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A new connotation to the abbreviation FDI has recently been devised in India -- from Foreign Direct Investment, it has become Foreign Destructive Ideology.

And this India has been receiving a lot -- of late. At least this was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion as he addressed the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India's Parliament.

He took a direct aim at foreign forces attempting to influence India, and the 'foreign destructive ideology' being deployed to harm the country. He said that Indians must safeguard themselves from it.

The prime minister's remarks come in the backdrop of the farmer protests, just days after the 'Greta leaks'.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg recently shared a document on her Twitter profile, a tool-kit rather and a very detailed one.

It was for people across the world on how to contribute to undermine the farm laws passed by the Indian Parliament.

Some say the fact that the prime minister himself had to raise it should be a cause of worry. The statement also comes after reports -- that Pakistan is trying to hijack the farmer protests on the social media. Mostly on Twitter.

The Government of India has identified at least 1,178 Twitter accounts. These accounts are allegedly amplifying misinformation about the farmer protests.

The list comprises accounts belonging to Khalistani sympathisers operating on Pakistani soil. It also includes automated chatbots that are pushing their agenda.

The government says these accounts are a threat to public order, and has asked Twitter to block them.

Last we checked, Twitter was yet to to comply with the government order. &nbsp;A Twitter spokesperson has issued a statement saying, "If the content violates Twitter's rules, the content will be removed from the service. If it is determined to be illegal in a particular jurisdiction but not in violation of Twitter rules, we may withold access to the content in the location only."

And that's only a part of the Twitter story. Here's the second one -- this one is about the tweets that support India and the government's stand.

The government of the state of Maharashtra wants to investigate such tweets.

This state is led by a party called the Shiv Sena which also happens to be a former ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Now, the Shiv Sena government in Maharasthra wants to investigate if Indian celebrities were under pressure to tweet in favour of the Indian government on the farmers protests.

Anil Deshmukh, the home minister of Maharashtra, has said the state intelligence department would investigate the matter, highlighting how tweets issued by some celebrities were similar.

This may be the first such case of tweets favouring a policy being probed. The controversy is set to get bigger.

What can we say? Indian Twitter beats Alice's Wonderland.

A new connotation to the abbreviation FDI has recently been devised in India -- from Foreign Direct Investment, it has become Foreign Destructive Ideology. And this India has been receiving a lot -- of late.

A new connotation to the abbreviation FDI has recently been devised in India -- from Foreign Direct Investment, it has become Foreign Destructive Ideology. And this India has been receiving a lot -- of late. At least this was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion as he addressed the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India's Parliament. He took a direct aim at foreign forces attempting to influence India, and the 'foreign destructive ideology' being deployed to harm the country. He said that Indians must safeguard themselves from it. The prime minister's remarks come in the backdrop of the farmer protests, just days after the 'Greta leaks'. Climate activist Greta Thunberg recently shared a document on her Twitter profile, a tool-kit rather and a very detailed one. It was for people across the world on how to contribute to undermine the farm laws passed by the Indian Parliament. Some say the fact that the prime minister himself had to raise it should be a cause of worry. The statement also comes after reports -- that Pakistan is trying to hijack the farmer protests on the social media. Mostly on Twitter. The Government of India has identified at least 1,178 Twitter accounts. These accounts are allegedly amplifying misinformation about the farmer protests. The list comprises accounts belonging to Khalistani sympathisers operating on Pakistani soil. It also includes automated chatbots that are pushing their agenda. The government says these accounts are a threat to public order, and has asked Twitter to block them. Last we checked, Twitter was yet to to comply with the government order. A Twitter spokesperson has issued a statement saying, "If the content violates Twitter's rules, the content will be removed from the service. If it is determined to be illegal in a particular jurisdiction but not in violation of Twitter rules, we may withold access to the content in the location only." And that's only a part of the Twitter story. Here's the second one -- this one is about the tweets that support India and the government's stand. The government of the state of Maharashtra wants to investigate such tweets. This state is led by a party called the Shiv Sena which also happens to be a former ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Now, the Shiv Sena government in Maharasthra wants to investigate if Indian celebrities were under pressure to tweet in favour of the Indian government on the farmers protests. Anil Deshmukh, the home minister of Maharashtra, has said the state intelligence department would investigate the matter, highlighting how tweets issued by some celebrities were similar. This may be the first such case of tweets favouring a policy being probed. The controversy is set to get bigger. What can we say? Indian Twitter beats Alice's Wonderland.

Indian Twitter beats Alice's Wonderland. Here's how

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order.&nbsp;

Sources told WION: "Many of these accounts were also automated bots that were used for sharing and amplifying misinformation and provocative contents on farmers protests."

It is the second time in the last two weeks that the Indian government has pointed out the issues related to certain accounts. On January 31 also India's Electronics and IT ministry had sent a list of 257 accounts which the home ministry had listed for trying to trend genocide vis-a-vis the protests. While Twitter had acted on them by withholding them, but hours later it unblocked them. An irked IT ministry had sent another notice to the social media giant which is yet to be implemented.&nbsp;

The Indian government is also concerned over Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey liking "several tweets made by foreign-based celebrities in support of farmer protests" which Indian government sources said, "raises questions about Twitter’s neutrality".

