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Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days. India is the first 'Non-Western' country to support Macron publicly. So far, Italy, Germany, Canada, Netherlands have come in full public support for the French leader.

Thursday saw the Indian Prime Minister condemning the terror attacks in France. He tweeted," I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism."

Thursday saw 2 knife attack in France, one in Nice in which 3 people died in a Knife attack at a Church, another in Avignon, in which the attacker was killed. On the same day, a guard at the French consulate at the Saudi city of Jeddah was attacked.&nbsp;

While Indian PM tweeted, India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla is on a weeklong European tour, with his visit starting from Paris. During his meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Macron, India's foreign secretary extended Indian government's condolences on the terror attack in France and conveyed PM Modi's message that India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-in-a-war-french-minister-says-country-must-brace-itself-for-attacks-fueled-by-islamist-ideology-339015">'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology'</a> 
 
He also reiterated the support during his address at a French Think Tank-- Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI).&nbsp;

Shringla said, "It was horrifying to hear about the two recent terrorist incidents in France, one of which, as is very often the case, had its origins in our western neighbourhood – Pakistan. For the past three decades, we have experienced what unbridled radicalism can wreak – and what malevolent violent forces it can unleash."

The first public support came on Wednesday evening in a statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs. In a clear statement extending Delhi's backing of Paris, MEA said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse."

Remember Turkish President has been making personal remarks on Macron, including saying he needs "mental treatment".

India also condemned the "brutal terrorist attack that took the life of a French teacher in a gruesome manner that has shocked the world. We offer our condolences to his family and the people of France. There is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance."

The current focus on extremism in France started in the country after a 47-year-old French teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a knife attack. After the incident the French president said, his country will stand by its secular values.

Interestingly, while the Indian Govt has backed the French govt, it is the virtual world that also saw a lot of support. #IstandWithFrance has been trending on India twitter, something French outlets have said started from India and then took to other parts of the virtual world.

Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days.

Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days. India is the first 'Non-Western' country to support Macron publicly. So far, Italy, Germany, Canada, Netherlands have come in full public support for the French leader. Thursday saw the Indian Prime Minister condemning the terror attacks in France. He tweeted," I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism." Thursday saw 2 knife attack in France, one in Nice in which 3 people died in a Knife attack at a Church, another in Avignon, in which the attacker was killed. On the same day, a guard at the French consulate at the Saudi city of Jeddah was attacked. While Indian PM tweeted, India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla is on a weeklong European tour, with his visit starting from Paris. During his meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Macron, India's foreign secretary extended Indian government's condolences on the terror attack in France and conveyed PM Modi's message that India stands with France in the fight against terrorism. Also Read | 'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology' He also reiterated the support during his address at a French Think Tank-- Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI). Shringla said, "It was horrifying to hear about the two recent terrorist incidents in France, one of which, as is very often the case, had its origins in our western neighbourhood – Pakistan. For the past three decades, we have experienced what unbridled radicalism can wreak – and what malevolent violent forces it can unleash." The first public support came on Wednesday evening in a statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs. In a clear statement extending Delhi's backing of Paris, MEA said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse." Remember Turkish President has been making personal remarks on Macron, including saying he needs "mental treatment". India also condemned the "brutal terrorist attack that took the life of a French teacher in a gruesome manner that has shocked the world. We offer our condolences to his family and the people of France. There is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance." The current focus on extremism in France started in the country after a 47-year-old French teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a knife attack. After the incident the French president said, his country will stand by its secular values. Interestingly, while the Indian Govt has backed the French govt, it is the virtual world that also saw a lot of support. #IstandWithFrance has been trending on India twitter, something French outlets have said started from India and then took to other parts of the virtual world.

India stood with France four times in last two days

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions. Interestingly, it was on Thursday that the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to provide 7.5% reservation for the undergraduate medical courses under NEET, considering the delay from the Governor’s end.&nbsp;

According to the State government, nearly 300 MBBS seats in government medical colleges and self-financing colleges would be made available for students from Government schools, with the assent for this bill.&nbsp;

The State Assembly had passed this bill on September 15th and it had since been pending with the Governor, who had sought legal opinion on the same. Ministers from the ruling party and opposition party had also met the Governor, seeking an expeditious assent for this bill.&nbsp;

Visible urgency in getting the assent for the bill arises from the fact that NEET results have been declared and medical admissions processes have begun.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a bench of the Madras High Court had also observed that the Governor should act according to his conscience, in response to a petition that had sought an interim direction to implement the sub-quota reservation of 7.5% of medical college seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

“The government after careful consideration of the recommendations of Justice P Kalaiyarasan commission had decided to take affirmative action, providing 7.5 per cent reservation, so as to bring about real equality by giving preference to the students of government schools, who have qualified in NEET in admission to MBBS and other medical courses” Health Secretary Dr J. Radhakrishnan had said in the GO.

The horizontal reservation of 7.5% shall be provided in each category of vertical reservation followed in Tamil Nadu within 69% reservation from 2020, the order added.&nbsp;

It was also mentioned that children belonging to weaker sections of society who studied in private schools until Class 8 under Right to Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2008, can benefit from this quota if they switch to government schools from standard 9.&nbsp;

The order is meant to benefit students who pursued education from Class 6th to 12th in the State government schools and have cleared NEET for admission to undergraduate level medical, dental, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy courses in state-run medical college and seats covered under state-quota in self-financing colleges.

NEET has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu since its inception. Political parties in the state have been pointing out that NEET went against social justice and was putting students from rural areas and lesser fortunate backgrounds at a disadvantage, as they wouldn’t be able to pay for the coaching classes.&nbsp;

In late August, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar had written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission.&nbsp;

However, some sections have also raised questions against the major political parties of Tamil Nadu, asking them why the government couldn’t invest more on education and raise the standard of its syllabus. This is suggested considering that CBSE students have an edge over the state-board students in such competitive exams. It is also being pointed out that JEE and other entrance exams for management courses too are conducted pan-India and how they go on unopposed.

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions.

After a 45-day delay, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has given his assent for a bill that was passed in September, regarding the provision of 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for medical college admissions. Interestingly, it was on Thursday that the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to provide 7.5% reservation for the undergraduate medical courses under NEET, considering the delay from the Governor’s end. According to the State government, nearly 300 MBBS seats in government medical colleges and self-financing colleges would be made available for students from Government schools, with the assent for this bill. The State Assembly had passed this bill on September 15th and it had since been pending with the Governor, who had sought legal opinion on the same. Ministers from the ruling party and opposition party had also met the Governor, seeking an expeditious assent for this bill. Visible urgency in getting the assent for the bill arises from the fact that NEET results have been declared and medical admissions processes have begun. On Thursday, a bench of the Madras High Court had also observed that the Governor should act according to his conscience, in response to a petition that had sought an interim direction to implement the sub-quota reservation of 7.5% of medical college seats in Tamil Nadu. “The government after careful consideration of the recommendations of Justice P Kalaiyarasan commission had decided to take affirmative action, providing 7.5 per cent reservation, so as to bring about real equality by giving preference to the students of government schools, who have qualified in NEET in admission to MBBS and other medical courses” Health Secretary Dr J. Radhakrishnan had said in the GO. The horizontal reservation of 7.5% shall be provided in each category of vertical reservation followed in Tamil Nadu within 69% reservation from 2020, the order added. It was also mentioned that children belonging to weaker sections of society who studied in private schools until Class 8 under Right to Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, 2008, can benefit from this quota if they switch to government schools from standard 9. The order is meant to benefit students who pursued education from Class 6th to 12th in the State government schools and have cleared NEET for admission to undergraduate level medical, dental, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy courses in state-run medical college and seats covered under state-quota in self-financing colleges. NEET has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu since its inception. Political parties in the state have been pointing out that NEET went against social justice and was putting students from rural areas and lesser fortunate backgrounds at a disadvantage, as they wouldn’t be able to pay for the coaching classes. In late August, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar had written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission. However, some sections have also raised questions against the major political parties of Tamil Nadu, asking them why the government couldn’t invest more on education and raise the standard of its syllabus. This is suggested considering that CBSE students have an edge over the state-board students in such competitive exams. It is also being pointed out that JEE and other entrance exams for management courses too are conducted pan-India and how they go on unopposed.

