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According to China's state-run Global Times, China's&nbsp;newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-to-operationalise-first-electric-train-in-tibet-near-arunachal-border-393751">Lhasa</a> with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport&nbsp;mission.

The train reportedly carried soldiers linked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese newspaper said. The Global Times quoting a PLA website said the&nbsp;PLA Tibet Military Command&nbsp;took the Fuxing bullet train&nbsp;on the railway to an exercise field at an elevation of 4,500 meters.

Watch:

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It is the first time the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has hosted a troop transport mission, it said while stating that it is "another step forward" towards developing China's military transport initiative.

Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog next to the Arunachal Pradesh border.

The bullet train was opened by Chinese authorities on June 25 and was inaugurated on July 1. It connects a 435-kilometre stretch to Lhasa with the Chinese city of Nyingchi. The train reportedly cuts travel time by half allowing the movement of people and transport.&nbsp;

Trains are a key means to transport military personnel, equipment and supplies on a large scale&nbsp;as it can serve to complement road transport, which is slower, the state-run newspaper informed.

The Sichuan-Tibet link is the second railway line into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier ordered officials to ensure the construction of the new railway line.

The development comes as India and China held the 12th round of the Corps Commander-level talks last week after the standoff in Galwan led to a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on June-15-16 last year in which 20 Indian soldiers had died. China claimed five of its troops had also died during the clashes.

The previous military-level talks had taken place in April. The Indian commanders had told the Chinese officials during their last meeting that disengagement from all friction points was key towards de-escalation along the disputed border area.

The talks focussed on disengagement from Hot Spring and Gogra Post, Patrolling Point (PP) 15 and PP17A.

India and Chinese troops were involved in border row in Ladakh as both sides ramped up troops and activated their Air Force along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to China's state-run Global Times, China's newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport mission.

According to China's state-run Global Times, China's newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport mission. The train reportedly carried soldiers linked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese newspaper said. The Global Times quoting a PLA website said the PLA Tibet Military Command took the Fuxing bullet train on the railway to an exercise field at an elevation of 4,500 meters. Watch: It is the first time the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has hosted a troop transport mission, it said while stating that it is "another step forward" towards developing China's military transport initiative. Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog next to the Arunachal Pradesh border. The bullet train was opened by Chinese authorities on June 25 and was inaugurated on July 1. It connects a 435-kilometre stretch to Lhasa with the Chinese city of Nyingchi. The train reportedly cuts travel time by half allowing the movement of people and transport. Trains are a key means to transport military personnel, equipment and supplies on a large scale as it can serve to complement road transport, which is slower, the state-run newspaper informed. The Sichuan-Tibet link is the second railway line into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier ordered officials to ensure the construction of the new railway line. The development comes as India and China held the 12th round of the Corps Commander-level talks last week after the standoff in Galwan led to a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on June-15-16 last year in which 20 Indian soldiers had died. China claimed five of its troops had also died during the clashes. The previous military-level talks had taken place in April. The Indian commanders had told the Chinese officials during their last meeting that disengagement from all friction points was key towards de-escalation along the disputed border area. The talks focussed on disengagement from Hot Spring and Gogra Post, Patrolling Point (PP) 15 and PP17A. India and Chinese troops were involved in border row in Ladakh as both sides ramped up troops and activated their Air Force along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). (With inputs from Agencies)

China's bullet train linking Tibet hosts military transport mission: Report

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government&nbsp;in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway".

Amid the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid pandemic</a>, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said.

Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview:

WION:&nbsp;How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels.

We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five&nbsp;million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic.

WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund:&nbsp;To&nbsp;be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful.&nbsp;

WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect:&nbsp;ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India.

What we, in the embassy, are focusing&nbsp;on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is&nbsp;huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it.&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations.

WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

WION: What is your government's view about China? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.&nbsp;

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy". Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway". Amid the second wave of Covid pandemic, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said. Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview: WION: How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels. We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic. WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: To be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful. WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect: ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India. What we, in the embassy, are focusing on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans. WION: India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it. Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations. WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan. WION: What is your government's view about China? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.

Norway's envoy Hans Jacob bats for strong ties with India; says focus on ocean, clean energy

India saw a single day rise of 42,982 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,18,12,114, while the active cases increased to 4,11,076, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

The death toll climbed to 4,26,290 with 533 fresh fatalities.

The active cases comprise 1.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.37 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

An increase of 723 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 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 three crore on June 23.

India&nbsp;has administered the most number of coronavirus vaccine doses in the world after China, according to the government's Co-Win website.

The country wants to immunise all its adult population of 944 million by December and has given at least one dose to nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of them.

India saw a single day rise of 42,982 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,18,12,114, while the active cases increased to 4,11,076, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

India saw a single day rise of 42,982 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,18,12,114, while the active cases increased to 4,11,076, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 4,26,290 with 533 fresh fatalities. The active cases comprise 1.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.37 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. An increase of 723 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 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 three crore on June 23. India has administered the most number of coronavirus vaccine doses in the world after China, according to the government's Co-Win website. The country wants to immunise all its adult population of 944 million by December and has given at least one dose to nearly 40 per cent of them.

India reports 42,982 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours

The Captain and Coach of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team had a surprise caller after their historic victory this morning in Tokyo2020. The Prime Minister spoke to the men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, head coach Graham Reid and Assistant Coach Piyush Dubey, after the win. Watch the conversation.

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On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral.

On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy.

The Indian Embassy in Poland shared the photo on Twitter with the comment "What a lovely sight!!"&nbsp;

"This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism," The Indian Embassy tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What a pleasant sight !!😇 This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism. 🙏🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/4fWLlBUAdX">pic.twitter.com/4fWLlBUAdX</a>
— India in Poland (@IndiainPoland) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPoland/status/1413464385155174401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The photograph of Warsaw University's library has gone popular on social media, making Indian internet users proud. 
 
The Upanishads are Hindu philosophical books written in late Vedic Sanskrit that constitute the basis of Hinduism.

They are the most recent section of the Vedas, Hinduism's oldest scriptures, and they deal with meditation, philosophy, and ontological knowledge.

(With inputs from agencies)

On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral. On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy.

