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Seven Disaster relief teams (DRTs) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have been providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the flood-affected districts across India’s Western peninsular states. Coast Guard teams have been working with the respective district administrations in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka to mitigate the effect of incessant rainfall, that has led to floods.

According to the ICG, three of their teams in Unglijoog and Kharejoog islands in Karnataka have rescued and relocated 161 persons in distress, to safe locations. In Maharashtra, two DRTs (one each at Mahad and Chiplun) and a helicopter have rescued 52 persons so far. The ICG Air Base at Ratnagiri has also been made available for Indian Navy and Air Force assets for relief operations in Maharashtra.

In Goa, the ICG has pressed two DRTs into service at Ponda, in addition to launching four helicopter sorties to drop 200 food packets for the strander person

Seven Disaster relief teams (DRTs) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have been providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the flood-affected districts across India’s Western peninsular states.

Seven Disaster relief teams (DRTs) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have been providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the flood-affected districts across India’s Western peninsular states. Coast Guard teams have been working with the respective district administrations in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka to mitigate the effect of incessant rainfall, that has led to floods. According to the ICG, three of their teams in Unglijoog and Kharejoog islands in Karnataka have rescued and relocated 161 persons in distress, to safe locations. In Maharashtra, two DRTs (one each at Mahad and Chiplun) and a helicopter have rescued 52 persons so far. The ICG Air Base at Ratnagiri has also been made available for Indian Navy and Air Force assets for relief operations in Maharashtra. In Goa, the ICG has pressed two DRTs into service at Ponda, in addition to launching four helicopter sorties to drop 200 food packets for the strander person

Indian Coast Guard works in severals states to provide relief amid heavy rains

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh &amp; Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides.

For the first time Indian Railways' "Oxygen Express" will cross international border and supply 200 MTs of liquid oxygen in 10 containers to neighbouring Bangladesh. The operation is being undertaken by South Eastern Railway with the train leaving Tatanagar and reaching Benapole in Bangladesh on Sunday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/United?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#United</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a>'s fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a>,🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RailMinIndia</a> enabling supply of 200 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen through the 1st cross-border <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxygenExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxygenExpress</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. Reaching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Benapole?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Benapole</a> 🇧🇩 tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/BDMOFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDMOFA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/albd1971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albd1971</a><a href="https://twitter.com/shah_farhad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shah_farhad</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meaindia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/3zP9JSMGD7">pic.twitter.com/3zP9JSMGD7</a>
— India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ihcdhaka/status/1418870755249594371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A release by Indian Railways said,"This is the first time ever that the Oxygen Express is put into operation to neighbouring country."

Domestically, Indian Railways started Oxygen Express on April 24th when the country was struck by devastating Covid crisis earlier this year. According to railways, more than 35000 MTs of liquid oxygen was transported to 15 states &amp; around 480 Oxygen Expresses were operationalised.

Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ship Airavat reached Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. The ship has brought five cryogenic containers containing 100 MTs of liquid oxygen and 300 concentraters to support the Southeast Asian country's fight against Covid.

Indian envoy to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti handed over essential medicines and relief materials to Bapak Eka Jusup Singka, Head of Crisis Centre, Indonesian Ministry of Health.

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INS Airavat carrying 100 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen &amp; 300 Oxygen concentrators arrives at Tanjung Priok port as a part of operation Samudra Setu-II of <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a>. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 🇮🇳🇮🇩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiaindonesia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiaindonesia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbJkt/status/1418825367935139840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Currently the country has been struck by a devastating Covid crisis, similar to what India saw in April. In fact the famous tourist destination of Bali is running out of oxygen as cases surge.

A navy release said, "India and Indonesia enjoy close cultural and commercial ties. Both countries have been working together in the maritime domain towards a safer Indo-Pacific."

The naval ship Airavat whose primary role is to carry out amphibious operations had been deployed for relief operations across the Indian Ocean Region in the past as well. Both Indian and Indonesian navies have been carrying out bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols regularly.

Remember, both Bangladesh and Indonesia had reached out to India when it was stuck by Covid crisis. Bangladesh sent Remdisivir Injection, medicines and protective equipment. A large quantity of Remdisivir was used in Northeastern states of India bordering Bangladesh.

Indonesia had sent India oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders. All in all, India got relief from 52 countries which included various items from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad among other sources. Last year, New Delhi had sent HCQ to many countries and this year 95 countries got India-made vaccines. The vaccine export initative, called Vaccine Maitri initiative is currently on pause as India focuses on its domestic vaccination programme.

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh & Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides.

In a significant move, India has sent covid relief assistance to Bangladesh & Indonesia. The development shows India's comeback as a supplier of medical products as impact of 2nd wave of covid crisis subsides. For the first time Indian Railways' "Oxygen Express" will cross international border and supply 200 MTs of liquid oxygen in 10 containers to neighbouring Bangladesh. The operation is being undertaken by South Eastern Railway with the train leaving Tatanagar and reaching Benapole in Bangladesh on Sunday. #United in #Bangladesh's fight against #Covid19,🇮🇳 @RailMinIndia enabling supply of 200 MT of Liquid Medical Oxygen through the 1st cross-border #OxygenExpress from #India. Reaching #Benapole 🇧🇩 tomorrow.@BDMOFA@albd1971@shah_farhad@meaindia@IndianDiplomacy@AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/3zP9JSMGD7 — India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) July 24, 2021 × A release by Indian Railways said,"This is the first time ever that the Oxygen Express is put into operation to neighbouring country." Domestically, Indian Railways started Oxygen Express on April 24th when the country was struck by devastating Covid crisis earlier this year. According to railways, more than 35000 MTs of liquid oxygen was transported to 15 states & around 480 Oxygen Expresses were operationalised. Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ship Airavat reached Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. The ship has brought five cryogenic containers containing 100 MTs of liquid oxygen and 300 concentraters to support the Southeast Asian country's fight against Covid. Indian envoy to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti handed over essential medicines and relief materials to Bapak Eka Jusup Singka, Head of Crisis Centre, Indonesian Ministry of Health. INS Airavat carrying 100 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen & 300 Oxygen concentrators arrives at Tanjung Priok port as a part of operation Samudra Setu-II of @indiannavy. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 🇮🇳🇮🇩 #indiaindonesia @MEAIndia — India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) July 24, 2021 × Currently the country has been struck by a devastating Covid crisis, similar to what India saw in April. In fact the famous tourist destination of Bali is running out of oxygen as cases surge. A navy release said, "India and Indonesia enjoy close cultural and commercial ties. Both countries have been working together in the maritime domain towards a safer Indo-Pacific." The naval ship Airavat whose primary role is to carry out amphibious operations had been deployed for relief operations across the Indian Ocean Region in the past as well. Both Indian and Indonesian navies have been carrying out bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols regularly. Remember, both Bangladesh and Indonesia had reached out to India when it was stuck by Covid crisis. Bangladesh sent Remdisivir Injection, medicines and protective equipment. A large quantity of Remdisivir was used in Northeastern states of India bordering Bangladesh. Indonesia had sent India oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders. All in all, India got relief from 52 countries which included various items from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad among other sources. Last year, New Delhi had sent HCQ to many countries and this year 95 countries got India-made vaccines. The vaccine export initative, called Vaccine Maitri initiative is currently on pause as India focuses on its domestic vaccination programme.

