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One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.

"Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said.

"On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered."

The operation is still in progress in the area.

"This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector. "Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said. "On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered." The operation is still in progress in the area. "This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.

Infiltration bid foiled at LoC in J&K's Poonch, terrorist killed

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent.

With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states.

The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

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The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent.

Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days.

52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research.

As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year.

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent. With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states. The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases. Also read | Hurricane Ida pummels Louisiana; power lines in New Orleans destroyed The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent. Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days. 52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research. As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reports 42,909 new COVID-19 infections, Kerala logs 29,836 cases

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that India wants a solution to the border dispute with China through dialogue and asserted that the government would never allow the sanctity of borders to be violated.

The Modi government has made it clear to the forces that any unilateral action on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) should not be ignored, he said.

Singh was delivering virtually the third Balramji Dass Tandon Memorial Lecture organised by Panjab University on the issue of national security.

The defence minister said that there have been "perception differences"&nbsp;on the border with China. "Despite this, there are some agreements, protocols which the armies of both countries follow to conduct patrols."&nbsp;Referring to the clashes in eastern Ladakh last year, Singh said Chinese forces had ignored the "agreed protocols".

"We cannot allow the Chinese Army PLA to act on the LAC in a unilateral manner under any circumstances.

"That is what the Indian Army did that day in Galwan and bravely confronted the PLA soldiers and forced them to retreat,"&nbsp;he said while terming it as a "historic" incident.

India wants a solution to the border dispute with China through dialogue, the defence minister said and asserted that the government will never compromise on issues of the "country's borders, its honour and self-respect".

"We will never allow the sanctity of borders to be violated,"&nbsp;he said.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indias-biggest-defence-shift-200000-troops-on-china-border-394641">India's biggest defence shift — 200,000 troops on China border</a>

Recalling the Galwan incident, he said the bravery, valour and restraint shown by the Indian Army are incomparable and unparalleled.

In the first deadly clash in the border area in nearly five decades, 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15 last year in the Galwan Valley in fierce hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops, triggering a large deployment of troops and heavy weaponry by both armies at the friction points in eastern Ladakh.

In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-recruits-tibetans-in-new-militia-unit-near-border-with-india-393946">China recruits Tibetans in new militia unit near border with India</a>

In a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquility in the region, the Indian and Chinese armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in Gogra in eastern Ladakh after 15 months.

The development came after the 12th round of military talks between the two sides on July 31 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh.

Earlier, the Indian and Chinese frontline troops had conducted the first synchronised disengagement at the south and north banks of the Pangong lake in February.

The Army is trained to press the trigger on seeing the movement of the enemy, but the Indian Army has shown both courage and restraint while working with great maturity, Rajnath Singh said.

He said despite this, questions were raised by some opposition leaders on the Army's capability.

The defence minister said India has learnt a lot from the 1962 war against China.

On improving infrastructure, he said that the Atal Tunnel project in Rohtang, which was on hold for a long time, was completed by the Modi government. "This tunnel has strategic importance,"&nbsp;he said.

The Border Roads Organisation is developing infrastructure projects and all-weather connectivity was being given to Ladakh, he said, adding work on several alternative roads has started.

The minister said it will also help the people who live in border areas as these people have "strategic importance for us".

"Keeping their interests in mind, it is necessary to strengthen the border infrastructure,"&nbsp;he said.

Referring to the situation in the Northeast, the minister said an era of peace has come in this region in the last seven years.

There was a time when the entire region was in the grip of insurgency, he said and dubbed the restoration of peace in the Northeast as the "biggest strategic victory"&nbsp;of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure.

The minister said the government has succeeded in controlling Left Wing Extremism as well in the last seven years.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that India wants a solution to the border dispute with China through dialogue and asserted that the government would never allow the sanctity of borders to be violated.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that India wants a solution to the border dispute with China through dialogue and asserted that the government would never allow the sanctity of borders to be violated. The Modi government has made it clear to the forces that any unilateral action on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) should not be ignored, he said. Singh was delivering virtually the third Balramji Dass Tandon Memorial Lecture organised by Panjab University on the issue of national security. The defence minister said that there have been "perception differences" on the border with China. "Despite this, there are some agreements, protocols which the armies of both countries follow to conduct patrols." Referring to the clashes in eastern Ladakh last year, Singh said Chinese forces had ignored the "agreed protocols". "We cannot allow the Chinese Army PLA to act on the LAC in a unilateral manner under any circumstances. "That is what the Indian Army did that day in Galwan and bravely confronted the PLA soldiers and forced them to retreat," he said while terming it as a "historic" incident. India wants a solution to the border dispute with China through dialogue, the defence minister said and asserted that the government will never compromise on issues of the "country's borders, its honour and self-respect". "We will never allow the sanctity of borders to be violated," he said. Watch | India's biggest defence shift — 200,000 troops on China border Recalling the Galwan incident, he said the bravery, valour and restraint shown by the Indian Army are incomparable and unparalleled. In the first deadly clash in the border area in nearly five decades, 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15 last year in the Galwan Valley in fierce hand-to-hand combat with Chinese troops, triggering a large deployment of troops and heavy weaponry by both armies at the friction points in eastern Ladakh. In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher. Also read | China recruits Tibetans in new militia unit near border with India In a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquility in the region, the Indian and Chinese armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in Gogra in eastern Ladakh after 15 months. The development came after the 12th round of military talks between the two sides on July 31 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Earlier, the Indian and Chinese frontline troops had conducted the first synchronised disengagement at the south and north banks of the Pangong lake in February. The Army is trained to press the trigger on seeing the movement of the enemy, but the Indian Army has shown both courage and restraint while working with great maturity, Rajnath Singh said. He said despite this, questions were raised by some opposition leaders on the Army's capability. The defence minister said India has learnt a lot from the 1962 war against China. On improving infrastructure, he said that the Atal Tunnel project in Rohtang, which was on hold for a long time, was completed by the Modi government. "This tunnel has strategic importance," he said. The Border Roads Organisation is developing infrastructure projects and all-weather connectivity was being given to Ladakh, he said, adding work on several alternative roads has started. The minister said it will also help the people who live in border areas as these people have "strategic importance for us". "Keeping their interests in mind, it is necessary to strengthen the border infrastructure," he said. Referring to the situation in the Northeast, the minister said an era of peace has come in this region in the last seven years. There was a time when the entire region was in the grip of insurgency, he said and dubbed the restoration of peace in the Northeast as the "biggest strategic victory" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. The minister said the government has succeeded in controlling Left Wing Extremism as well in the last seven years.

India wants solution to border dispute with China through dialogue, won't allow unilateral action: Defence Minister

A scientist involved in the mathematical modelling of India’s COVID-19 pandemic on Monday claimed that the country is likely to see the third wave peaking between October and November if a more virulent mutant than the existing ones emerges by September.

He, however, said that the infection’s intensity would be much lower than the second wave,

Manindra Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur scientist who is part of the three-member team of experts that have been tasked with predicting any surge in infections, said if no new virulent emerges, then the situation is unlikely to change.

He said if the third wave peaks, the country may see only 1 lakh (100,000) daily cases as against more than 4 lakh (400,000) when the devastating second wave was at its peak in May.

“Status Quo is when no new mutant comes and New Variant is when 50% more infectious mutant comes by September. As one can see, the only scenario with some semblance of third wave is New Variant one for epsilon = 1/33. In this scenario, new cases rise to 1 lakh per day,” Agrawal tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

Agrawal said the fresh data comprising the vaccinations that have taken place in July and August, the sero-surveys that gave insights about the anti-bodies were factored in while assuming the scenarios.

Last month, the model suggested that the third wave could peak between October and November and the daily cases could surge between 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh every day if a more virulent mutant of SARS-CoV2 triggers fresh infections.

On Monday, India recorded 42,909 cases, a drop of 4.7 per cent from Sunday. About 380 deaths were reported, according to India’s health ministry.