On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral. On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy. The Indian Embassy in Poland shared the photo on Twitter with the comment "What a lovely sight!!" "This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism," The Indian Embassy tweeted. What a pleasant sight !!😇 This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism. 🙏🙏@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/4fWLlBUAdX — India in Poland (@IndiainPoland) July 9, 2021 × The photograph of Warsaw University's library has gone popular on social media, making Indian internet users proud. The Upanishads are Hindu philosophical books written in late Vedic Sanskrit that constitute the basis of Hinduism. They are the most recent section of the Vedas, Hinduism's oldest scriptures, and they deal with meditation, philosophy, and ontological knowledge. (With inputs from agencies)

Picture of Upanishad Mantras engraved on library wall in Poland goes viral

Ramabhadran Aravamudan, a veteran of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country’s science &amp; technology fraternity, breathed his last, late on Wednesday, at his Bengaluru residence. 
 
Aged 84, he is survived by his wife Gita, a senior journalist, and their two sons. The senior scientist, tracking and telemetry radar expert, had been ailing for over a year now, owing to kidney failure. 
 
Among the first to join ISRO (then INCOSPAR), Aravamudan rose to serve the organization as Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (spaceport), Sriharikota, and the ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.

A first-rank holder from the Madras Institute of Technology, Aravamudan, who hailed from a middle-class family in Madras, worked at India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). 
 
<img alt="During the early stages of ISRO, Aravamudan and Kalam worked there together. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd3f0f61-a28d-41d1-930f-4f974b96ee43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20210805-WA0091.jpg" /> 
 
(During the early stages of ISRO, Aravamudan and Kalam worked there together. ) 
 
Thanks to a casual discussion with his colleagues in Bombay, the then 24-year old Aravamudan heard of a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, (father of India’s space programme), who wanted to set up a rocket launching station off Thiruvananthapuram. Bored with his routine job at the DAE, he applied for an exciting new role under Dr Sarabhai, which also involved being trained at NASA.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="R Aravamudan and Dr Vikram Sarabhai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ea8e5c6-d92c-4a12-9e4b-4c8b8f1a27a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20210805-WA0084.jpg" /> 
 
(R Aravamudan and Dr Vikram Sarabhai)

Once selected, he was sent to the US for training at various NASA facilities to learn and perform basic tracking and telemetry, which was essential in understanding the performance and trajectory of a launched rocket. 
 
His domain was also a means for a ground station to communicate with the rocket that was launched and vice versa. 
 
It was during this one-year assignment in the US that Aravamudan (known to the Americans and his colleagues as' ‘Dan’) met a 31-year old Abdul Kalam, who was also with ISRO.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Rashtrapati bhawan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6788606-66ba-43d3-a636-c45e91835893" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20210805-WA0090.jpg" /> 
 
(Aravamudan and his wife Gita with the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.)

After the training, the ISRO team moved in batches to their fledgling rocket launching station at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. It was in 1966 when Dan and his colleagues were working in Thumba, that some of the most historic images of ISRO were captured. The man behind the lens was none other than the iconic, legendary lensman Henri Cartier Bresson, the Frenchman who was the master of candid, street photography.

One of the most popular pictures that captured ISRO’s early days is that of a vest-clad Aravamudan working on an experimental rocket payload, while APJ Abdul Kalam assisted him. This picture was captured by Bresson and was widely shared after Dr Kalam went on to become the President of India. In another image of ISRO from the 1960s, captured by Bresson, a young scientist is seen riding a bicycle that carried a rocket’s nose cone on the rear carrier.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Gita" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4c70b6e-0b87-44ad-80df-3a97551befe7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20210805-WA0114.jpg" /> 
 
(Ramabhadran Aravamudan and his wife Gita.)

From the nascent stage of ISRO (the early 60s) when they launched experimental rockets, to the time when the much-talked-about Mangalyaan spacecraft entered Martian orbit (2014) and the GSLV Mk 3 rocket flew, Aravamudan had been closely associated with ISRO and its missions. He retired from ISRO in 1997, but his wife Gita fondly recalls to Zee Media that "ISRO was his life and we all came second. That was how dedicated he was to his organization." In his Autobiography ISRO: A Personal History, which she had co-authored, she reminisces that he had decided to write a memoir to make ISRO and the science &amp; technology domain exciting for posterity.&nbsp;

Recalling his memories and interactions with the late Aravamudan, Dr Mylswami Annadurai, former Director of ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Center and India’s Moon Man, said that he was an absolute gentleman to the core. "Whenever I met him, he used to speak about his life and times with Dr Kalam and the good old days at ISRO. I remember having invited him and his wife over to the URSC in Bengaluru, on the occasion of Children’s Day in 2015. They interacted with the youngsters gathered there and made it a very memorable and inspiring evening, " Dr Annadurai told WION.

Ramabhadran Aravamudan, a veteran of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country’s science & technology fraternity, breathed his last, late on Wednesday, at his Bengaluru residence.

Ramabhadran Aravamudan, a veteran of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country’s science & technology fraternity, breathed his last, late on Wednesday, at his Bengaluru residence. Aged 84, he is survived by his wife Gita, a senior journalist, and their two sons. The senior scientist, tracking and telemetry radar expert, had been ailing for over a year now, owing to kidney failure. Among the first to join ISRO (then INCOSPAR), Aravamudan rose to serve the organization as Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (spaceport), Sriharikota, and the ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru. A first-rank holder from the Madras Institute of Technology, Aravamudan, who hailed from a middle-class family in Madras, worked at India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). (During the early stages of ISRO, Aravamudan and Kalam worked there together. ) Thanks to a casual discussion with his colleagues in Bombay, the then 24-year old Aravamudan heard of a scientist, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, (father of India’s space programme), who wanted to set up a rocket launching station off Thiruvananthapuram. Bored with his routine job at the DAE, he applied for an exciting new role under Dr Sarabhai, which also involved being trained at NASA. (R Aravamudan and Dr Vikram Sarabhai) Once selected, he was sent to the US for training at various NASA facilities to learn and perform basic tracking and telemetry, which was essential in understanding the performance and trajectory of a launched rocket. His domain was also a means for a ground station to communicate with the rocket that was launched and vice versa. It was during this one-year assignment in the US that Aravamudan (known to the Americans and his colleagues as' ‘Dan’) met a 31-year old Abdul Kalam, who was also with ISRO. (Aravamudan and his wife Gita with the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.) After the training, the ISRO team moved in batches to their fledgling rocket launching station at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. It was in 1966 when Dan and his colleagues were working in Thumba, that some of the most historic images of ISRO were captured. The man behind the lens was none other than the iconic, legendary lensman Henri Cartier Bresson, the Frenchman who was the master of candid, street photography. One of the most popular pictures that captured ISRO’s early days is that of a vest-clad Aravamudan working on an experimental rocket payload, while APJ Abdul Kalam assisted him. This picture was captured by Bresson and was widely shared after Dr Kalam went on to become the President of India. In another image of ISRO from the 1960s, captured by Bresson, a young scientist is seen riding a bicycle that carried a rocket’s nose cone on the rear carrier. (Ramabhadran Aravamudan and his wife Gita.) From the nascent stage of ISRO (the early 60s) when they launched experimental rockets, to the time when the much-talked-about Mangalyaan spacecraft entered Martian orbit (2014) and the GSLV Mk 3 rocket flew, Aravamudan had been closely associated with ISRO and its missions. He retired from ISRO in 1997, but his wife Gita fondly recalls to Zee Media that "ISRO was his life and we all came second. That was how dedicated he was to his organization." In his Autobiography ISRO: A Personal History, which she had co-authored, she reminisces that he had decided to write a memoir to make ISRO and the science & technology domain exciting for posterity. Recalling his memories and interactions with the late Aravamudan, Dr Mylswami Annadurai, former Director of ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Center and India’s Moon Man, said that he was an absolute gentleman to the core. "Whenever I met him, he used to speak about his life and times with Dr Kalam and the good old days at ISRO. I remember having invited him and his wife over to the URSC in Bengaluru, on the occasion of Children’s Day in 2015. They interacted with the youngsters gathered there and made it a very memorable and inspiring evening, " Dr Annadurai told WION.

