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India added 25,467 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sees-single-day-rise-of-25072-new-covid-cases-lowest-in-160-days-407800">COVID-19 </a>cases, while the active cases declined to 3,19,551, comprising 0.98 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The total tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,74,773.

The death toll has climbed to 4,35,110 with 354 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am on Tuesday.

The active cases were the lowest in 156 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.68 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-third-wave-will-come-if-we-invite-it-government-407834">Also Read: COVID-19 third wave will come if we invite it, says government</a>

A reduction of 14373 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours.

Also, 16,47,526 tests were conducted on Monday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,93,91,792.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 28 days.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.90 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 60 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,17,20,112, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 58.89 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive till Tuesday morning.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and 3&nbsp;crore on June 23.

The 354 new fatalities include 105 from Maharashtra, 90 from Kerala and 68 from Odisha.

A total of 4,35,110 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,067 from Maharashtra, 37,155 from Karnataka, 34,734 from Tamil Nadu, 25,079 from Delhi, 22,792 from Uttar Pradesh, 19,584 from Kerala and 18,371 from West Bengal. 
The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India added 25,467 new COVID-19 cases, while the active cases declined to 3,19,551, comprising 0.98 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

India added 25,467 new COVID-19 cases, while the active cases declined to 3,19,551, comprising 0.98 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The total tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,74,773. The death toll has climbed to 4,35,110 with 354 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am on Tuesday. The active cases were the lowest in 156 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.68 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said. Also Read: COVID-19 third wave will come if we invite it, says government A reduction of 14373 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. Also, 16,47,526 tests were conducted on Monday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,93,91,792. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 28 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.90 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 60 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,17,20,112, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 58.89 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive till Tuesday morning. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and 3 crore on June 23. The 354 new fatalities include 105 from Maharashtra, 90 from Kerala and 68 from Odisha. A total of 4,35,110 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,36,067 from Maharashtra, 37,155 from Karnataka, 34,734 from Tamil Nadu, 25,079 from Delhi, 22,792 from Uttar Pradesh, 19,584 from Kerala and 18,371 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India &amp; any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August.

The development was announced hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi &amp; Russian President Vladimir Putin held 45-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a tweet, PM said, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan..."&nbsp;

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Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1430098467100119047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Both sides have had regular exchanges on Afghanistan, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's Russia visit &amp; Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's India visit earlier this year.

During Modi-Putin talks, both sides agreed to cooperate on counter-terror &amp; drug threat "emanating from the territory of Afghanistan", Russian readout of talks said.

They also "noted the importance of coordinated efforts" which would "contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in this country, ensuring security in the region as a whole".&nbsp;

The situation in Afghanistan is seen as security challenge to both India &amp; Russia. For India, Afghanistan could become a safe haven for Pakistan-based terror groups, and for Russia, a spillover of the crisis can impact friendly central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/evacuations-must-be-completed-by-august-31-afghans-not-allowed-to-go-to-airport-taliban-408053">Evacuations must be completed by August 31, Afghans not allowed to go to airport: Taliban</a>

Important to remember, India's Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Saran met Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev last week in Moscow &amp; discussed Afghanistan. Last week was the first week since the fall of Kabul, and Taliban emerging as dominant force in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During the talks both sides also had conversation on trade, Covid crisis, manufacture of Russian Vaccines in India. Next few months will see increased India, Russia engagement, given India will host BRICS summit in September as the chair of the grouping, Russian President Vladimir Putin's much-awaited India visit for annual India Russia bilateral summit &amp; deliveries of the first units of S400 air defence systems.

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India & any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August.

In an important development, India and Russia have agreed to form a "permanent bilateral channel" for consultations on Afghanistan. The announcement of bilateral channel has been the most visible practical cooperation between India & any of its allies on Afghanistan in the aftermath of fall of Kabul to Taliban since 15th August. The development was announced hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Russian President Vladimir Putin held 45-minute telephonic conversation on Tuesday. In a tweet, PM said, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan..." Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2021 × Both sides have had regular exchanges on Afghanistan, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's Russia visit & Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's India visit earlier this year. During Modi-Putin talks, both sides agreed to cooperate on counter-terror & drug threat "emanating from the territory of Afghanistan", Russian readout of talks said. They also "noted the importance of coordinated efforts" which would "contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in this country, ensuring security in the region as a whole". The situation in Afghanistan is seen as security challenge to both India & Russia. For India, Afghanistan could become a safe haven for Pakistan-based terror groups, and for Russia, a spillover of the crisis can impact friendly central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. Also Read: Evacuations must be completed by August 31, Afghans not allowed to go to airport: Taliban Important to remember, India's Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Saran met Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev last week in Moscow & discussed Afghanistan. Last week was the first week since the fall of Kabul, and Taliban emerging as dominant force in Afghanistan. During the talks both sides also had conversation on trade, Covid crisis, manufacture of Russian Vaccines in India. Next few months will see increased India, Russia engagement, given India will host BRICS summit in September as the chair of the grouping, Russian President Vladimir Putin's much-awaited India visit for annual India Russia bilateral summit & deliveries of the first units of S400 air defence systems.

India, Russia form 'permanent bilateral channel' for consultations on Afghanistan

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, "&nbsp;situation is bad, and people are scared.". He was evacuated to India over the weekend in an IAF flight, days after Kabul was run over by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Narendra Singh Khalsa is the son of Awtar Singh Khalsa, who was a Sikh representative to the Loya Jirga from Paktia province of Afghanistan. He died in the 2018 Jalalabad suicide attack.&nbsp;More than 15 died in that terror attack and drew widespread condemnation.

WION: What is the conditions in Kabul right now?

Narendra Singh Khalsa:&nbsp;The situation is serious, there is no government. Taliban has come&nbsp;and the situation remains fragile. Everyone is scared&nbsp;and everyone is in trouble.

WION: Who do think is to blame for the current situation in your country?

Narendra Singh Khalsa: Afghanistan is a key country in Asia and in the world. Enemies are working in Afghanistan,&nbsp;Ghani left the country&nbsp;but we are happy and content that he is safe and&nbsp;secure in the UAE.

WION: Are minorities scared in the country?

Narendra Singh Khalsa:&nbsp;We can't say anything. In the last few days,&nbsp;we went outside just once.

We stayed in the houses of our friends but&nbsp;can't say anything&nbsp;since the situation is bad&nbsp;and the people are scared. At the gates of the airport,&nbsp;people want to leave the country&nbsp;and many people are standing outside the airport.

Taliban has come in the past too, they were fine for the first few days, few months and then they indulged in activities that no one liked. Everyone is saying there is nothing to worry&nbsp;but we can't say anything.

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, " situation is bad, and people are scared.

Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Singh Khalsa has called the situation in his country "serious" and added that everyone is scared. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Khalsa said, " situation is bad, and people are scared.". He was evacuated to India over the weekend in an IAF flight, days after Kabul was run over by the Taliban. Narendra Singh Khalsa is the son of Awtar Singh Khalsa, who was a Sikh representative to the Loya Jirga from Paktia province of Afghanistan. He died in the 2018 Jalalabad suicide attack. More than 15 died in that terror attack and drew widespread condemnation. WION: What is the conditions in Kabul right now? Narendra Singh Khalsa: The situation is serious, there is no government. Taliban has come and the situation remains fragile. Everyone is scared and everyone is in trouble. WION: Who do think is to blame for the current situation in your country? Narendra Singh Khalsa: Afghanistan is a key country in Asia and in the world. Enemies are working in Afghanistan, Ghani left the country but we are happy and content that he is safe and secure in the UAE. WION: Are minorities scared in the country? Narendra Singh Khalsa: We can't say anything. In the last few days, we went outside just once. We stayed in the houses of our friends but can't say anything since the situation is bad and the people are scared. At the gates of the airport, people want to leave the country and many people are standing outside the airport. Taliban has come in the past too, they were fine for the first few days, few months and then they indulged in activities that no one liked. Everyone is saying there is nothing to worry but we can't say anything.

Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region. &nbsp;We hope that the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours and its territory is not used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to threaten any other country."

Afghanistan has become unstable and thousands of people have been leaving the country ever since the Taliban took over Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15. Many of the Afghans who are leaving are worried over future under the Taliban rule.

Pandey hoped that "there is an inclusive and broad-based dispensation which represents all sections of Afghan society" &amp; said that "voices of Afghan women, aspirations of Afghan children and the rights of minorities must be respected".&nbsp;

He explained, "A broad-based representation would help the arrangement gain more acceptability and legitimacy."

International community has largely called for the same -- inclusive set up, one that is not dominated by one ethnicity but has representation from everyone given Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse country.

Calling, the security situation "precarious" he said, a "grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding"

"Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of fundamental rights of Afghan citizens" &amp; "Afghans are worried about whether their right to live with dignity would be respected," he added.

Heartbreaking visuals have emerged over last few days from Afghanistan especially around the Kabul Airport. The airport has been thronged by people who want to flee the country.&nbsp;

India on its part has been evacuating hundreds of its nationals and many Afghan vulnerable groups like the minority Hindus and Sikhs. Over last few days India has brought more than 40 Afghan Sikhs to Delhi. In addition 3 copies of Sikh Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' have also been brought. Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri &amp; V Muraleedharan were at the airport to receive the Holy Books.

Indra Mani called on the international community to "ensure full support to the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country and to enable all Afghans, including women, children and minorities, to live in peace and dignity."

He also pointed out to India's contribution to the country in the last 20 years in terms of humanitarian assistance, capacity building, connectivity. During the Covid crisis, India sent 75,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan to ensure food security during the pandemic.

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region.

India highlighted its concerns over Pakistan-based international terrorist groups at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meet. India raised flag over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) India's envoy to UN, Indra Mani Pandey said,""Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region. We hope that the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours and its territory is not used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to threaten any other country." Afghanistan has become unstable and thousands of people have been leaving the country ever since the Taliban took over Afghan national capital Kabul on August 15. Many of the Afghans who are leaving are worried over future under the Taliban rule. Pandey hoped that "there is an inclusive and broad-based dispensation which represents all sections of Afghan society" & said that "voices of Afghan women, aspirations of Afghan children and the rights of minorities must be respected". He explained, "A broad-based representation would help the arrangement gain more acceptability and legitimacy." International community has largely called for the same -- inclusive set up, one that is not dominated by one ethnicity but has representation from everyone given Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse country. Calling, the security situation "precarious" he said, a "grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding" "Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of fundamental rights of Afghan citizens" & "Afghans are worried about whether their right to live with dignity would be respected," he added. Heartbreaking visuals have emerged over last few days from Afghanistan especially around the Kabul Airport. The airport has been thronged by people who want to flee the country. India on its part has been evacuating hundreds of its nationals and many Afghan vulnerable groups like the minority Hindus and Sikhs. Over last few days India has brought more than 40 Afghan Sikhs to Delhi. In addition 3 copies of Sikh Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' have also been brought. Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri & V Muraleedharan were at the airport to receive the Holy Books. Indra Mani called on the international community to "ensure full support to the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country and to enable all Afghans, including women, children and minorities, to live in peace and dignity." He also pointed out to India's contribution to the country in the last 20 years in terms of humanitarian assistance, capacity building, connectivity. During the Covid crisis, India sent 75,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan to ensure food security during the pandemic.

UNHRC meet on Afghanistan: India raises concern over Pakistan-based terror groups

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.”

Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

“Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted.

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Op Devi Shakti continues. 
 
78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. 
 
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-is-world-silent-asks-afghanistans-first-female-sikh-mp-407905">‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP</a>

So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport.

Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule.

On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India.

After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India on Tuesday formally named one of its “complicated” rescue operation of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan, calling it “Operation Devi Shakti.” Saluting the efforts of the Indian Air Force and Air India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter after 78 people were brought to New Delhi via Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts,” Jaishankar tweeted. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × India began its rescue mission in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries. On August 16, 40 Indians were airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city. Also read | ‘Why is world silent?’, asks Afghanistan’s first female Sikh MP So far, India has managed to evacuate over 800 people amid deteriorating security situation at Kabul airport. Thousands of Afghans have been swarming at Kabul airport for the past one week, in a desperate attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's rule. On August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security where he directed the officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indians from Afghanistan and provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus wanting to come to India. After India evacuated the Indian embassy staff from Kabul on August 17, Jaishankar had described the mission as a “difficult and complicated” exercise.

‘Operation Devi Shakti’: 78 more evacuees from Afghanistan land in India, 800 rescued so far

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as&nbsp;the two leaders had a detailed discussion on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

PM Modi tweeted, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues."

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Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1430098467100119047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian prime minister on Monday had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the Afghanistan situation and its implications on the region and the world. Both leaders had emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and security.

India on Tuesday brought back 78 people, including 25 of its nationals and a number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-is-serious-says-afghan-sikh-mp-narendra-khalsa-407909">Afghan Sikhs</a> and Hindus from Dushanbe, a day after they were evacuated from Taliban-besieged Kabul to the Tajik city.

The group along with three copies of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, was airlifted from Kabul to Dushanbe by a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-passengers-from-afghanistan-test-covid-19-positive-in-new-delhi-407835">Also Read:&nbsp;Two passengers from Afghanistan test COVID-19 positive in New Delhi&nbsp;</a>

With Tuesday's evacuation, the number of people brought back to Delhi reached over 800 since August 16 when the first group was airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city.

The evacuees were received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and V Muraleedharan. 
"Blessed to receive &amp; pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago," Puri tweeted.

On Monday, India had brought back 146 of its nationals to Delhi in four different flights from the Qatari capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Kabul by NATO and American aircraft.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghanistan-evacuation-india-brings-back-146-nationals-from-doha-407782">Also Read:&nbsp;India brings back 146 nationals from Doha</a>

India has stepped up efforts to evacuate its citizens as well as its Afghan partners from Kabul in view of the deteriorating security situation in the Afghan capital and other parts of the country after the Taliban swept to power last week.

On Sunday, India evacuated 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers in three different flights under the evacuation mission. 
The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy on August 16.

The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

India carried out the evacuation missions in coordination with the US and several other friendly countries.