India sends Covid relief to Indonesia, Bangladesh

By Mari Saito TOKYO (Reuters) -China`s Yang Qian won the first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics in the women`s 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday. The silver went to Russian shooter Anastasiia Galashina and the bronze medal to Switzerland`s Nina Christen. Galashina led the race for the gold in the final until she cracked under pressure and signed off with her lowest score of 8.9 for a total of 251.1. Yang responded to the pressure by firing 9.8 to snatch the gold with an Olympic record of 251.8. Norwegian Jeanette Hegg Duestad had set an Olympic qualifying record of 632.9 to reach the final but finished just outside the medals. (Reporting by Mari Saito; additional reporting by Amlan Chakraborty; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

By Mari Saito TOKYO (Reuters) -China`s Yang Qian won the first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics in the women`s 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday. The silver went to Russian shooter Anastasiia Galashina and the bronze medal to Switzerland`s Nina Christen.

By Mari Saito TOKYO (Reuters) -China`s Yang Qian won the first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics in the women`s 10-meter rifle competition on Saturday. The silver went to Russian shooter Anastasiia Galashina and the bronze medal to Switzerland`s Nina Christen. Galashina led the race for the gold in the final until she cracked under pressure and signed off with her lowest score of 8.9 for a total of 251.1. Yang responded to the pressure by firing 9.8 to snatch the gold with an Olympic record of 251.8. Norwegian Jeanette Hegg Duestad had set an Olympic qualifying record of 632.9 to reach the final but finished just outside the medals. (Reporting by Mari Saito; additional reporting by Amlan Chakraborty; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Olympics-Shooting-China''s Yang wins first gold medal of Tokyo Olympics

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J&nbsp;Blinken's&nbsp;India visit, Washington has described India as a&nbsp;'critical partner in the region'&nbsp;with both countries having a&nbsp;'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;will be in Delhi on&nbsp;July&nbsp;27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security,&nbsp;defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation."&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;is the&nbsp;second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of&nbsp;Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his&nbsp;fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;met in London, Washington and Italy.&nbsp;

Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war."&nbsp;

Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's&nbsp;external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.&nbsp;

Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week".&nbsp; The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing.&nbsp;

State Department said,&nbsp;"Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded.&nbsp; We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the&nbsp;second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies.&nbsp;

Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.&nbsp;

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security, defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation." Blinken is the second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have earlier met in London, Washington and Italy. Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to realise that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war." Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit. Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week". The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing. State Department said, "Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded. We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific". The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies. Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.

India critical partner in the region, says US State dept ahead of Blinken visit 

Maldives top businessman Mohamed Ali Janah who is on an India visit has said that his country is seeing an economic recovery even as the impact of the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic subsides. The Maldives&nbsp;which largely depends&nbsp;on tourism was impacted due to the crisis.

Expressing confidence, Janah while speaking to WION said, "We have been too able to manage things. On the economic front, we were hit very badly. Restaurants and&nbsp;boating were hit very badly. In the early stages, they had to close for a prolonged period of time."

He explained, "Gradual recovery is happening now. Would not say people were not hit. Industries have been hit very badly but the good news is we are on a recovery path. Next year and 2023 will be very good for the Maldives. In the worst of times, we have managed in a way beyond people's expectations."

As&nbsp;the chairman of Hotels and Resort Construction Pvt Ltd, his current project portfolio is worth over $300 million. Janah is hopeful of getting more investments during his India visit and is expected to start new projects.

Being closely associated with the tourism industry, he pointed out that tourists are getting back which is a sign of normalcy returning. He said, "India was the saviour. Indian tourists started coming, the Russian tourist started coming. I would say India, Russia saved the Maldives this time. As you can see the numbers, by July this year 132,000 Russian had visited and 100,000 Indians had visited."

The Maldives opened for Indian tourists&nbsp;on July 15&nbsp;as the country announced that it will issue on-arrival tourist visas to South Asian travellers.

In May, entry of tourists was suspended as COVID-19&nbsp;cases surged in the region and India was hit by the devastating second&nbsp;wave of the virus. A large number of people associated with Maldives'&nbsp;hotel industry have also been vaccinated.

On India-Maldives ties, he said, "The current political relations between India and Maldives are at its best. It&nbsp;creates a lot of new opportunities for the businessman of both countries to avail the business transactions that could take place between the two&nbsp;countries."

Janah who is also the chief of the National Federation of Maldivian Employers&nbsp;suggested that India can help in capacity building in his country, especially in the tourism and hotel sector. &nbsp;

Lauding Indian workers in his country, he highlighted, "One thing good for us is that we also have an illegal labour problem.. but when it comes to Indian workers they are very careful, they are very disciplined and they never abscond which helps us to trust Indian ex-pat community"

Maldives industry has a rule that one should have 45 per cent&nbsp;Maldivians and 55 per cent&nbsp;ex-pats in any resort.