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order.

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order. Sources told WION: "Many of these accounts were also automated bots that were used for sharing and amplifying misinformation and provocative contents on farmers protests." It is the second time in the last two weeks that the Indian government has pointed out the issues related to certain accounts. On January 31 also India's Electronics and IT ministry had sent a list of 257 accounts which the home ministry had listed for trying to trend genocide vis-a-vis the protests. While Twitter had acted on them by withholding them, but hours later it unblocked them. An irked IT ministry had sent another notice to the social media giant which is yet to be implemented. The Indian government is also concerned over Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey liking "several tweets made by foreign-based celebrities in support of farmer protests" which Indian government sources said, "raises questions about Twitter’s neutrality".

Farmers protests: Indian government asks Twitter to remove over 1,000 Pak-Khalistan accounts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.&nbsp;

In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so.

The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul.

This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021. In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so. The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul. This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

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A massive flash flood has been reported in India's Uttarakhand state, where the water level in the Dhauli Ganga river suddenly rose. The water level rose following an avalanche near a power project.

Over 170 labourers missing after glaciers breaks off in Uttarakhand, India

Rescue teams pulled out at least eight bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-glacier-burst-leaves-seven-dead-cm-announces-compensation-362023">Uttarakhand</a> after glacier broke off in Uttarakhand on Sunday triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-glacier-bursts-in-uttarakhand-triggers-massive-flood-361958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday night, Uttarakhand police warned that water levels have been rising again in the region with people near the river bank in Chamoli being alerted.&nbsp;

Residents were jolted at around 10 am local time on Sunday after massive flash flood from Ganga river came hurtling towards them. The avalanche destroyed a hydel power project commissioned last year, including a motorable bridge.

Several people have reportedly been swept away including workers who were employed in the power project with a red alert issued in the area. ITBP, Indian Army, SDRF and NDRF forces have been deployed by the government for rescue and relief operations.

The Army has deployed at least 400 personnel in rescue operations and has sent two medical teams to the area.

Reports say&nbsp;more than 170 labourers are missing after the massive flash flood wreaked havoc&nbsp;even as chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced four lakhs of financial assistance to each kin of the deceased.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the avalanche and&nbsp;an additional Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;State Department said that it hopes for a speedy and full recovery of all those injured.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that he is ready to offer any support to India, if needed. Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison tweeted in support of India and said that his country stands with one of its closest friend in this time of difficulty.

Franch&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his solidarity with India.

Rescue teams pulled out at least eight bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in Uttarakhand after glacier broke off in Uttarakhand on Sunday triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system.

Rescue teams pulled out at least eight bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in Uttarakhand after glacier broke off in Uttarakhand on Sunday triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system. Watch: On Sunday night, Uttarakhand police warned that water levels have been rising again in the region with people near the river bank in Chamoli being alerted. Residents were jolted at around 10 am local time on Sunday after massive flash flood from Ganga river came hurtling towards them. The avalanche destroyed a hydel power project commissioned last year, including a motorable bridge. Several people have reportedly been swept away including workers who were employed in the power project with a red alert issued in the area. ITBP, Indian Army, SDRF and NDRF forces have been deployed by the government for rescue and relief operations. The Army has deployed at least 400 personnel in rescue operations and has sent two medical teams to the area. Reports say more than 170 labourers are missing after the massive flash flood wreaked havoc even as chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced four lakhs of financial assistance to each kin of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the avalanche and an additional Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured. The US State Department said that it hopes for a speedy and full recovery of all those injured. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that he is ready to offer any support to India, if needed. Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison tweeted in support of India and said that his country stands with one of its closest friend in this time of difficulty. Franch President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his solidarity with India.

At least 8 rescued, 170 labourers missing in Uttarakhand glacier burst

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999.

Weerasekera said Indian officials earlier in the month had informed their Lankan counterparts that 'Kimbula Alay Guna' -- identified only by his alias -- was arrested in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Q branch Police.

The minister said talks were ongoing to extradite 'Guna' from India.

Other than the failed assassination attempt, 'Guna' is suspected to have links with drug trafficking and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

On December 18, 1999, former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, the only female president to date, sustained serious injuries when a woman suicide bomber attacked her convoy during an election rally in Colombo.

The Tamil Tigers were blamed for the attack, in which 34 people had died and scores injured.

'Guna' is suspected to have escaped to India after the attack.

Weerasekera said the government was seeking the arrest of over 100 criminals from overseas using Interpol Red Alert notices.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999.

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999. Weerasekera said Indian officials earlier in the month had informed their Lankan counterparts that 'Kimbula Alay Guna' -- identified only by his alias -- was arrested in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Q branch Police. The minister said talks were ongoing to extradite 'Guna' from India. Other than the failed assassination attempt, 'Guna' is suspected to have links with drug trafficking and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On December 18, 1999, former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, the only female president to date, sustained serious injuries when a woman suicide bomber attacked her convoy during an election rally in Colombo. The Tamil Tigers were blamed for the attack, in which 34 people had died and scores injured. 'Guna' is suspected to have escaped to India after the attack. Weerasekera said the government was seeking the arrest of over 100 criminals from overseas using Interpol Red Alert notices.