The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as the two leaders had a detailed discussion on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as the two leaders had a detailed discussion on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. PM Modi tweeted, "Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues." Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against COVID-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2021 × The Indian prime minister on Monday had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the Afghanistan situation and its implications on the region and the world. Both leaders had emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and security. India on Tuesday brought back 78 people, including 25 of its nationals and a number of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus from Dushanbe, a day after they were evacuated from Taliban-besieged Kabul to the Tajik city. The group along with three copies of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, was airlifted from Kabul to Dushanbe by a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Monday. Also Read: Two passengers from Afghanistan test COVID-19 positive in New Delhi With Tuesday's evacuation, the number of people brought back to Delhi reached over 800 since August 16 when the first group was airlifted from Kabul, a day after the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital city. The evacuees were received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and V Muraleedharan. "Blessed to receive & pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago," Puri tweeted. On Monday, India had brought back 146 of its nationals to Delhi in four different flights from the Qatari capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Kabul by NATO and American aircraft. Also Read: India brings back 146 nationals from Doha India has stepped up efforts to evacuate its citizens as well as its Afghan partners from Kabul in view of the deteriorating security situation in the Afghan capital and other parts of the country after the Taliban swept to power last week. On Sunday, India evacuated 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers in three different flights under the evacuation mission. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital. The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17. India carried out the evacuation missions in coordination with the US and several other friendly countries. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

PM Modi speaks to Russian President Putin on evolving situation in Afghanistan

Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 46 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have been evacuated from war-ravaged Afghanistan on an IAF plane.

Three copies of Guru Granth Sahib along with 44 Sikhs and Hindus evacuated from Kabul

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs &amp; Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. &nbsp;

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ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ 
ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। 
 
Deeply privileged &amp; fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAirport</a>⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/dushyanttgautam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dushyanttgautam</a>⁩ Ji &amp; members of Sikh Sangat. <a href="https://t.co/mWhTwpnoOs">pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1430054013299429378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. &nbsp;

Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans

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In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat &amp; author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” &nbsp;

Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-25000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-active-infections-decline-407959">India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.&nbsp;

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat.

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। Deeply privileged & fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦@DelhiAirport⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦@VMBJP⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦@dushyanttgautam⁩ Ji & members of Sikh Sangat. pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 24, 2021 × Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans × In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat & author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video. Also Read: India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.

Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul

India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. &nbsp;

Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-is-serious-says-afghan-sikh-mp-narendra-khalsa-407909">Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa</a>

An Air India flight AI 1956 arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight. &nbsp;

"Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute IAF, Air India and MEA teams for their untiring efforts," said External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar.

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Op Devi Shakti continues. 
 
78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. 
 
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Evacuees were earlier flown in from Kabul on an Indian Air Force aircraft.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, said “Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an IAF aircraft.”

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Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. 
AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> aircraft.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbDushanbe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndEmbDushanbe</a> <a href="https://t.co/BcIWLzSLrL">pic.twitter.com/BcIWLzSLrL</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1429980993545408517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, India brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India brings back 146 nationals in four different flights from Doha

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People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul, they said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan.

India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan. Also Read: Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa An Air India flight AI 1956 arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight. "Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute IAF, Air India and MEA teams for their untiring efforts," said External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × Evacuees were earlier flown in from Kabul on an Indian Air Force aircraft. In a tweet, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, said “Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an IAF aircraft.” Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an @IAF_MCC aircraft.@IndEmbDushanbe pic.twitter.com/BcIWLzSLrL — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 24, 2021 × On Monday, India brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the country. Watch: India brings back 146 nationals in four different flights from Doha × People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan evacuation: Air India flight arrives in Delhi from Dushanbe with 78 passengers

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday.

It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.

"The US mission in India is pleased to announce that its embassy and consulates approved more student visa applicants in 2021 than ever before, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic," the embassy said.

"Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," it said in a statement.

In a tweet, the embassy described it as an all-time record.

"Huge congratulations to our hardworking consular teams across the U.S. Mission in India. This year, more than 55K students are boarding planes to study in the United States, an all-time record in India. Wishing all students a successful academic year!" it said.

Ambassador Atul Keshap, the Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy, lauded the staff involved in the issuance of visas and said Indian students enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

"Studying in the US is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities," he said.

"Indian students also enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The many hard-working women and men of the US Mission to India are proud to facilitate their travel and study," Keshap added.

The embassy said the US missions typically begin interviewing fall semester students for a given year in May, but the second wave of COVID-19 forced a delay in the commencement of the student visa season by two months.

"In July, as soon as conditions allowed for the resumption of visa services without endangering applicants' health and safety, consular teams worked not only to match but surpass, their pre-Covid workload," it said.

It said the US embassy and consulates opened additional hours for visa appointments and made every possible effort to ensure timely arrival for academic programmes for as many students as possible.

"Ultimately, these efforts paid off, as more students than ever before received visas to study in the US," the embassy said.

It said interested students can also participate in upcoming Education USA University Virtual Fairs to be held on August 27, for prospective graduate students and on September 3, for prospective undergraduate students.

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday. It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors are travelling to study in the US this year and it is "an all-time record", the US embassy said on Monday. It said more visa applications were approved in the current year than ever before notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic. "The US mission in India is pleased to announce that its embassy and consulates approved more student visa applicants in 2021 than ever before, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic," the embassy said. "Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," it said in a statement. In a tweet, the embassy described it as an all-time record. "Huge congratulations to our hardworking consular teams across the U.S. Mission in India. This year, more than 55K students are boarding planes to study in the United States, an all-time record in India. Wishing all students a successful academic year!" it said. Ambassador Atul Keshap, the Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy, lauded the staff involved in the issuance of visas and said Indian students enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. "Studying in the US is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities," he said. "Indian students also enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The many hard-working women and men of the US Mission to India are proud to facilitate their travel and study," Keshap added. The embassy said the US missions typically begin interviewing fall semester students for a given year in May, but the second wave of COVID-19 forced a delay in the commencement of the student visa season by two months. "In July, as soon as conditions allowed for the resumption of visa services without endangering applicants' health and safety, consular teams worked not only to match but surpass, their pre-Covid workload," it said. It said the US embassy and consulates opened additional hours for visa appointments and made every possible effort to ensure timely arrival for academic programmes for as many students as possible. "Ultimately, these efforts paid off, as more students than ever before received visas to study in the US," the embassy said. It said interested students can also participate in upcoming Education USA University Virtual Fairs to be held on August 27, for prospective graduate students and on September 3, for prospective undergraduate students.

All-time record: Over 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors travelling to US this year

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials.

This comes after a probe conducted by the government officials revealed that some organisations that were part of the Hurriyat Conference used to collect money from Kashmiri students in lieu of securing MBBS seats in Pakistani institutions, and using that money to fund terror organisations in the Union Territory.

The officials said both the Hurriyat camps are likely to be banned under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, in which “if the Central Government is of opinion that any association is, or has become, an unlawful association, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such association to be unlawful.”

During the probe, the officials said they found about the alleged involvement of members of the Hurriyat Conference with proscribed terrorist organisations Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Constituted in 1993, the Hurriyat Conference consisted of 26 groups, including some pro-Pakistan and banned outfits such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. It also included the People's Conference and the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/deradicalisation-of-youth-in-jammu-and-kashmir-is-need-of-the-hour-276849">Deradicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir need of the hour</a>

The separatist organisation split into two factions in 2005 with the moderate group being led by the Mirwaiz and the hard-line headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, until he quit the party in June 2020 due to health reasons.

Meanwhile, there were some reports that the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, the extremist faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Sunday removed its signboard at the group's head office at its leader’s residence in Srinagar's Hyderpora area.

The Centre’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism comes in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking the stakeholders in the Kashmir valley to monitor growing radicalisation.

Subsequently, a series of raids were conducted by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) in the Union Territory where several of the conglomerate’s cadres were arrested and jailed.