Maldives top businessman Mohamed Ali Janah who is on an India visit has said that his country is seeing an economic recovery even as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Maldives top businessman Mohamed Ali Janah who is on an India visit has said that his country is seeing an economic recovery even as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The Maldives which largely depends on tourism was impacted due to the crisis. Expressing confidence, Janah while speaking to WION said, "We have been too able to manage things. On the economic front, we were hit very badly. Restaurants and boating were hit very badly. In the early stages, they had to close for a prolonged period of time." He explained, "Gradual recovery is happening now. Would not say people were not hit. Industries have been hit very badly but the good news is we are on a recovery path. Next year and 2023 will be very good for the Maldives. In the worst of times, we have managed in a way beyond people's expectations." As the chairman of Hotels and Resort Construction Pvt Ltd, his current project portfolio is worth over $300 million. Janah is hopeful of getting more investments during his India visit and is expected to start new projects. Being closely associated with the tourism industry, he pointed out that tourists are getting back which is a sign of normalcy returning. He said, "India was the saviour. Indian tourists started coming, the Russian tourist started coming. I would say India, Russia saved the Maldives this time. As you can see the numbers, by July this year 132,000 Russian had visited and 100,000 Indians had visited." The Maldives opened for Indian tourists on July 15 as the country announced that it will issue on-arrival tourist visas to South Asian travellers. In May, entry of tourists was suspended as COVID-19 cases surged in the region and India was hit by the devastating second wave of the virus. A large number of people associated with Maldives' hotel industry have also been vaccinated. On India-Maldives ties, he said, "The current political relations between India and Maldives are at its best. It creates a lot of new opportunities for the businessman of both countries to avail the business transactions that could take place between the two countries." Janah who is also the chief of the National Federation of Maldivian Employers suggested that India can help in capacity building in his country, especially in the tourism and hotel sector. Lauding Indian workers in his country, he highlighted, "One thing good for us is that we also have an illegal labour problem.. but when it comes to Indian workers they are very careful, they are very disciplined and they never abscond which helps us to trust Indian ex-pat community" Maldives industry has a rule that one should have 45 per cent Maldivians and 55 per cent ex-pats in any resort.

Top Maldives businessman upbeat on economic recovery as COVID-19 crisis subsides

India rescuers hunt for survivors as monsoon toll hits 79

Five-time Olympian Randhir Singh and olympian cum administrator Manisha Malhotra talked about Mirabai Chanu's victory at Tokyo Games 2020.

Tokyo Games 2020: Olympian Randhir Singh and Manisha talk on Chanu's Victory

Turkey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island,&nbsp;which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern&nbsp;Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;only by Ankara.&nbsp;

The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July&nbsp;20&nbsp;on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of&nbsp;Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements".&nbsp;

The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;to UN Administration."&nbsp;

At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of&nbsp;two&nbsp;years starting January&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis."&nbsp;

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In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> today on Cyprus &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_CYPRUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_CYPRUS</a>, I said: 
🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> resolutions 
🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 
🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1417891713310396418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of&nbsp;Varosha."&nbsp;

Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October&nbsp;9,&nbsp;2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus."&nbsp;

Globally, India joins the US,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UK, Russia, France,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UN,&nbsp;the&nbsp;EU, Norway, Israel, Greece&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.&nbsp;

Curiously,&nbsp;Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries in the last&nbsp;two&nbsp;years.&nbsp;

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara.

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara. The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July 20 on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements". The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of Varosha to UN Administration." At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of two years starting January 1, 2021. Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council. Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis." In #UNSC today on Cyprus & @UN_CYPRUS, I said: 🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to #UNSC resolutions 🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) July 21, 2021 × Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of Varosha." Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October 9, 2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus." Globally, India joins the US, the UK, Russia, France, the UN, the EU, Norway, Israel, Greece and Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen Varosha was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly criticised by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Curiously, Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the two countries in the last two years.

India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday.

"President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday. "President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

Indian Prez calls Maharashtra governor, expresses concern over loss of life due to rains, floods

Two unidentified terrorists were killed and three soldiers injured in an encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Shokbaba forest in the Sumblar area of Bandipora in north Kashmir following inputs about the presence of terrorists there, they said.

The officials said as the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, they added.

Three soldiers were also injured in the gunfight, the officials said, adding they were taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The identity and group affiliation of the terrorists is being ascertained, the officials said.

The operation is in progress, he said.&nbsp;

Two unidentified terrorists were killed and three soldiers injured in an encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Shokbaba forest in the Sumblar area of Bandipora in north Kashmir following inputs about the presence of terrorists there, they said.

Two unidentified terrorists were killed and three soldiers injured in an encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Shokbaba forest in the Sumblar area of Bandipora in north Kashmir following inputs about the presence of terrorists there, they said. The officials said as the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, they added. Three soldiers were also injured in the gunfight, the officials said, adding they were taken to a medical facility for treatment. The identity and group affiliation of the terrorists is being ascertained, the officials said. The operation is in progress, he said.

Two Terrorists Killed, 3 Soldiers Injured In Encounter In J&K's Bandipora

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have shot down a drone in the Akhnoor area. Police have also recovered 5 kg of an improvised explosive device (IED) which was to be assembled and to be used by terrorists.

News Alert: Drone shot down by Jammu Police in Akhnoor, 5 kg IED recovered

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27&nbsp;and 28&nbsp;with the key focus on Afghanistan, Quad&nbsp;and the Indo-Pacific.

It&nbsp;is his first visit to India after taking charge&nbsp;and he is the second&nbsp;Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. Earlier this year, United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin had visited India.

According to the ministry of external affairs and US State department releases, he will be calling on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor(NSA)&nbsp;Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

MEA in its release said Blinken's visit is an "opportunity to continue the high-level bilateral dialogue and bolster the India-US global strategic partnership" with both sides reviewing the "robust and multifaceted India-US bilateral relations, and potential for consolidating them further."

It&nbsp;will be the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken. Both had met three&nbsp;times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and finally,&nbsp;on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy.