After government takes executive route, Tamil Nadu assents to 7.5% NEET quota bill

Greece has briefed India about the current situation in the eastern Mediterranean. The foreign ministers of India and Greece met virtually on Thursday.&nbsp;

The situation has been tensed in the eastern Mediterranean as Greece and Turkey have been embroiled in a dispute over energy exploration rights and maritime boundaries in the area. The situation is getting worrisome as Ankara plans to conduct a seismic survey in the region.

A tweet by Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias said, "In a video conference with India FM Dr S Jaishankar. Strengthening Greek, India relations &amp; developments in Eastern Mediterranean &amp; South Asia in focus."

Delhi's ties with Turkey are not at their best -- given the support by Turkish President Recep Erdogan to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Erdogan had also raked the Kashmir issue at the United Nations.

During the virtual meet, the two ministers undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties, underpinned by long-standing historical and friendly relations as well as commonality of views on major international issues of the day, a minister of external affairs release said.&nbsp;

They also "discussed a wide range of regional and multilateral issues" especially in the context of India’s upcoming membership of the UNSC, the release added.&nbsp;

Greece has briefed India about the current situation in the eastern Mediterranean. The foreign ministers of India and Greece met virtually on Thursday. The situation has been tensed in the eastern Mediterranean as Greece and Turkey have been embroiled in a dispute over energy exploration rights and maritime boundaries in the area.

Greece has briefed India about the current situation in the eastern Mediterranean. The foreign ministers of India and Greece met virtually on Thursday. The situation has been tensed in the eastern Mediterranean as Greece and Turkey have been embroiled in a dispute over energy exploration rights and maritime boundaries in the area. The situation is getting worrisome as Ankara plans to conduct a seismic survey in the region. A tweet by Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias said, "In a video conference with India FM Dr S Jaishankar. Strengthening Greek, India relations & developments in Eastern Mediterranean & South Asia in focus." Delhi's ties with Turkey are not at their best -- given the support by Turkish President Recep Erdogan to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Erdogan had also raked the Kashmir issue at the United Nations. During the virtual meet, the two ministers undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties, underpinned by long-standing historical and friendly relations as well as commonality of views on major international issues of the day, a minister of external affairs release said. They also "discussed a wide range of regional and multilateral issues" especially in the context of India’s upcoming membership of the UNSC, the release added.

Greece briefs India about situation in eastern Mediterranean

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-production-delivery-capacity-to-help-all-humanity-in-fighting-covid-19-mea-338838">India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA</a>

With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation."

Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries. Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh". Also read | India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation." Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India increases engagement with Myanmar, Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday said that her party will vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or any party's candidate in future Uttar Pradesh MLC elections, to defeat Samajwadi Party's (SP), the second candidate.

Speaking to ANI, Mayawati said, "We have decided that to defeat SP candidate in future MLC elections in UP, we will put all our force and even if we have to give our vote to BJP candidate or any party candidate, will do it. Any party candidate, who will be dominant over SP's 2nd candidate, will get all BSP MLAs' vote for sure," said Mayawati.

The former UP Chief Minister asserted that SP has insulted the Brahmin community of Uttar Pradesh by insulting Satish Chandra Mishra, BSP National General Secretary.

She said that dropping the 1995 case against Samajwadi Party (SP) was a "big mistake".

The BSP chief further stated that when BSP saw Samajwadi Party's behaviour towards them after the Lok Sabha election results, BSP realised that they have committed a big mistake by taking back their 2nd June 1995 case against them.

"We should not have joined hands with them. We should have thought a bit deeper. We took the wrong decision in haste. We committed a very big mistake by doing so," she added.

"I want to disclose that when we decided to contest polls with SP for Lok Sabha elections in UP, we worked very hard for it but from day one of our coalition SP Chief kept telling SC Mishra that since BSP-SP had joined hands, I should take back my June 1995 case," said Mayawati.

"Our party had joined hands with SP to fight communal forces during the Lok Sabha elections. Due to their family in-fighting, they could not gain much from 'Gatbandhan' with BSP. They stopped responding to us post-elections and hence, we decided to part ways with them," she added.

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday said that her party will vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or any party's candidate in future Uttar Pradesh MLC elections, to defeat Samajwadi Party's (SP), the second candidate.

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday said that her party will vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or any party's candidate in future Uttar Pradesh MLC elections, to defeat Samajwadi Party's (SP), the second candidate. Speaking to ANI, Mayawati said, "We have decided that to defeat SP candidate in future MLC elections in UP, we will put all our force and even if we have to give our vote to BJP candidate or any party candidate, will do it. Any party candidate, who will be dominant over SP's 2nd candidate, will get all BSP MLAs' vote for sure," said Mayawati. The former UP Chief Minister asserted that SP has insulted the Brahmin community of Uttar Pradesh by insulting Satish Chandra Mishra, BSP National General Secretary. She said that dropping the 1995 case against Samajwadi Party (SP) was a "big mistake". The BSP chief further stated that when BSP saw Samajwadi Party's behaviour towards them after the Lok Sabha election results, BSP realised that they have committed a big mistake by taking back their 2nd June 1995 case against them. "We should not have joined hands with them. We should have thought a bit deeper. We took the wrong decision in haste. We committed a very big mistake by doing so," she added. "I want to disclose that when we decided to contest polls with SP for Lok Sabha elections in UP, we worked very hard for it but from day one of our coalition SP Chief kept telling SC Mishra that since BSP-SP had joined hands, I should take back my June 1995 case," said Mayawati. "Our party had joined hands with SP to fight communal forces during the Lok Sabha elections. Due to their family in-fighting, they could not gain much from 'Gatbandhan' with BSP. They stopped responding to us post-elections and hence, we decided to part ways with them," she added.

BSP will vote for BJP, other parties to defeat SP candidate in UP MLC elections: Mayawati

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-macron-needs-mental-checks-france-reacts-337679">Macron </a>who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-condemns-cartoons-offending-prophet-mohammad-338197">Erdoğan</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-scoundrels-erdogan-vows-all-legal-and-diplomatic-action-against-charlie-hebdo-amid-anti-macron-wave-338600">Also Read:&nbsp;Erdogan vows 'all legal and diplomatic' action against Charlie Hebdo amid anti-Macron wave</a>

Turkish President has been taking swipes at the French President after the latter called for action over what he called "Islamist separatism”.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-anti-macron-row-chinas-state-run-cctv-shows-prophet-muhammads-portrait-in-tv-show-338578">Macron</a> in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse."

The entire development started over the beheading of a school teacher <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-give-up-cartoons-teens-charged-over-teachers-beheading-in-france-336999">Samuel Paty </a>in a suburb of Paris after he had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. The 47-year-old Paty was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen Muslim.