Sri Lanka in talks with India to extradite criminal wanted in assassination bid on former president

Uttarakhand glacial burst: Offers of help pour in from across the world

In a fresh notice, the Indian Govt asks Twitter Inc to block 1.178 more accounts that could probably have 'Khalistani' links.

Indian govt asks Twitter to block 1,178 more accounts

The induction ceremony of the first five <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-rafale-how-boeings-f-15ex-fighter-jet-can-change-iafs-strike-capability-362058">Rafale</a> jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh GST, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

"The first five Rafale aircraft of IAF were formally inducted into IAF on September 10. The arrangements for this event were made mostly through local resources of IAF. The total expenditure on the event was ₹41.32 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh of GST," he said.

Singh said all new variant of aircraft are traditionally inducted into the Indian Air Force through a "befitting ceremony".

The Rafale induction ceremony was attended by French Defence Minister Florence Parly and the top echelon of the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft.

The first batch of the five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of ₹59,000 crore.

The formal induction ceremony of the fleet had taken place nearly six weeks later.

A second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India on November 3 while a third batch of another three jets joined the IAF on January 27.

The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff for the last nine months.&nbsp;

The first squadron of the Rafale jets is stationed at the Ambala air base while the second one will be based at the Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The induction ceremony of the first five Rafale jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh GST, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

"The first five Rafale aircraft of IAF were formally inducted into IAF on September 10. The arrangements for this event were made mostly through local resources of IAF. The total expenditure on the event was ₹41.32 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh of GST," he said.

Singh said all new variant of aircraft are traditionally inducted into the Indian Air Force through a "befitting ceremony".

The Rafale induction ceremony was attended by French Defence Minister Florence Parly and the top echelon of the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft.

The first batch of the five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of ₹59,000 crore.

The formal induction ceremony of the fleet had taken place nearly six weeks later.

A second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India on November 3 while a third batch of another three jets joined the IAF on January 27.

The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff for the last nine months.&nbsp;

The first squadron of the Rafale jets is stationed at the Ambala air base while the second one will be based at the Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The induction ceremony of the first five Rafale jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.

The induction ceremony of the first five Rafale jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh GST, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Rajya Sabha on Monday. "The first five Rafale aircraft of IAF were formally inducted into IAF on September 10. The arrangements for this event were made mostly through local resources of IAF. The total expenditure on the event was ₹41.32 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh of GST," he said. Singh said all new variant of aircraft are traditionally inducted into the Indian Air Force through a "befitting ceremony". The Rafale induction ceremony was attended by French Defence Minister Florence Parly and the top echelon of the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft. The first batch of the five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of ₹59,000 crore. The formal induction ceremony of the fleet had taken place nearly six weeks later. A second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India on November 3 while a third batch of another three jets joined the IAF on January 27. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff for the last nine months. The first squadron of the Rafale jets is stationed at the Ambala air base while the second one will be based at the Hasimara base in West Bengal. The induction ceremony of the first five Rafale jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh GST, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Rajya Sabha on Monday. "The first five Rafale aircraft of IAF were formally inducted into IAF on September 10. The arrangements for this event were made mostly through local resources of IAF. The total expenditure on the event was ₹41.32 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh of GST," he said. Singh said all new variant of aircraft are traditionally inducted into the Indian Air Force through a "befitting ceremony". The Rafale induction ceremony was attended by French Defence Minister Florence Parly and the top echelon of the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft. The first batch of the five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of ₹59,000 crore. The formal induction ceremony of the fleet had taken place nearly six weeks later. A second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India on November 3 while a third batch of another three jets joined the IAF on January 27. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff for the last nine months. The first squadron of the Rafale jets is stationed at the Ambala air base while the second one will be based at the Hasimara base in West Bengal.

Rafale induction ceremony cost exchequer over Rs 41 lakh: Rajnath Singh

The Indian Air Force(IAF) pressed Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters for rescue and relief operations as ITBP and NDRF forces continued to pull bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-8-rescued-170-labourers-missing-in-uttarakhand-glacier-burst-362027">Uttarakhand</a> after glacier broke off triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-glacier-bursts-in-uttarakhand-triggers-massive-flood-361958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say at least 34 people are trapped inside the tunnel in Tapovan with personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other state disaster response teams working to clear the tunnel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/uttarakhand-landslide-rescue-operation-underway-after-glacier-burst-in-indian-himalayas-362117">In Pics: Uttarakhand landslide</a>

The tunnel is reportedly 250 metres long with &nbsp;300 ITBP personnel currently deployed at the site with the NDRF helping the other forces. More teams have been sent to the site on IAF'S Mi-17 helicopters that landed at the helipad in Joshimath with agencies working in close coordination.