R Aravamudan, one of ISRO’s early pioneers and tracking & telemetry expert, no more

West Pakistan refugees Thursday danced to the beats of dholak to celebrate the second anniversary of the abrogation of articles 370 and 35-A which resulted in them gaining citizenship rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

Led by Pakistan Refugees Action Committee president Laba Ram Gandhi, the men, women and children from the community converged in the border area and danced amid slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

"We are celebrating it as our Independence Day by unfurling the Tricolour because real independence in Jammu and Kashmir came to us on August 5, 2019," Ram Gandhi told reporters here, referring to the day the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A and its decision to divide the erstwhile state into two union territories.

Watch | Second anniversary of revocation of Article 370 in Jammu &amp; Kashmir

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The refugees, who now enjoy the rights of a bonafide citizen, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"We were living as unwanted citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. We had no rights, from voting to getting jobs. Now we are proud citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Now our children will get all the rights," Ram Gandhi said.

Till August 5, 2019, the refugees were barred from voting in all elections except for parliamentary polls.

The refugees, who migrated from parts of West Punjab and Gujarat that are now in Pakistan, were also barred from government jobs, scholarships and admission in colleges, welfare schemes, and the right to own land.

The youths from the community are mostly illiterate and earn their livelihoods by working as labourers in agriculture fields in border belts of R S Pura, Samba, Hiranagar and Jammu, while the elderly work as domestic help.

After the scrapping of Article 370 on this day in 2019, West Pakistan refugees gained citizenship rights and can not only vote in local elections but also contest polls and enjoy all benefits as a citizen.

Like them, Valmikis also celebrated the day with joy and happiness.

They converged on the Valmiki temple complex and celebrated by raising pro-India slogans and thanked the prime minister for the decision.

Radical Gill, a Valmiki Samaj activist, said the abrogation of Article 370 came as a new lease of life to them. "We have got justice after many decades of the fight. We thank PM for this big decision. We can now become who we want to."

Another youth, Anadi Bhatti, said now he can become an advocate as article 370 is gone forever. "My dream will be fulfilled," he said.

West Pakistan refugees Thursday danced to the beats of dholak to celebrate the second anniversary of the abrogation of articles 370 and 35-A which resulted in them gaining citizenship rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

West Pakistan refugees Thursday danced to the beats of dholak to celebrate the second anniversary of the abrogation of articles 370 and 35-A which resulted in them gaining citizenship rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Led by Pakistan Refugees Action Committee president Laba Ram Gandhi, the men, women and children from the community converged in the border area and danced amid slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. "We are celebrating it as our Independence Day by unfurling the Tricolour because real independence in Jammu and Kashmir came to us on August 5, 2019," Ram Gandhi told reporters here, referring to the day the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A and its decision to divide the erstwhile state into two union territories. Watch | Second anniversary of revocation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir The refugees, who now enjoy the rights of a bonafide citizen, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "We were living as unwanted citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. We had no rights, from voting to getting jobs. Now we are proud citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Now our children will get all the rights," Ram Gandhi said. Till August 5, 2019, the refugees were barred from voting in all elections except for parliamentary polls. The refugees, who migrated from parts of West Punjab and Gujarat that are now in Pakistan, were also barred from government jobs, scholarships and admission in colleges, welfare schemes, and the right to own land. The youths from the community are mostly illiterate and earn their livelihoods by working as labourers in agriculture fields in border belts of R S Pura, Samba, Hiranagar and Jammu, while the elderly work as domestic help. After the scrapping of Article 370 on this day in 2019, West Pakistan refugees gained citizenship rights and can not only vote in local elections but also contest polls and enjoy all benefits as a citizen. Like them, Valmikis also celebrated the day with joy and happiness. They converged on the Valmiki temple complex and celebrated by raising pro-India slogans and thanked the prime minister for the decision. Radical Gill, a Valmiki Samaj activist, said the abrogation of Article 370 came as a new lease of life to them. "We have got justice after many decades of the fight. We thank PM for this big decision. We can now become who we want to." Another youth, Anadi Bhatti, said now he can become an advocate as article 370 is gone forever. "My dream will be fulfilled," he said.

With beats of dholak, West Pakistan refugees celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Article 370 abrogation

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation.

The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government."

The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004.

The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral&nbsp;Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered".

China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier.

The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said.

India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China.&nbsp;

Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China.

This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier.

This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence.

Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies. The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation. The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government." The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004. The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered". China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States. The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said. India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China. Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China. This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier. This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence. Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

Eye on China, India flexes muscles with new aircraft carrier, task force

Bhutan's India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was conferred with the Brunel medal awarded by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in&nbsp;London on Thursday.

The award is given as a mark of excellence in civil engineering within the industry and was handed over by the Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj to the chairman, Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma. One of the reasons the Mangdechhu project was awarded was due to its&nbsp;social and environmental credentials. &nbsp;

Ruchira Kamboj said, "The project will reduce 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Bhutan and India in the past have collectively resolved to increase the hydropower energy capacity of Bhutan to 12000 MW". She added, "India seeks to partner with Bhutan in renewable energy generation, solar and&nbsp;wind. As climate responsible developing country, India has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change."