Many of the second-rung cadres of both the factions are in jail since 2017, the officials said.

Among those in jail are Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani; businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali; Geelani's close aide Ayaz Akbar, who is also the spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat; Peer Saifullah; Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference; Mehrajuddin Kalwal; Nayeem Khan; and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate'.

In 2019, the government banned the pro-Pakistani and pro-separatist organisation Jamat-E-Islami, while the organisation led by Asiya Andrabi Dukhtaran-e-Millat, led by, and Yasin Malik’s JKLF were banned in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials.

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials. This comes after a probe conducted by the government officials revealed that some organisations that were part of the Hurriyat Conference used to collect money from Kashmiri students in lieu of securing MBBS seats in Pakistani institutions, and using that money to fund terror organisations in the Union Territory. The officials said both the Hurriyat camps are likely to be banned under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, in which “if the Central Government is of opinion that any association is, or has become, an unlawful association, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such association to be unlawful.” During the probe, the officials said they found about the alleged involvement of members of the Hurriyat Conference with proscribed terrorist organisations Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Constituted in 1993, the Hurriyat Conference consisted of 26 groups, including some pro-Pakistan and banned outfits such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. It also included the People's Conference and the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq. Also read | Deradicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir need of the hour The separatist organisation split into two factions in 2005 with the moderate group being led by the Mirwaiz and the hard-line headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, until he quit the party in June 2020 due to health reasons. Meanwhile, there were some reports that the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, the extremist faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Sunday removed its signboard at the group's head office at its leader’s residence in Srinagar's Hyderpora area. The Centre’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism comes in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking the stakeholders in the Kashmir valley to monitor growing radicalisation. Subsequently, a series of raids were conducted by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) in the Union Territory where several of the conglomerate’s cadres were arrested and jailed. Many of the second-rung cadres of both the factions are in jail since 2017, the officials said. Among those in jail are Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani; businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali; Geelani's close aide Ayaz Akbar, who is also the spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat; Peer Saifullah; Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference; Mehrajuddin Kalwal; Nayeem Khan; and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate'. In 2019, the government banned the pro-Pakistani and pro-separatist organisation Jamat-E-Islami, while the organisation led by Asiya Andrabi Dukhtaran-e-Millat, led by, and Yasin Malik’s JKLF were banned in 2018 and 2019, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Both factions of Hurriyat likely to be banned for 'involvement' in terror funding activities in J&K

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday.

"The virus' behaviour, we know, mutates. We don't have control over that. The more it gets into a larger number of infections, there is more the transmission. Human behaviour is in our control, which involves adopting Covid-appropriate behaviour, i.e. maintaining hygiene, wearing a face mask, following social distancing," Dr Swarup said.

Several scientists and epidemiologists, over the last few weeks, have had expressed concerns over the third wave of coronavirus in India as more virulent variants of the virus, like Delta Plus, circulate.

"If we continue to do follow COVID-19 protocol and break the chain of transmission, we do not allow the virus to go from one host to the other," Dr Swarup added.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned of a third COVID-19 wave peak in October in its recent report to the Prime Minister's Office.

The NIDM's report quoted the Reuters' opinion survey of 40 experts that forecasted that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit India between July 15 and October 13.

Dr Swarup, however, asserted that the third wave is completely avoidable if Covid-appropriate human behaviour is strictly followed.

"There is clearly the human behaviour will overtake the virus behaviour, and I think if we allow it to be controlled, no way is the third going to happen," Dr Swarup told ANI.

The second COVID-19 wave swept across India in April-May this year with Covid cases breaching the four-lakh mark per day. Several states imposed lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly pathogen. The restrictions started easing up in a phased manner in June as fresh coronavirus cases began dropping and vaccination paced up. But the easing of lockdown came with people crowding hill stations and other public places. The government, in July, issued an advisory to states warning against "blatant violations of Covid norms."

The country has so far administered nearly 58 crore doses of three COVID-19 vaccines - Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V. Earlier this month, Johnson &amp; Johnson's was given emergency use approval in India for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, whereas Zydus Cadila was given a nod last week.

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday.

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday. "The virus' behaviour, we know, mutates. We don't have control over that. The more it gets into a larger number of infections, there is more the transmission. Human behaviour is in our control, which involves adopting Covid-appropriate behaviour, i.e. maintaining hygiene, wearing a face mask, following social distancing," Dr Swarup said. Several scientists and epidemiologists, over the last few weeks, have had expressed concerns over the third wave of coronavirus in India as more virulent variants of the virus, like Delta Plus, circulate. "If we continue to do follow COVID-19 protocol and break the chain of transmission, we do not allow the virus to go from one host to the other," Dr Swarup added. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned of a third COVID-19 wave peak in October in its recent report to the Prime Minister's Office. The NIDM's report quoted the Reuters' opinion survey of 40 experts that forecasted that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit India between July 15 and October 13. Dr Swarup, however, asserted that the third wave is completely avoidable if Covid-appropriate human behaviour is strictly followed. "There is clearly the human behaviour will overtake the virus behaviour, and I think if we allow it to be controlled, no way is the third going to happen," Dr Swarup told ANI. The second COVID-19 wave swept across India in April-May this year with Covid cases breaching the four-lakh mark per day. Several states imposed lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly pathogen. The restrictions started easing up in a phased manner in June as fresh coronavirus cases began dropping and vaccination paced up. But the easing of lockdown came with people crowding hill stations and other public places. The government, in July, issued an advisory to states warning against "blatant violations of Covid norms." The country has so far administered nearly 58 crore doses of three COVID-19 vaccines - Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V. Earlier this month, Johnson & Johnson's was given emergency use approval in India for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, whereas Zydus Cadila was given a nod last week.

COVID-19 third wave will come if we invite it: Government

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Protests against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma on July 7 rapidly devolved into orgies of looting and arson in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Zuma has been sentenced for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to testify at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where several witnesses have implicated him in corruption.

Some media reports on the violence which wracked the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month said that Indian-origin South Africans bore the brunt of the attack, some even stating that 'many' of the 330 people killed as looters went on the rampage were of Indian origin.

"This is not quite correct. Certainly, there were a number of Indian-owned businesses that were looted or burnt down, but they were among the scores more, many owned by national chain-store groups, that were raided by the looters. There were also no direct attacks on any Indians that we are aware of. As far as deaths go, we believe that only two or three of those killed were of Indian-origin," Gandhi said.

"What I said was that terrorist attacks by anyone anywhere in the world could occur at any time, not just against any particular community in South Africa only," Gandhi said, reacting to some reports in the Indian media quoting her as saying that attacks could happen anytime anywhere.

"We can't deny that such threats do exist, especially advocated by some people on social media, but our government is doing all in its power to address this," she said.

The community leader, who heads up the Gandhi Development Trust based at the Phoenix Settlement started by Mahatma Gandhi during his tenure in South Africa, also commented on reports that there was an increased number of applications by South Africans of Indian origin for OCI cards.

"The Indian missions would be in a better position to answer that, but we know that there are people who have already migrated to places such as Australia who have been trying to get their relatives in South Africa to join them. But the recent violence should not be used as an excuse for that. We should also consider that hundreds of thousands of fourth and fifth generation Indians who consider themselves to be South African citizens are still here, many of them doing their part to assist in reconciliation and rehabilitation projects after the violence," Gandhi said.

Officials at the Indian consulates in Durban and Johannesburg confirmed that there has been an increase in both applications for and enquiries about the OCI card.