US State Department said, during his Delhi visit he will discuss "a wide range of issues including continued cooperation on COVID-19 response efforts, Indo-Pacific engagement, shared regional security interests, shared democratic values&nbsp;and addressing climate crisis."

His visit is important also because PM Modi could travel to Washington later this year for the first Quad in-person meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Quad members India, US, Australia, and Japan&nbsp;held the first virtual meet earlier this year&nbsp;with the key outcome on the COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine initiative.&nbsp;

From Delhi, Blinken will also go to Kuwait.&nbsp;WION was the first channel to break the story about Blinken's visit to India earlier this week.

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27 and 28 with the key focus on Afghanistan, Quad and the Indo-Pacific. It is his first visit to India after taking charge and he is the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year.

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27 and 28 with the key focus on Afghanistan, Quad and the Indo-Pacific. It is his first visit to India after taking charge and he is the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. Earlier this year, United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin had visited India. According to the ministry of external affairs and US State department releases, he will be calling on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar. MEA in its release said Blinken's visit is an "opportunity to continue the high-level bilateral dialogue and bolster the India-US global strategic partnership" with both sides reviewing the "robust and multifaceted India-US bilateral relations, and potential for consolidating them further." It will be the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken. Both had met three times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and finally, on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy. US State Department said, during his Delhi visit he will discuss "a wide range of issues including continued cooperation on COVID-19 response efforts, Indo-Pacific engagement, shared regional security interests, shared democratic values and addressing climate crisis." His visit is important also because PM Modi could travel to Washington later this year for the first Quad in-person meeting. Quad members India, US, Australia, and Japan held the first virtual meet earlier this year with the key outcome on the COVID-19 vaccine initiative. From Delhi, Blinken will also go to Kuwait. WION was the first channel to break the story about Blinken's visit to India earlier this week.

US secretary of state Blinken in Delhi on July 27

Shares of Indian food delivery giant&nbsp;Zomato&nbsp;soared on its market debut Friday, following a 93.75 billion rupee ($1.3 billion) IPO, the country's biggest this year.

Around 30 Indian companies have announced plans to list shares this year, with start-ups attracting billions of dollars in investment even though many are yet to make a profit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-zomato-files-for-111-billion-ipo-as-food-delivery-surges-in-pandemic-381024">India's Zomato files for $1.11 billion IPO as food delivery surges in pandemic</a>

Zomato, which counts as a subsidiary of Chinese tycoon Jack Ma's Ant Group and Uber among its shareholders, dominates India's booming app-based food-delivery space alongside rival Swiggy.

Its shares debuted at 115 rupees on the Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex Index, 51 per cent higher than its issue price after its IPO was subscribed 40.38 times at the end of last week.

The stock then rocketed up 80 per cent in the opening 10 minutes, taking&nbsp;Zomato's market capitalisation across the one trillion rupee mark.

India's economy has taken a battering during the pandemic, recording its worst annual recession since independence in 1947. But its start-up sector has been a rare bright spot.

This year alone, around 20 "unicorns", firms valued at more than a billion dollars, have been created, including half a dozen in four days in April.

Many are struggling to recruit qualified employees, with some reportedly offering incentives such as free motorbikes and tickets to cricket matches to lure talent.

This year is set to be India's best for IPOs. Others set to list include digital payments firm Paytm, backed by Japan's SoftBank and Ma.&nbsp;

Many of the start-ups, though, are loss-making.

Zomato&nbsp;for instance, which operates in 525 Indian cities, is yet to turn profitable and reported a loss of 8.16 billion rupees in the financial year ending March 2021.

"We are going to relentlessly focus on 10 years out and beyond, and are not going to alter our course for short-term profits at the cost of long-term success of the company,"&nbsp;Zomato's chief executive Deepinder Goyal said&nbsp;Friday.

Shares of Indian food delivery giant Zomato soared on its market debut Friday, following a 93.75 billion rupee ($1.3 billion) IPO, the country's biggest this year.

Shares of Indian food delivery giant Zomato soared on its market debut Friday, following a 93.75 billion rupee ($1.3 billion) IPO, the country's biggest this year. Around 30 Indian companies have announced plans to list shares this year, with start-ups attracting billions of dollars in investment even though many are yet to make a profit. Also read | India's Zomato files for $1.11 billion IPO as food delivery surges in pandemic Zomato, which counts as a subsidiary of Chinese tycoon Jack Ma's Ant Group and Uber among its shareholders, dominates India's booming app-based food-delivery space alongside rival Swiggy. Its shares debuted at 115 rupees on the Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex Index, 51 per cent higher than its issue price after its IPO was subscribed 40.38 times at the end of last week. The stock then rocketed up 80 per cent in the opening 10 minutes, taking Zomato's market capitalisation across the one trillion rupee mark. India's economy has taken a battering during the pandemic, recording its worst annual recession since independence in 1947. But its start-up sector has been a rare bright spot. This year alone, around 20 "unicorns", firms valued at more than a billion dollars, have been created, including half a dozen in four days in April. Many are struggling to recruit qualified employees, with some reportedly offering incentives such as free motorbikes and tickets to cricket matches to lure talent. This year is set to be India's best for IPOs. Others set to list include digital payments firm Paytm, backed by Japan's SoftBank and Ma. Many of the start-ups, though, are loss-making. Zomato for instance, which operates in 525 Indian cities, is yet to turn profitable and reported a loss of 8.16 billion rupees in the financial year ending March 2021. "We are going to relentlessly focus on 10 years out and beyond, and are not going to alter our course for short-term profits at the cost of long-term success of the company," Zomato's chief executive Deepinder Goyal said Friday.

Frenzied appetite for India food delivery giant Zomato's IPO

In a big setback for telecom companies, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed their plea seeking correction of alleged errors in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculation. 
 
A bench headed by Justice L&nbsp;Nageswara Rao said all applications were dismissed. On Monday, the apex court already said it would pass its order on applications filed by, Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Tata Tele Services Ltd, alleging arithmetical errors in the calculation of AGR dues payable by them. 
 