Teams from the Army, including from the medical Corps have also reached the Tapovan area to help in the rescue operations.

Reports say at least eighteen people have died and 200 are missing after the glacier burst led to an avalanche in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district.

The flash flood in&nbsp;Dhauli Ganga, Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda triggered panic among residents leading large-scale devastation in the mountainous areas as villages were evacuated even as several homes were swept away in the avalanche.

Meanwhile, state-run NTPC said that the avalanche has damaged a part of its hydropower project in Tapovan. The NTPC said, "An avalanche near Tapovan in Uttarakhand has damaged a part of our under-construction hydropower project Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW) in the region.&nbsp;While rescue operations are on, situation is being monitored continuously with the help of district administration and likely loss or damage caused is being assessed. Appropriate insurance cover is available for the loss/damage caused."

Reports say several workers in two power plants on the Rishiganga dam are missing even as authorities have launched a massive rescue operation as main roads have washed away and the tunnel filled with sludge and rocks.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) pressed Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters for rescue and relief operations as ITBP and NDRF forces continued to pull bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in Uttarakhand after glacier broke off triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) pressed Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters for rescue and relief operations as ITBP and NDRF forces continued to pull bodies from a tunnel near Tapovan, Chamoli in Uttarakhand after glacier broke off triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday. Watch: Reports say at least 34 people are trapped inside the tunnel in Tapovan with personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other state disaster response teams working to clear the tunnel. In Pics: Uttarakhand landslide The tunnel is reportedly 250 metres long with 300 ITBP personnel currently deployed at the site with the NDRF helping the other forces. More teams have been sent to the site on IAF'S Mi-17 helicopters that landed at the helipad in Joshimath with agencies working in close coordination. Teams from the Army, including from the medical Corps have also reached the Tapovan area to help in the rescue operations. Reports say at least eighteen people have died and 200 are missing after the glacier burst led to an avalanche in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The flash flood in Dhauli Ganga, Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda triggered panic among residents leading large-scale devastation in the mountainous areas as villages were evacuated even as several homes were swept away in the avalanche. Meanwhile, state-run NTPC said that the avalanche has damaged a part of its hydropower project in Tapovan. The NTPC said, "An avalanche near Tapovan in Uttarakhand has damaged a part of our under-construction hydropower project Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW) in the region. While rescue operations are on, situation is being monitored continuously with the help of district administration and likely loss or damage caused is being assessed. Appropriate insurance cover is available for the loss/damage caused." Reports say several workers in two power plants on the Rishiganga dam are missing even as authorities have launched a massive rescue operation as main roads have washed away and the tunnel filled with sludge and rocks.

Rescue operations underway in Uttarakhand after glacier burst; several missing

Uttarakhand landslide: Rescue operation underway after glacier burst in Indian Himalayas

Rescuers have pulled out seven bodies from a tunnel while at least 125 people were missing after a glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand triggered a massive avalanche and floods in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the numbers could be higher and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the "massive disaster".

Two power projects -- NTPC's Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project and the Rishi Ganga Hydel Project &nbsp; were extensively damaged with scores of labourers trapped in tunnels as the waters and sludge came rushing in.

Seven bodies have been recovered from one of the tunnels in Tapovan and a search for the rest of the missing people is underway by ITBP and SDRF personnel, Rawat said here on his return from a visit to the affected areas.

Rawat said at least 125 people including two policemen were missing and the numbers could be higher as authorities of the damaged hydel projects are not in a position to give a precise figure.

All efforts are focussed at the moment to pull out those feared trapped inside the other tunnels that are clogged with 35-40 feet of debris, Rawat said.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force personnel have penetrated up to 150 metres into the 250-metre-long tunnel but they have not been able to contact any of the trapped employees or workmen, he said.

The extent of damage to the two hydel projects is being assessed by their management, he said.

One motorable road and four suspension bridges connecting 7-8 &nbsp;villages in the area with the district headquarters have also been washed away by the avalanche.

The disconnected villages include Gahar, Bhangyun, Raini Palli, Pang Lata, Suraithota, Tolma and Fagrasu.

Arrangements have been made to continue uninterrupted supplies of essentials to these villages, Rawat said.

Chamoli District Magistrate Swati S Bhadoriya and Superintendent of Police P Yashwant Singh Chauhan are camping at the site, the chief minister said.

There are 17 gram sabha areas affected by the avalanche, out of which 11 are inhabited while the residents of the rest had moved to lower areas during the winter, Rawat said.

All arrangements are in place to deal with any eventuality including IAF and private helicopters which are on stand-by.&nbsp;

Rescuers have pulled out seven bodies from a tunnel while at least 125 people were missing after a glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand triggered a massive avalanche and floods in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday.