The MEA "condemned" the "brutal terrorist attack" that took the life of a French teacher in a "gruesome manner that has shocked the world" and offered "condolences to his family and the people of France."

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain thanked MEA for the support tweeting, "France and India can always count on each other in the fight against terrorism".

Interestingly, earlier this week saw #StandWithFrance trending on Twitter. In fact, according to some French media outlets, the hashtag actually started in India.

India and France have increased engagement in the past few years, and In fact, the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be in Paris this weekend.

The MEA announcing the visit said, "India's relations with France, Germany and UK are built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change"

Other than India, Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte has come out in full support of France. He tweeted, "President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism."

The Canadian Foreign minister also came out in support of France. Canadian FM tweeted, We stand in solidarity with our French friends. &nbsp;Turkey’s recent comments about France are totally unacceptable. We must return to respectful diplomatic exchanges. &nbsp;We will always stand together to defend freedom of expression with respect. &nbsp;@JY_LeDrian "

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel Macron who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel Macron who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also Read: Erdogan vows 'all legal and diplomatic' action against Charlie Hebdo amid anti-Macron wave Turkish President has been taking swipes at the French President after the latter called for action over what he called "Islamist separatism”. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse." The entire development started over the beheading of a school teacher Samuel Paty in a suburb of Paris after he had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. The 47-year-old Paty was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen Muslim. The MEA "condemned" the "brutal terrorist attack" that took the life of a French teacher in a "gruesome manner that has shocked the world" and offered "condolences to his family and the people of France." The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain thanked MEA for the support tweeting, "France and India can always count on each other in the fight against terrorism". Interestingly, earlier this week saw #StandWithFrance trending on Twitter. In fact, according to some French media outlets, the hashtag actually started in India. India and France have increased engagement in the past few years, and In fact, the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be in Paris this weekend. The MEA announcing the visit said, "India's relations with France, Germany and UK are built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change" Other than India, Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte has come out in full support of France. He tweeted, "President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism." The Canadian Foreign minister also came out in support of France. Canadian FM tweeted, We stand in solidarity with our French friends. Turkey’s recent comments about France are totally unacceptable. We must return to respectful diplomatic exchanges. We will always stand together to defend freedom of expression with respect. @JY_LeDrian "

Vive la France! India comes in full support for French President Macron

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

In a speech in the National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“General Bajwa came into the Room &amp; his Legs were Shaking. Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> said- For God’s sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9PM.”- Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament of Pakistan. 
Now this is on Record of Proceedings in Pakistan’s Parliament.😂🤣 <a href="https://t.co/i1LqpwoFNS">pic.twitter.com/i1LqpwoFNS</a>
— Vaibhav Singh (@vaibhavUP65) <a href="https://twitter.com/vaibhavUP65/status/1321492991454769153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The PML-N leader told opposition leaders that Qureshi in a meeting with the parliamentary leaders, including PPP and PML-N and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had asked for Abhinandan to be let free.

"I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister said for God`s sake let Abhinandan go, India`s about to attack Pakistan at 9 PM", Sadiq recounted the events of the important meeting. Dunya News further quoted Sadiq as saying that the opposition has supported the government in all issues including Abhinandan but will not be able to further support it.

Wing Commander Varthaman shot into limelight after he shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019 and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. He has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. In a speech in the National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm." “General Bajwa came into the Room & his Legs were Shaking. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI said- For God’s sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9PM.”- Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament of Pakistan. Now this is on Record of Proceedings in Pakistan’s Parliament.😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/i1LqpwoFNS — Vaibhav Singh (@vaibhavUP65) October 28, 2020 × The PML-N leader told opposition leaders that Qureshi in a meeting with the parliamentary leaders, including PPP and PML-N and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had asked for Abhinandan to be let free. "I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring. Foreign Minister said for God`s sake let Abhinandan go, India`s about to attack Pakistan at 9 PM", Sadiq recounted the events of the important meeting. Dunya News further quoted Sadiq as saying that the opposition has supported the government in all issues including Abhinandan but will not be able to further support it. Wing Commander Varthaman shot into limelight after he shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019 and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. He has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory.

In Srinagar, the People's Democratic Party which had forged an alliance with the Bharati Janta Party before it collapsed in June 2018, attempted to take out a protest rally.

Omar Abdullah chose to talk of unity among all the political parties for protecting the identity and land of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the time wasn't right to talk about elections, seats, and government. "People wouldn’t forgive us if we look at the secretariat and chair. Our fight is to save ourselves," Omar said.

Omar, who was foreign and commerce minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, recalled Vajpayee's Kashmir doctrine where he coined the slogan 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat &amp; Jamhuriyat'.

Hurriyat conference led by Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for a one-day shutdown on Saturday against the land law amendment which they termed as an anti-J&amp;K move.

On Tuesday, the Centre notified new rules that now allow any Indian citizen to buy land in J&amp;K. It&nbsp;wasn’t allowed before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A&nbsp;of the Indian constitution which granted special status to the erstwhile state. &nbsp;

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory.

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory. In Srinagar, the People's Democratic Party which had forged an alliance with the Bharati Janta Party before it collapsed in June 2018, attempted to take out a protest rally. Omar Abdullah chose to talk of unity among all the political parties for protecting the identity and land of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the time wasn't right to talk about elections, seats, and government. "People wouldn’t forgive us if we look at the secretariat and chair. Our fight is to save ourselves," Omar said. Omar, who was foreign and commerce minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, recalled Vajpayee's Kashmir doctrine where he coined the slogan 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat & Jamhuriyat'. Hurriyat conference led by Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for a one-day shutdown on Saturday against the land law amendment which they termed as an anti-J&K move. On Tuesday, the Centre notified new rules that now allow any Indian citizen to buy land in J&K. It wasn’t allowed before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution which granted special status to the erstwhile state.

Politics heats up in J&K as political parties vow to fight against new land law

India on Thursday passed the grim milestone of eight million coronavirus cases as it records 49,881 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the government figures.&nbsp;

As per the latest data by the health ministry, the total number of cases climbed to 8,040,203 and death toll to 120,527 with 517 deaths in the span of 24 hours.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-union-minister-smriti-irani-tests-positive-for-covid-19-338592">India: Union Minister Smriti Irani tests positive for COVID-19</a>

As many as 7.3 million people have recovered from the deadly virus in the country, taking the recovery rate to about 91 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-touching-80-00000-although-daily-spike-dips-338472">Coronavirus cases in India touching 80, 00000 although daily spike dips</a>

India also has one of the lowest death rates globally and the number of new cases too has reduced in recent weeks, but experts have warned that the upcoming festival period and the arrival of winters could lead to a new surge.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Wednesday confirmed 5,000 new cases which are its highest-ever since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also warned the population to remain taking precaution in the festival season to curb a second potential wave.&nbsp;

India currently has the second-highest caseload and ranks behind the United States which has seen over 9.1 million cases.

The US also has the most number of deaths also, 230,000 deaths and is followed by Brazil and India respectively.&nbsp;

India on Thursday passed the grim milestone of eight million coronavirus cases as it records 49,881 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the government figures.