Active cases constitute 1.15% of total cases, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands 97.51 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A scientist involved in the mathematical modelling of India’s COVID-19 pandemic on Monday claimed that the country is likely to see the third wave peaking between October and November if a more virulent mutant than the existing ones emerges by September.

A scientist involved in the mathematical modelling of India’s COVID-19 pandemic on Monday claimed that the country is likely to see the third wave peaking between October and November if a more virulent mutant than the existing ones emerges by September. He, however, said that the infection’s intensity would be much lower than the second wave, Manindra Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur scientist who is part of the three-member team of experts that have been tasked with predicting any surge in infections, said if no new virulent emerges, then the situation is unlikely to change. He said if the third wave peaks, the country may see only 1 lakh (100,000) daily cases as against more than 4 lakh (400,000) when the devastating second wave was at its peak in May. “Status Quo is when no new mutant comes and New Variant is when 50% more infectious mutant comes by September. As one can see, the only scenario with some semblance of third wave is New Variant one for epsilon = 1/33. In this scenario, new cases rise to 1 lakh per day,” Agrawal tweeted. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan Agrawal said the fresh data comprising the vaccinations that have taken place in July and August, the sero-surveys that gave insights about the anti-bodies were factored in while assuming the scenarios. Last month, the model suggested that the third wave could peak between October and November and the daily cases could surge between 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh every day if a more virulent mutant of SARS-CoV2 triggers fresh infections. On Monday, India recorded 42,909 cases, a drop of 4.7 per cent from Sunday. About 380 deaths were reported, according to India’s health ministry. Active cases constitute 1.15% of total cases, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands 97.51 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s third COVID wave may peak between Oct-Nov, intensity to be less than second wave: Scientist

India delivered 100 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen and 300 oxygen containers to Vietnam on Monday to help the country fight the coronavirus infection, officials said.

The supplies were transported to the Ho Chi Minh City port by Indian Navy ship INS Airavat.

"INS Airavat reaches Vietnam with Oxygen supplies. Indo-Pacific approach in practice," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said the ship, carrying 100 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen in five containers and 300 oxygen concentrators, reached the Ho Chi Minh City port on Monday.

He said the medical supplies were sent in accordance with the requirements projected by the Vietnamese government.

Last week, INS Airavat delivered medical supplies to Indonesia.

"As part of India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the region and has been at the forefront of numerous humanitarian missions spanning the entire extent of the Indian Ocean," the official said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-hands-over-vietnam-first-high-speed-boat-under-100-million-defense-credit-line-351429">&nbsp;India hands over Vietnam first high-speed boat under $100 million defense credit line</a>

The ties between India and Vietnam are on an upswing, particularly in the areas of defence and security.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart Sr Lt Gen Phan Van Giang held extensive talks virtually last month during which they vowed to further enhance military-to-military cooperation.

Vietnam, an important country of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region.

India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243">'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus</a>

"The two navies cooperate in various areas, including a composite training programme in the fields of submarine, aviation and technical training, and regularly carry out joint naval exercises in the form of bilateral exercises," Commander Madhwal said.

"The current deployment of the ship aims to further strengthen the strategic relationship," he added.&nbsp;

India delivered 100 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen and 300 oxygen containers to Vietnam on Monday to help the country fight the coronavirus infection, officials said.

India delivered 100 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen and 300 oxygen containers to Vietnam on Monday to help the country fight the coronavirus infection, officials said. The supplies were transported to the Ho Chi Minh City port by Indian Navy ship INS Airavat. "INS Airavat reaches Vietnam with Oxygen supplies. Indo-Pacific approach in practice," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said the ship, carrying 100 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen in five containers and 300 oxygen concentrators, reached the Ho Chi Minh City port on Monday. He said the medical supplies were sent in accordance with the requirements projected by the Vietnamese government. Last week, INS Airavat delivered medical supplies to Indonesia. "As part of India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the region and has been at the forefront of numerous humanitarian missions spanning the entire extent of the Indian Ocean," the official said. Also read | India hands over Vietnam first high-speed boat under $100 million defense credit line The ties between India and Vietnam are on an upswing, particularly in the areas of defence and security. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart Sr Lt Gen Phan Van Giang held extensive talks virtually last month during which they vowed to further enhance military-to-military cooperation. Vietnam, an important country of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region. India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. Also read | 'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus "The two navies cooperate in various areas, including a composite training programme in the fields of submarine, aviation and technical training, and regularly carry out joint naval exercises in the form of bilateral exercises," Commander Madhwal said. "The current deployment of the ship aims to further strengthen the strategic relationship," he added.

India provides medical supplies to Vietnam

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year.

After donating or selling 66 million doses to nearly 100 countries, India barred exports in the middle of April to focus on domestic immunisation as infections exploded, upsetting the inoculation plans of many African and South Asian countries&nbsp;

India`s daily vaccinations surpassed 10 million doses on Friday, with national vaccine production more than doubling since April and set to rise again in the coming weeks. New production lines &nbsp;have been set up, a vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare won recent approval, and commercial production of Russia`s Sputnik V is starting in India.

The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world`s biggest vaccine maker, is now producing about 150 million doses a month of its version of the AstraZeneca shot, more than twice its April output of about 65 million, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

"No fixed timeline on exports but the company hopes to restart in a few months," said the source, who declined to be named without approval to talk on the matter.

SII, which has previously indicated exports could resume by year-end , did not respond to a request for comment.

Global vaccine sharing platform COVAX hopes India will restart foreign sales sooner than later.

"With successful national vaccination and the arrival of more products, we are hoping that Indian supply to COVAX will resume as quickly as possible," a spokesperson for the platform`s co-lead GAVI told Reuters in an email.

India, a major international producer of many other vaccines, could play a "similarly transformative role in the global response to COVID-19," the spokesperson said.

India`s health ministry and the foreign ministry, which coordinates vaccine exports, did not respond to a request for comment.

Bharat Biotech, the maker of India`s first domestically developed COVID-19 shot, on Sunday inaugurated a new factory with a production capacity of 10 million doses a month. It said it was "marching towards" a goal of a total annual capacity of about 1 billion doses of the drug, Covaxin.

Infections, meanwhile, are again rising in India after an explosive outbreak in April and May. But the country has administered more than 633 million vaccine doses, with at least one dose to 52% of its 944 million adults and two doses to more than 15%.

A government source told Reuters in June the U.S. experience showed that vaccinations tend to slow down after a big majority of people get their shots. That might give SII a chance to export excess output, said the source.

The chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party said this month India could produce as many as 1.1 billion vaccine doses between September and December, enough to fully immunise all adults in the country this year.

India has so far given emergency authorisation to six COVID-19 shots, four of which are being produced locally. One more domestic vaccine is expected to be approved soon while many more are going through mid-stage trials.

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year.

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year. After donating or selling 66 million doses to nearly 100 countries, India barred exports in the middle of April to focus on domestic immunisation as infections exploded, upsetting the inoculation plans of many African and South Asian countries India`s daily vaccinations surpassed 10 million doses on Friday, with national vaccine production more than doubling since April and set to rise again in the coming weeks. New production lines have been set up, a vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare won recent approval, and commercial production of Russia`s Sputnik V is starting in India. The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world`s biggest vaccine maker, is now producing about 150 million doses a month of its version of the AstraZeneca shot, more than twice its April output of about 65 million, a source with knowledge of the matter said. "No fixed timeline on exports but the company hopes to restart in a few months," said the source, who declined to be named without approval to talk on the matter. SII, which has previously indicated exports could resume by year-end , did not respond to a request for comment. Global vaccine sharing platform COVAX hopes India will restart foreign sales sooner than later. "With successful national vaccination and the arrival of more products, we are hoping that Indian supply to COVAX will resume as quickly as possible," a spokesperson for the platform`s co-lead GAVI told Reuters in an email. India, a major international producer of many other vaccines, could play a "similarly transformative role in the global response to COVID-19," the spokesperson said. India`s health ministry and the foreign ministry, which coordinates vaccine exports, did not respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech, the maker of India`s first domestically developed COVID-19 shot, on Sunday inaugurated a new factory with a production capacity of 10 million doses a month. It said it was "marching towards" a goal of a total annual capacity of about 1 billion doses of the drug, Covaxin. Infections, meanwhile, are again rising in India after an explosive outbreak in April and May. But the country has administered more than 633 million vaccine doses, with at least one dose to 52% of its 944 million adults and two doses to more than 15%. A government source told Reuters in June the U.S. experience showed that vaccinations tend to slow down after a big majority of people get their shots. That might give SII a chance to export excess output, said the source. The chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party said this month India could produce as many as 1.1 billion vaccine doses between September and December, enough to fully immunise all adults in the country this year. India has so far given emergency authorisation to six COVID-19 shots, four of which are being produced locally. One more domestic vaccine is expected to be approved soon while many more are going through mid-stage trials.