The top court, citing an earlier order in the matter, had noted the order clearly point out that no re-assessment of AGR related dues can be done. The telcos submitted that arithmetical errors can be rectified and there are cases of duplication of entries.

Also read |&nbsp;Will not hear arguments on reassessment of AGR related dues "even for a second": SC to telcos 
 
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Vodafone Idea, had submitted they were not blaming the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for it, and there are arithmetical entries. Rohatgi added that they want to bring these errors to the attention of the concerned department, for their rectification. 
 
The bench reiterated that the apex court order had made it clear that there can't be any re-assessment. 
 
Rohatgi responded figures are "not cast in stone" and added, tribunals don't have the power of review but they can correct arithmetical errors. He submitted that they were not seeking an extension of time. 
 
Senior advocate Arvind Datar, representing Tata Tele Services Ltd, submitted rectification of errors in calculation can be done. 
 
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted he has not received any instructions from the DoT on allowing correction of errors. 
 
The bench had said that it has said not just once, but twice and thrice that AGR demand can't be recomputed. 
 
Senior advocate AM Singhvi, representing Airtel, said there are cases of duplication and also of payments made but not accounted for. He submitted, "I don't want to pay thousands of crores on account of these errors". 
 
Mehta said he can take instructions on this within two days. "It may be little hazardous for me to make statement without taking instructions..", said Mehta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-gives-vodafone-idea-airtel-10-years-to-pay-agr-dues-to-government-324447">Supreme Court gives Vodafone-Idea, Airtel 10 years to pay AGR dues to government</a> 
 
In September last year, the top court had given 10 years'&nbsp;time to telcos, who were struggling to pay Rs 93,520 crore in AGR dues outstanding amount to the government. 
 
The apex court had said that telecom operators shall make the payment of 10 per cent of the total dues as demanded by DoT by March 31, 2021. The bench had said the rest of the amount was to be paid in yearly instalments commencing from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2031.

In a big setback for telecom companies, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed their plea seeking correction of alleged errors in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculation.

In a big setback for telecom companies, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed their plea seeking correction of alleged errors in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculation. A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao said all applications were dismissed. On Monday, the apex court already said it would pass its order on applications filed by, Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Tata Tele Services Ltd, alleging arithmetical errors in the calculation of AGR dues payable by them. The top court, citing an earlier order in the matter, had noted the order clearly point out that no re-assessment of AGR related dues can be done. The telcos submitted that arithmetical errors can be rectified and there are cases of duplication of entries. Also read | Will not hear arguments on reassessment of AGR related dues "even for a second": SC to telcos Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Vodafone Idea, had submitted they were not blaming the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for it, and there are arithmetical entries. Rohatgi added that they want to bring these errors to the attention of the concerned department, for their rectification. The bench reiterated that the apex court order had made it clear that there can't be any re-assessment. Rohatgi responded figures are "not cast in stone" and added, tribunals don't have the power of review but they can correct arithmetical errors. He submitted that they were not seeking an extension of time. Senior advocate Arvind Datar, representing Tata Tele Services Ltd, submitted rectification of errors in calculation can be done. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted he has not received any instructions from the DoT on allowing correction of errors. The bench had said that it has said not just once, but twice and thrice that AGR demand can't be recomputed. Senior advocate AM Singhvi, representing Airtel, said there are cases of duplication and also of payments made but not accounted for. He submitted, "I don't want to pay thousands of crores on account of these errors". Mehta said he can take instructions on this within two days. "It may be little hazardous for me to make statement without taking instructions..", said Mehta. Also read | Supreme Court gives Vodafone-Idea, Airtel 10 years to pay AGR dues to government In September last year, the top court had given 10 years' time to telcos, who were struggling to pay Rs 93,520 crore in AGR dues outstanding amount to the government. The apex court had said that telecom operators shall make the payment of 10 per cent of the total dues as demanded by DoT by March 31, 2021. The bench had said the rest of the amount was to be paid in yearly instalments commencing from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2031.

SC dismisses telecom companies' plea seeking correction in AGR calculation

Bharat&nbsp;Biotech&nbsp;has terminated a memorandum of understanding to sell its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin to Brazil's Precisa Medicamentos, the Indian company said on Friday without disclosing the reason.

Bharat's statement said it will continue to work with Brazilian healthcare regulator Anvisa to obtain all required approvals for the use of Covaxin in the country.

The termination of the MoU came after the deal with the Brazilian government for supply of 20 million doses of the vaccine landed in controversy and attracted investigation by authorities in that country.

Precisa Medicamentos is Bharat Biotech's partner in Brazil, providing assistance, guidance and support with regulatory submissions, licensure, distribution, insurance and conduct of phase III clinical trials, among others.

Bharat Biotech is pursuing approvals in various countries as per legal requirements applicable in each country, it said.

The company had signed a MoU with Precisa Medicamentos and Envixia Pharmaceuticals LL.C on November 20 for the purpose of introducing Covaxin in the territory of Brazil.

The global pricing of the vaccine has been set between $15-20 and accordingly, the jab was offered to the Government of Brazil at the rate of $15 per dose, Bharat Biotech said.

It is further stated that the company has not received any advance payments from, nor has it supplied any vaccines to the Ministry of Health in Brazil, the company said.

The vaccine maker stressed that all its actions, including its global dealings, are done in accordance with local laws and the company employs and follows the highest standards of ethics, integrity and compliance at all times

Bharat Biotech has terminated a memorandum of understanding to sell its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin to Brazil's Precisa Medicamentos, the Indian company said on Friday without disclosing the reason.