Rescuers have pulled out seven bodies from a tunnel while at least 125 people were missing after a glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand triggered a massive avalanche and floods in the Alaknanda river system on Sunday. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the numbers could be higher and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the "massive disaster". Two power projects -- NTPC's Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project and the Rishi Ganga Hydel Project were extensively damaged with scores of labourers trapped in tunnels as the waters and sludge came rushing in. Seven bodies have been recovered from one of the tunnels in Tapovan and a search for the rest of the missing people is underway by ITBP and SDRF personnel, Rawat said here on his return from a visit to the affected areas. Rawat said at least 125 people including two policemen were missing and the numbers could be higher as authorities of the damaged hydel projects are not in a position to give a precise figure. All efforts are focussed at the moment to pull out those feared trapped inside the other tunnels that are clogged with 35-40 feet of debris, Rawat said. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force personnel have penetrated up to 150 metres into the 250-metre-long tunnel but they have not been able to contact any of the trapped employees or workmen, he said. The extent of damage to the two hydel projects is being assessed by their management, he said. One motorable road and four suspension bridges connecting 7-8 villages in the area with the district headquarters have also been washed away by the avalanche. The disconnected villages include Gahar, Bhangyun, Raini Palli, Pang Lata, Suraithota, Tolma and Fagrasu. Arrangements have been made to continue uninterrupted supplies of essentials to these villages, Rawat said. Chamoli District Magistrate Swati S Bhadoriya and Superintendent of Police P Yashwant Singh Chauhan are camping at the site, the chief minister said. There are 17 gram sabha areas affected by the avalanche, out of which 11 are inhabited while the residents of the rest had moved to lower areas during the winter, Rawat said. All arrangements are in place to deal with any eventuality including IAF and private helicopters which are on stand-by.

Uttarakhand glacier burst leaves seven dead; CM announces compensation

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.&nbsp;

The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12000-covid-19-cases-reported-in-one-day-78-new-fatalities-361928" hreflang="en">Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities</a>

The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic.

With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/25-countries-in-queue-for-made-in-india-covid-19-vaccine-jaishankar-361772" hreflang="en">25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar</a>

So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses.

In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers. The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. Also read| Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic. With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine. Also read| 25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses. In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

Afghan security forces, health workers to be vaccinated using India-made COVID vaccines

While addressing a rally in Assam, India Prime Minister Modi noted that people are trying to defame Indian tea at the world stage. PM Modi added that some documents have come up revealing plans of foreign powers to attack country's tea identity.

PM Modi says foreign powers are attacking Indian tea's image

India: Glacier bursts in Uttarakhand triggers massive flood

A glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks. Massive destruction is feared.

More than 150 labourers working at the Rishi Ganga power project may have been directly affected, said State Disaster Response Force DIG Ridhim Aggarwal.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A glacier broke off in Joshimath in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a>'s Chamoli district, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks. Massive destruction is feared. <a href="https://t.co/0hoRFZwyuW">pic.twitter.com/0hoRFZwyuW</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1358346597759737857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Representatives of the power project have told me that they?are?not being able to contact around 150 of their workmen at the project site," she said.

"Though details are awaited, several districts, including Pauri, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Haridwar and Dehradun, are likely to be affected and have been put on high alert."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat appealed to people to not spread rumours through old flood videos. He said all districts concerned have been alerted and people have been asked not to go near the Ganga. Rawat cancelled all his programmes scheduled for the day. He is likely to visit Chamoli to take stock of the situation.

ITBP and NDRF teams rushed to flood-hit areas in Uttarakhand to undertake relief and rescue work, officials in New Delhi said

A glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks.

A glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Sunday, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks. Massive destruction is feared. More than 150 labourers working at the Rishi Ganga power project may have been directly affected, said State Disaster Response Force DIG Ridhim Aggarwal. #WATCH | A glacier broke off in Joshimath in #Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks. Massive destruction is feared. pic.twitter.com/0hoRFZwyuW — WION (@WIONews) February 7, 2021 × "Representatives of the power project have told me that they?are?not being able to contact around 150 of their workmen at the project site," she said. "Though details are awaited, several districts, including Pauri, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Haridwar and Dehradun, are likely to be affected and have been put on high alert." Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat appealed to people to not spread rumours through old flood videos. He said all districts concerned have been alerted and people have been asked not to go near the Ganga. Rawat cancelled all his programmes scheduled for the day. He is likely to visit Chamoli to take stock of the situation. ITBP and NDRF teams rushed to flood-hit areas in Uttarakhand to undertake relief and rescue work, officials in New Delhi said

Massive flood as glacier breaks off at Joshimath, 150 labourers missing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday he has a dream of setting up at least one medical college and a technical institution in each state that will impart education in the local language.

He was addressing a gathering after launching 'Assam Mala' scheme to upgrade state highways and laying the foundation for two medical colleges.

"There is no dearth of talent in the villages and far-flung areas. I have a daring dream of each state having at least one medical college and a technical institution imparting education in the local language," he said, promising setting up such institutions in Assam after the assembly elections.

He said this will improve medical services in remote areas as more and more doctors will be able to reach out to people in their mother tongue and understand their problems.

The two medical college and hospitals will come up in Biswanath and Charaideo districts.

He claimed Assam has witnessed unprecedented development in the last five years with increased health and infrastructure development.