India on Thursday passed the grim milestone of eight million coronavirus cases as it records 49,881 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the government figures. As per the latest data by the health ministry, the total number of cases climbed to 8,040,203 and death toll to 120,527 with 517 deaths in the span of 24 hours. Also read | India: Union Minister Smriti Irani tests positive for COVID-19 As many as 7.3 million people have recovered from the deadly virus in the country, taking the recovery rate to about 91 per cent. Also read | Coronavirus cases in India touching 80, 00000 although daily spike dips India also has one of the lowest death rates globally and the number of new cases too has reduced in recent weeks, but experts have warned that the upcoming festival period and the arrival of winters could lead to a new surge. New Delhi on Wednesday confirmed 5,000 new cases which are its highest-ever since the pandemic began. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also warned the population to remain taking precaution in the festival season to curb a second potential wave. India currently has the second-highest caseload and ranks behind the United States which has seen over 9.1 million cases. The US also has the most number of deaths also, 230,000 deaths and is followed by Brazil and India respectively.

Coronavirus: India crosses grim milestone of 8 million cases; death toll climbs to 120,527

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and&nbsp;Aksai Chin part of China.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard."

"I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said.

India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard." "I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said. India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India asks Riyadh to take 'corrective steps' on currency showing Jammu and Kashmir separate

Oxford is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with&nbsp;Serum Institute of India, and as the trials further, the CEO&nbsp;Adar Poonawalla has claimed that the vaccine will be available till the end of the year.

As per the CEO, the trials of the Covishield, the coronavirus vaccine, are showing promising results and may be available for production by December. However, he also added that the claim is being made on the basis of the data collected in the UK.

"A&nbsp;lot is subject to data from the UK and also a lot depends on the approvals coming through from the Drugs Controller General Of India," Poonawalla told an Indian media house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-generation-of-coronavirus-vaccine-likely-to-be-imperfect-says-uk-taskforce-338477">Also read|&nbsp;First generation of coronavirus vaccine 'likely to be imperfect', says UK taskforce</a>

As per the statement, the researchers will apply for emergency authorisation with the&nbsp;Drugs Controller General Of India if the data from the trials show promising results. Whether or not there will be a need to apply for emergency authorisation will not be clear till the last stage.

He took to Twitter to share the "good news", saying "A lot of people were wondering and asking the question, will these early vaccines be effective for the elderly and most vulnerable, here is some preliminary good news."

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A lot of people were wondering and asking the question, will these early vaccines be effective for the elderly and most vulnerable, here is some preliminary good news. <a href="https://t.co/QEnuifxuiW">https://t.co/QEnuifxuiW</a>
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1320752441730633730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Findings on blood tests carried out on a subset of older participants echo data released in July that showed the vaccine generated robust immune responses in healthy adults ages 18 to 55, AstraZeneca said Monday.

“It is encouraging to see immunogenicity responses were similar between older and younger adults and that reactogenicity was lower in older adults, where the Covid-19 disease severity is higher,” AstraZeneca told an American local media channel. “The results further build the body of evidence for the safety and immunogenicity” of the vaccine candidate

The vaccine being developed by Oxford is one of the front runners in the race of several other vaccines being tested by Russia, China and few of the more first-world countries.

Oxford is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with Serum Institute of India, and as the trials further, the CEO Adar Poonawalla has claimed that the vaccine will be available till the end of the year.

Oxford is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with Serum Institute of India, and as the trials further, the CEO Adar Poonawalla has claimed that the vaccine will be available till the end of the year. As per the CEO, the trials of the Covishield, the coronavirus vaccine, are showing promising results and may be available for production by December. However, he also added that the claim is being made on the basis of the data collected in the UK. "A lot is subject to data from the UK and also a lot depends on the approvals coming through from the Drugs Controller General Of India," Poonawalla told an Indian media house. Also read| First generation of coronavirus vaccine 'likely to be imperfect', says UK taskforce As per the statement, the researchers will apply for emergency authorisation with the Drugs Controller General Of India if the data from the trials show promising results. Whether or not there will be a need to apply for emergency authorisation will not be clear till the last stage. He took to Twitter to share the "good news", saying "A lot of people were wondering and asking the question, will these early vaccines be effective for the elderly and most vulnerable, here is some preliminary good news." A lot of people were wondering and asking the question, will these early vaccines be effective for the elderly and most vulnerable, here is some preliminary good news. https://t.co/QEnuifxuiW — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) October 26, 2020 × Findings on blood tests carried out on a subset of older participants echo data released in July that showed the vaccine generated robust immune responses in healthy adults ages 18 to 55, AstraZeneca said Monday. “It is encouraging to see immunogenicity responses were similar between older and younger adults and that reactogenicity was lower in older adults, where the Covid-19 disease severity is higher,” AstraZeneca told an American local media channel. “The results further build the body of evidence for the safety and immunogenicity” of the vaccine candidate The vaccine being developed by Oxford is one of the front runners in the race of several other vaccines being tested by Russia, China and few of the more first-world countries.

Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by December: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla

India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will also help countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that as part of such efforts, India organised two training modules for its neighbouring countries in which about 90 health experts and scientists participated.

"We propose to expand these programmes to include other interested countries," he said at an online media briefing.

"As announced by Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) in his speech to the UN General Assembly last month, India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," Srivastava said.

India will also help all countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of vaccines, he said.

From October 17, a delegation of the concerned departments visited Bangladesh and had fruitful discussions with their Bangladeshi counterparts on the current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh, Srivastava pointed out.

The concerned officials of the two sides have had a virtual interaction on Myanmar's interest in cooperation on COVID19 vaccines, he said.

"As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation," he said.

"In due course, depending on the trials in India, we propose to expand our cooperation with other countries also in clinical trials and capacity building for vaccine development, production and delivery," he said.

India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will also help countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will also help countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that as part of such efforts, India organised two training modules for its neighbouring countries in which about 90 health experts and scientists participated. "We propose to expand these programmes to include other interested countries," he said at an online media briefing. "As announced by Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) in his speech to the UN General Assembly last month, India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," Srivastava said. India will also help all countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of vaccines, he said. From October 17, a delegation of the concerned departments visited Bangladesh and had fruitful discussions with their Bangladeshi counterparts on the current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh, Srivastava pointed out. The concerned officials of the two sides have had a virtual interaction on Myanmar's interest in cooperation on COVID19 vaccines, he said. "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation," he said. "In due course, depending on the trials in India, we propose to expand our cooperation with other countries also in clinical trials and capacity building for vaccine development, production and delivery," he said.

India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA

The whole world knows about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and no amount of denial can hide this truth, India said on Thursday in sharp reaction to Islamabad's objection to references to it and cross-border terrorism in the Indo-US joint statement after their 2+2 dialogue.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the country that provides shelter to "maximum number of UN-proscribed terrorists" should not even attempt to play the victim card.

"The whole world knows truth about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism," he said at a media briefing while answering questions on Islamabad's reaction to the Indo-US joint statement.

"Even their leaders have time and again spoken about their role with regard to terrorism," Srivastava said.

In the joint statement, India and the US on Tuesday strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms and asked Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible" action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terror attacks. 
In its reaction, Pakistan on Wednesday called it "unwarranted" the reference made towards it.

"We reject the Pakistan-specific reference in the joint statement', issued by India and the US after their 2+2 ministerial dialogue," the Pakistan Foreign Office had said in its reaction.

The whole world knows about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and no amount of denial can hide this truth, India said on Thursday in sharp reaction to Islamabad's objection to references to it and cross-border terrorism in the Indo-US joint statement after their 2+2 dialogue.