Bharat Biotech has terminated a memorandum of understanding to sell its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin to Brazil's Precisa Medicamentos, the Indian company said on Friday without disclosing the reason. Bharat's statement said it will continue to work with Brazilian healthcare regulator Anvisa to obtain all required approvals for the use of Covaxin in the country. The termination of the MoU came after the deal with the Brazilian government for supply of 20 million doses of the vaccine landed in controversy and attracted investigation by authorities in that country. Precisa Medicamentos is Bharat Biotech's partner in Brazil, providing assistance, guidance and support with regulatory submissions, licensure, distribution, insurance and conduct of phase III clinical trials, among others. Bharat Biotech is pursuing approvals in various countries as per legal requirements applicable in each country, it said. The company had signed a MoU with Precisa Medicamentos and Envixia Pharmaceuticals LL.C on November 20 for the purpose of introducing Covaxin in the territory of Brazil. The global pricing of the vaccine has been set between $15-20 and accordingly, the jab was offered to the Government of Brazil at the rate of $15 per dose, Bharat Biotech said. It is further stated that the company has not received any advance payments from, nor has it supplied any vaccines to the Ministry of Health in Brazil, the company said. The vaccine maker stressed that all its actions, including its global dealings, are done in accordance with local laws and the company employs and follows the highest standards of ethics, integrity and compliance at all times

Bharat Biotech terminates Covaxin deal with Brazil after graft allegations

The alert was issued for the next 24 hours for the districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in coastal Konkan and also for Pune, Satara and Kolhapur in Western Maharashtra.

Heavy rain causes floods, landslides in parts of Maharashtra

Hyderabad, July 23 (IANS) Actress Pooja Hegde, who will soon be seen in multilingual love story "Radhe Shyam", alongside actor Prabhas, says that the film has almost finished shooting.
 
The film, which is directed by Radha Krishna Kumar has treated fans with only a teaser so far. 
Talking to IANS, the actress said: "We are almost towards the end. We have around a week or 10 days worth of shoot left and then we will wrap. Once shutters open and things are good to go, the producers will decide when they want to release it I guess." 
This is the first time Pooja will be romancing Prabhas. While the actress is tight-lipped about her role, she is excited to be part of a love story. 
"I don`t know if I can talk about the role right now. Maybe closer to the release. The film is a very mature love story I would say.It`s quite interesting to see Prabhas do a romantic film after so much action. For me, myself, I don`t think I have not done a proper love story in a long time. So, it`s exciting for me," she says. 
Pooja has been doing her bit for the society through her charitable organisation All About Love, for almost a year now. 
Talking about launching the organisation, Pooja says: "It has been in the making for a long time. I have always been giving back on a personal front in whatever way I could. I wanted to create a culture, where you donate a percentage of income and give back to the society with love. I have set aside a certain percentage for charity. It`s something I want to push people to do in whatever they can do. I think any act done out of love can really change someone`s life and that is what the name All about Love, is about." 
Pooja has projects in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil film industries. 
In Bollywood, she will be seen alongside Salman Khan in "Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali" and Ranveer Singh`s "Cirkus". In Telugu, she will be seen in "Radhe Shyam". She will also be seen sharing screen space with Vijay in the much awaited Tamil film "Beast". 
--IANS 
ym/dc

Hyderabad, July 23 (IANS) Actress Pooja Hegde, who will soon be seen in multilingual love story "Radhe Shyam", alongside actor Prabhas, says that the film has almost finished shooting.

Hyderabad, July 23 (IANS) Actress Pooja Hegde, who will soon be seen in multilingual love story "Radhe Shyam", alongside actor Prabhas, says that the film has almost finished shooting. The film, which is directed by Radha Krishna Kumar has treated fans with only a teaser so far. Talking to IANS, the actress said: "We are almost towards the end. We have around a week or 10 days worth of shoot left and then we will wrap. Once shutters open and things are good to go, the producers will decide when they want to release it I guess." This is the first time Pooja will be romancing Prabhas. While the actress is tight-lipped about her role, she is excited to be part of a love story. "I don`t know if I can talk about the role right now. Maybe closer to the release. The film is a very mature love story I would say.It`s quite interesting to see Prabhas do a romantic film after so much action. For me, myself, I don`t think I have not done a proper love story in a long time. So, it`s exciting for me," she says. Pooja has been doing her bit for the society through her charitable organisation All About Love, for almost a year now. Talking about launching the organisation, Pooja says: "It has been in the making for a long time. I have always been giving back on a personal front in whatever way I could. I wanted to create a culture, where you donate a percentage of income and give back to the society with love. I have set aside a certain percentage for charity. It`s something I want to push people to do in whatever they can do. I think any act done out of love can really change someone`s life and that is what the name All about Love, is about." Pooja has projects in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil film industries. In Bollywood, she will be seen alongside Salman Khan in "Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali" and Ranveer Singh`s "Cirkus". In Telugu, she will be seen in "Radhe Shyam". She will also be seen sharing screen space with Vijay in the much awaited Tamil film "Beast". --IANS ym/dc

Pooja Hegde gives an update on ''Radhe Shyam''

Delighted to meet President-Elect of the 76th UNGA and FM of Maldives H.E. Abdulla Shahid. I wish him all success during his “Presidency of Hope”. Also reiterated India's commitment to Maldives, as a key pillar of our "Neighborhood First" policy, tweets PM Modi.

UNGA President-elect Abdullah Shahid meets PM Modi

The improvised explosive device (IED) contained in it was wrapped in a plastic packet and was likely meant to be air-dropped in a nearby area.

India: Drone carrying 5-kg explosives shot down in Jammu

The Indian Army’s Dakshin Bharat Area recognized and felicitated the 1971 Bangladesh-liberation war veterans and their families, who are based out of Tamil Nadu.

According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war.

In 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee, and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. Nine war heroes and three Veernaris(women who lost their husbands in combat) ) were honored at the event here.&nbsp;

Among those who were honored here by the Army and the Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, were three living legends who played a significant role in Pakistan’s defeat.

Commodore Gopal Rao, under whose leadership a Pakistani Navy Destroyer was sunk and Karachi Port was paralyzed, Rear Admiral S Ram Sagar, a Naval Aviator who prevented the enemy from operating their airfields, bombarded their troop-carrying ships and Col Krishnaswamy who led his men to inflict severe casualty, damage on Pakistani tank formations.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Lt. Gen. A.Arun, General-Officer-in-Command(GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area&nbsp;profusely thanked and conveyed his respects to the veterans and their families.