The Brunel medal is historically given to major projects and organisations from across the world. The 2020 edition of the prize went to the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project – a collaboration between Indian and Bhutanese governments.

Pointing to revenue generation of Rs. 21,932.2 million, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Bhutan's economic affairs minister (also chairman, Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority) said, "It was done with the best engineering...we will continue to do well, continue to cooperate in this field".

The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project was inaugurated by PM Modi during his August 2019 visit to the country.

The project will produce 720MW of clean electricity for millions and provide an additional 44 per cent&nbsp;of electrical power generation on the hydro generation capacity of Bhutan.

The project has created 500 new jobs in Bhutan and schools and health facilities benefited from upgraded infrastructures such as drinking water facilities and irrigation channels. The event coincided with the Indian embassy in Bhutan's special week on India at 75 being celebrated in Thimphu from August 2-9.

Bhutan's India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was conferred with the Brunel medal awarded by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in London on Thursday.

Bhutan's India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project was conferred with the Brunel medal awarded by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in London on Thursday. The award is given as a mark of excellence in civil engineering within the industry and was handed over by the Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj to the chairman, Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma. One of the reasons the Mangdechhu project was awarded was due to its social and environmental credentials. Ruchira Kamboj said, "The project will reduce 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Bhutan and India in the past have collectively resolved to increase the hydropower energy capacity of Bhutan to 12000 MW". She added, "India seeks to partner with Bhutan in renewable energy generation, solar and wind. As climate responsible developing country, India has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change." The Brunel medal is historically given to major projects and organisations from across the world. The 2020 edition of the prize went to the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project – a collaboration between Indian and Bhutanese governments. Pointing to revenue generation of Rs. 21,932.2 million, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Bhutan's economic affairs minister (also chairman, Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority) said, "It was done with the best engineering...we will continue to do well, continue to cooperate in this field". The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project was inaugurated by PM Modi during his August 2019 visit to the country. The project will produce 720MW of clean electricity for millions and provide an additional 44 per cent of electrical power generation on the hydro generation capacity of Bhutan. The project has created 500 new jobs in Bhutan and schools and health facilities benefited from upgraded infrastructures such as drinking water facilities and irrigation channels. The event coincided with the Indian embassy in Bhutan's special week on India at 75 being celebrated in Thimphu from August 2-9.

Bhutan-India joint Mangdechhu hydroelectric project reduces 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has announced the date for its second rocket launch for the year 2021. Earth Observation satellite GISAT-1 also known as EOS-3 will be launched on Thursday, August 12th at 5:43am, said the Indian Government Space Agency. However, this tentative launch time is subject to weather conditions.&nbsp;

According to ISRO, GISAT-1 is meant to provide near-realtime imaging of large region of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow and&nbsp;glaciers and oceanography.&nbsp;

The GSLV Mk2 Rocket would be carrying India’s GISAT-1, an agile earth observation satellite that is meant to be placed in Geostationary orbit(36,000kms from earth’s equator). This orbit is typically meant for communication satellites that have to cover a large swathe of land. A satellite in geostationary orbit would be in sync with the rotation cycle of the earth(24hrs) and it would appear to be stationary when seen from the earth, thus giving it the name. It is said that three aptly positioned Geostationary satellites can cover pretty much all of Earth’s surface.

Conventionally, such earth-observation satellites are placed in Low-Earth orbit (between 500 and 2000kms), to ensure high-resolution imagery, better capabilities. However, it is pertinent to note that ISRO’s latest agile earth-observation satellite is to be placed 36,000kms away from the earth’s surface. Being placed in the 36,000km circular orbit would also mean that the 2268kg GISAT-1 is beyond the range of Anti-satellite missiles.

Quoting former ISRO Chairman Dr. Madhavan Nair and former URSC Director Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Zee Media had earlier reported that, despite GISAT’s placement in far-away 36,000kms orbit, it can use different types of imaging technologies to provide a constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern.

This is unlike low earth orbit satellites, that can make a pass only once in 110minutes or so, for clicking pictures and collecting data. In case a cyclone or similar rapidly-changing weather pattern is being continually monitored by GISAT-1, then the satellites in low earth orbit can also be tasked to get higher resolution imagery from a relatively closer range. They also added that, being an agile satellite means, it can rotate on an east-west, north-south axis to enable imaging of a specific region. In layman’s terms, its like tilting a handheld camera and mildly moving it for getting the best shot.

GISAT, was originally meant to be launched in March 2020, but the launch was called off owing to technical reasons. After the pandemic-related delays, the launch was scheduled for March 2021, when it got further delayed due to some technical issues in the satellite.&nbsp;

The website of ISRO’s spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre has earlier posted that the agency had two launches in two months - a GSLV Mk2 mission in August and a PSLV mission in September. During the second wave of the pandemic in India, ISRO suspended its launch activities, but the agency contributed to the COVID-19 fight by ramping up production of liquid oxygen (for hospitals), re-purposing its storage tanks for oxygen, developing low-cost ventilators etc.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has announced the date for its second rocket launch for the year 2021. Earth Observation satellite GISAT-1 also known as EOS-3 will be launched on Thursday, August 12th at 5:43am, said the Indian Government Space Agency.

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has announced the date for its second rocket launch for the year 2021. Earth Observation satellite GISAT-1 also known as EOS-3 will be launched on Thursday, August 12th at 5:43am, said the Indian Government Space Agency. However, this tentative launch time is subject to weather conditions. According to ISRO, GISAT-1 is meant to provide near-realtime imaging of large region of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow and glaciers and oceanography. The GSLV Mk2 Rocket would be carrying India’s GISAT-1, an agile earth observation satellite that is meant to be placed in Geostationary orbit(36,000kms from earth’s equator). This orbit is typically meant for communication satellites that have to cover a large swathe of land. A satellite in geostationary orbit would be in sync with the rotation cycle of the earth(24hrs) and it would appear to be stationary when seen from the earth, thus giving it the name. It is said that three aptly positioned Geostationary satellites can cover pretty much all of Earth’s surface. Conventionally, such earth-observation satellites are placed in Low-Earth orbit (between 500 and 2000kms), to ensure high-resolution imagery, better capabilities. However, it is pertinent to note that ISRO’s latest agile earth-observation satellite is to be placed 36,000kms away from the earth’s surface. Being placed in the 36,000km circular orbit would also mean that the 2268kg GISAT-1 is beyond the range of Anti-satellite missiles. Quoting former ISRO Chairman Dr. Madhavan Nair and former URSC Director Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Zee Media had earlier reported that, despite GISAT’s placement in far-away 36,000kms orbit, it can use different types of imaging technologies to provide a constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern. This is unlike low earth orbit satellites, that can make a pass only once in 110minutes or so, for clicking pictures and collecting data. In case a cyclone or similar rapidly-changing weather pattern is being continually monitored by GISAT-1, then the satellites in low earth orbit can also be tasked to get higher resolution imagery from a relatively closer range. They also added that, being an agile satellite means, it can rotate on an east-west, north-south axis to enable imaging of a specific region. In layman’s terms, its like tilting a handheld camera and mildly moving it for getting the best shot. GISAT, was originally meant to be launched in March 2020, but the launch was called off owing to technical reasons. After the pandemic-related delays, the launch was scheduled for March 2021, when it got further delayed due to some technical issues in the satellite. The website of ISRO’s spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre has earlier posted that the agency had two launches in two months - a GSLV Mk2 mission in August and a PSLV mission in September. During the second wave of the pandemic in India, ISRO suspended its launch activities, but the agency contributed to the COVID-19 fight by ramping up production of liquid oxygen (for hospitals), re-purposing its storage tanks for oxygen, developing low-cost ventilators etc.