Until 2016 there were only six medical colleges in the state but six more were added in just five years. The number of seats in medical colleges have gone up from 725 to 1,600 now, he said.

The prime minister said the 'Asom Mala' scheme will lead to the creation of new opportunities. Under the scheme, the Public Works Department (PWD) will upgrade the state highways.

Modi said he always linked the condition of tea garden workers to the development of Assam.

"But documents have emerged to show that a conspiracy has been hatched outside the country to defame Indian tea. I am sure the tea workers from Assam will give a befitting reply to these forces," he said without elaborating.

The Asom Mala scheme, with an outlay of Rs 8,210 crore, will provide inter-linkage between highways and rural roads and high-speed corridors.

The Medical College and Hospital at Biswanath will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 565 crore and Rs 557 crore will be spent on the facility at Charaideo. They will have 100 seats each and serve as the hub of medical education and also improve doctor to patient ratio.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday he has a dream of setting up at least one medical college and a technical institution in each state that will impart education in the local language.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday he has a dream of setting up at least one medical college and a technical institution in each state that will impart education in the local language. He was addressing a gathering after launching 'Assam Mala' scheme to upgrade state highways and laying the foundation for two medical colleges. "There is no dearth of talent in the villages and far-flung areas. I have a daring dream of each state having at least one medical college and a technical institution imparting education in the local language," he said, promising setting up such institutions in Assam after the assembly elections. He said this will improve medical services in remote areas as more and more doctors will be able to reach out to people in their mother tongue and understand their problems. The two medical college and hospitals will come up in Biswanath and Charaideo districts. He claimed Assam has witnessed unprecedented development in the last five years with increased health and infrastructure development. Until 2016 there were only six medical colleges in the state but six more were added in just five years. The number of seats in medical colleges have gone up from 725 to 1,600 now, he said. The prime minister said the 'Asom Mala' scheme will lead to the creation of new opportunities. Under the scheme, the Public Works Department (PWD) will upgrade the state highways. Modi said he always linked the condition of tea garden workers to the development of Assam. "But documents have emerged to show that a conspiracy has been hatched outside the country to defame Indian tea. I am sure the tea workers from Assam will give a befitting reply to these forces," he said without elaborating. The Asom Mala scheme, with an outlay of Rs 8,210 crore, will provide inter-linkage between highways and rural roads and high-speed corridors. The Medical College and Hospital at Biswanath will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 565 crore and Rs 557 crore will be spent on the facility at Charaideo. They will have 100 seats each and serve as the hub of medical education and also improve doctor to patient ratio.

PM Modi launches key projects in Assam, promotes using local language for studies

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,08,26,363 with 12,059 new infections being reported in a day, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the third time this month, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll increased to 1,54,996 with 78 daily new fatalities, the lowest recorded after nine months, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,05,22,601, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate of 97.20 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 2 lakh.

There are 1,48,766 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 1.37 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

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. 
According to ICMR, 20,13,68,378? samples have been tested up to February 6 with 6,95,789 samples being tested on Saturday.

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,08,26,363 with 12,059 new infections being reported in a day, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the third time this month, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 1,08,26,363 with 12,059 new infections being reported in a day, while the daily deaths fell below 100 for the third time this month, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll increased to 1,54,996 with 78 daily new fatalities, the lowest recorded after nine months, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,05,22,601, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate of 97.20 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below 2 lakh. There are 1,48,766 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 1.37 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. 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. According to ICMR, 20,13,68,378? samples have been tested up to February 6 with 6,95,789 samples being tested on Saturday.

Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities

India's COVID-19 infection tally climbed to 1,08,14,304 with 11,713 new cases in a day, while 1,05,10,796 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 97.19 per cent on Saturday, according to Union Health Ministry data.

There are 1,48,590 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which accounts for 1.37 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 1,08,14,304 and the death toll climbed to 1,54,918 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 95 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.43 per cent.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 20,06,72,589 samples have been tested up to February 5 with 7,40,794 samples being tested on Friday.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11 and crossed 80 lakh on October 29 and 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19.

The 95 latest fatalities include 40 from Maharashtra and 19 from Kerala.

The total 1,54,918 deaths reported so far in the country include 51,255 from Maharashtra, followed 12,379 from Tamil Nadu, 12,230 from Karnataka, 10,873 from Delhi, 10,201 from West Bengal, 8,682 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,158 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,635 from Punjab and 4,393 from Gujarat.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 infection tally climbed to 1,08,14,304 with 11,713 new cases in a day, while 1,05,10,796 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 97.

