurated a Lunar Science Workshop 2021 to commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft around the lunar orbit. Chandrayaan-2 data product and science documents were released by Sivan who is also the secretary in the Department of Space (DoS), along with data from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter payloads, Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said in a statement. The eight payloads onboard Chandrayaan-2 are conducting scientific observations of the Moon by remote sensing, it said. Also Read: Chandrayaan-2- India’s orbiter validates earlier finding of water on the lunar surface "The science data are being made available for analysis by academia and institutes, for a greater participation to bring out more science from Chandrayaan-2 mission," ISRO said. The two-day workshop, organised by ISRO, is being livestreamed on the space agency's website and Facebook page for effectively reaching the students, academia and institutes and to engage the scientific community to analyse Chandrayaan-2 data. The science results from the eight payloads are being presented by the scientists in the workshop being held virtually. In addition, there will be lectures on the Chandrayaan-2 mission, tracking, operations, and data archival aspects. Along with the scientists from ISRO/DoS, there will also be lectures on lunar science to be delivered by scientists from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, it was stated.

As Chandrayaan-2 completes two years in lunar orbit, ISRO releases data

India logged 38,948 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-42000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-active-cases-increase-410808">coronavirus</a> infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752.

The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry.&nbsp;India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23.

The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

A decrease of 5,174 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported for 71 consecutive days, the ministry said.

As many as 14,10,649 tests were conducted on Sunday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,14,68,867.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.76 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.58 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 73 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,21,81,995.&nbsp;The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive has reached 68.75 crore.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752.

India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752. The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23. The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said. A decrease of 5,174 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported for 71 consecutive days, the ministry said. As many as 14,10,649 tests were conducted on Sunday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,14,68,867. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.76 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.58 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 73 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,21,81,995. The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive has reached 68.75 crore. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days

india-news

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

india news