The whole world knows about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism and no amount of denial can hide this truth, India said on Thursday in sharp reaction to Islamabad's objection to references to it and cross-border terrorism in the Indo-US joint statement after their 2+2 dialogue. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the country that provides shelter to "maximum number of UN-proscribed terrorists" should not even attempt to play the victim card. "The whole world knows truth about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism," he said at a media briefing while answering questions on Islamabad's reaction to the Indo-US joint statement. "Even their leaders have time and again spoken about their role with regard to terrorism," Srivastava said. In the joint statement, India and the US on Tuesday strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms and asked Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible" action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terror attacks. In its reaction, Pakistan on Wednesday called it "unwarranted" the reference made towards it. "We reject the Pakistan-specific reference in the joint statement', issued by India and the US after their 2+2 ministerial dialogue," the Pakistan Foreign Office had said in its reaction.

Whole world knows Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism: India

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-live-update-government-raises-alert-to-attack-emergency-level-338782">France knife attack live update</a>

"Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism."

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I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1321814517651787776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Watch:

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A woman was beheaded near the Basilica of Notre-Dame on the Mediterranean coast and three people were killed by a knife-wielding attacker in Nice on Thursday as Nice mayor, Christian Estrosi said it was a "terrorist attack".

Estrosi added that the attacker repeatedly shouted "Allahu Akbar".

Prime Minister Jean Castex later said that the country has decided to raise France's Vigipirate security alert system to the highest "attack emergency" level.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the ''barbaric attack'' pledging solidarity with France in the fight against extremism even as German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood with France after the "brutal" knife.

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. | France knife attack live update "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. | France knife attack live update "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism." I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020 × Watch: A woman was beheaded near the Basilica of Notre-Dame on the Mediterranean coast and three people were killed by a knife-wielding attacker in Nice on Thursday as Nice mayor, Christian Estrosi said it was a "terrorist attack". Estrosi added that the attacker repeatedly shouted "Allahu Akbar". Prime Minister Jean Castex later said that the country has decided to raise France's Vigipirate security alert system to the highest "attack emergency" level. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the ''barbaric attack'' pledging solidarity with France in the fight against extremism even as German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood with France after the "brutal" knife.

India stands with France in fight against terrorism, says PM Modi after Nice attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed&nbsp;grief on Thursday after former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel passed&nbsp;away.

Expressing his anguish over the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his 45 year-long association with the leader and said his death is an irreparable loss for him.

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हम सभी के प्रिय, श्रद्धेय केशुभाई पटेल जी के निधन से मैं दुखी हूं, स्तब्ध हूं। <a href="https://t.co/kWCDdWmyOR">https://t.co/kWCDdWmyOR</a>
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"I am sad and numb after hearing the news of Keshubhai Patel`s demise. He was like a father figure to me. It is an irreparable loss for me. He had given six decades to public life. He was a patriot and always used to think in the national interest," he said in an emotional video message.

"I had a long discussion with him during a recently virtual meeting of Somnath Trust. I spoke to him over the phone to know about his health condition. I have known him for 45 years. Today every BJP worker like me is sad. I express my condolences to his family. I am in touch with them," he added.

Calling the former Gujarat Chief Minister a great personality, the Prime Minister said that he was known for kind behaviour and a firm will power to take the decision.

"Her work was for the development of Gujarat and empowerment of Gujaratis. He understood the pain of farmers and the poor. As an MLA, MP, minister and Chief Minister, Keshubhai gave priority to the interest of farmers," he said.

The Prime Minister said that Keshubhai Patel strengthened Jan Sangh and BJP in every region of Gujarat. "During the emergency, he struggled for democracy. He taught a lot to many ordinary workers like me. He guided them. Even after taking over as the Prime Minister, I was in touch with him," he said.

Keshubhai Patel passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. As per Dr. Akshay Kiledar, representative of the Sterling Hospital in Ahmedabad, he had earlier been admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state.

"We tried to revive him but couldn`t after he was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state, following sudden cardiac arrest. He was declared dead at 11:55 am. He didn`t die due to COVID-19," Dr Kiledar said.

Patel had earlier tested positive for COVID-19 but had later tested negative. Dr. Kiledar confirmed that the coronavirus infection was not the cause of his death.

Keshubhai Savdasbhai Patel served as the Chief Minister of the state for a few months in 1995 and then from March 1998 to October of 2001. He was a six-time member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and was a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party till 2012.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Thursday after former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel passed away. Expressing his anguish over the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his 45 year-long association with the leader and said his death is an irreparable loss for him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Thursday after former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel passed away. Expressing his anguish over the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his 45 year-long association with the leader and said his death is an irreparable loss for him. हम सभी के प्रिय, श्रद्धेय केशुभाई पटेल जी के निधन से मैं दुखी हूं, स्तब्ध हूं। https://t.co/kWCDdWmyOR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020 × "I am sad and numb after hearing the news of Keshubhai Patel`s demise. He was like a father figure to me. It is an irreparable loss for me. He had given six decades to public life. He was a patriot and always used to think in the national interest," he said in an emotional video message. "I had a long discussion with him during a recently virtual meeting of Somnath Trust. I spoke to him over the phone to know about his health condition. I have known him for 45 years. Today every BJP worker like me is sad. I express my condolences to his family. I am in touch with them," he added. Calling the former Gujarat Chief Minister a great personality, the Prime Minister said that he was known for kind behaviour and a firm will power to take the decision. "Her work was for the development of Gujarat and empowerment of Gujaratis. He understood the pain of farmers and the poor. As an MLA, MP, minister and Chief Minister, Keshubhai gave priority to the interest of farmers," he said. The Prime Minister said that Keshubhai Patel strengthened Jan Sangh and BJP in every region of Gujarat. "During the emergency, he struggled for democracy. He taught a lot to many ordinary workers like me. He guided them. Even after taking over as the Prime Minister, I was in touch with him," he said. Keshubhai Patel passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. As per Dr. Akshay Kiledar, representative of the Sterling Hospital in Ahmedabad, he had earlier been admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state. "We tried to revive him but couldn`t after he was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state, following sudden cardiac arrest. He was declared dead at 11:55 am. He didn`t die due to COVID-19," Dr Kiledar said. Patel had earlier tested positive for COVID-19 but had later tested negative. Dr. Kiledar confirmed that the coronavirus infection was not the cause of his death. Keshubhai Savdasbhai Patel served as the Chief Minister of the state for a few months in 1995 and then from March 1998 to October of 2001. He was a six-time member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and was a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party till 2012.

PM Modi expresses grief after former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel passes away

After stoking a controversy for its name, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Laxxmi Bomb’ is now in fresh trouble. Days before the film’s release on an OTT platform, the makers have reportedly received a legal notice from the Shri Rajput Karni Sena demanding a change in title.

According to several reports, the legal notice was sent by advocate Raghavendra Mehrotra, on behalf of Shri Rajput Karni Sena. As per the notice, Laxmmi Bomb, was being considered “derogatory” and “offensive” to Goddess Laxmi by the Hindu community. It further claimed that the makers had “deliberately” used the title Laxmmi Bomb with the sole purpose of lowering the “dignity” of and to show “disrespect” towards the goddess. It added that the name sends out a wrong message to the society at large towards the “ideology, customs, gods and goddesses of Hindu religion”.

Earlier, Twitterati had asked for a ban on the film as they alleged that the film promotes Love Jihad and also because the name of the film resembles the name of Hindu Goddess Laxmi.&nbsp;

‘Laxmmi Bomb’, starring Akshay and Kiara Advani is scheduled to release on November 9 on Disney+ Hotstar. The film centres around Akshay’s character getting possessed by the ghost of a transgender person.

