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The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast.

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said in a statement: "Yesterday's well marked low pressure area over eastcentral Arabian Sea off north Maharashtra coast moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression."

It is very likely to move nearly westwards during the next 48 hours and weaken gradually thereafter.&nbsp;

"As the system is very likely to move away from the Indian coast no adverse weather associated with this system is likely over the west coast of India," the statement added.

The IMD has, however, cautioned fishermen from venturing into the central and north Arabian Sea.

It said light to moderate rainfall at a few places is very likely over coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch during next 24 hours.

Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea on October 17 and over central and northwest Arabian Sea on October 18.

The cyclonic circulation had hit the Andhra Pradesh coast earlier this week as a deep depression bringing heavy rains over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa and leaving a trail of destruction.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast.

The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said in a statement: "Yesterday's well marked low pressure area over eastcentral Arabian Sea off north Maharashtra coast moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression." It is very likely to move nearly westwards during the next 48 hours and weaken gradually thereafter. "As the system is very likely to move away from the Indian coast no adverse weather associated with this system is likely over the west coast of India," the statement added. The IMD has, however, cautioned fishermen from venturing into the central and north Arabian Sea. It said light to moderate rainfall at a few places is very likely over coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch during next 24 hours. Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea on October 17 and over central and northwest Arabian Sea on October 18. The cyclonic circulation had hit the Andhra Pradesh coast earlier this week as a deep depression bringing heavy rains over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa and leaving a trail of destruction. (with inputs)

Low pressure over Arabian Sea intensifies into depression, IMD says

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is "deeply disturbed" and this is obviously impacting the overall relationship between India and China.

Jaishankar made these comments against the backdrop of the over five-month-long border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh where each side has deployed over 50,000 troops.

The Sino-India boundary question is a very "complicated" and "difficult" issue, he said at a webinar on his book titled 'The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World', giving a historical perspective to development of the relationship between the two neighbouring countries in the last three decades.

The external affairs minister said the relationship between India and China, which was "very difficult", was normalised since late 1980s through a plethora of initiatives like trade, travel, tourism, and societal activities on the premise of peace and tranquillity along the border.

"It is not our position that we should solve the boundary question. We understand that it is a very complicated and difficult issue. There have been many negotiations at different levels...That is a very high bar for a relationship," Jaishankar said through video conferencing at the webinar event in Pune moderated by former ambassador Gautam Bambawale.

"I am talking about a much more basic bar which is that there must be peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the border areas and that has been the case since the late 1980s," he added.

"Now, if peace and tranquillity is deeply disturbed, then obviously there will be an impact on the relationship and that is what we are seeing," he said referring to the border situation in eastern Ladakh.

Jaishankar said both China and India are rising and assuming "bigger" roles in the world, but the "big question" is how the two countries find an "equilibrium".

"That is the basic case I addressed in my book," the minister said, adding he completed the manuscript in April, a few weeks before the border standoff erupted in eastern Ladakh.

Asked whether India should be growing at a faster GDP growth rate so that the asymmetry with China economically, militarily and otherwise is reduced, Jaishankar referred to different sociology, politics and the nature of governance between the two neighbours.

Jaishankar said he would like India to grow much faster and develop more capabilities but noted that it should not be because of competition with China.

"I think we have to do it for ourselves. In a sense we are competing against everybody in the world. It is a world where every major power is competing against every other country, even friendly countries when it comes to eco capabilities," he said.

"I feel that there are lessons we can learn from China. The way China has grown. But at the same time, let's be very clear. We are not China. When people suggest that you fix this, they did this, you did this...Our sociology is different, our politics is different, the nature of our governance is very different."

He further added: "How do you learn from experiences from a dissimilar path? Even if we are dissimilar, there are lessons to be learnt."

Talking about key geo-political developments over the last seven decades, Jaishankar referred to prosperity of Europe and recovery of Japan after the Second World War, collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent emergence of the US as major events, but noted that the turning point came in 2008 which was marked by global financial crisis and rise of China, India and the 10-nation ASEAN grouping.

"It turned the world into a visible economic rebalancing. Big issues of the day could not be decided by two countries, five countries or seven countries..."

"I think the process which started in 2008-09 has taken a sharper turn this year with the changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Today, the big shift was towards a multipolar world" he said.

On India's economic growth and ways to bolster it, Jaishankar said there was a need for more focus on the manufacturing sector and human development reforms, adding the last five years have seen focus on skill development through a variety of initiatives like 'beti bachao beti padhao' programme.

The external affairs minister said there was a need for employment centric growth as well as focus on the manufacturing sector.

"I would say the manufacturing strategy needs to be adjusted," he said, favouring looking at the centrality of employment.

Jaishankar also asserted that the ability to "step up", "assume responsibility" and "do good" is an important part of India's "rise".