India could soon be exporting Covid vaccines again as production jumps

During the 80th edition of Mann Ki Baat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his thoughts related to Sports Day. He also paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyanchand by remembering him on his birth anniversary.

PM Modi pays tribute to Indian Hockey player Major Dhyan Chand through 80th edition of Mann Ki Baat

India added 45,083 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-46759-covid-19-cases-509-deaths-408954">COVID-19 </a>cases to 3,26,95,030, while active cases registered an increase for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll has climbed to 4,37,830 with 460 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-reports-over-30000-covid-19-cases-night-curfew-to-be-imposed-409118">Also Read:&nbsp;Kerala reports over 30,000 COVID-19 cases; night curfew to be imposed</a>

The active cases have increased to 3,68,558 comprising 1.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.53 per cent, the ministry said.

An increase of 8,783 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 17,55,327 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 51,86,42,929.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.57 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 34 days.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.28 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 65 days, according to the ministry. 
 
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,88,642, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 4,37,830 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,37,026 from Maharashtra, 37,261 from Karnataka, 34,856 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,807 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,466 from Kerala and 18,417 from West Bengal.

India added 45,083 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,26,95,030, while active cases registered an increase for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India added 45,083 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,26,95,030, while active cases registered an increase for the fifth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll has climbed to 4,37,830 with 460 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. Also Read: Kerala reports over 30,000 COVID-19 cases; night curfew to be imposed The active cases have increased to 3,68,558 comprising 1.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.53 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 8,783 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 17,55,327 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 51,86,42,929. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.57 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 34 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.28 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 65 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,88,642, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. A total of 4,37,830 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,37,026 from Maharashtra, 37,261 from Karnataka, 34,856 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,807 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,466 from Kerala and 18,417 from West Bengal.

India records over 45,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active cases rise for fifth consecutive day

Kerala on Saturday recorded over 30,000 coronavirus cases for the fourth consecutive day taking the total number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-46759-covid-19-cases-509-deaths-408954">COVID-19</a> cases to 39,77,572.

There were 153 deaths reported in the 24 hours in the state with the total fatalities due to the virus rising to 20,466.

Thrissur district reported the highest number of cases followed by Ernakulam and &nbsp;Kozhikode.&nbsp;The state recorded 31,265 COVID-19 on Saturday even as the positivity rate dipped to 18.67 per cent from 19.22 compared to Friday.

The Kerala government had earlier declared that night curfew would be enforced in the state from next week to prevent the spread of the virus. The night curfew will be enforced from 10pm to 6am.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/momentous-feat-pm-modi-hails-indias-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-in-single-day-408962">Also Read:&nbsp;'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day</a>

Authorities had last month relaxed restrictions in the state for a few days due to festivals, since then the state has reportedly recorded over 20,000 COVID-19 cases each day.&nbsp;

"In areas where the weekly infection population ratio is above seven per cent, the government has decided to implement a lockdown," Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The state chief minister informed that over 10 million people in Kerala have received the first dose of vaccine with over &nbsp;57 per cent of the population having received the first dose and over 20 per cent who are fully vaccinated.

The government said it has increased oxygen beds, ICUs and ventilators in hospitals amid a spike in COVID-19 cases with oxygen facilities also being arranged for children.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Kerala on Saturday recorded over 30,000 coronavirus cases for the fourth consecutive day taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 39,77,572. There were 153 deaths reported in the 24 hours in the state with the total fatalities due to the virus rising to 20,466.

Kerala on Saturday recorded over 30,000 coronavirus cases for the fourth consecutive day taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 39,77,572. There were 153 deaths reported in the 24 hours in the state with the total fatalities due to the virus rising to 20,466. Thrissur district reported the highest number of cases followed by Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The state recorded 31,265 COVID-19 on Saturday even as the positivity rate dipped to 18.67 per cent from 19.22 compared to Friday. The Kerala government had earlier declared that night curfew would be enforced in the state from next week to prevent the spread of the virus. The night curfew will be enforced from 10pm to 6am. Also Read: 'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day Authorities had last month relaxed restrictions in the state for a few days due to festivals, since then the state has reportedly recorded over 20,000 COVID-19 cases each day. "In areas where the weekly infection population ratio is above seven per cent, the government has decided to implement a lockdown," Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. The state chief minister informed that over 10 million people in Kerala have received the first dose of vaccine with over 57 per cent of the population having received the first dose and over 20 per cent who are fully vaccinated. The government said it has increased oxygen beds, ICUs and ventilators in hospitals amid a spike in COVID-19 cases with oxygen facilities also being arranged for children. (With inputs from Agencies)

Kerala reports over 30,000 COVID-19 cases; night curfew to be imposed

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said.

Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”.

“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said.

The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country.

During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”.

Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. &nbsp;India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project.

Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.”

While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned&nbsp;about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties. In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. “India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said. Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”. “We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said. The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country. During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”. Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project. Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.” While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Taliban leader Stanikzai bats for good ties with India, extends support to Chabahar port

Stressing that it is a country's duty to protect its history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that events of the past "teach us and give us direction to move forward", as he dedicated to the nation the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh memorial.

Modi, who inaugurated the complex virtually, paid homage to those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. "The global developments remind us of the importance of self-reliance and self-confidence."

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Renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak being dedicated to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/qvgSvFD422">https://t.co/qvgSvFD422</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1431613291722199041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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At a time when we are celebrating Amrut Mahotsav, we should strengthen our nation's foundation and take pride in it," the PM said. "Today, if any Indian is in trouble anywhere in the world, then India stands up to help him with all its might. Be it the corona(virus) period or the crisis of Afghanistan, the world has experienced it continuously. Hundreds of people from Afghanistan are being brought to India under Operation Devi Shakti," he said.

Modi said the dedication of the renovated complex in the country's 75th year of independence is a matter of inspiration for all. "It is the duty of every country to protect its history. Events of the past teach us and give direction to move forward," he said.

Horrors like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Partition speak of the sacrifices made for India's freedom and should not be forgotten as they inspire to keep the country above all.

"It is not right for any country to ignore such horrors of its past," he said, noting that August 14 is now being observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. "This place will inspire future generations about the journey of our Independence movement, the sacrifices and countless struggles of our ancestors. "

What should be our duty towards our nation and how we should keep the country above all in everything we do, the inspiration for this will come from this place," the PM said.

Quoting Gurbani, Modi said happiness emanates from empathy and service. For the all-round progress of Punjab and the country, a combined effort is needed, he said, adding that "virasat (heritage) and vikas (development) must coexist".

Modi said the people of Punjab have been the biggest victims of the country's partition. "We still feel the pain of what happened at the time of Partition in every corner of India and especially in the families of Punjab."

We will have to work together for the progress of Punjab and the country in every sphere with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas," he said.

Referring to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the PM said those 10 minutes of April 13, 1919 became the immortal story of India's freedom struggle. He said Jallianwala Bagh is the place that inspired countless revolutionaries and freedom fighters like Sardar Udham Singh and Sardar Bhagat Singh to make sacrifices for the country.