‘Laxmmi Bomb’ is the Hindi remake of Tamil hit ‘Muni 2: Kanchana’, of the Kanchana series, starring Raghava Lawrence. He also directed the series. The film will see Akshay wear a sari for the first time.&nbsp;

Talking about the sari experience earlier, Akshay Kumar said, “In one word, sari is the most graceful outfit in the world. Wearing a sari has been one of a kind experience for me. Frankly speaking, donning a sari is very difficult. During the initial days of the shoot, my sari would often unwrap by itself while shooting. I wasn’t able to move properly while being in a sari, forget about dancing and fighting in it. Thanks to my costume designer who would come to my rescue in every break to rearrange the plaits and balance the pallu.”

After stoking a controversy for its name, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Laxxmi Bomb’ is now in fresh trouble. Days before the film’s release on an OTT platform, the makers have reportedly received a legal notice from the Shri Rajput Karni Sena demanding a change in title.

After stoking a controversy for its name, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Laxxmi Bomb’ is now in fresh trouble. Days before the film’s release on an OTT platform, the makers have reportedly received a legal notice from the Shri Rajput Karni Sena demanding a change in title. According to several reports, the legal notice was sent by advocate Raghavendra Mehrotra, on behalf of Shri Rajput Karni Sena. As per the notice, Laxmmi Bomb, was being considered “derogatory” and “offensive” to Goddess Laxmi by the Hindu community. It further claimed that the makers had “deliberately” used the title Laxmmi Bomb with the sole purpose of lowering the “dignity” of and to show “disrespect” towards the goddess. It added that the name sends out a wrong message to the society at large towards the “ideology, customs, gods and goddesses of Hindu religion”. Earlier, Twitterati had asked for a ban on the film as they alleged that the film promotes Love Jihad and also because the name of the film resembles the name of Hindu Goddess Laxmi. ‘Laxmmi Bomb’, starring Akshay and Kiara Advani is scheduled to release on November 9 on Disney+ Hotstar. The film centres around Akshay’s character getting possessed by the ghost of a transgender person. ‘Laxmmi Bomb’ is the Hindi remake of Tamil hit ‘Muni 2: Kanchana’, of the Kanchana series, starring Raghava Lawrence. He also directed the series. The film will see Akshay wear a sari for the first time. Talking about the sari experience earlier, Akshay Kumar said, “In one word, sari is the most graceful outfit in the world. Wearing a sari has been one of a kind experience for me. Frankly speaking, donning a sari is very difficult. During the initial days of the shoot, my sari would often unwrap by itself while shooting. I wasn’t able to move properly while being in a sari, forget about dancing and fighting in it. Thanks to my costume designer who would come to my rescue in every break to rearrange the plaits and balance the pallu.”

Laxxmi Bomb: Fringe group Karni Sena demands title change of Akshay Kumar starrer

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission.

While no decision has been taken by Pakistan yet on the acceptance of the name, WION has learnt not much of a problem will come this time.

Remember Pakistan had denied a visa for Jayant Khobragade, a senior Indian diplomat whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Pakistan rejected Khobragade's name since they said he is too senior for the post.

Khobragade who has served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain and Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017.

As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much of an ado.

The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories (UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission.

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission. While no decision has been taken by Pakistan yet on the acceptance of the name, WION has learnt not much of a problem will come this time. Remember Pakistan had denied a visa for Jayant Khobragade, a senior Indian diplomat whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Pakistan rejected Khobragade's name since they said he is too senior for the post. Khobragade who has served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain and Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017. As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much of an ado. The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories (UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Delhi sends new name for acting head of Indian mission in Islamabad 

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months.

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy.

The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31.

The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them.

Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army.

On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.

The Supreme Court Thursday extended till December 31 the deadline for implementation of its judgement on the grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy. The top court had on March 17, maintaining that women and men officers should be treated equally; cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to complete the modalities within three months. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee said that it is extending time till December 31 for grant of permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in Indian Navy. The Centre moved the application in June for extending the deadline by six months citing the COVID-19 pandemic. The top court, which took up the application on Wednesday said that it will extend the time till December 31. The bench also asked the Centre to provide Rs 25 lakh compensation each in four weeks to five Naval women officers, who were not considered for the permanent commission besides the pensionary benefits, which had already been given to them. Pursuant to the top court's verdict in February, Centre has already started the process for granting permanent commission to all women SSC officers in Indian Army. On March 17, in a major verdict, the top court had paved the way for granting permanent commission to women officers in Indian Navy, saying a level playing field ensures that women have the opportunity to overcome "histories of discrimination".

Supreme Court gives time till December 31 to Centre for granting permanent commission to women officers in Navy

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa.

He also added that "our military posture was very offensive". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">Also read | Former Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa. (Image source: Wikipedia)</a>

His remarks came after Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said in the National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm".

In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

The result of the counter-terrorism operation in Balakot has been a topic of political debate in India.

"Abhinandan's father and I served together. So, when Abhinandan ejected I told him that we could not get Ahuja back, but will definitely get Abhinandan back. During the Kargil war, my flight commander Ahuja was captured and shot dead. That was playing on my mind. I told him that there are two parts. The main pressure on Pakistan was diplomatic and political. But there was also a military posture," Dhanoa told ANI.

"The way he (Pakistan MP) is saying that 'Pair 'kaanp rahe the' (legs were trembling). It is because the military posture was very offensive... God forbid if there are military misadventure on 27th and hit some of our military installations, we were in a position to wipe out their forward brigades. They know what our capability is," he said.

Wing Commander Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019, and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Dhanoa, who was the Indian Air Force chief when the aerial strikes took place in Pakistan, said that Indian military could not strike to secure Abhinandan's release but it could do it to put pressure on the Pakistan military.

"But that decision is political. Whether we need to go to war. Suppose strike on 27th had been successful, then to what extent do we respond. Do we respond with a full-scale war or only hitting their forward brigades opposite us? This is a political decision," he said.

Abhinandan has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery.

(With inputs from ANI)

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa.

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa. He also added that "our military posture was very offensive". Also read | Former Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa. (Image source: Wikipedia) His remarks came after Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said in the National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm". In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. The result of the counter-terrorism operation in Balakot has been a topic of political debate in India. "Abhinandan's father and I served together. So, when Abhinandan ejected I told him that we could not get Ahuja back, but will definitely get Abhinandan back. During the Kargil war, my flight commander Ahuja was captured and shot dead. That was playing on my mind. I told him that there are two parts. The main pressure on Pakistan was diplomatic and political. But there was also a military posture," Dhanoa told ANI. "The way he (Pakistan MP) is saying that 'Pair 'kaanp rahe the' (legs were trembling). It is because the military posture was very offensive... God forbid if there are military misadventure on 27th and hit some of our military installations, we were in a position to wipe out their forward brigades. They know what our capability is," he said. Wing Commander Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019, and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. Dhanoa, who was the Indian Air Force chief when the aerial strikes took place in Pakistan, said that Indian military could not strike to secure Abhinandan's release but it could do it to put pressure on the Pakistan military. "But that decision is political. Whether we need to go to war. Suppose strike on 27th had been successful, then to what extent do we respond. Do we respond with a full-scale war or only hitting their forward brigades opposite us? This is a political decision," he said. Abhinandan has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. (With inputs from ANI)

Was ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward brigades after Balakot: Former IAF chief BS Dhanoa

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday said that dropping the 1995 case against Samajwadi Party (SP) as a precondition to SP-BSP alliance was a "big mistake".