Earth Observation satellite GISAT-1 launch slated for August 12, says ISRO

Two days after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani blamed the role of US forces for worsening security situation in the country, Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slammed Ghani's remarks. "US decision to withdraw troops is a big mistake", says Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai while speaking to WION and blamed the US for the Afghan security situation.

Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slams US

Today marks two years since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories. In the last two years the central govt has been working hard to change the situation in the UTs. What the govt is also coping with is Pak's growing terror attacks.

Second anniversary of revocation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir |

Today marks two years since India's Jammu and Kashmir began marching into new tune. On August 5, 2019, the Narendra Modi government revoked the special status of Jammu & Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.

Two years of revocation of Article 370

According to the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flights-suspension-from-india-pak-bangladesh-and-lanka-to-uae-extended-till-aug-7-402535">UAE </a>will lift a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries from August 5.

Passengers from Sri Lanka, Uganda and Nepal will also be allowed, NCEMA and &nbsp;General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said. Etihad Airways had earlier said restrictions will continue till August 7 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCEMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCEMA</a> and Civil Aviation: Entry to the UAE will be allowed for some categories of passengers from countries, from where inbound flights to the Emirates have been banned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeRecover?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeRecover</a> <a href="https://t.co/uvqhZXyKLy">https://t.co/uvqhZXyKLy</a> <a href="https://t.co/I5cgoDbrrC">pic.twitter.com/I5cgoDbrrC</a>
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The UAE said only those passengers will be allowed who have residency visas and have&nbsp;received the two doses of vaccine with the condition that 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose.

The agency said vaccination certificates approved by official authorities in the country will also be needed at the airport, however, medical personnel working in the country will be exempted, including doctors, nurses and&nbsp;technicians, whether vaccinated or not.

Exemption from vaccination has also been provided for the education&nbsp;sector for those who teach in universities, colleges, schools and institutes.

"Travel will also resume for transit passengers from all countries from which transit passengers were previously banned, provided that the traveller’s last destination is accepted and a laboratory PCR test is submitted within 72 hours from the time of departure," it said.

The directive added that "exempted groups will be obligated to submit a prior PCR test within 48 hours from the date of departure" and follow precautionary and preventive measures should be followed including quarantine and PCR checks.

The agency declared that airports will allocate special lounges for transit passengers while taking all COVID-19 precautionary and preventive measures.

The GCAA had earlier exempted official delegations and businessmen as well as golden and silver residency holders, with foreign aircraft crews also allowed in subject to the person carrying negative PCR test&nbsp;obtained within 48 hours of departure and upon arrival.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA), UAE will lift a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries from August 5.

According to the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA), UAE will lift a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries from August 5. Passengers from Sri Lanka, Uganda and Nepal will also be allowed, NCEMA and General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said. Etihad Airways had earlier said restrictions will continue till August 7 due to the coronavirus pandemic. #NCEMA and Civil Aviation: Entry to the UAE will be allowed for some categories of passengers from countries, from where inbound flights to the Emirates have been banned. #TogetherWeRecover https://t.co/uvqhZXyKLy pic.twitter.com/I5cgoDbrrC — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 3, 2021 × The UAE said only those passengers will be allowed who have residency visas and have received the two doses of vaccine with the condition that 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose. The agency said vaccination certificates approved by official authorities in the country will also be needed at the airport, however, medical personnel working in the country will be exempted, including doctors, nurses and technicians, whether vaccinated or not. Exemption from vaccination has also been provided for the education sector for those who teach in universities, colleges, schools and institutes. "Travel will also resume for transit passengers from all countries from which transit passengers were previously banned, provided that the traveller’s last destination is accepted and a laboratory PCR test is submitted within 72 hours from the time of departure," it said. The directive added that "exempted groups will be obligated to submit a prior PCR test within 48 hours from the date of departure" and follow precautionary and preventive measures should be followed including quarantine and PCR checks. The agency declared that airports will allocate special lounges for transit passengers while taking all COVID-19 precautionary and preventive measures. The GCAA had earlier exempted official delegations and businessmen as well as golden and silver residency holders, with foreign aircraft crews also allowed in subject to the person carrying negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of departure and upon arrival. (With inputs from Agencies)

UAE lifts ban on flights from India, Pak & other countries from August 5

India stressed on Wednesday that the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with the relevant UN convention and that the negotiations on it should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of the nations that are not a party to the discussions.

In a virtual address at a meeting of the East Asia Summit (EAS), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also highlighted the growing convergence of approaches on the Indo-Pacific region among different members of the grouping.

Separately, Jaishankar also addressed a meeting of the ASEAN-India foreign ministers during which he touched upon a range of issues, including connectivity, and said India is looking forward to an early review of the "trade-in goods agreement".

"Stressed that Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with UNCLOS 1982.

Should not prejudice legitimate rights and interests of nations not a party to discussions," Jaishankar tweeted about his meeting with the foreign ministers of the EAS member countries.

China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons.

However, several ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.

India has been pitching for a rules-based order in the region, including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

In his address at the EAS meeting, Jaishankar also supported the "ASEAN five-point" consensus on Myanmar and welcomed the appointment of a special envoy.

The external affairs minister also spoke about the growing COVID-19 challenge faced by ASEAN and conveyed India's support and solidarity.

Jaishankar described the discussions at the ASEAN meeting as "substantive and fruitful".