Gandhi herself, together with other community leaders in the Indian and black communities, is involved in various projects aimed at reconciliation.

"Inciting calls by some people, including political leaders, which get circulated widely on social media, unfortunately do not help," Gandhi said, in an apparent reference to a statement by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, who has often made anti-Indian remarks.

"What those Indians did there in Phoenix is unforgettable, we will never forgive them for what they did to our people. And those are Indian criminals, they must be called exactly that. We are not going to make any apology about that," Malema had said in an interview with radio station Khaya FM after the recent violence.

There were 22 Black people killed in Phoenix, allegedly at the hands of Indian vigilantes, many of whom are now facing murder and manslaughter charges.

During the riots around the largely Indian area of Phoenix, which is surrounded by three Black informal settlements, the Phoenix Settlement remained untouched as looters raided and burnt down neighbouring businesses.

Advocate Mahomed Saleem Khan (SC) cautioned Malema in a widely circulated social media post that if he persisted with his anti-Indian remarks, he would institute legal proceedings against him.

"(Indians) have honoured South Africa and the African continent with significant, material and continuing contributions towards, inter alia, commercial and cultural development," Khan said.

Popular Indian-origin comedian and social commentator Karou Charou, whose real name is Mahdevan Moodley, also made an online plea to the Black community to ignore the racist remarks on social media and work together with the Indian community to achieve more.

"The majority of people from the informal settlements (around Phoenix) are employed by Indian businesses and households. The Indian community around these informal settlements drives this mini-economy and that is an undeniable fact, whether you like it or not," Moodley said.

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021.

Threats against the Indian-origin community in South Africa do exist after the recent violence, but the government is doing everything in its power to counter it, Mahatma Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi said on Monday, August 23, 2021. Protests against the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma on July 7 rapidly devolved into orgies of looting and arson in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Zuma has been sentenced for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to testify at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where several witnesses have implicated him in corruption. Some media reports on the violence which wracked the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last month said that Indian-origin South Africans bore the brunt of the attack, some even stating that 'many' of the 330 people killed as looters went on the rampage were of Indian origin. "This is not quite correct. Certainly, there were a number of Indian-owned businesses that were looted or burnt down, but they were among the scores more, many owned by national chain-store groups, that were raided by the looters. There were also no direct attacks on any Indians that we are aware of. As far as deaths go, we believe that only two or three of those killed were of Indian-origin," Gandhi said. "What I said was that terrorist attacks by anyone anywhere in the world could occur at any time, not just against any particular community in South Africa only," Gandhi said, reacting to some reports in the Indian media quoting her as saying that attacks could happen anytime anywhere. "We can't deny that such threats do exist, especially advocated by some people on social media, but our government is doing all in its power to address this," she said. The community leader, who heads up the Gandhi Development Trust based at the Phoenix Settlement started by Mahatma Gandhi during his tenure in South Africa, also commented on reports that there was an increased number of applications by South Africans of Indian origin for OCI cards. "The Indian missions would be in a better position to answer that, but we know that there are people who have already migrated to places such as Australia who have been trying to get their relatives in South Africa to join them. But the recent violence should not be used as an excuse for that. We should also consider that hundreds of thousands of fourth and fifth generation Indians who consider themselves to be South African citizens are still here, many of them doing their part to assist in reconciliation and rehabilitation projects after the violence," Gandhi said. Officials at the Indian consulates in Durban and Johannesburg confirmed that there has been an increase in both applications for and enquiries about the OCI card. Gandhi herself, together with other community leaders in the Indian and black communities, is involved in various projects aimed at reconciliation. "Inciting calls by some people, including political leaders, which get circulated widely on social media, unfortunately do not help," Gandhi said, in an apparent reference to a statement by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, who has often made anti-Indian remarks. "What those Indians did there in Phoenix is unforgettable, we will never forgive them for what they did to our people. And those are Indian criminals, they must be called exactly that. We are not going to make any apology about that," Malema had said in an interview with radio station Khaya FM after the recent violence. There were 22 Black people killed in Phoenix, allegedly at the hands of Indian vigilantes, many of whom are now facing murder and manslaughter charges. During the riots around the largely Indian area of Phoenix, which is surrounded by three Black informal settlements, the Phoenix Settlement remained untouched as looters raided and burnt down neighbouring businesses. Advocate Mahomed Saleem Khan (SC) cautioned Malema in a widely circulated social media post that if he persisted with his anti-Indian remarks, he would institute legal proceedings against him. "(Indians) have honoured South Africa and the African continent with significant, material and continuing contributions towards, inter alia, commercial and cultural development," Khan said. Popular Indian-origin comedian and social commentator Karou Charou, whose real name is Mahdevan Moodley, also made an online plea to the Black community to ignore the racist remarks on social media and work together with the Indian community to achieve more. "The majority of people from the informal settlements (around Phoenix) are employed by Indian businesses and households. The Indian community around these informal settlements drives this mini-economy and that is an undeniable fact, whether you like it or not," Moodley said.

Threats against Indians in South Africa do exist, but government doing all it can to counter this: Mahatma Gandhi's grand-daughter

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system.

"This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters.

Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said.

"The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added.

"Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said.

The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials.

The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year.

A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said.

Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar.

The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China.

The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius.

The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results. He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years. PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system. "This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters. Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said. "The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added. "Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said. The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials. The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year. A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said. Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar. The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China. The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius. The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.

India's first smog tower inaugurated in New Delhi's Connaught Place

Kejriwal inaugurates India's first smog tower in Delhi

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive. They have been sent to LNJP Hospital."

The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights.

India on Sunday brought back nearly 400 people including 329 of its nationals in three different flights.

Earlier on Saturday, government sources told ANI that India has been allowed to operate two flights per day from Kabul to evacuate its nationals stranded in Afghanistan.

Permission has been granted by the American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, which have been controlling operations of the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the Afghan capital was taken over by the Taliban on August 15.

Hundreds of Indian nationals have to be taken out of Kabul, which is now under the Taliban's control. India is airlifting its citizens through Dushanbe in Tajikistan and Qatar.

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive.

Two persons out of the 146 passengers who landed in Delhi from Afghanistan on Monday were found positive for COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Rajendra Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate said, "Two people coming from Afghanistan have been found COVID positive. They have been sent to LNJP Hospital." The second batch of 146 Indian nationals who were evacuated from Afghanistan via Doha arrived in the national capital on Monday on various flights. India on Sunday brought back nearly 400 people including 329 of its nationals in three different flights. Earlier on Saturday, government sources told ANI that India has been allowed to operate two flights per day from Kabul to evacuate its nationals stranded in Afghanistan. Permission has been granted by the American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, which have been controlling operations of the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the Afghan capital was taken over by the Taliban on August 15. Hundreds of Indian nationals have to be taken out of Kabul, which is now under the Taliban's control. India is airlifting its citizens through Dushanbe in Tajikistan and Qatar.

Two passengers from Afghanistan test COVID-19 positive in New Delhi 

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh was cremated Monday with senior leaders, party workers and a large number of local people congregating at Bansi Ghat in Bulandshahr's Narora town for the last rites.

Rajveer Singh lit his father's pyre at the funeral attended by senior BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The two-time CM, who had also been the Rajasthan Governor, died at a Lucknow hospital on Saturday after spending weeks in the ICU.