"I want to disclose that when we decided to contest polls with SP for Lok Sabha elections in UP, we worked very hard for it but from day one of our coalition SP Chief kept telling SC Mishra that since BSP-SP had joined hands, I should take back my June 1995 case," said Mayawati.

"Our party had joined hands with SP to fight communal forces during the Lok Sabha elections. Due to their family in-fighting, they could not gain much from 'Gatbandhan' with BSP. They stopped responding to us post-elections and hence, we decided to part ways with them," she added.

The BSP chief further stated that when BSP saw Samajwadi Party's behaviour towards them after the Lok Sabha election results, BSP realised that they have committed a big mistake by taking back their 2nd June 1995 case against them.

"We should not have joined hands with them. We should have thought a bit deeper. We took a wrong decision in haste," she added.

"Once again we saw their anti-Dalit side, yesterday during the examination of the papers of Rajya Sabha," said Mayawati.

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday said that dropping the 1995 case against Samajwadi Party (SP) as a precondition to SP-BSP alliance was a "big mistake".

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday said that dropping the 1995 case against Samajwadi Party (SP) as a precondition to SP-BSP alliance was a "big mistake". "I want to disclose that when we decided to contest polls with SP for Lok Sabha elections in UP, we worked very hard for it but from day one of our coalition SP Chief kept telling SC Mishra that since BSP-SP had joined hands, I should take back my June 1995 case," said Mayawati. "Our party had joined hands with SP to fight communal forces during the Lok Sabha elections. Due to their family in-fighting, they could not gain much from 'Gatbandhan' with BSP. They stopped responding to us post-elections and hence, we decided to part ways with them," she added. The BSP chief further stated that when BSP saw Samajwadi Party's behaviour towards them after the Lok Sabha election results, BSP realised that they have committed a big mistake by taking back their 2nd June 1995 case against them. "We should not have joined hands with them. We should have thought a bit deeper. We took a wrong decision in haste," she added. "Once again we saw their anti-Dalit side, yesterday during the examination of the papers of Rajya Sabha," said Mayawati.

Dropping 1995 case against Samajwadi Party as a precondition to the alliance was 'big mistake': Mayawati

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited.&nbsp;

A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-military-agreement-with-us-on-sharing-of-satellite-data-338409">Also read|&nbsp;India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data</a>

India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. &nbsp;Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan.

India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.”

This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister. Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited. A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest." Also read| India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan. India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.” This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With connectivity in focus, India-central Asian FMs to meet virtually today

The first phase of polling for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-elections-2020-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-safely-follow-pandemic-rules-338464">Bihar</a> assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-election-2020-technical-snag-glitches-in-75-evms-hassle-voters-in-phase-1-polling-338531">Also Read:&nbsp;Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling</a>

The polls were held in 71 constituencies spread across 16 districts amid tight security and strict COVID-19 regulations in place. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App, the provisional polling percentage was 54.26 that was updated till 10 PM.

The Chief Electoral Officer's office said in Patna that the voter turnout in the 2015 election in these 16 districts was 54.75 per cent.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said in Delhi that the voter turnout in phase one was 54.94 per cent in the 2015 assembly polls, while in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the corresponding figure was 53.54 per cent.

Election Commission secretary general Umesh Sinha told reporters in Delhi that the "projected" voter turnout is expected to exceed the last assembly and the Lok Sabha poll figures. 
This was the first major poll held in the country amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the poll time increased by an hour till 6 pm to allow suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients to vote in the last hour.

Polling went beyond 6 PM in some constituencies, while the voting hours were curtailed in Naxal-affected areas and ended at 4 pm after beginning at 7 am.

Out of the 16 districts which went to polls, 12 are hit by Left-wing extremism, a senior poll panel official said.

"And out of the 12, four are considered as extreme Left-Wing affected," the official said in Delhi, expressing satisfaction at the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Of the nearly 2.15 crore electors eligible to exercise the franchise, 1.12 crore were male, 1.01 crore female and 599 were categorised as third gender, according to data provided by the Election Commission.

As many as 1,066 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the poll.

The prominent candidates whose electoral fate has been locked in the EVMs are Shreyasi Singh, a CWG gold medallist shooter, and six members of the outgoing cabinet -- Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), Ram Narayan Mandal (Banka), Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad), Jaikumar Singh (Dinara) and Santosh Kumar Nirala (Rajpur).

Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of EVMs said in Delhi that the functioning of electronic voting machines was "very satisfactory" during the polling.

A minuscule 0.22 per cent of the total 41,689 ballot units, 0.25 per cent of the total 31,371 control units and 1.28 per cent of the total 31,371 paper trail machines were replaced due to malfunctioning, the officer said.

In 12 polling stations of Jamui, the poll timing was increased by one hour due to the delay in replacing the faulty machines, he said. 
One control unit and at least one ballot unit makes for one EVM.

Deputy Election Commissioner in charge of Bihar Chandra Bhushan Kumar said in Delhi that overall cash seizure in Bihar so far stood at Rs 46.11 crore including foreign currency worth Rs 89.30 lakh.

Across all 16 districts that went to poll on Wednesday, voters were seen queuing up at polling stations since early morning and COVID-19 norms were largely followed with people wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from each other.

At a polling station in Jalpura village of Bhojpur district, there were not many voters around 3.15 pm when a PTI reporter went to cast his ballot, but plastic hand gloves were strewn all around, used and discarded by electors.

Hand sanitisers were kept at the entrance and the exit gates of the booth. Some people, however, were seen without a face mask.

"We have hand gloves, but some people are refusing to wear," said Angad Kumar, the presiding officer of one of the four booths at the polling station.

A 55-year-old polling agent died of heart attack in Nawada district. Officials said Krishna Singh was deployed at booth number 258 in Foolawa village of Hisua assembly constituency.

They said Singh complained of severe heart pain and was rushed to the Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

As many as 159 people were detained as a preventive measure during the polling, the election panel said.

The first phase of polling for the Bihar assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout.