In a series of tweets, he said much of India's interests and relationships now lie to its east, which is a testimony of its ties with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

The external affairs minister also emphasised accelerating connectivity projects and particularly talked about the trilateral highway and Kaladan projects.

The ambitious India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is expected to boost connectivity among the three countries.

The Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project is being viewed as India's gateway to Southeast Asia.

Jaishankar also sought convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) proposed by India.

On the coronavirus pandemic, he said India and ASEAN are "strong partners in Covid response: medicines or oxygen, equipment or logistics".

Jaishankar also proposed 2022 as the ASEAN-India friendship year for the 30th anniversary of the ties between the two sides.

The ASEAN is considered to be one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.

The ties between India and the ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.

The EAS is the premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region to deal with issues relating to security and defence.

Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia.

Apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, the EAS includes India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

India stressed on Wednesday that the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with the relevant UN convention and that the negotiations on it should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of the nations that are not a party to the discussions.

India stressed on Wednesday that the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with the relevant UN convention and that the negotiations on it should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of the nations that are not a party to the discussions. In a virtual address at a meeting of the East Asia Summit (EAS), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also highlighted the growing convergence of approaches on the Indo-Pacific region among different members of the grouping. Separately, Jaishankar also addressed a meeting of the ASEAN-India foreign ministers during which he touched upon a range of issues, including connectivity, and said India is looking forward to an early review of the "trade-in goods agreement". "Stressed that Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with UNCLOS 1982. Should not prejudice legitimate rights and interests of nations not a party to discussions," Jaishankar tweeted about his meeting with the foreign ministers of the EAS member countries. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. However, several ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims. India has been pitching for a rules-based order in the region, including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). In his address at the EAS meeting, Jaishankar also supported the "ASEAN five-point" consensus on Myanmar and welcomed the appointment of a special envoy. The external affairs minister also spoke about the growing COVID-19 challenge faced by ASEAN and conveyed India's support and solidarity. Jaishankar described the discussions at the ASEAN meeting as "substantive and fruitful". In a series of tweets, he said much of India's interests and relationships now lie to its east, which is a testimony of its ties with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The external affairs minister also emphasised accelerating connectivity projects and particularly talked about the trilateral highway and Kaladan projects. The ambitious India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is expected to boost connectivity among the three countries. The Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project is being viewed as India's gateway to Southeast Asia. Jaishankar also sought convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) proposed by India. On the coronavirus pandemic, he said India and ASEAN are "strong partners in Covid response: medicines or oxygen, equipment or logistics". Jaishankar also proposed 2022 as the ASEAN-India friendship year for the 30th anniversary of the ties between the two sides. The ASEAN is considered to be one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners. The ties between India and the ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. The EAS is the premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region to deal with issues relating to security and defence. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia. Apart from the 10 ASEAN member states, the EAS includes India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia.

Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be consistent with UN convention: EAM Jaishankar

The Border Roads Organisation of India has built the world's highest road in eastern Ladakh, at a height of 19,300 feet, according to a government statement released today.

The road was built at a greater elevation than the Mount Everest base camps, with the south base camp in Nepal being 17,598 feet and the north base camp in Tibet being 16,900 feet.&nbsp;

According to the ministry's statement, the BRO has built a 52-kilometer black-top road across Umlingla Pass, breaking the previous record for a road in Bolivia linking to the volcano Uturuncu at 18,953 feet.&nbsp;

"Umlingla Pass is now connected with a black top road to enhance socio-economic conditions and promote tourism in Ladakh," the government said.

"It will prove to be a boon to the local population as it offers an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh, " it mentioned.

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𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 
 
..And we reached the last milestone over the Mighty Umling La Pass by constructing the World's Highest motorable road. 
 
The National Flag unfurls with Pride and Elan, telling the world - 🇮🇳 सारे जहां से अच्छा हिंदोस्तान हमारा 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/OQyNFmUo3S">pic.twitter.com/OQyNFmUo3S</a>
— 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (@BROindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BROindia/status/1422217549534531584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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To put that into perspective, most big commercial aeroplanes travel at an altitude of 30,000 feet or more, so this road is more than half that.&nbsp;

Infrastructure development in such a severe and difficult environment is exceedingly difficult.

The temperature drops to -40 degrees Celsius in the winter, and the oxygen level is about half that of regular areas at this altitude.&nbsp;

"The Border Roads Organisation or BRO, achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions," the government said. 
 
The road was built at a greater elevation than the Mount Everest Base Camps in Nepal, where the South Base Camp is at 17,598 feet and the North Base Camp is at 16,900 feet.

The road was built at a considerably higher height than the Siachen Glacier, which stands at 17,700 feet.

The Khardung La Pass near Leh is 17,582 feet above sea level.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Border Roads Organisation of India has built the world's highest road in eastern Ladakh, at a height of 19,300 feet, according to a government statement released today.

The Border Roads Organisation of India has built the world's highest road in eastern Ladakh, at a height of 19,300 feet, according to a government statement released today. The road was built at a greater elevation than the Mount Everest base camps, with the south base camp in Nepal being 17,598 feet and the north base camp in Tibet being 16,900 feet. According to the ministry's statement, the BRO has built a 52-kilometer black-top road across Umlingla Pass, breaking the previous record for a road in Bolivia linking to the volcano Uturuncu at 18,953 feet. "Umlingla Pass is now connected with a black top road to enhance socio-economic conditions and promote tourism in Ladakh," the government said. "It will prove to be a boon to the local population as it offers an alternate direct route connecting Chisumle and Demchok from Leh, " it mentioned. 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 ..And we reached the last milestone over the Mighty Umling La Pass by constructing the World's Highest motorable road. The National Flag unfurls with Pride and Elan, telling the world - 🇮🇳 सारे जहां से अच्छा हिंदोस्तान हमारा 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/OQyNFmUo3S — 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (@BROindia) August 2, 2021 × To put that into perspective, most big commercial aeroplanes travel at an altitude of 30,000 feet or more, so this road is more than half that. Infrastructure development in such a severe and difficult environment is exceedingly difficult. The temperature drops to -40 degrees Celsius in the winter, and the oxygen level is about half that of regular areas at this altitude. "The Border Roads Organisation or BRO, achieved the feat due to the grit and resilience of its personnel who work in treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions," the government said. The road was built at a greater elevation than the Mount Everest Base Camps in Nepal, where the South Base Camp is at 17,598 feet and the North Base Camp is at 16,900 feet. The road was built at a considerably higher height than the Siachen Glacier, which stands at 17,700 feet. The Khardung La Pass near Leh is 17,582 feet above sea level. (With inputs from agencies)

Umlingla Pass: India builds world's highest road at 19,300 feet in Ladakh

With 42,625 people testing positive for the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,17,69,132 and the active caseload increased to 4,10,353, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

The death toll climbed to 4,25,757 with 562 fatalities.