He lauded their service and sacrifice for the nation. Recalling the 1971 war, he said that India fought a battle against Pakistan on its east and west, thus giving rise to a new nation called Bangladesh, out of East Pakistan. He emphasized that it was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 peronnel who were injured.&nbsp;

On the historic significance of the 1971 war, he said that it was the first time since World War 2 that nearly 93,000 soldiers had surrendered with all their arms, ships, rockets, artillery and aircraft.

“Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometers of Pakistani territory in 1971, which we so graciously returned the next year” he added. The top Army officer also recalled that the iconic Taj Mahal had to be camouflaged, in order to protect the glowing monument from night-time Pakistani Air raids.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Armed forces fraternity and the Governor lauded the role of ‘Veer Naris’ (women who lost their husbands in combat) for their contributions to the nation. They were also among those honored, along with other military families. Lt Gen Arun took the stellar example of a Veernari(martyred Jawan’s wife) from Tamil Nadu, who brought up their kids to become successful IITans. He added that this was the bravery of Tamil Nadu and Chennai.

&nbsp;

The celebrations held in the city are part of the pan-India Swarnim Vijay Varsh (Golden Jubilee of 1971 War). The event included displays by the Military band, Equestrian team, Drill team, Martial arts teams among others. As a part of the Golden jubilee year, four commemorative flames are being paraded across all four directions of the country, since late last year. Soil from the cities and villages of the 1971 Indo-Pak War Heroes are being collected and taken to Delhi to be ensconced with the National War Memorial.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian Army’s Dakshin Bharat Area recognized and felicitated the 1971 Bangladesh-liberation war veterans and their families, who are based out of Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Army’s Dakshin Bharat Area recognized and felicitated the 1971 Bangladesh-liberation war veterans and their families, who are based out of Tamil Nadu. According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war. In 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee, and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. Nine war heroes and three Veernaris(women who lost their husbands in combat) ) were honored at the event here. Among those who were honored here by the Army and the Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, were three living legends who played a significant role in Pakistan’s defeat. Commodore Gopal Rao, under whose leadership a Pakistani Navy Destroyer was sunk and Karachi Port was paralyzed, Rear Admiral S Ram Sagar, a Naval Aviator who prevented the enemy from operating their airfields, bombarded their troop-carrying ships and Col Krishnaswamy who led his men to inflict severe casualty, damage on Pakistani tank formations. Speaking at the event, Lt. Gen. A.Arun, General-Officer-in-Command(GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area profusely thanked and conveyed his respects to the veterans and their families. He lauded their service and sacrifice for the nation. Recalling the 1971 war, he said that India fought a battle against Pakistan on its east and west, thus giving rise to a new nation called Bangladesh, out of East Pakistan. He emphasized that it was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 peronnel who were injured. On the historic significance of the 1971 war, he said that it was the first time since World War 2 that nearly 93,000 soldiers had surrendered with all their arms, ships, rockets, artillery and aircraft. “Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometers of Pakistani territory in 1971, which we so graciously returned the next year” he added. The top Army officer also recalled that the iconic Taj Mahal had to be camouflaged, in order to protect the glowing monument from night-time Pakistani Air raids. The Armed forces fraternity and the Governor lauded the role of ‘Veer Naris’ (women who lost their husbands in combat) for their contributions to the nation. They were also among those honored, along with other military families. Lt Gen Arun took the stellar example of a Veernari(martyred Jawan’s wife) from Tamil Nadu, who brought up their kids to become successful IITans. He added that this was the bravery of Tamil Nadu and Chennai. The celebrations held in the city are part of the pan-India Swarnim Vijay Varsh (Golden Jubilee of 1971 War). The event included displays by the Military band, Equestrian team, Drill team, Martial arts teams among others. As a part of the Golden jubilee year, four commemorative flames are being paraded across all four directions of the country, since late last year. Soil from the cities and villages of the 1971 Indo-Pak War Heroes are being collected and taken to Delhi to be ensconced with the National War Memorial.

Swarnim Vijay Varsh -1971 War Veterans and Families felicitated by Army

India: A Chennai-based musical troupe has organised a unique concert keeping in view the Covid-19 Pandemic norms. The troupe has placed plants as audience in the auditorium. Watch this video

India: Chennai troupe hosts musical concert with plants as audience

Thirty-six people have been killed in landslides caused by monsoon rains in India, authorities said Friday.

As many as 40 other people were missing after the three separate landslides on Thursday in the Raigad district of the western state of Maharashtra.

"At least 35 to 40 people are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them," a local official said, adding that "36 people have died after there were three landslides yesterday in the district caused by very heavy rainfull."

The Navy and Air Force meanwhile joined rescue efforts after the heavy rains caused floods that left thousands stranded.

Rescue efforts were being hampered by landslides blocking roads, including the main highway between Mumbai and Goa.

Water levels rose to 3.5 metres (12 feet) in areas of Chiplun, a city 250 kilometres (160 miles) from Mumbai, following 24 hours of uninterrupted rain that caused the Vashishti river to overflow, submerging roads and homes.

The Indian Navy deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets and lifebuoys to the affected areas, along with a helicopter to airlift marooned residents. Specialist Navy divers accompanied each team.

India's meteorological department has issued red alerts for several regions in the state, indicating that heavy rainfall will continue for the next few days.

Frequent danger

Flooding and landslides are common during India's treacherous monsoon season between June and September, while also causing poorly constructed buildings and walls to collapse.

At least 34 people were killed after several homes were crushed by a collapsed wall and a landslide triggered in Mumbai, capital on Maharashtra, last weekend.

Rainwater also inundated a water purification complex, disrupting supply "in most of the parts of Mumbai", a megacity of 20 million people, civic authorities said.

Last month, 12 people were killed when a building collapsed in a Mumbai slum.

And last September, 39 people died when a three-storey apartment block collapsed in Bhiwandi near the financial capital.

Climate change is making India's monsoons stronger, according to a report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) published in April.

The report warned of potentially severe consequences for food, farming and the economy affecting nearly a fifth of the world's population.

"Since Indian society is overall affected by the monsoon in a very strong way, stronger variability produces problems for agriculture, but also for the organisation of public life," said Anders Levermann from PIK and Columbia University.&nbsp;

Last year, five of the most costly extreme weather events in the world were related to Asia's unusually rainy monsoon, according to a tally by the charity Christian Aid.