The first phase of polling for the Bihar assembly elections passed off peacefully on Wednesday as an estimated 54.26 per cent of nearly 2.15 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise, marginally lower than in 2015, as the coronavirus scare failed to impact the turnout. Also Read: Technical snag, glitches in 75 EVMs hassle voters in phase 1 polling The polls were held in 71 constituencies spread across 16 districts amid tight security and strict COVID-19 regulations in place. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App, the provisional polling percentage was 54.26 that was updated till 10 PM. The Chief Electoral Officer's office said in Patna that the voter turnout in the 2015 election in these 16 districts was 54.75 per cent. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said in Delhi that the voter turnout in phase one was 54.94 per cent in the 2015 assembly polls, while in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the corresponding figure was 53.54 per cent. Election Commission secretary general Umesh Sinha told reporters in Delhi that the "projected" voter turnout is expected to exceed the last assembly and the Lok Sabha poll figures. This was the first major poll held in the country amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the poll time increased by an hour till 6 pm to allow suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients to vote in the last hour. Polling went beyond 6 PM in some constituencies, while the voting hours were curtailed in Naxal-affected areas and ended at 4 pm after beginning at 7 am. Out of the 16 districts which went to polls, 12 are hit by Left-wing extremism, a senior poll panel official said. "And out of the 12, four are considered as extreme Left-Wing affected," the official said in Delhi, expressing satisfaction at the smooth conduct of the exercise. Of the nearly 2.15 crore electors eligible to exercise the franchise, 1.12 crore were male, 1.01 crore female and 599 were categorised as third gender, according to data provided by the Election Commission. As many as 1,066 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the poll. The prominent candidates whose electoral fate has been locked in the EVMs are Shreyasi Singh, a CWG gold medallist shooter, and six members of the outgoing cabinet -- Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai), Ram Narayan Mandal (Banka), Krishnanandan Prasad Verma (Jehanabad), Jaikumar Singh (Dinara) and Santosh Kumar Nirala (Rajpur). Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of EVMs said in Delhi that the functioning of electronic voting machines was "very satisfactory" during the polling. A minuscule 0.22 per cent of the total 41,689 ballot units, 0.25 per cent of the total 31,371 control units and 1.28 per cent of the total 31,371 paper trail machines were replaced due to malfunctioning, the officer said. In 12 polling stations of Jamui, the poll timing was increased by one hour due to the delay in replacing the faulty machines, he said. One control unit and at least one ballot unit makes for one EVM. Deputy Election Commissioner in charge of Bihar Chandra Bhushan Kumar said in Delhi that overall cash seizure in Bihar so far stood at Rs 46.11 crore including foreign currency worth Rs 89.30 lakh. Across all 16 districts that went to poll on Wednesday, voters were seen queuing up at polling stations since early morning and COVID-19 norms were largely followed with people wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from each other. At a polling station in Jalpura village of Bhojpur district, there were not many voters around 3.15 pm when a PTI reporter went to cast his ballot, but plastic hand gloves were strewn all around, used and discarded by electors. Hand sanitisers were kept at the entrance and the exit gates of the booth. Some people, however, were seen without a face mask. "We have hand gloves, but some people are refusing to wear," said Angad Kumar, the presiding officer of one of the four booths at the polling station. A 55-year-old polling agent died of heart attack in Nawada district. Officials said Krishna Singh was deployed at booth number 258 in Foolawa village of Hisua assembly constituency. They said Singh complained of severe heart pain and was rushed to the Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead. As many as 159 people were detained as a preventive measure during the polling, the election panel said.

Bihar elections 2020: First phase voter turnout over 54% amid peaceful polling

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14.

Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal played a key role in the entire release process. In fact, while many nationalities have been kidnapped in the past, it is for the first time the release has happened in such a swift manner. New Delhi does not have a working mission in Libya given the current situation and Indian mission in neighbouring Tunisia is dealing with the affairs in the country.

On local front Principal of Indian International School, Benghazi, Tabassum Mansoor played an important role. Mansoor who has been living in Libya for last 40 years, on the instructions of the Indian Envoy Kundal was in constant touch with all the Libyan authorities especially the company manager and other key players on a daily basis.

In fact, in 2011 when civil war erupted in the country, she was able to evacuate 3000 stranded Indians from Benghazi and Eastern Libya. Again in 2014, she assisted in the repatriation of 289 Indian nations from Benghazi to Malta.

The negotiations were complex given the fact two parallel governments were involved. India took the help of local tribals to secure the release. New Delhi had thanked the "Libyan authorities and the tribal elders" from the region for "their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed".

The Indian nationals belong to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. They were working at a construction and oil field supplies company and were kidnapped on their way to the Tripoli airport to catch a flight to India.

India in September of 2015 issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Libya in view of the security situation there. Later, in May 2016, the government had imposed a complete travel ban irrespective of the purpose in view of the deteriorating security situation. The travel ban remains in force.

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14.

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14. Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal played a key role in the entire release process. In fact, while many nationalities have been kidnapped in the past, it is for the first time the release has happened in such a swift manner. New Delhi does not have a working mission in Libya given the current situation and Indian mission in neighbouring Tunisia is dealing with the affairs in the country. On local front Principal of Indian International School, Benghazi, Tabassum Mansoor played an important role. Mansoor who has been living in Libya for last 40 years, on the instructions of the Indian Envoy Kundal was in constant touch with all the Libyan authorities especially the company manager and other key players on a daily basis. In fact, in 2011 when civil war erupted in the country, she was able to evacuate 3000 stranded Indians from Benghazi and Eastern Libya. Again in 2014, she assisted in the repatriation of 289 Indian nations from Benghazi to Malta. The negotiations were complex given the fact two parallel governments were involved. India took the help of local tribals to secure the release. New Delhi had thanked the "Libyan authorities and the tribal elders" from the region for "their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed". The Indian nationals belong to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. They were working at a construction and oil field supplies company and were kidnapped on their way to the Tripoli airport to catch a flight to India. India in September of 2015 issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Libya in view of the security situation there. Later, in May 2016, the government had imposed a complete travel ban irrespective of the purpose in view of the deteriorating security situation. The travel ban remains in force.

Seven Indians freed in Libya arrive in Delhi

The Centre has paved the way for people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to buy land in the union territory by amending several laws, over a year after the nullification of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution.

India: Now anyone can buy land in Jammu and Kashmir

India’s total coronavirus cases surged to 79,90,322 on Wednesday with 43,893 new COVID-19 infections, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). 
 
More than half of COVID-19 cases reported in India are in the 18-44 years age group, according to data from the government. 
 
With 508 new deaths, the death toll has mounted to 1,20,010, according to the Union Health Ministry. 
 
Total active cases stand at 6,10,803 after a decrease of 15,054 in the last 24 hours. Total cured cases stand at 72,59,509 with 58,439 new discharges in the last 24 hours.&nbsp; 
 
With 1,32,069 total active cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by COVID-19 in the country.&nbsp; 
While 14,78,496 patients have recovered from the disease in the state, 43,463 have died so far. 
 
Among other severely affected states, Karnataka has 71,349 active cases, while 7,27,298 people have recovered and 10,991 have succumbed to the coronavirus. 
 
Kerala has 92,266 active cases, while 3,09,032 patients have been cured so far in the state along with 1,376 deaths reported due to the disease. 
 
West Bengal has 37,172 active cases, while Tamil Nadu and the national capital Delhi have 27,734 and 27,873 active cases respectively. 
 
Meanwhile, a total of 10,54,87,680 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to October 27. Of these 10,66,786 samples were tested yesterday, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s total coronavirus cases surged to 79,90,322 on Wednesday with 43,893 new COVID-19 infections, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

India’s total coronavirus cases surged to 79,90,322 on Wednesday with 43,893 new COVID-19 infections, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). More than half of COVID-19 cases reported in India are in the 18-44 years age group, according to data from the government. With 508 new deaths, the death toll has mounted to 1,20,010, according to the Union Health Ministry. Total active cases stand at 6,10,803 after a decrease of 15,054 in the last 24 hours. Total cured cases stand at 72,59,509 with 58,439 new discharges in the last 24 hours. With 1,32,069 total active cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by COVID-19 in the country. While 14,78,496 patients have recovered from the disease in the state, 43,463 have died so far. Among other severely affected states, Karnataka has 71,349 active cases, while 7,27,298 people have recovered and 10,991 have succumbed to the coronavirus. Kerala has 92,266 active cases, while 3,09,032 patients have been cured so far in the state along with 1,376 deaths reported due to the disease. West Bengal has 37,172 active cases, while Tamil Nadu and the national capital Delhi have 27,734 and 27,873 active cases respectively. Meanwhile, a total of 10,54,87,680 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to October 27. Of these 10,66,786 samples were tested yesterday, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases in India touching 80, 00000 although daily spike dips

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