During the event, Modi also digitally inaugurated the museum galleries at the memorial. The event also showcased the multiple development initiatives undertaken by the government to upgrade the complex. The PM noted that tribal communities contributed greatly to the freedom struggle and made many sacrifices. However, their contributions did not find mention in history books to the extent they deserve.

He added that work is underway on museums in nine states of the country to showcase tribal freedom fighters and their struggle.

Underlining the brave tradition of Punjab, Modi said that following the path of gurus, brave sons of the soil have fearlessly stood like a rock against all dangers facing the country.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab and members of Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, among others, were present on the occasion.

As part of the inaugural event, a wreath-laying ceremony was also held and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

A sound and light show was held to depict the events of the day of the massacre. Four museum galleries have been created through adaptive reuse of redundant and underutilised buildings. They showcase the historical value of the events that unfolded in Punjab during that period, with the fusion of audio-visual technology, including projection mapping and 3D representation, as well as art and sculptural installations.

Over 1,000 people were killed and hundreds wounded on April 13, 1919 when British troops fired indiscriminately on an unarmed gathering of thousands who had assembled in Jallianwala Bagh amid nationwide protests against the Rowlatt Act which had extended wartime repressive measures.

Stressing that it is a country's duty to protect its history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that events of the past "teach us and give us direction to move forward", as he dedicated to the nation the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh memorial.

Stressing that it is a country's duty to protect its history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that events of the past "teach us and give us direction to move forward", as he dedicated to the nation the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh memorial. Modi, who inaugurated the complex virtually, paid homage to those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. "The global developments remind us of the importance of self-reliance and self-confidence." Renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak being dedicated to the nation. https://t.co/qvgSvFD422 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2021 × At a time when we are celebrating Amrut Mahotsav, we should strengthen our nation's foundation and take pride in it," the PM said. "Today, if any Indian is in trouble anywhere in the world, then India stands up to help him with all its might. Be it the corona(virus) period or the crisis of Afghanistan, the world has experienced it continuously. Hundreds of people from Afghanistan are being brought to India under Operation Devi Shakti," he said. Modi said the dedication of the renovated complex in the country's 75th year of independence is a matter of inspiration for all. "It is the duty of every country to protect its history. Events of the past teach us and give direction to move forward," he said. Horrors like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Partition speak of the sacrifices made for India's freedom and should not be forgotten as they inspire to keep the country above all. "It is not right for any country to ignore such horrors of its past," he said, noting that August 14 is now being observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. "This place will inspire future generations about the journey of our Independence movement, the sacrifices and countless struggles of our ancestors. " What should be our duty towards our nation and how we should keep the country above all in everything we do, the inspiration for this will come from this place," the PM said. Quoting Gurbani, Modi said happiness emanates from empathy and service. For the all-round progress of Punjab and the country, a combined effort is needed, he said, adding that "virasat (heritage) and vikas (development) must coexist". Modi said the people of Punjab have been the biggest victims of the country's partition. "We still feel the pain of what happened at the time of Partition in every corner of India and especially in the families of Punjab." We will have to work together for the progress of Punjab and the country in every sphere with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas," he said. Referring to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the PM said those 10 minutes of April 13, 1919 became the immortal story of India's freedom struggle. He said Jallianwala Bagh is the place that inspired countless revolutionaries and freedom fighters like Sardar Udham Singh and Sardar Bhagat Singh to make sacrifices for the country. During the event, Modi also digitally inaugurated the museum galleries at the memorial. The event also showcased the multiple development initiatives undertaken by the government to upgrade the complex. The PM noted that tribal communities contributed greatly to the freedom struggle and made many sacrifices. However, their contributions did not find mention in history books to the extent they deserve. He added that work is underway on museums in nine states of the country to showcase tribal freedom fighters and their struggle. Underlining the brave tradition of Punjab, Modi said that following the path of gurus, brave sons of the soil have fearlessly stood like a rock against all dangers facing the country. Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab and members of Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, among others, were present on the occasion. As part of the inaugural event, a wreath-laying ceremony was also held and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. A sound and light show was held to depict the events of the day of the massacre. Four museum galleries have been created through adaptive reuse of redundant and underutilised buildings. They showcase the historical value of the events that unfolded in Punjab during that period, with the fusion of audio-visual technology, including projection mapping and 3D representation, as well as art and sculptural installations. Over 1,000 people were killed and hundreds wounded on April 13, 1919 when British troops fired indiscriminately on an unarmed gathering of thousands who had assembled in Jallianwala Bagh amid nationwide protests against the Rowlatt Act which had extended wartime repressive measures.

India: PM Modi inaugurates renovated Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.&nbsp;

Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC." &nbsp;

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Spoke to US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Secblinken</a>. 
 
Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1431675500083113984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US secretary of state also said he and Jaishankar discussed shared priorities of the two countries, which include continued coordination on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the US secretary of state said, "Spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today to discuss our shared priorities including continued coordination on Afghanistan and in the United Nations. Look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership."&nbsp;

Watch | News Alert: United States Lawmakers question President Joe Biden

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US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also said Blinken and Jaishankar agreed to remain "closely coordinated on shared goals and priorities to deepen the US-India partnership."&nbsp;

Earlier, India had strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul. The statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs read, "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079" hreflang="en">Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport</a>

"Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," the statement added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and the United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC." Spoke to US Secretary of State @Secblinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2021 × The US secretary of state also said he and Jaishankar discussed shared priorities of the two countries, which include continued coordination on Afghanistan. In a tweet, the US secretary of state said, "Spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today to discuss our shared priorities including continued coordination on Afghanistan and in the United Nations. Look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership." Watch | News Alert: United States Lawmakers question President Joe Biden × US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also said Blinken and Jaishankar agreed to remain "closely coordinated on shared goals and priorities to deepen the US-India partnership." Earlier, India had strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul. The statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs read, "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack." Also Read: Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport "Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," the statement added. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and the United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian external affairs minister, US secretary of state discuss Afghan crisis

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool have condemned supporters who sang homophobic chants targeting opponents Chelsea during Saturday`s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield. The latest incidents follow Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp`s criticism of the club`s fans for homophobic chants aimed at Norwich City`s Billy Gilmour last week. Some Liverpool supporters were heard using homophobic language against the 20-year-old on-loan Chelsea midfielder Gilmour at Carrow Road last Saturday. The German said such songs were a "complete waste of time" and that he did not want to listen to them again. After Saturday`s match, the Merseyside club issued a statement saying: "Liverpool FC is disappointed by reports that a small section of our supporters were heard singing offensive songs during Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea at Anfield. "The club strongly condemns these actions and will be investigating all reported allegations of abusive and/or discriminatory behaviour with the relevant authorities to identify perpetrators. "LFC is committed to tackling abusive and discriminatory behaviour, which has no place in football or society." (Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool have condemned supporters who sang homophobic chants targeting opponents Chelsea during Saturday`s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool have condemned supporters who sang homophobic chants targeting opponents Chelsea during Saturday`s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield. The latest incidents follow Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp`s criticism of the club`s fans for homophobic chants aimed at Norwich City`s Billy Gilmour last week. Some Liverpool supporters were heard using homophobic language against the 20-year-old on-loan Chelsea midfielder Gilmour at Carrow Road last Saturday. The German said such songs were a "complete waste of time" and that he did not want to listen to them again. After Saturday`s match, the Merseyside club issued a statement saying: "Liverpool FC is disappointed by reports that a small section of our supporters were heard singing offensive songs during Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea at Anfield. "The club strongly condemns these actions and will be investigating all reported allegations of abusive and/or discriminatory behaviour with the relevant authorities to identify perpetrators. "LFC is committed to tackling abusive and discriminatory behaviour, which has no place in football or society." (Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Soccer-Liverpool condemn fans for homophobic chants aimed at Chelsea

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce $1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending.

The petition by the airline, which is separate to Indian government's plea in a Washington court seeking dismissal of Cairn's lawsuit to seek confirmation of the arbitral award, said the New York district court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate a "mere hypothetical question" or one that depends upon contingent future events that may or may not occur.