India's COVID-19 infection tally climbed to 1,08,14,304 with 11,713 new cases in a day, while 1,05,10,796 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 97.19 per cent on Saturday, according to Union Health Ministry data. There are 1,48,590 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which accounts for 1.37 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 1,08,14,304 and the death toll climbed to 1,54,918 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 95 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.43 per cent. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 20,06,72,589 samples have been tested up to February 5 with 7,40,794 samples being tested on Friday. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11 and crossed 80 lakh on October 29 and 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19. The 95 latest fatalities include 40 from Maharashtra and 19 from Kerala. The total 1,54,918 deaths reported so far in the country include 51,255 from Maharashtra, followed 12,379 from Tamil Nadu, 12,230 from Karnataka, 10,873 from Delhi, 10,201 from West Bengal, 8,682 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,158 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,635 from Punjab and 4,393 from Gujarat. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

11,713 new cases take India's coronavirus tally to 1,08,14,304

A boatmen named Tarik Ahmed faced social stigma after testing positive for COVID-19 as nobody came forward to his rescue. He came up with an idea of launching a water ambulance in Dal Lake for people in need.

A boatmen named Tarik Ahmed built Kashmir's first floating ambulance

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada.

"The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants.

China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far.

"So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said.

During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also. Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada. "The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants. China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far. "So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said. During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

No visible expression of military talks held with the Chinese on ground: Indian EAM

An Indian national was held at the Chicago airport for unlawful import of 3,200 pills of viagra worth over USD 96,000.

The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, had travelled back to the US from India and was caught with the tablets during a baggage scan, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement on Friday.

The officials said the passenger was held by the authorities after he could not give a satisfactory justification for carrying such high quantity of viagra tablets -- 3,200 Sildenafil Citrate tablets (100 mg).&nbsp;

"When the traveller was asked why he was in possession of the pills he stated they were for his friends and they are considered over the counter medication in India," the CBP said in a statement.

The nine pounds of pills were then seized for unlawful importation of mediation. The pills have an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of approximately USD 96,608.

CBP said that as a general rule the Food and Drug Administration does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the US.

An Indian national was held at the Chicago airport for unlawful import of 3,200 pills of viagra worth over USD 96,000. The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, had travelled back to the US from India and was caught with the tablets during a baggage scan, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement on Friday.

An Indian national was held at the Chicago airport for unlawful import of 3,200 pills of viagra worth over USD 96,000. The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, had travelled back to the US from India and was caught with the tablets during a baggage scan, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement on Friday. The officials said the passenger was held by the authorities after he could not give a satisfactory justification for carrying such high quantity of viagra tablets -- 3,200 Sildenafil Citrate tablets (100 mg). "When the traveller was asked why he was in possession of the pills he stated they were for his friends and they are considered over the counter medication in India," the CBP said in a statement. The nine pounds of pills were then seized for unlawful importation of mediation. The pills have an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of approximately USD 96,608. CBP said that as a general rule the Food and Drug Administration does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the US.

Indian held at Chicago airport with 3,200 viagra pills

US President Joe Biden promised a new era after the scattershot foreign policy of his predecessor, Donald Trump, declaring “America is back” on the global stage in his first diplomatic address as president.

Biden’s speech on Thursday was a full-throated attempt to vanquish doubts, and convince Americans of the value of a forceful international approach.

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In his speech, Biden signalled aggressive approaches to China and Russia, urged Myanmar’s military leaders to halt their coup, and declared an end to US support for a Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen.

"America is back. America is back. Diplomacy is back at the centre of our foreign policy. As i said in my inaugural address, we will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again, not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's," he said.

But what about India? A long time ally of the US, a member of the Quad, and one of America's most important partners.

The new vice-president -- Kamala Harris -- is a&nbsp;half-Indian herself. There are atleast 20 Indian-Americans in Biden's White House team.

But the new US president made no mention of India. Not once.

Historically, Democrats have been friendlier with India -- from John F Kennedy to Barack Obama. And all American presidents have tried to improve ties with India.

India also sits at the centre of the strategic architecture, and the US envisions for the Indo-Pacific region. New Delhi is Washington's biggest Asian partner.

Their interests coincide as far as Chinese aggression is concerned.

So Joe Biden's omission of India from his diplomatic address may or may not have been intentional. But it certainly raises questions.

US President Joe Biden promised a new era after the scattershot foreign policy of his predecessor, Donald Trump, declaring “America is back” on the global stage in his first diplomatic address as president.

US President Joe Biden promised a new era after the scattershot foreign policy of his predecessor, Donald Trump, declaring “America is back” on the global stage in his first diplomatic address as president. Biden’s speech on Thursday was a full-throated attempt to vanquish doubts, and convince Americans of the value of a forceful international approach. In his speech, Biden signalled aggressive approaches to China and Russia, urged Myanmar’s military leaders to halt their coup, and declared an end to US support for a Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen. "America is back. America is back. Diplomacy is back at the centre of our foreign policy. As i said in my inaugural address, we will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again, not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's," he said. But what about India? A long time ally of the US, a member of the Quad, and one of America's most important partners. The new vice-president -- Kamala Harris -- is a half-Indian herself. There are atleast 20 Indian-Americans in Biden's White House team. But the new US president made no mention of India. Not once. Historically, Democrats have been friendlier with India -- from John F Kennedy to Barack Obama. And all American presidents have tried to improve ties with India. India also sits at the centre of the strategic architecture, and the US envisions for the Indo-Pacific region. New Delhi is Washington's biggest Asian partner. Their interests coincide as far as Chinese aggression is concerned. So Joe Biden's omission of India from his diplomatic address may or may not have been intentional. But it certainly raises questions.