The union minister said countries look up to India as a more capable neighbour who they think will do something when needed.

"...Today you look at the entire Indian Ocean Region, right from Fiji to East Africa, in last five years, every time there was a major disaster, be it natural, man-made or civil war in Yemen, earthquake in Nepal, mudslide in Sri Lanka or cyclone in Myanmar, we have gone responding because today we have more capabilities."

"Today people look up to us as a more capable neighbour who will do something. So this ability to step up and assume global responsibility and do good has been an important part of our rise," Jaishankar said.

Referring to Africa, he said the rise of the continent is in India's interest.

"Facilitating, contributing and partnering the rise of Africa is in our strategic interest. If Africa becomes one of the poles of global polity, it is better for us. We have deep solidarity which came out from the anti-colonial movement," he added.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is "deeply disturbed" and this is obviously impacting the overall relationship between India and China.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is "deeply disturbed" and this is obviously impacting the overall relationship between India and China. Jaishankar made these comments against the backdrop of the over five-month-long border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh where each side has deployed over 50,000 troops. The Sino-India boundary question is a very "complicated" and "difficult" issue, he said at a webinar on his book titled 'The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World', giving a historical perspective to development of the relationship between the two neighbouring countries in the last three decades. The external affairs minister said the relationship between India and China, which was "very difficult", was normalised since late 1980s through a plethora of initiatives like trade, travel, tourism, and societal activities on the premise of peace and tranquillity along the border. "It is not our position that we should solve the boundary question. We understand that it is a very complicated and difficult issue. There have been many negotiations at different levels...That is a very high bar for a relationship," Jaishankar said through video conferencing at the webinar event in Pune moderated by former ambassador Gautam Bambawale. "I am talking about a much more basic bar which is that there must be peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the border areas and that has been the case since the late 1980s," he added. "Now, if peace and tranquillity is deeply disturbed, then obviously there will be an impact on the relationship and that is what we are seeing," he said referring to the border situation in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar said both China and India are rising and assuming "bigger" roles in the world, but the "big question" is how the two countries find an "equilibrium". "That is the basic case I addressed in my book," the minister said, adding he completed the manuscript in April, a few weeks before the border standoff erupted in eastern Ladakh. Asked whether India should be growing at a faster GDP growth rate so that the asymmetry with China economically, militarily and otherwise is reduced, Jaishankar referred to different sociology, politics and the nature of governance between the two neighbours. Jaishankar said he would like India to grow much faster and develop more capabilities but noted that it should not be because of competition with China. "I think we have to do it for ourselves. In a sense we are competing against everybody in the world. It is a world where every major power is competing against every other country, even friendly countries when it comes to eco capabilities," he said. "I feel that there are lessons we can learn from China. The way China has grown. But at the same time, let's be very clear. We are not China. When people suggest that you fix this, they did this, you did this...Our sociology is different, our politics is different, the nature of our governance is very different." He further added: "How do you learn from experiences from a dissimilar path? Even if we are dissimilar, there are lessons to be learnt." Talking about key geo-political developments over the last seven decades, Jaishankar referred to prosperity of Europe and recovery of Japan after the Second World War, collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent emergence of the US as major events, but noted that the turning point came in 2008 which was marked by global financial crisis and rise of China, India and the 10-nation ASEAN grouping. "It turned the world into a visible economic rebalancing. Big issues of the day could not be decided by two countries, five countries or seven countries..." "I think the process which started in 2008-09 has taken a sharper turn this year with the changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Today, the big shift was towards a multipolar world" he said. On India's economic growth and ways to bolster it, Jaishankar said there was a need for more focus on the manufacturing sector and human development reforms, adding the last five years have seen focus on skill development through a variety of initiatives like 'beti bachao beti padhao' programme. The external affairs minister said there was a need for employment centric growth as well as focus on the manufacturing sector. "I would say the manufacturing strategy needs to be adjusted," he said, favouring looking at the centrality of employment. Jaishankar also asserted that the ability to "step up", "assume responsibility" and "do good" is an important part of India's "rise". The union minister said countries look up to India as a more capable neighbour who they think will do something when needed. "...Today you look at the entire Indian Ocean Region, right from Fiji to East Africa, in last five years, every time there was a major disaster, be it natural, man-made or civil war in Yemen, earthquake in Nepal, mudslide in Sri Lanka or cyclone in Myanmar, we have gone responding because today we have more capabilities." "Today people look up to us as a more capable neighbour who will do something. So this ability to step up and assume global responsibility and do good has been an important part of our rise," Jaishankar said. Referring to Africa, he said the rise of the continent is in India's interest. "Facilitating, contributing and partnering the rise of Africa is in our strategic interest. If Africa becomes one of the poles of global polity, it is better for us. We have deep solidarity which came out from the anti-colonial movement," he added.