Cairn first moved a court in the US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking confirmation of the arbitration award and then filed a petition in the New York court to seek declaration of Air India as "alter ego" of the Indian government and so it should be made liable to pay the $1.26 billion arbitral award.

An international arbitration tribunal in December last year set aside the levy of capital gains tax, using a 2012 retrospective legislation, on a 2006 reorganisation of India business that Cairn carried before listing it on local stock exchanges. It ordered India to return the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld to enforce levy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-says-data-on-45-million-passengers-stolen-386687">Also read |&nbsp;Air India says data on 4.5 million passengers stolen</a>

With India refusing to pay, Cairn moved courts in the US.

"Cairn's petition to confirm the Award is pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia," Air India said in the August 23 petition seen by PTI.

It went on to state that the Indian government has filed before a court in The Hague -- the seat of the international arbitration tribunal -- a Motion to Stay and a Motion to Dismiss the arbitral award.

"In effect, the Complaint (by Cairn Energy) is a premature enforcement action dressed up as a declaratory judgment action, invoking this Court's federal jurisdiction to get a head start on executing the Award before the D.D.C. has had the opportunity to address the Republic of India's immunity defenses and its claims that the Award is not subject to enforcement under the New York Convention," Air India said.

"Such an attempt is improper, and the Complaint should be dismissed."

It sought dismissal on three counts - first because the court lacks jurisdiction "to issue a declaratory judgment because the alleged controversy is not ripe", second "Air India is immune from suit because none of the exceptions to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) applies to a premature collection proceeding of a hypothetical judgment, and third "the Complaint, which presupposes an enforceable judgment that does not exist, fails to allege a cognizable cause of action."

The Indian government had earlier this month asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia (DDC) to dismiss the case, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction since the country never agreed to arbitrate tax disputes. Meanwhile, litigation filed by New

Delhi in the Netherlands to have the award set aside also remains pending.

"Cairn asks this court to issue a declaration that Air India, as alleged alter ego of [India], will be liable on a judgment that does not, and may never, exist," the airline said in the August 23 petition.

"Unless and until the court in the Cairn confirmation action determines the threshold question of the enforceability of the award against (India), whether Cairn can then enforce that judgment against Air India under an alter ego theory is purely academic and not ripe for adjudication."

This comes within weeks of the government enacting a legislation to scrap the tax rule that gave the tax department power to go 50 years back and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas, but business assets were in India. That rule had been used to levy a cumulative of ₹ 1.10 lakh crore of tax on 17 entities, including ₹ 10,247 crore on Cairn.

The Indian government and Air India are defending their positions as rules for withdrawal of such tax demands are in the process of being framed.

"One of the requirements for the dropping of the retrospective tax demands is that the parties concerned have to give an undertaking for withdrawal of all cases against the government/tax department. So, while all this is in process, the government is obligated to respond in any legal matter where there is a time bar for doing so," an official explained.

The government in the dismissal motion filed on August 13 before DCC, cited protections afforded by the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976.

India in the filing said the court "lacks subject-matter jurisdiction under the FSIA because India never waived its sovereign immunity and, likewise, never offered - let alone agreed - to arbitrate the present dispute with Petitioners".

"India also never "clearly and unmistakably" excluded judicial review or delegated exclusive competence to decide these questions to an arbitral tribunal", implying that Cairn couldn't satisfy any exception to sovereign immunity under the US law, the filing said.

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce $1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending.

Air India has asked a New York court to dismiss a petition filed by Britain's Cairn Energy for seizure of its assets to enforce $1.2 billion arbitral awards against the Indian government, saying the litigation was premature as an appeal against the arbitration award was still pending. The petition by the airline, which is separate to Indian government's plea in a Washington court seeking dismissal of Cairn's lawsuit to seek confirmation of the arbitral award, said the New York district court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate a "mere hypothetical question" or one that depends upon contingent future events that may or may not occur. Cairn first moved a court in the US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking confirmation of the arbitration award and then filed a petition in the New York court to seek declaration of Air India as "alter ego" of the Indian government and so it should be made liable to pay the $1.26 billion arbitral award. An international arbitration tribunal in December last year set aside the levy of capital gains tax, using a 2012 retrospective legislation, on a 2006 reorganisation of India business that Cairn carried before listing it on local stock exchanges. It ordered India to return the value of shares seized and sold, dividend confiscated and tax refund withheld to enforce levy. Also read | Air India says data on 4.5 million passengers stolen With India refusing to pay, Cairn moved courts in the US. "Cairn's petition to confirm the Award is pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia," Air India said in the August 23 petition seen by PTI. It went on to state that the Indian government has filed before a court in The Hague -- the seat of the international arbitration tribunal -- a Motion to Stay and a Motion to Dismiss the arbitral award. "In effect, the Complaint (by Cairn Energy) is a premature enforcement action dressed up as a declaratory judgment action, invoking this Court's federal jurisdiction to get a head start on executing the Award before the D.D.C. has had the opportunity to address the Republic of India's immunity defenses and its claims that the Award is not subject to enforcement under the New York Convention," Air India said. "Such an attempt is improper, and the Complaint should be dismissed." It sought dismissal on three counts - first because the court lacks jurisdiction "to issue a declaratory judgment because the alleged controversy is not ripe", second "Air India is immune from suit because none of the exceptions to sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) applies to a premature collection proceeding of a hypothetical judgment, and third "the Complaint, which presupposes an enforceable judgment that does not exist, fails to allege a cognizable cause of action." The Indian government had earlier this month asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia (DDC) to dismiss the case, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction since the country never agreed to arbitrate tax disputes. Meanwhile, litigation filed by New Delhi in the Netherlands to have the award set aside also remains pending. "Cairn asks this court to issue a declaration that Air India, as alleged alter ego of [India], will be liable on a judgment that does not, and may never, exist," the airline said in the August 23 petition. "Unless and until the court in the Cairn confirmation action determines the threshold question of the enforceability of the award against (India), whether Cairn can then enforce that judgment against Air India under an alter ego theory is purely academic and not ripe for adjudication." This comes within weeks of the government enacting a legislation to scrap the tax rule that gave the tax department power to go 50 years back and slap capital gains levies wherever ownership had changed hands overseas, but business assets were in India. That rule had been used to levy a cumulative of ₹ 1.10 lakh crore of tax on 17 entities, including ₹ 10,247 crore on Cairn. The Indian government and Air India are defending their positions as rules for withdrawal of such tax demands are in the process of being framed. "One of the requirements for the dropping of the retrospective tax demands is that the parties concerned have to give an undertaking for withdrawal of all cases against the government/tax department. So, while all this is in process, the government is obligated to respond in any legal matter where there is a time bar for doing so," an official explained. The government in the dismissal motion filed on August 13 before DCC, cited protections afforded by the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976. India in the filing said the court "lacks subject-matter jurisdiction under the FSIA because India never waived its sovereign immunity and, likewise, never offered - let alone agreed - to arbitrate the present dispute with Petitioners". "India also never "clearly and unmistakably" excluded judicial review or delegated exclusive competence to decide these questions to an arbitral tribunal", implying that Cairn couldn't satisfy any exception to sovereign immunity under the US law, the filing said.

Air India asks US court to dismiss Cairn petition, says it is premature

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-not-responsible-for-talibans-actions-in-afghanistan-pm-imran-khan-409085"> Taliban</a> in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday.

The change was pointed out by Syed Akbaruddin who was India's permanent representative at the United Nations.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In diplomacy… 
A fortnight is a long time… 
The ‘T’ word is gone…🤔 
 
Compare the marked portions of <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Security Council statements issued on 16 August &amp; on 27 August… <a href="https://t.co/BPZTk23oqX">pic.twitter.com/BPZTk23oqX</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1431645567181017089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"In diplomacy…a fortnight is a long time. The ‘T’ word is gone," Akbaruddin said in his tweet while citing the two statements.