A Hindutva icon, Kalyan Singh was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister when 'Kar Sevaks" demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

The others present at the cremation ground were UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP leader Uma Bharti, besides a number of state ministers, BJP workers and local people, officials said.

They said Kalyan Singh was cremated with full state honours after his mortal remains were brought here from Ahilya Bai Holkar stadium in Aligarh, where they were kept for the people to pay their last respect. 
 
To honour the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP veteran, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya announced that the road leading to the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be renamed 'Kalyan Singh Marg.'&nbsp;

From Aligarh, the late BJP leader's body was first taken to Atrauli, near his native village Madholi, and was kept there for 'darshan'', before being taken to Narora.

In Atrauli, Kalyan Singh's mortal remains were kept in the PWD Guest House, where various dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Madhya Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BJP state president Swatantra Dev Singh paid their tributes.

A Lodhi leader, Kalyan Singh was instrumental in the rise of the BJP to power in Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s.

He is survived by his wife Ramvati Devi, son Rajveer Singh, who is the Lok Sabha MP from Etah, and grandson Sandeep Singh, who is the minister of state for finance, technical education and medical education in Uttar Pradesh.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh was cremated Monday with senior leaders, party workers and a large number of local people congregating at Bansi Ghat in Bulandshahr's Narora town for the last rites.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh was cremated Monday with senior leaders, party workers and a large number of local people congregating at Bansi Ghat in Bulandshahr's Narora town for the last rites. Rajveer Singh lit his father's pyre at the funeral attended by senior BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The two-time CM, who had also been the Rajasthan Governor, died at a Lucknow hospital on Saturday after spending weeks in the ICU. A Hindutva icon, Kalyan Singh was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister when 'Kar Sevaks" demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. The others present at the cremation ground were UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP leader Uma Bharti, besides a number of state ministers, BJP workers and local people, officials said. They said Kalyan Singh was cremated with full state honours after his mortal remains were brought here from Ahilya Bai Holkar stadium in Aligarh, where they were kept for the people to pay their last respect. To honour the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP veteran, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya announced that the road leading to the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be renamed 'Kalyan Singh Marg.' From Aligarh, the late BJP leader's body was first taken to Atrauli, near his native village Madholi, and was kept there for 'darshan'', before being taken to Narora. In Atrauli, Kalyan Singh's mortal remains were kept in the PWD Guest House, where various dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Madhya Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BJP state president Swatantra Dev Singh paid their tributes. A Lodhi leader, Kalyan Singh was instrumental in the rise of the BJP to power in Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s. He is survived by his wife Ramvati Devi, son Rajveer Singh, who is the Lok Sabha MP from Etah, and grandson Sandeep Singh, who is the minister of state for finance, technical education and medical education in Uttar Pradesh.

Kalyan Singh cremated with full state honours, Ram temple approach road to be named after him

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition.&nbsp;

The sportspersons have won two silver medals and a bronze medal at World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. The men's and women's contingent of the country has won a total of 11 medals including four silver medals at the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021.&nbsp;

The prime minister said it is a great sign that athletics is gaining popularity across India. He also congratulated the teams and shared wishes for future endeavours.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at <a href="https://twitter.com/WAU20Nairobi21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WAU20Nairobi21</a>. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1429708824743579661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On the microblogging site, Modi said, "Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes."&nbsp;

Modi also tweeted: "More power to the talented wrestlers! At the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021, our Men's and Women's contingent comes back with a total of 11 medals including 4 Silvers. Kudos to the team for the success and best wishes for their future endeavours."&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition. The sportspersons have won two silver medals and a bronze medal at World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. The men's and women's contingent of the country has won a total of 11 medals including four silver medals at the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021. The prime minister said it is a great sign that athletics is gaining popularity across India. He also congratulated the teams and shared wishes for future endeavours. Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2021 × On the microblogging site, Modi said, "Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes." Modi also tweeted: "More power to the talented wrestlers! At the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021, our Men's and Women's contingent comes back with a total of 11 medals including 4 Silvers. Kudos to the team for the success and best wishes for their future endeavours."

PM Modi congratulates Indian players for exemplary performance at World Athletics Under-20

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan.&nbsp;Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe.

"Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend," Joshi tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;146 Indians evacuated from Kabul repatriated to Delhi via Doha

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Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)) to brief the floor leaders of the political parties. "In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating further details," Jaishankar tweeted earlier.

The government's briefing is expected to focus on its evacuation mission from Afghanistan as well as its assessment of the situation in that country. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kabul-evacuations-several-indians-return-to-home-country-from-many-destinations-407551">Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations&nbsp;</a>

As part of its evacuation mission from Afghanistan, India has already brought back around 730 people including members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

On Sunday, 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers were evacuated in three different flights under the evacuation mission. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India had evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe. "Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend," Joshi tweeted. Watch: 146 Indians evacuated from Kabul repatriated to Delhi via Doha × Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)) to brief the floor leaders of the political parties. "In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating further details," Jaishankar tweeted earlier. The government's briefing is expected to focus on its evacuation mission from Afghanistan as well as its assessment of the situation in that country. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country. Also Read | Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations As part of its evacuation mission from Afghanistan, India has already brought back around 730 people including members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country. On Sunday, 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers were evacuated in three different flights under the evacuation mission. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India had evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital. The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

Indian external affairs minister Jaishankar to brief political party leaders on developments in Afghanistan

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday.

The tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,49,306, while the death toll has climbed to 4,34,756 with 389 daily fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

Watch | Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours

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The active cases have declined to 3,33,924, the lowest in 155 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.63 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said.

A reduction of 19,474 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. 
Also, 12,95,160 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,75,51,399.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-rolls-out-its-first-indigenously-made-covid-19-vaccine-407790">Taiwan rolls out its first indigenously made COVID-19 vaccine</a>

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the last 28 days. 
Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.91 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the last 59 days, according to the health ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,16,80,626, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

The 389 new fatalities include 145 from Maharashtra, 69 from Odisha and 66 from Kerala.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday.

India saw a single-day rise of 25,072 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 160 days, while active cases declined to 3,33,924, comprising 1.03 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the union health ministry data updated on Monday. The tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,24,49,306, while the death toll has climbed to 4,34,756 with 389 daily fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. Watch | Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours × The active cases have declined to 3,33,924, the lowest in 155 days, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 97.63 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said. A reduction of 19,474 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. Also, 12,95,160 tests were conducted on Sunday, taking the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 50,75,51,399. Also Read: Taiwan rolls out its first indigenously made COVID-19 vaccine The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.94 per cent. It has been less than 3 per cent for the last 28 days. Weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.91 per cent. It has been below 3 per cent for the last 59 days, according to the health ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,16,80,626, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. The 389 new fatalities include 145 from Maharashtra, 69 from Odisha and 66 from Kerala.

India sees single-day rise of 25,072 new Covid cases, lowest in 160 days

India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-orders-us-commercial-airlines-to-help-in-afghan-evacuation-407670">NATO </a>and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul following its takeover by the Taliban over a week back, they said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kabul-evacuations-several-indians-return-to-home-country-from-many-destinations-407551">Also Read:&nbsp;Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations</a>

It was the second batch of Indians to be brought back from Doha after their evacuation from Kabul.

A total of 135 Indians were flown back to Delhi from Doha in a special flight on Sunday.

Out of the second batch of Indians who returned home from Doha, 104 people were brought back in a Vistara flight, 30 by a Qatar Airways flight and 11 of them returned by an Indigo flight. One person returned by an Air India flight, they said.