In 2013, some 6,000 people died when flash floods and landslides swept away entire villages in the Indian state of Uttarakhand as rivers swollen by monsoon rains overflowed.

Thirty-six people have been killed in landslides caused by monsoon rains in India, authorities said Friday. As many as 40 other people were missing after the three separate landslides on Thursday in the Raigad district of the western state of Maharashtra.

Thirty-six people have been killed in landslides caused by monsoon rains in India, authorities said Friday. As many as 40 other people were missing after the three separate landslides on Thursday in the Raigad district of the western state of Maharashtra. "At least 35 to 40 people are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them," a local official said, adding that "36 people have died after there were three landslides yesterday in the district caused by very heavy rainfull." The Navy and Air Force meanwhile joined rescue efforts after the heavy rains caused floods that left thousands stranded. Rescue efforts were being hampered by landslides blocking roads, including the main highway between Mumbai and Goa. Water levels rose to 3.5 metres (12 feet) in areas of Chiplun, a city 250 kilometres (160 miles) from Mumbai, following 24 hours of uninterrupted rain that caused the Vashishti river to overflow, submerging roads and homes. The Indian Navy deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets and lifebuoys to the affected areas, along with a helicopter to airlift marooned residents. Specialist Navy divers accompanied each team. India's meteorological department has issued red alerts for several regions in the state, indicating that heavy rainfall will continue for the next few days. Frequent danger Flooding and landslides are common during India's treacherous monsoon season between June and September, while also causing poorly constructed buildings and walls to collapse. At least 34 people were killed after several homes were crushed by a collapsed wall and a landslide triggered in Mumbai, capital on Maharashtra, last weekend. Rainwater also inundated a water purification complex, disrupting supply "in most of the parts of Mumbai", a megacity of 20 million people, civic authorities said. Last month, 12 people were killed when a building collapsed in a Mumbai slum. And last September, 39 people died when a three-storey apartment block collapsed in Bhiwandi near the financial capital. Climate change is making India's monsoons stronger, according to a report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) published in April. The report warned of potentially severe consequences for food, farming and the economy affecting nearly a fifth of the world's population. "Since Indian society is overall affected by the monsoon in a very strong way, stronger variability produces problems for agriculture, but also for the organisation of public life," said Anders Levermann from PIK and Columbia University. Last year, five of the most costly extreme weather events in the world were related to Asia's unusually rainy monsoon, according to a tally by the charity Christian Aid. In 2013, some 6,000 people died when flash floods and landslides swept away entire villages in the Indian state of Uttarakhand as rivers swollen by monsoon rains overflowed.

Landslides kill 36 in India, dozens missing

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here.

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"Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said.

During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. "Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here. Also read | Afghan president calls Danish Siddiqui's father and extends condolences "Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said. During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will visit UK on July 23-24

India has backed Cyprus and&nbsp;expressed its deep concern&nbsp;on a Turkey-backed move to open the ghost town of Varosha.&nbsp;

Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the&nbsp;Mediterranean&nbsp;island by Turkey.&nbsp;

The invasion led to the division of the&nbsp;country into the&nbsp;Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognised only by Ankara.

"This is an issue that the UNSC&nbsp; [United Nations Security Council] is seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of&nbsp;Varosha.," said&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in response to a question at weekly virtual press meet.

&nbsp; 
"We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of 9th Oct 2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus," he added.

This is the second comment by India on the issue in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;On Wednesday, India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to UNSC.&nbsp;

At the UNSC meeting on the issue, Tirumurti&nbsp;expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> today on Cyprus &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_CYPRUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_CYPRUS</a>, I said: 
🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> resolutions 
🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 
🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1417891713310396418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cyprus had taken the matter of the UNSC over the reopening of the town by leadership in the north.&nbsp;India is a non-permanent member of the high table for a two-year term.

The move to reopen Varosha was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly criticised by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

New Delhi has joined the US, UK, EU who have also expressed concerns over the development.&nbsp;

Cyprus's foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides had spoken on the issue with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken and briefed about the developments.

Turkey-backed violation of UNSC resolutions on Cyprus comes even as Ankara in the past has been advising New Delhi on UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had&nbsp;commented in the backdrop of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This has been the main cause of the deterioration of ties between the two&nbsp;countries in the last two&nbsp;years.&nbsp;

India has backed Cyprus and expressed its deep concern on a Turkey-backed move to open the ghost town of Varosha. Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey.

India has backed Cyprus and expressed its deep concern on a Turkey-backed move to open the ghost town of Varosha. Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey. The invasion led to the division of the country into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognised only by Ankara. "This is an issue that the UNSC [United Nations Security Council] is seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of Varosha.," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in response to a question at weekly virtual press meet. "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of 9th Oct 2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus," he added. This is the second comment by India on the issue in the last 24 hours. On Wednesday, India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to UNSC. At the UNSC meeting on the issue, Tirumurti expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis". In #UNSC today on Cyprus & @UN_CYPRUS, I said: 🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to #UNSC resolutions 🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) July 21, 2021 × Cyprus had taken the matter of the UNSC over the reopening of the town by leadership in the north. India is a non-permanent member of the high table for a two-year term. The move to reopen Varosha was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly criticised by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. New Delhi has joined the US, UK, EU who have also expressed concerns over the development. Cyprus's foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides had spoken on the issue with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken and briefed about the developments. Turkey-backed violation of UNSC resolutions on Cyprus comes even as Ankara in the past has been advising New Delhi on UNSC resolutions on Kashmir. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. This has been the main cause of the deterioration of ties between the two countries in the last two years.

India backs Cyprus on Varosha issue; calls Turkey-backed move 'concerning'

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday reiterated that the media report about the use of Pegasus spyware is a carefully-timed attempt to malign the Indian democracy.

IT Minister reiterates media report attempted to malign Indian democracy

A 12-year-old boy who was undergoing treatment for Avian Influenza has died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. This is the first bird flu death recorded in the country since the beginning of this year.

India reports this year's first human death from bird flu

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