In the first statement issued on August 16, the UNSC said: “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079">Also Read:&nbsp;Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport</a>

On August 27, the UNSC while issuing the statement after the suicide attack at Kabul airport said: “The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.”

The attack was claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan(ISIS-K) which the UNS statement said was affiliated to Islamic State in Iraq and Levant(ISIL/Da'esh).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macron-says-france-britain-to-propose-safe-zone-in-kabul-409127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UNSC while condemning the "deplorable attack" said in the statement that "all parties must respect their obligations under the international humanitarian law in all circumstances."

India which is the president of the UNSC this month signed off on the statement and issued it as the chair for the month of August.

The Taliban was first designated as a terrorist organization in 1999 by the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

UNSC resolution 1267 adopted in October 1999 had designated slain al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and his associates as "terrorists" including al-Qaida and the Taliban.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the Taliban in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday.

The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) has reportedly not referred to the Taliban in its statement on terror attacks near Kabul airport which took place on Thursday. The change was pointed out by Syed Akbaruddin who was India's permanent representative at the United Nations. In diplomacy… A fortnight is a long time… The ‘T’ word is gone…🤔 Compare the marked portions of @UN Security Council statements issued on 16 August & on 27 August… pic.twitter.com/BPZTk23oqX — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) August 28, 2021 × "In diplomacy…a fortnight is a long time. The ‘T’ word is gone," Akbaruddin said in his tweet while citing the two statements. In the first statement issued on August 16, the UNSC said: “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country.” Also Read: Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport On August 27, the UNSC while issuing the statement after the suicide attack at Kabul airport said: “The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.” The attack was claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan(ISIS-K) which the UNS statement said was affiliated to Islamic State in Iraq and Levant(ISIL/Da'esh). Watch: The UNSC while condemning the "deplorable attack" said in the statement that "all parties must respect their obligations under the international humanitarian law in all circumstances." India which is the president of the UNSC this month signed off on the statement and issued it as the chair for the month of August. The Taliban was first designated as a terrorist organization in 1999 by the United Nations Security Council. UNSC resolution 1267 adopted in October 1999 had designated slain al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and his associates as "terrorists" including al-Qaida and the Taliban. (With inputs from Agencies)

UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">.</a>

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However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.

This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA, the circular further said.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Also read |&nbsp;US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

"In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th September 2021," stated the DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>circular.

"This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">.</a>&nbsp;However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis," further stated the circular.

Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31, said the circular issued by the DGCA on July 30, 2021.

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA.

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA. However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA, the circular further said. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon "In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th September 2021," stated the DGCA circular. "This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis," further stated the circular. Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31, said the circular issued by the DGCA on July 30, 2021.

DGCA extends suspension of international flights till September 30

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll has climbed to 4,37,370 with 509 more fatalities being recorded, according to the data updated at 8 am.&nbsp;The number of active cases has now increased to 3,59,775 which comprises 1.10 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.56 per cent, the ministry said.

Watch:&nbsp;Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 per cent

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An increase of 14,876 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. 
The count of daily new cases has stayed below 50,000 for 62 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

Also, 17,61,110 coronavirus tests were conducted in the country on Friday, taking the cumulative number of such examinations done so far to 51,68,87,602.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.66 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 33 days.&nbsp;The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.19 per cent. This has been below three per cent for 64 days now, according to the Health Ministry.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909" hreflang="en">COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,52,802, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. India administered a record 1,03,35,290 COVID-19 vaccine doses on Friday.

The 509 new fatalities include 179 from Kerala and 170 from Maharashtra.&nbsp;A total of 4,37,370 deaths due to the disease have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,900 from Maharashtra, 37,248 from Karnataka, 34,835 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,796 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,313 from Kerala and 18,410 from West Bengal.

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data.

With 46,759 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, India's infection tally rose to 3,26,49,947 on Saturday, while the count of active cases registered an increase for the fourth consecutive day, according to Union Health Ministry data. The death toll has climbed to 4,37,370 with 509 more fatalities being recorded, according to the data updated at 8 am. The number of active cases has now increased to 3,59,775 which comprises 1.10 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.56 per cent, the ministry said. Watch: Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 per cent × An increase of 14,876 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The count of daily new cases has stayed below 50,000 for 62 consecutive days now, the ministry said. Also, 17,61,110 coronavirus tests were conducted in the country on Friday, taking the cumulative number of such examinations done so far to 51,68,87,602. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.66 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 33 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.19 per cent. This has been below three per cent for 64 days now, according to the Health Ministry. Also Read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,52,802, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. India administered a record 1,03,35,290 COVID-19 vaccine doses on Friday. The 509 new fatalities include 179 from Kerala and 170 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,37,370 deaths due to the disease have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,900 from Maharashtra, 37,248 from Karnataka, 34,835 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,796 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,313 from Kerala and 18,410 from West Bengal.

India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths

Kabuliwalas living in Kolkata worried about their families in Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

'Kabuliwala' worry about their relatives in Kabul

 Mehsana (Gujarat) [India], August 28 (ANI): After India`s para table tennis player Bhavina Patel stormed into the gold medal match in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, her father on Saturday said that he is sure that his daughter will definitely win a gold medal."I am very happy today. Bhavina Patel is definitely going to win a gold medal. For the last 20 years, she is playing Table Tennis," said Hasmukhbhai Patel, Bhavina`s father to ANI.Earlier, Bhavina said she never thought of reaching the finals of the Tokyo Paralympics and was only focused on giving her 100 per cent in every match."If I keep on performing like this, I will definitely win the gold medal. I never thought of reaching the finals and only concentrated on giving my 100 per cent and I did that only," said Bhavina in a video by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)."And when you give your 100 per cent you can win a medal. I am mentally ready for the finals and I just want to give my 100 per cent," she added.Bhavina Patel continued her dream run in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics as she stormed into the gold medal match after defeating Zhang Miao of China 3-2 in her Class 4 match. She created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition.Bhavina had on Friday become the first Indian to enter the semi-finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition. The 34-year-old Gujarat-based paddler defeated the defending champion and veteran Borislava Peric-Rankovic of Serbia 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 in just 18 minutes in their women`s singles quarterfinal Class 4 category. (ANI) 

Mehsana (Gujarat) [India], August 28 (ANI): After India`s para table tennis player Bhavina Patel stormed into the gold medal match in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, her father on Saturday said that he is sure that his daughter will definitely win a gold medal.

Mehsana (Gujarat) [India], August 28 (ANI): After India`s para table tennis player Bhavina Patel stormed into the gold medal match in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, her father on Saturday said that he is sure that his daughter will definitely win a gold medal."I am very happy today. Bhavina Patel is definitely going to win a gold medal. For the last 20 years, she is playing Table Tennis," said Hasmukhbhai Patel, Bhavina`s father to ANI.Earlier, Bhavina said she never thought of reaching the finals of the Tokyo Paralympics and was only focused on giving her 100 per cent in every match."If I keep on performing like this, I will definitely win the gold medal. I never thought of reaching the finals and only concentrated on giving my 100 per cent and I did that only," said Bhavina in a video by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)."And when you give your 100 per cent you can win a medal. I am mentally ready for the finals and I just want to give my 100 per cent," she added.Bhavina Patel continued her dream run in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics as she stormed into the gold medal match after defeating Zhang Miao of China 3-2 in her Class 4 match. She created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition.Bhavina had on Friday become the first Indian to enter the semi-finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition. The 34-year-old Gujarat-based paddler defeated the defending champion and veteran Borislava Peric-Rankovic of Serbia 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 in just 18 minutes in their women`s singles quarterfinal Class 4 category. (ANI)

Tokyo Paralympics: I''m sure my daughter will win gold, says Bhavina''s father

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Italy is the chair for G20 this year and will host all meetings of the grouping this year, including the leaders' summit in October. The idea of a special meet on Afghanistan, which is an Italian Idea, is being discussed with several other G20 member countries as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-suicide-attack-us-drone-strike-kills-isis-k-planner-in-afghanistan-report-409004">US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report</a>

A readout from Indian PMO on telephonic call said, "The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world". While condemning the terror attack at Kabul international airport last week, the readout said that the leaders, "stressed upon the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the humanitarian crisis and long-term security concerns arising out of the developments in Afghanistan."