<iframe allow="attribution-reporting" data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The number of active cases increased to 4,10,353 and accounted for 1.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate rose to 97.37 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

An increase of 5,395 cases has been recorded in the active caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 18,47,518 samples were tested on Tuesday taking the number of tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 47,31,42,307.

The daily positivity rate stood at 2.31 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.36 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,09,33,022, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.34 per cent, according to the data.

Cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country so far has reached 48.52 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7; 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; 80 lakh on October 29; 90 lakh on November 20; and the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23.

With 42,625 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,17,69,132 and the active caseload increased to 4,10,353, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

With 42,625 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 3,17,69,132 and the active caseload increased to 4,10,353, according to data updated by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. The death toll climbed to 4,25,757 with 562 fatalities. The number of active cases increased to 4,10,353 and accounted for 1.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate rose to 97.37 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. An increase of 5,395 cases has been recorded in the active caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 18,47,518 samples were tested on Tuesday taking the number of tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 47,31,42,307. The daily positivity rate stood at 2.31 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.36 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,09,33,022, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.34 per cent, according to the data. Cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country so far has reached 48.52 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7; 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; 80 lakh on October 29; 90 lakh on November 20; and the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore coronavirus cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23.

COVID-19: India records 42,625 cases and 562 deaths in a day

On Kashmir Road To Progress, we bring you the voices of Kashmiri youth. 4 youngsters from 4 different fields. One common passion- entrepreneurship and job creation. What are the aspirations of the youth?

Kashmir Road To Progress: Voices of Youth

Experts from Nutrition International, a Canadian not-for-profit&nbsp;organisation,&nbsp;emphasised&nbsp;that a mother’s breastmilk is like a vaccination that nourishes the baby lifelong. They say, it builds immunity and cognition, reduces the risk of stunting and protects the baby from diseases. It is naturally fortified with nutrients and antibodies,&nbsp;making it even more important in COVID-19 times to protect both babies and mothers, says the&nbsp;organisation. They also highlight the need to debunk the myths surrounding breast-feeding amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of World Breastfeeding week (that is observed during the first week of August), they said that COVID-19 has disrupted services&nbsp;being&nbsp;provided&nbsp;by&nbsp;Anganwadis, heath sub-centers, besides a reduction in institutional deliveries. As a result, there is a decline in&nbsp;important pre-birth and post-birth services, counselling of pregnant, lactating women and weighing of children.&nbsp;

It is pointed out that the fear of COVID-19 infection transmission (via breastmilk) and rumors in this regard are discouraging the practice. Inadequate maternity leave legislation, unregulated and inappropriate marketing activities within the breastmilk substitute industry,&nbsp;etc&nbsp;are also stated as reasons that have caused a decline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Mini Varghese, Country Director, India, Nutrition International, ensuring the implementation of breast-feeding within one hour of birth during all institutional deliveries will be an important step towards achieving the target.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the myths and its detrimental effects of&nbsp;breast-feeding, Anganwadi Worker, Nidhi Shrivastav from Madhya Pradesh says, COVID-19 positive mothers, who give birth, refuse to breastfeed as they fear passing on COVID-19 infection to their babies. “However, we work on counselling these new mothers and their families on the lifesaving benefits of breast-feeding. We also encourage them to take precautions such as washing their hands, wearing masks and&nbsp;sanitising&nbsp;surfaces for safe breastfeeding practices,” she adds.&nbsp;

Nutrition International says that, despite breast-feeding being cost-effective, baby food companies continue to attack and replace&nbsp;it&nbsp;with their products. It also makes a mention of World Health Assembly (WHA) endorsing the "International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes”, that&nbsp;recognises&nbsp;commercial marketing of baby foods as harmful to the health of infants. In India, the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) bans all forms of promotion of foods marketed to children up to two years of age, says the&nbsp;organisation.&nbsp;

“While India has a law to protect breast-feeding, it needs action for enforcement,”&nbsp;says Mini Varghese. She adds that the concerned stakeholders including professional associations need to come forward to support the government to ensure that the IMS Act is implemented in its true spirit.&nbsp;

Experts from Nutrition International, a Canadian not-for-profit organisation, emphasised that a mother’s breastmilk is like a vaccination that nourishes the baby lifelong.

Experts from Nutrition International, a Canadian not-for-profit organisation, emphasised that a mother’s breastmilk is like a vaccination that nourishes the baby lifelong. They say, it builds immunity and cognition, reduces the risk of stunting and protects the baby from diseases. It is naturally fortified with nutrients and antibodies, making it even more important in COVID-19 times to protect both babies and mothers, says the organisation. They also highlight the need to debunk the myths surrounding breast-feeding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On the sidelines of World Breastfeeding week (that is observed during the first week of August), they said that COVID-19 has disrupted services being provided by Anganwadis, heath sub-centers, besides a reduction in institutional deliveries. As a result, there is a decline in important pre-birth and post-birth services, counselling of pregnant, lactating women and weighing of children. It is pointed out that the fear of COVID-19 infection transmission (via breastmilk) and rumors in this regard are discouraging the practice. Inadequate maternity leave legislation, unregulated and inappropriate marketing activities within the breastmilk substitute industry, etc are also stated as reasons that have caused a decline. According to Mini Varghese, Country Director, India, Nutrition International, ensuring the implementation of breast-feeding within one hour of birth during all institutional deliveries will be an important step towards achieving the target. On the myths and its detrimental effects of breast-feeding, Anganwadi Worker, Nidhi Shrivastav from Madhya Pradesh says, COVID-19 positive mothers, who give birth, refuse to breastfeed as they fear passing on COVID-19 infection to their babies. “However, we work on counselling these new mothers and their families on the lifesaving benefits of breast-feeding. We also encourage them to take precautions such as washing their hands, wearing masks and sanitising surfaces for safe breastfeeding practices,” she adds. Nutrition International says that, despite breast-feeding being cost-effective, baby food companies continue to attack and replace it with their products. It also makes a mention of World Health Assembly (WHA) endorsing the "International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes”, that recognises commercial marketing of baby foods as harmful to the health of infants. In India, the Infant Milk Substitutes Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992, and Amendment Act 2003 (IMS Act) bans all forms of promotion of foods marketed to children up to two years of age, says the organisation. “While India has a law to protect breast-feeding, it needs action for enforcement,” says Mini Varghese. She adds that the concerned stakeholders including professional associations need to come forward to support the government to ensure that the IMS Act is implemented in its true spirit.