Peace and tranquillity along LAC "deeply disturbed", impacting India-China ties, says Jaishankar

India ranked 94 among 107 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2020 and is in the 'serious' hunger category with experts blaming poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring, siloed approach in tackling malnutrition and poor performance by large states behind the low ranking.

Last year, India's rank was 102 out of 117 countries.

The neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan too are in the 'serious' category but ranked higher than India in this year's hunger index. While Bangladesh ranked 75, Myanmar and Pakistan are in the 78th and 88th position.

Nepal in 73rd and Sri Lanka in 64th position are in 'moderate' hunger category, the report showed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-29-million-women-and-girls-victims-of-modern-slavery-un-report-334530">Also read|&nbsp;Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report</a>

Seventeen nations, including China, Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Cuba and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI scores of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index, that tracks hunger and malnutrition, said on Friday.

According to the report, 14 per cent of India's population is undernourished.

It also showed the country recorded a 37.4 per cent stunting rate among children under five and a wasting rate of 17.3 per cent. The under-five mortality rate stood at 3.7 per cent.

Wasting is children who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition. Stunting is children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-richest-1-cause-double-co2-emissions-of-poorest-50-says-oxfam-329722">Also read|&nbsp;World's richest 1% cause double CO2 emissions of poorest 50%, says Oxfam</a>

Data from 1991 through 2014 for Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan showed that stunting is concentrated among children from households facing multiple forms of deprivation, including poor dietary diversity, low levels of maternal education, and household poverty.

During this period, India experienced a decline in under-five mortality, driven largely by a decrease in deaths from birth asphyxia or trauma, neonatal infections, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, the report stated.

"However, child mortality, caused by prematurity and low birth weight, increased particularly in poorer states and rural areas. Prevention of prematurity and low birthweight is identified as a key factor with the potential to reduce under-five mortality in India, through actions such as better antenatal care, education, and nutrition as well as reductions in anaemia and oral tobacco use," it said.

Experts think that poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring and siloed approaches to tackling malnutrition often result in poor nutrition indices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-enough-oxfam-accuses-governments-of-not-helping-poor-countries-amid-pandemic-335113">Also read|&nbsp;'Not enough': Oxfam accuses governments of not helping poor countries amid pandemic</a>

Purnima Menon, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, said the performance of large states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh need to be improved to see an overall change of India's ranking.

"The national average is affected a lot by the states like UP and Bihar... The states which actually have a combination of high levels of malnutrition and they contribute a lot to the population of the country.

"Every fifth child born in India is in Uttar Pradesh. So if you have a high level of malnutrition in a state that has a high population, it contributes a lot to India's average. Obviously, then, India's average will be slow to move," she told PTI.

Menon said big states with large population and a high burden of malnutrition are those which are actually affecting India's average.

"So, if we want a change in India then we would also need a change in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-stillbirth-every-16-seconds-and-this-could-get-worse-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-333385">Also read|&nbsp;One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Shweta Khandelwal, the head of Nutrition Research and Additional Professor at Public Health Foundation of India, said the country has one of the most impressive portfolios of programmes and policies in nutrition in the books. 
"However, the ground realities are quite dismal."

"Research shows that our top-down approach, poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring and siloed approaches in tackling malnutrition (missing convergence) often result in poor nutrition indices. We must integrate actions to make public health and nutrition a priority across each sector," she told PTI.

Khandelwal suggested five measures to prevent exacerbation of hunger because of the pandemic.

"Safeguard and promote access to nutritious, safe and affordable diets; invest in improving maternal and child nutrition through pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood; re-activate and scale-up services for the early detection and treatment of child wasting; maintain the provision of nutritious and safe school meals for vulnerable children and expand social protection to safeguard access to nutritious diets and essential service," she said.

She said it is important to aim at curbing multiple forms of malnutrition holistically in a concerted manner rather than single short-sighted fixes.

"Hunger and undernutrition cannot and should not be fixed by mere calorie provision. All stakeholders steered by robust leadership must pay attention to making balanced healthy diets which are climate-friendly, affordable and accessible to all," she added.

GHI score is calculated on four indicators -- undernourishment; child wasting, the share of children under the age of five who are wasted-- who have low weight for their height reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting, children under the age of five who have low height for their age reflecting chronic undernutrition; and child mortality -- the mortality rate of children under the age of five.

India ranked 94 among 107 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2020 and is in the 'serious' hunger category with experts blaming poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring, siloed approach in tackling malnutrition and poor performance by large states behind the low ranking.