Biden doesn't mention India in first diplomatic speech

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government&nbsp;has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue.

In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address."

Asked about the British government's assessment of the protests by farmers on 26 January, the British minister said, "The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality..handling of protests is an internal matter for the Indian authorities."

In fact, last week saw several questions being asked by British MPs on other India-related issues, with the British government clearly reiterating its stance which is largely supportive of New Delhi.

A question was asked on China's aggressive actions towards India, to which Adams said, 'as neighbours, India and China have an important relationship with one another" and London "welcome discussions" while continuing to "support a peaceful resolution" between India and China of the border question &nbsp;

China's aggressive actions in 2020, especially with India at Galwan had led to a major blow in Delhi-Bejing ties. The country's action in Hong Kong with a new law has perturbed the UK and led to sharp exchanges between London and Bejing.

In a related question, on UK government's ties with QUAD--Australia, India, Japan and US, the minister of Asia&nbsp;said, "No decisions have yet been made on the form UK engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue could take."

Asked on Kashmir, Adams said, "The UK's position remains that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting political resolution to the situation, one that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people."

He elaborated that Kashmir was "raised" by British foreign secretary Dominic Raab during his India visit in December with his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

On human rights issues in the union territory, Adams said, "Officials at the British High Commission in New Delhi engage regularly with human rights organizations on the situation. Any allegation of human rights abuses is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently."

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue. In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address.

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue. In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address." Asked about the British government's assessment of the protests by farmers on 26 January, the British minister said, "The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality..handling of protests is an internal matter for the Indian authorities." In fact, last week saw several questions being asked by British MPs on other India-related issues, with the British government clearly reiterating its stance which is largely supportive of New Delhi. A question was asked on China's aggressive actions towards India, to which Adams said, 'as neighbours, India and China have an important relationship with one another" and London "welcome discussions" while continuing to "support a peaceful resolution" between India and China of the border question China's aggressive actions in 2020, especially with India at Galwan had led to a major blow in Delhi-Bejing ties. The country's action in Hong Kong with a new law has perturbed the UK and led to sharp exchanges between London and Bejing. In a related question, on UK government's ties with QUAD--Australia, India, Japan and US, the minister of Asia said, "No decisions have yet been made on the form UK engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue could take." Asked on Kashmir, Adams said, "The UK's position remains that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting political resolution to the situation, one that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people." He elaborated that Kashmir was "raised" by British foreign secretary Dominic Raab during his India visit in December with his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. On human rights issues in the union territory, Adams said, "Officials at the British High Commission in New Delhi engage regularly with human rights organizations on the situation. Any allegation of human rights abuses is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently."

Agricultural reform is India's domestic policy issue, British government says

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday.

He said there are three categories of countries which are keen to get the vaccine from India- poor, price-sensitive nations and other countries which directly deal with pharmaceutical companies that make the antidote.

"I think right now we have already supplied to about 15 countries (as per my recollection).

I would say there would be another about 25 countries which are at different stages in the pipeline. But what it has done is today it has put India on the map of the world," Jaishankar told reporters in a press conference.

The minister said some poor countries are being supplied the vaccine on a grant basis while some nations wanted it on par with the price that the Indian Government pays to the vaccine makers.

Some countries have direct contracts with the Indian vaccine producing companies and have negotiated commercially, he said.

The Centre has already given the nod for two COVID-19 vaccines--Covaxin of city-based Bharat Biotech and Covishield of Oxford, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India in Pune, which are being administered to frontline workers from January 16, under Emergency Use Authorisation.

Drugmaker Dr Reddys recently said it will approach the Drug Regulator for the EUA for Russian vaccine Sputnik V in March.

Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modis idea was to establish the country as the "Pharmacy of the World", taking advantage of the domestic capabilities and the way India emerged as IT leader during the Y2K issue.

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday.

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday. He said there are three categories of countries which are keen to get the vaccine from India- poor, price-sensitive nations and other countries which directly deal with pharmaceutical companies that make the antidote. "I think right now we have already supplied to about 15 countries (as per my recollection). I would say there would be another about 25 countries which are at different stages in the pipeline. But what it has done is today it has put India on the map of the world," Jaishankar told reporters in a press conference. The minister said some poor countries are being supplied the vaccine on a grant basis while some nations wanted it on par with the price that the Indian Government pays to the vaccine makers. Some countries have direct contracts with the Indian vaccine producing companies and have negotiated commercially, he said. The Centre has already given the nod for two COVID-19 vaccines--Covaxin of city-based Bharat Biotech and Covishield of Oxford, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India in Pune, which are being administered to frontline workers from January 16, under Emergency Use Authorisation. Drugmaker Dr Reddys recently said it will approach the Drug Regulator for the EUA for Russian vaccine Sputnik V in March. Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modis idea was to establish the country as the "Pharmacy of the World", taking advantage of the domestic capabilities and the way India emerged as IT leader during the Y2K issue.

25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar

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