India on Sunday brought back 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers in three different flights under the evacuation mission amid a continued scramble by various countries to rescue their citizens from Kabul.

The total number of people evacuees included the first batch of 135 Indians who were flown back from Doha.

It is learnt that the Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul were employees of a number of foreign companies that were operating in Afghanistan and they were flown out of Kabul by NATO and American aircraft.

The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16.

The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.&nbsp;

India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country. People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul following its takeover by the Taliban over a week back, they said. Also Read: Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations It was the second batch of Indians to be brought back from Doha after their evacuation from Kabul. A total of 135 Indians were flown back to Delhi from Doha in a special flight on Sunday. Out of the second batch of Indians who returned home from Doha, 104 people were brought back in a Vistara flight, 30 by a Qatar Airways flight and 11 of them returned by an Indigo flight. One person returned by an Air India flight, they said. India on Sunday brought back 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers in three different flights under the evacuation mission amid a continued scramble by various countries to rescue their citizens from Kabul. The total number of people evacuees included the first batch of 135 Indians who were flown back from Doha. It is learnt that the Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul were employees of a number of foreign companies that were operating in Afghanistan and they were flown out of Kabul by NATO and American aircraft. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital. The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

Afghanistan evacuation: India brings back 146 nationals from Doha

More than 300 schools in COVID-19 free areas in Mizoram have been allowed to reopen for the new academic session 2021-2022, an official of the School Education department said.

The new COVID-19 guidelines issued by the state government on August 8 had allowed the re-opening of schools in areas outside the Aizawl Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction where there is no coronavirus case, the official said on Sunday.

The school education department had on August 9 issued an order allowing re-opening of schools for primary to higher secondary level in COVID-19 free towns and villages subject to prior consultation with deputy commissioners.

A standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the department shall be strictly followed, the order had said.

School Education department director James Lalrinchhana told PTI that at least 376 schools in seven districts, including Aizawl district, have been allowed to re-open for the new academic session 2021-2022.

Majority of the permitted schools have already started regular classes, while 27 more schools in Khawzawl district will be re-opened from Monday, he said.

He said that the School Education department is currently undertaking identification of schools in COVID-19 free areas and more schools will be re-opened in the next few days.

At least 49 schools have so far been allowed to re-open in Aizawl district, 151 in Champhai, 74 in Serchhip, 47 in Lawngltai, 11 in Siaha, 20 in Saitual and 27 in Khawzawl district, he said.

Of the 11 districts, four districts - Lunglei, Kolasib, Mamit and Hnahthial are yet to submit list of COVID-19 free villages where re-opening of school can be allowed, according to Lalrinchhana.

He said the schools, which have been permitted to re-open, are mostly located in remote rural villages where internet connectivity is very poor.

The re-opening of schools in such villages has immensely helped students, who could not get good internet access, he said. 
Online classes are still going on for schools in COVID-19 areas, he said.

So far, no student has been infected with COVID-19 in such villages where schools were re-opened, he said.

Unlike previous years, the new academic session (for 2021-2022) was delayed by a month due to COVID-19 and the academic calendar commenced from May.

Schools and other educational institutions have been closed for about 15 months starting from March last year due to the spread of COVID-19.

Following the dip in COVID-19 cases from around November last year, schools were reopened for certain classes on January 22 this year but have been shut again since April with the onset of the second wave of COVID-19.

More than 300 schools in COVID-19 free areas in Mizoram have been allowed to reopen for the new academic session 2021-2022, an official of the School Education department said.

More than 300 schools in COVID-19 free areas in Mizoram have been allowed to reopen for the new academic session 2021-2022, an official of the School Education department said. The new COVID-19 guidelines issued by the state government on August 8 had allowed the re-opening of schools in areas outside the Aizawl Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction where there is no coronavirus case, the official said on Sunday. The school education department had on August 9 issued an order allowing re-opening of schools for primary to higher secondary level in COVID-19 free towns and villages subject to prior consultation with deputy commissioners. A standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the department shall be strictly followed, the order had said. School Education department director James Lalrinchhana told PTI that at least 376 schools in seven districts, including Aizawl district, have been allowed to re-open for the new academic session 2021-2022. Majority of the permitted schools have already started regular classes, while 27 more schools in Khawzawl district will be re-opened from Monday, he said. He said that the School Education department is currently undertaking identification of schools in COVID-19 free areas and more schools will be re-opened in the next few days. At least 49 schools have so far been allowed to re-open in Aizawl district, 151 in Champhai, 74 in Serchhip, 47 in Lawngltai, 11 in Siaha, 20 in Saitual and 27 in Khawzawl district, he said. Of the 11 districts, four districts - Lunglei, Kolasib, Mamit and Hnahthial are yet to submit list of COVID-19 free villages where re-opening of school can be allowed, according to Lalrinchhana. He said the schools, which have been permitted to re-open, are mostly located in remote rural villages where internet connectivity is very poor. The re-opening of schools in such villages has immensely helped students, who could not get good internet access, he said. Online classes are still going on for schools in COVID-19 areas, he said. So far, no student has been infected with COVID-19 in such villages where schools were re-opened, he said. Unlike previous years, the new academic session (for 2021-2022) was delayed by a month due to COVID-19 and the academic calendar commenced from May. Schools and other educational institutions have been closed for about 15 months starting from March last year due to the spread of COVID-19. Following the dip in COVID-19 cases from around November last year, schools were reopened for certain classes on January 22 this year but have been shut again since April with the onset of the second wave of COVID-19.

300 schools in COVID-19 free areas in Mizoram allowed to reopen

Assam was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4 on Monday afternoon, an official bulletin said. 
As per the National Center for Seismology, the quake was recorded at 1.13 pm, having its epicentre at Kokrajhar in west Assam at a depth of 10 km. The place of occurrence was 90 km north of Tura in Meghalaya, it said.

People in the districts of western Assam and northern West Bengal ran out of their homes in panic.

There was no immediate report of any injury to anyone or damage to any property, officials said.

Northeast is in the high seismic zone, because of which earthquakes frequently hit the region.

A 6.4 magnitude quake had shaken Assam and parts of Northeast on April 28.

Assam was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4 on Monday afternoon, an official bulletin said. As per the National Center for Seismology, the quake was recorded at 1.

Assam was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4 on Monday afternoon, an official bulletin said. As per the National Center for Seismology, the quake was recorded at 1.13 pm, having its epicentre at Kokrajhar in west Assam at a depth of 10 km. The place of occurrence was 90 km north of Tura in Meghalaya, it said. People in the districts of western Assam and northern West Bengal ran out of their homes in panic. There was no immediate report of any injury to anyone or damage to any property, officials said. Northeast is in the high seismic zone, because of which earthquakes frequently hit the region. A 6.4 magnitude quake had shaken Assam and parts of Northeast on April 28.

4-magnitude earthquake hits west Assam, tremors felt in north Bengal

More than 57.05 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to state and UTs so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.

Another 13,34,620 doses are in the pipeline, the ministry said.

Over 3.44 crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, it said.

The ministry said the Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Odisha on Monday registered 761 new COVID-19 cases, including 101 children, taking the state's tally to 10,01,698, while 68 fresh fatalities pushed the toll to 7,426, a health department official said.