During the talks, they also discussed issues such as&nbsp;climate change and in that context, exchanged views on other forthcoming multilateral engagements too, such as COP-26 that will take place in November. Draghi is the second leader with whom PM Modi has spoken to since the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15. Earlier, he had conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Psaki, in response to question on G20 meet on Afghanistan, directed it to state department&nbsp;pointing to "planned engagements with international partners in the coming days."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-flights-take-off-from-kabul-as-evacuations-resume-409022/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is not the first-time a special meeting by G20 is being organised on international crisis. Last year, under Saudi leadership, G20 hosted special leaders level summit to deal with the Covid crisis.&nbsp;

The grouping formed after the 2008 financial crisis is increasingly being seen as key to global world order even as the United Nations remain defunct, especially lack of reforms at the security council. Countries such as&nbsp;China have been holding reforms at the security council, and blocking expansion of membership for countries like India. 
&nbsp;

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday discussed need for a special leader's level meeting on Afghanistan by G20 grouping with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Italy is the chair for G20 this year and will host all meetings of the grouping this year, including the leaders' summit in October. The idea of a special meet on Afghanistan, which is an Italian Idea, is being discussed with several other G20 member countries as well. Also read | US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report A readout from Indian PMO on telephonic call said, "The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world". While condemning the terror attack at Kabul international airport last week, the readout said that the leaders, "stressed upon the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the humanitarian crisis and long-term security concerns arising out of the developments in Afghanistan." During the talks, they also discussed issues such as climate change and in that context, exchanged views on other forthcoming multilateral engagements too, such as COP-26 that will take place in November. Draghi is the second leader with whom PM Modi has spoken to since the fall of Kabul to Taliban on August 15. Earlier, he had conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Psaki, in response to question on G20 meet on Afghanistan, directed it to state department pointing to "planned engagements with international partners in the coming days." WATCH | This is not the first-time a special meeting by G20 is being organised on international crisis. Last year, under Saudi leadership, G20 hosted special leaders level summit to deal with the Covid crisis. The grouping formed after the 2008 financial crisis is increasingly being seen as key to global world order even as the United Nations remain defunct, especially lack of reforms at the security council. Countries such as China have been holding reforms at the security council, and blocking expansion of membership for countries like India.

G20 special meet on Afghanistan: Italian PM Draghi discusses matter with PM Modi

Kashmir's tourism industry is witnessing a boom after hitting the lowest level in the last two years in July and this month Kashmir has seen the maximum tourist arrival since the outbreak of COVID-19.

India: Return of peace spurs revival of tourism in J&K

 Dubai [UAE], August 28 (ANI): South Africa`s talismanic former captain Faf du Plessis has been named Bangla Tigers` icon player and captain for the upcoming fifth edition of Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.The event is being staged under the aegis of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), with official approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.Du Plessis has played 69 Tests, 143 ODIs and 50 T20Is for South Africa in a career which started in 2011. He has also captained South Africa in all three formats.His appointment is the first in a series of announcements scheduled to be made by Bangla Tigers in the coming days. These announcements will range from players who have been retained to the coaching staff who will guide the squad from the side lines.Speaking about joining the Bangla Tigers squad, du Plessis said: "It is an exciting new format to be part of. I am looking forward to joining forces with some of the world`s biggest names in this league and representing team Bangla Tigers. It is going to be a thrilling time for the game of cricket. It`s heart-warming to see leagues like T10 putting in so much hard work and offering such exciting formats for sports enthusiasts. I can`t wait to get going."Bangla Tigers owner Mohammad Yasin Chowdhury said: "It is terrific to have a world-class player like Faf in our squad. We have all seen his exploits for South Africa in various formats. He is a champion cricketer. It is a huge honour to have him in our squad. We all know what he has achieved both on and off the field. His deeds speak for his brilliance. I wholeheartedly welcome Faf to the Bangla Tigers family." (ANI) 

Dubai [UAE], August 28 (ANI): South Africa`s talismanic former captain Faf du Plessis has been named Bangla Tigers` icon player and captain for the upcoming fifth edition of Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.

Dubai [UAE], August 28 (ANI): South Africa`s talismanic former captain Faf du Plessis has been named Bangla Tigers` icon player and captain for the upcoming fifth edition of Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.The event is being staged under the aegis of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), with official approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.Du Plessis has played 69 Tests, 143 ODIs and 50 T20Is for South Africa in a career which started in 2011. He has also captained South Africa in all three formats.His appointment is the first in a series of announcements scheduled to be made by Bangla Tigers in the coming days. These announcements will range from players who have been retained to the coaching staff who will guide the squad from the side lines.Speaking about joining the Bangla Tigers squad, du Plessis said: "It is an exciting new format to be part of. I am looking forward to joining forces with some of the world`s biggest names in this league and representing team Bangla Tigers. It is going to be a thrilling time for the game of cricket. It`s heart-warming to see leagues like T10 putting in so much hard work and offering such exciting formats for sports enthusiasts. I can`t wait to get going."Bangla Tigers owner Mohammad Yasin Chowdhury said: "It is terrific to have a world-class player like Faf in our squad. We have all seen his exploits for South Africa in various formats. He is a champion cricketer. It is a huge honour to have him in our squad. We all know what he has achieved both on and off the field. His deeds speak for his brilliance. I wholeheartedly welcome Faf to the Bangla Tigers family." (ANI)

Abu Dhabi T10: Faf du Plessis named Bangla Tigers'' captain

Nearly 61 per cent of homebuyers in the mainstream India segment expect residential prices to increase in the next 12 months, according to the latest Knight Frank global and India buyer survey.&nbsp;

The report notes that 19 per cent of respondents globally have moved to a new house since the start of the pandemic. This rises to 25 per cent in Australasia and North America.&nbsp;

Of the non-movers, 20 per cent are more inclined to move in 2021 even as the pandemic continues.

In the Indian edition of the survey, 26 per cent of mainstream Indians had moved their residences within the pandemic period. These relocations were motivated by factors like want of more open space and proximity to friends and family.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahabodhi-temple-popular-buddhist-pilgrimage-site-reopens-after-months-of-covid-19-shutdown-408970">Mahabodhi Temple: Popular Buddhist pilgrimage site reopens after months of COVID-19 shutdown</a>

For Indian mainstream non-movers, 32 per cent were more inclined to move residences in the next 12 months.&nbsp;

An overwhelming 87 per cent of the respondents who desire to move homes in the next 12 months favoured the suburban neighbourhood of their current city of residence, while 13 per cent of respondents who want to relocate, may consider an alternate city.&nbsp;

Globally, 64 per cent of respondents expect the value of their primary residence to increase in the next 12 months. In the case of global Indian segment, which represents the higher-income segment, 32 per cent expect prices to rise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-better-country-in-world-than-india-sikhs-evacuated-from-afghanistan-thank-indian-government-408967">'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government</a>

Reflecting a more optimistic outlook, 61 per cent of respondents in the mainstream Indian segment expect prices of their primary residences to rise in the next 12 months.&nbsp;

The report emphasises that the future of work will play a significant part not only for the commercial sector but also for the residential. More than half of respondents in the mainstream Indian segment expect to be back in the office for the entire workweek once all restrictions are lifted.&nbsp;

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said the pandemic has changed the outlook towards ownership of homes.&nbsp;

Globally, two trends have stood out in the last few months.

Firstly, a growing ambivalence of some buyers when it comes to location, provided they can secure a co-primary home that delivers the lifestyle and enjoyment they feel they have missed out on.

And, secondly given low savings rates and frothy stock markets, buyers are taking a more defensive stance by rebalancing their portfolios with a greater focus on tangible assets such as property.