‘Must debunk fake news, myths on breast-feeding causing COVID-19' 

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China.

The Indian military has been traditionally wary of antagonising China but the mood has hardened following clashes between troops on the disputed land border last year. The government has since drawn closer to the United States in efforts to push back against China.

Four ships including a guided-missile destroyer and a missile frigate will be deployed for two months to southeast Asia, the South China Sea and the western Pacific, the navy said in a statement.

"The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain..." the navy said.

The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

In June, a US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission and a British carrier group is due to undertake exercises in the Philippine Sea this month.

As part of their deployment, the Indian ships will take part in annual joint war drills involving the United States, Japan and Australia off the coast of Guam, the navy said.

The four countries make up the Quad, an informal group, that US President Joe Biden's administration is promoting as a way to counter an assertive China.

"These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea," the Indian navy said in its statement.

China has in the past criticised multilateral military manoeuvres as destabilising to the region.

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China.

India is sending a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to expand security ties with friendly countries, officials said on Wednesday, signalling its intent to play a bigger role in regional efforts to counter China. The Indian military has been traditionally wary of antagonising China but the mood has hardened following clashes between troops on the disputed land border last year. The government has since drawn closer to the United States in efforts to push back against China. Four ships including a guided-missile destroyer and a missile frigate will be deployed for two months to southeast Asia, the South China Sea and the western Pacific, the navy said in a statement. "The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain..." the navy said. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. In June, a US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission and a British carrier group is due to undertake exercises in the Philippine Sea this month. As part of their deployment, the Indian ships will take part in annual joint war drills involving the United States, Japan and Australia off the coast of Guam, the navy said. The four countries make up the Quad, an informal group, that US President Joe Biden's administration is promoting as a way to counter an assertive China. "These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea," the Indian navy said in its statement. China has in the past criticised multilateral military manoeuvres as destabilising to the region.

Indian military deploys warships in the South China Sea as part of 'Act East' policy

India's ISRO or Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching a Bhutanese satellite in December 2021.

The satellite is being built by four&nbsp;Bhutanese engineers who are being trained by ISRO, with the first phase already over.

Ambassador of India to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said,&nbsp;"Our two&nbsp;countries are collaborating to build a satellite...this satellite is going to be launched in 2021 from ISRO's facilities".

She highlighted, that it is&nbsp;"the only natural that these two&nbsp;best friends are cooperating in this final frontier"

She was speaking at an event "Space odyssey: showcasing India's achievements in space technology" organized by the Indian embassy in Bhutan as part of India's 75th year of Independence--Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The four&nbsp;Bhutanese engineers were also present at the occasion.&nbsp;The engineers completed 2 months of training at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center in February and in the second phase of training will put the finishing touches on the satellite they are building.

R Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO who was the keynote speaker at the event making a mention of the Bhutanese satellite that is being developed said, it "will fly hopefully by end of this year in PSLV mission, that is what we are planning"

India and Bhutan have engagement in space cooperation with a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite being inaugurated in Thimphu during PM Modi's August 2019 Bhutan visit.

Ground Earth station was built with the help of ISRO.&nbsp;In 2017 India launched the South Asia satellite project with all countries barring Pakistan part of it.

Under the project, New Delhi has offered to increase bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite for Bhutan as a gift as per the country's requirement.

India's ISRO or Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching a Bhutanese satellite in December 2021. The satellite is being built by four Bhutanese engineers who are being trained by ISRO, with the first phase already over.

India's ISRO or Indian Space Research Organisation will be launching a Bhutanese satellite in December 2021. The satellite is being built by four Bhutanese engineers who are being trained by ISRO, with the first phase already over. Ambassador of India to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said, "Our two countries are collaborating to build a satellite...this satellite is going to be launched in 2021 from ISRO's facilities". She highlighted, that it is "the only natural that these two best friends are cooperating in this final frontier" She was speaking at an event "Space odyssey: showcasing India's achievements in space technology" organized by the Indian embassy in Bhutan as part of India's 75th year of Independence--Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The four Bhutanese engineers were also present at the occasion. The engineers completed 2 months of training at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center in February and in the second phase of training will put the finishing touches on the satellite they are building. R Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO who was the keynote speaker at the event making a mention of the Bhutanese satellite that is being developed said, it "will fly hopefully by end of this year in PSLV mission, that is what we are planning" India and Bhutan have engagement in space cooperation with a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite being inaugurated in Thimphu during PM Modi's August 2019 Bhutan visit. Ground Earth station was built with the help of ISRO. In 2017 India launched the South Asia satellite project with all countries barring Pakistan part of it. Under the project, New Delhi has offered to increase bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite for Bhutan as a gift as per the country's requirement.

Indian Space Research Organisation to launch Bhutanese satellite in December

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security.

India takes up United Nations Security Council presidency, to hold key signature events

India said it has no plans to cut import duties on electric vehicles, weeks after Tesla Inc. appealed to the government to slash taxes. India however added that it is taking steps to promote use of electric cars.

India says has no plans to cut import duties after Tesla appeals to slash taxes

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.&nbsp;

In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” &nbsp;

On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.”&nbsp;

Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. &nbsp;

Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact.&nbsp;

Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.&nbsp;

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions. In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.” Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact. Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2. "We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 

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With beats of dholak, West Pakistan refugees celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Article 370 abrogation

Eye on China, India flexes muscles with new aircraft carrier, task force

Bhutan-India joint Mangdechhu hydroelectric project reduces 2.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year

Earth Observation satellite GISAT-1 launch slated for August 12, says ISRO

Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slams US

Afghanistan President's special envoy Umer Daudzai slams US

Second anniversary of revocation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir |

Two years of revocation of Article 370

UAE lifts ban on flights from India, Pak & other countries from August 5

Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be consistent with UN convention: EAM Jaishankar

Umlingla Pass: India builds world's highest road at 19,300 feet in Ladakh

COVID-19: India records 42,625 cases and 562 deaths in a day

Kashmir Road To Progress: Voices of Youth

‘Must debunk fake news, myths on breast-feeding causing COVID-19'

Indian military deploys warships in the South China Sea as part of 'Act East' policy

Indian Space Research Organisation to launch Bhutanese satellite in December