The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association said multiplexes and theatres in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, as well, will start receiving film lovers from August 27, nearly four months after cinema halls were closed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the state government relaxing COVID-19 lockdown regulations permitting theatres to re-open from today, theatre owners are bracing for a grand re-opening this weekend hoping to draw a steady trickle of movie lovers.

The previous AIADMK government had ordered the closure of cinema halls from April 26, after they recommenced business in November last year, owing to the coronavirus second wave. After the DMK stormed to power, the government announced several relaxations in various stages and had allowed the re-opening of theatres from today. 
&nbsp;

More than 57.05 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to state and UTs so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. Another 13,34,620 doses are in the pipeline, the ministry said.

More than 57.05 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to state and UTs so far, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. Another 13,34,620 doses are in the pipeline, the ministry said. Over 3.44 crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, it said. The ministry said the Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. Meanwhile, Odisha on Monday registered 761 new COVID-19 cases, including 101 children, taking the state's tally to 10,01,698, while 68 fresh fatalities pushed the toll to 7,426, a health department official said. The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association said multiplexes and theatres in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, as well, will start receiving film lovers from August 27, nearly four months after cinema halls were closed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the state government relaxing COVID-19 lockdown regulations permitting theatres to re-open from today, theatre owners are bracing for a grand re-opening this weekend hoping to draw a steady trickle of movie lovers. The previous AIADMK government had ordered the closure of cinema halls from April 26, after they recommenced business in November last year, owing to the coronavirus second wave. After the DMK stormed to power, the government announced several relaxations in various stages and had allowed the re-opening of theatres from today.

Over 57 crore vaccine doses provided to states and Union Territories: Government

The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service.

This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.

Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC).

The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers. Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army`s approach towards a gender-neutral Army.

The five women officers selected for Colonel Time Scale rank are -- Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana from the Corps of Signals, Lt Col Sonia Anand and Lt Col Navneet Duggal from the Corps of EME and Lt Col Reenu Khanna and Lt Col Ritcha Sagar from the Corps of Engineers.

In a big development, the Supreme Court last week passed an interim order allowing women to take the admission exam to National Defence Academy (NDA) where earlier only men could join.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, argued that it is a policy decision of the government. Disagreeing with Centre`s contention, a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed, "This is a policy decision based on gender discrimination...respondents (Centre), must take a constructive view."

The top court pulled up the Army for resisting opportunities to women, and asked it to change its attitude and not wait for judicial orders to be passed in such matters.

The top court directed that women can sit for exams for entry in NDA, which is slated for September 5. The top court added that admissions, etc will be subjected to its final order. "Cannot create bar for women in NDA," noted the bench.

The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service. This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.

The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service. This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel. Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC). The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers. Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army`s approach towards a gender-neutral Army. The five women officers selected for Colonel Time Scale rank are -- Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana from the Corps of Signals, Lt Col Sonia Anand and Lt Col Navneet Duggal from the Corps of EME and Lt Col Reenu Khanna and Lt Col Ritcha Sagar from the Corps of Engineers. In a big development, the Supreme Court last week passed an interim order allowing women to take the admission exam to National Defence Academy (NDA) where earlier only men could join. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, argued that it is a policy decision of the government. Disagreeing with Centre`s contention, a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed, "This is a policy decision based on gender discrimination...respondents (Centre), must take a constructive view." The top court pulled up the Army for resisting opportunities to women, and asked it to change its attitude and not wait for judicial orders to be passed in such matters. The top court directed that women can sit for exams for entry in NDA, which is slated for September 5. The top court added that admissions, etc will be subjected to its final order. "Cannot create bar for women in NDA," noted the bench.

Indian Army promotes 5 women officers to Colonel rank

Through various destinations and flights, numerous Indians have returned to home country&nbsp;on Sunday morning after being evacuated from Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Sunday, India evacuated around 168 people including 107 Indians from Kabul in a IAF aircraft.&nbsp;In a tweet earlier, Arindam Bagchi,&nbsp;spokesperson, India's Ministry of External Affairs, said,&nbsp;“Evacuation continues!&nbsp;IAF special repatriation flight with 168 passengers onboard, including 107 Indian nationals, is on its way to Delhi from Kabul.”&nbsp;India also&nbsp;brought back an infant 'Baby Divi' in the flight from Kabul.

As per&nbsp;people familiar with the development,&nbsp;an Air India flight carrying 87 Indians&nbsp;arrived in New Delhi on Sunday morning. It had&nbsp;departed from Tajikistan.&nbsp;"Bringing Indians home from Afghanistan! AI 1956 carrying 87 Indians departs from Tajikistan for New Delhi. Two Nepalese nationals also evacuated. Assisted and supported by our Embassy in Dushanbe. More evacuation flights to follow,"&nbsp;Bagchi had shared. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the first batch of 135 Indians, who were evacuated from Kabul to Doha&nbsp;in last&nbsp;few days,&nbsp;have&nbsp;also returned to India.&nbsp;The Indian Embassy in Qatar&nbsp;on Sunday had&nbsp;tweeted,&nbsp;"1st batch of 135 Indians, who were evacuated from Kabul to Doha over past days, being repatriated tonight to India. Embassy officials provided consular and logistics assistance to ensure their safe return. We thank Qatar authorities and all concerned for making this possible."

Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul seem to be employees of a number of foreign companies, who were operating in Afghanistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian Air Force&nbsp;and Air India&nbsp;have&nbsp;been strenuously evacuating Indian nationals along with others from the war-ravaged&nbsp;Afghanistan since Taliban took over the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The regime change has forced several Afghans and nationals of other countries to flee the country, fearing Taliban’s oppressive rule. It has&nbsp;triggered a significant&nbsp;humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Through various destinations and flights, numerous Indians have returned to home country on Sunday morning after being evacuated from Afghanistan. On Sunday, India evacuated around 168 people including 107 Indians from Kabul in a IAF aircraft.

Through various destinations and flights, numerous Indians have returned to home country on Sunday morning after being evacuated from Afghanistan. On Sunday, India evacuated around 168 people including 107 Indians from Kabul in a IAF aircraft. In a tweet earlier, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, India's Ministry of External Affairs, said, “Evacuation continues! IAF special repatriation flight with 168 passengers onboard, including 107 Indian nationals, is on its way to Delhi from Kabul.” India also brought back an infant 'Baby Divi' in the flight from Kabul. As per people familiar with the development, an Air India flight carrying 87 Indians arrived in New Delhi on Sunday morning. It had departed from Tajikistan. "Bringing Indians home from Afghanistan! AI 1956 carrying 87 Indians departs from Tajikistan for New Delhi. Two Nepalese nationals also evacuated. Assisted and supported by our Embassy in Dushanbe. More evacuation flights to follow," Bagchi had shared. Meanwhile, the first batch of 135 Indians, who were evacuated from Kabul to Doha in last few days, have also returned to India. The Indian Embassy in Qatar on Sunday had tweeted, "1st batch of 135 Indians, who were evacuated from Kabul to Doha over past days, being repatriated tonight to India. Embassy officials provided consular and logistics assistance to ensure their safe return. We thank Qatar authorities and all concerned for making this possible." Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul seem to be employees of a number of foreign companies, who were operating in Afghanistan. Indian Air Force and Air India have been strenuously evacuating Indian nationals along with others from the war-ravaged Afghanistan since Taliban took over the country. The regime change has forced several Afghans and nationals of other countries to flee the country, fearing Taliban’s oppressive rule. It has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations

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