"Energy efficient homes are also gaining traction as the concept is finding preference among homebuyers in India," said Baijal.&nbsp;

Nearly 61 per cent of homebuyers in the mainstream India segment expect residential prices to increase in the next 12 months, according to the latest Knight Frank global and India buyer survey.

Nearly 61 per cent of homebuyers in the mainstream India segment expect residential prices to increase in the next 12 months, according to the latest Knight Frank global and India buyer survey. The report notes that 19 per cent of respondents globally have moved to a new house since the start of the pandemic. This rises to 25 per cent in Australasia and North America. Of the non-movers, 20 per cent are more inclined to move in 2021 even as the pandemic continues. In the Indian edition of the survey, 26 per cent of mainstream Indians had moved their residences within the pandemic period. These relocations were motivated by factors like want of more open space and proximity to friends and family. ALSO READ | Mahabodhi Temple: Popular Buddhist pilgrimage site reopens after months of COVID-19 shutdown For Indian mainstream non-movers, 32 per cent were more inclined to move residences in the next 12 months. An overwhelming 87 per cent of the respondents who desire to move homes in the next 12 months favoured the suburban neighbourhood of their current city of residence, while 13 per cent of respondents who want to relocate, may consider an alternate city. Globally, 64 per cent of respondents expect the value of their primary residence to increase in the next 12 months. In the case of global Indian segment, which represents the higher-income segment, 32 per cent expect prices to rise. ALSO READ | 'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government Reflecting a more optimistic outlook, 61 per cent of respondents in the mainstream Indian segment expect prices of their primary residences to rise in the next 12 months. The report emphasises that the future of work will play a significant part not only for the commercial sector but also for the residential. More than half of respondents in the mainstream Indian segment expect to be back in the office for the entire workweek once all restrictions are lifted. Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said the pandemic has changed the outlook towards ownership of homes. Globally, two trends have stood out in the last few months. Firstly, a growing ambivalence of some buyers when it comes to location, provided they can secure a co-primary home that delivers the lifestyle and enjoyment they feel they have missed out on. And, secondly given low savings rates and frothy stock markets, buyers are taking a more defensive stance by rebalancing their portfolios with a greater focus on tangible assets such as property. "Energy efficient homes are also gaining traction as the concept is finding preference among homebuyers in India," said Baijal.

Homebuyers in mainstream India segment expect prices to rise, says survey

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.&nbsp;

To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals.&nbsp;

So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including&nbsp;citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/momentous-feat-pm-modi-hails-indias-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-in-single-day-408962">'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day</a>

Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reopens-schools-for-classes-ix-to-xii-from-september-1-408959">Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1</a>

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"People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said.&nbsp;

"We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added.&nbsp;

He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged.&nbsp;

India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul.&nbsp;

(inputs from agencies)

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process.

Afghan Sikhs who reached India thanked the government for their safe evacuation from Afghanistan. The Indian government is working day and night to evacuate its citizen from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country and also chalk out a plan to proceed after deadly bomb blasts outside Kabul airport disrupted the evacuation process. To ease the process, India opened the window of E-visas for the tenure of six months for Afghan nationals. So far, India has airlifted 565 people from Afghanistan including citizens and embassy personnel. According to an official in the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), dozens of Afghans including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have also been evacuated. ALSO READ | 'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day Recently, Afghan Sikhs who reached Ludhiana in Punjab thanked the Indian government for their safe evacuation from war-torn Afghanistan. They also opened up about ordeals they faced in Afghanistan. One of them, Gurdit Singh used to run a grocery shop in Kabul and is family has been living in Afghanistan for sixty years. They are among the Sikh families that have been brought to India from Afghanistan. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "The situation is very critical after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. There is open firing in every street and lane. There is a panic among the people. Be it Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, everyone wants to leave Afghanistan. People are waiting with their children outside the airport to leave Afghanistan." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Watch: × "People were in distress even 21 years ago during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But this time, people want to leave the country. There is so much rush to the airport that half an hour drive is taking 18 hours," he said. "We decided to leave everything and come to India. There is no better country in the world than India where people of all religions live in peace and harmony. We are grateful to the Government of India," he added. He said that over 100 Sikhs and Hindus are still stranded in a gurdwara in Kabul. "We request the Government to bring them to India as soon as possible so that their lives can be saved," he urged. India is also holding discussions on the position of Afghans who are already here for health checkups and studies, etc before the Taliban seized power in Kabul. (inputs from agencies)

'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government

India's popular Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Mahabodhi Temple or the Mahabodhi Mahavihar has been re-opened on Friday (August 27) after being shut down for months due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) Secy, Nangzey Dorjee said, "We had to, unfortunately, keep the (Mahabodhi) temple closed since around last April for everyone's safety."

"The good thing is that from today the temple has been reopened at normal timings from 5am (GMT1130 ) to 9(GMT 0330) in the evening so we did proper preparations and it was reopened," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-better-country-in-world-than-india-sikhs-evacuated-from-afghanistan-thank-indian-government-408967">'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government</a>

Mahabodhi Temple, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002, was shut down in April to curb the spread of the virus — a period when India was struggling with the deadly second COVID-19 wave.&nbsp;

Devotees, including tourists, were happy with the reopening of the temple as they visited the holy site to offer prayers to Lord Buddha. The temple complex is revered by the Buddhists, since Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment there.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/momentous-feat-pm-modi-hails-indias-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-in-single-day-408962">'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day</a>

A resident named Anurag was quoted by Reuters, he said, "It feels really good that today we came here for the first time, on the first day as it (Mahabodhi Temple) reopened. We came here to visit and it feels really good."

"The temple was closed for many days so the devotees and the tourists who wanted to come could not come. It is good that it reopened now so people will come here to visit and the local who make their livelihood from here can earn well," he added.&nbsp;

India's popular Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Mahabodhi Temple or the Mahabodhi Mahavihar has been re-opened on Friday (August 27) after being shut down for months due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

India's popular Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Mahabodhi Temple or the Mahabodhi Mahavihar has been re-opened on Friday (August 27) after being shut down for months due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) Secy, Nangzey Dorjee said, "We had to, unfortunately, keep the (Mahabodhi) temple closed since around last April for everyone's safety." "The good thing is that from today the temple has been reopened at normal timings from 5am (GMT1130 ) to 9(GMT 0330) in the evening so we did proper preparations and it was reopened," he added. ALSO READ | 'No better country in world than India': Sikhs evacuated from Afghanistan thank Indian government Mahabodhi Temple, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002, was shut down in April to curb the spread of the virus — a period when India was struggling with the deadly second COVID-19 wave. Devotees, including tourists, were happy with the reopening of the temple as they visited the holy site to offer prayers to Lord Buddha. The temple complex is revered by the Buddhists, since Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment there. ALSO READ | 'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day A resident named Anurag was quoted by Reuters, he said, "It feels really good that today we came here for the first time, on the first day as it (Mahabodhi Temple) reopened. We came here to visit and it feels really good." "The temple was closed for many days so the devotees and the tourists who wanted to come could not come. It is good that it reopened now so people will come here to visit and the local who make their livelihood from here can earn well," he added.

Mahabodhi Temple: Popular Buddhist pilgrimage site reopens after months of COVID-19 shutdown

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.&nbsp;

The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed&nbsp;its previous daily record of 9.2 million.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reopens-schools-for-classes-ix-to-xii-from-september-1-408959">Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1</a>

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Record vaccination numbers today! 
 
Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1431297818161909760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation.&nbsp;

While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day."

"There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-records-46759-covid-19-cases-509-deaths-408954" hreflang="en">India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths</a>

Watch:&nbsp;World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules

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Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone."

As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases.&nbsp;

The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc.&nbsp;

India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day. The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed its previous daily record of 9.2 million. Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2021 × Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation. While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day." "There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added. Also Read: India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths Watch: World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules × Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone." As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases. The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc. India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.

'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day

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