India ranked 94 among 107 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2020 and is in the 'serious' hunger category with experts blaming poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring, siloed approach in tackling malnutrition and poor performance by large states behind the low ranking. Last year, India's rank was 102 out of 117 countries. The neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan too are in the 'serious' category but ranked higher than India in this year's hunger index. While Bangladesh ranked 75, Myanmar and Pakistan are in the 78th and 88th position. Nepal in 73rd and Sri Lanka in 64th position are in 'moderate' hunger category, the report showed. Also read| Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report Seventeen nations, including China, Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Cuba and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI scores of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index, that tracks hunger and malnutrition, said on Friday. According to the report, 14 per cent of India's population is undernourished. It also showed the country recorded a 37.4 per cent stunting rate among children under five and a wasting rate of 17.3 per cent. The under-five mortality rate stood at 3.7 per cent. Wasting is children who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition. Stunting is children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Also read| World's richest 1% cause double CO2 emissions of poorest 50%, says Oxfam Data from 1991 through 2014 for Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan showed that stunting is concentrated among children from households facing multiple forms of deprivation, including poor dietary diversity, low levels of maternal education, and household poverty. During this period, India experienced a decline in under-five mortality, driven largely by a decrease in deaths from birth asphyxia or trauma, neonatal infections, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, the report stated. "However, child mortality, caused by prematurity and low birth weight, increased particularly in poorer states and rural areas. Prevention of prematurity and low birthweight is identified as a key factor with the potential to reduce under-five mortality in India, through actions such as better antenatal care, education, and nutrition as well as reductions in anaemia and oral tobacco use," it said. Experts think that poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring and siloed approaches to tackling malnutrition often result in poor nutrition indices. Also read| 'Not enough': Oxfam accuses governments of not helping poor countries amid pandemic Purnima Menon, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, said the performance of large states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh need to be improved to see an overall change of India's ranking. "The national average is affected a lot by the states like UP and Bihar... The states which actually have a combination of high levels of malnutrition and they contribute a lot to the population of the country. "Every fifth child born in India is in Uttar Pradesh. So if you have a high level of malnutrition in a state that has a high population, it contributes a lot to India's average. Obviously, then, India's average will be slow to move," she told PTI. Menon said big states with large population and a high burden of malnutrition are those which are actually affecting India's average. "So, if we want a change in India then we would also need a change in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar," she said. Also read| One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic Shweta Khandelwal, the head of Nutrition Research and Additional Professor at Public Health Foundation of India, said the country has one of the most impressive portfolios of programmes and policies in nutrition in the books. "However, the ground realities are quite dismal." "Research shows that our top-down approach, poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring and siloed approaches in tackling malnutrition (missing convergence) often result in poor nutrition indices. We must integrate actions to make public health and nutrition a priority across each sector," she told PTI. Khandelwal suggested five measures to prevent exacerbation of hunger because of the pandemic. "Safeguard and promote access to nutritious, safe and affordable diets; invest in improving maternal and child nutrition through pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood; re-activate and scale-up services for the early detection and treatment of child wasting; maintain the provision of nutritious and safe school meals for vulnerable children and expand social protection to safeguard access to nutritious diets and essential service," she said. She said it is important to aim at curbing multiple forms of malnutrition holistically in a concerted manner rather than single short-sighted fixes. "Hunger and undernutrition cannot and should not be fixed by mere calorie provision. All stakeholders steered by robust leadership must pay attention to making balanced healthy diets which are climate-friendly, affordable and accessible to all," she added. GHI score is calculated on four indicators -- undernourishment; child wasting, the share of children under the age of five who are wasted-- who have low weight for their height reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting, children under the age of five who have low height for their age reflecting chronic undernutrition; and child mortality -- the mortality rate of children under the age of five.

India ranks 94 in Hunger Index; experts blame poor implementation, siloed approach

The eighth India-China Corps Commander-level talks will be held next week. One of the dates zeroed in for the meeting is October 19, sources told WION.

India and China held the seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks on Monday at Chushul in eastern Ladakh -- which lasted for almost 12 hours.

A joint statement was issued after the meet. It called for a "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible."

The joint statement -- the third between the two countries in last one-and-a-half months -- described Monday's talks as "positive, constructive and had enhanced understanding of each other’s positions".

The month of September saw two India-China joint statements -- first after the foreign ministers talks in Moscow and then after the sixth Corps Commander-level talks.

In the seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks, India continued to demand complete disengagement and de-escalation by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from the eastern Ladakh sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-hold-seventh-round-of-corps-commander-level-talks-334609">Also read |&nbsp;India, China hold seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks</a>

The eighth India-China Corps Commander-level talks will be held next week. One of the dates zeroed in for the meeting is October 19, sources told WION. India and China held the seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks on Monday at Chushul in eastern Ladakh -- which lasted for almost 12 hours.

The eighth India-China Corps Commander-level talks will be held next week. One of the dates zeroed in for the meeting is October 19, sources told WION. India and China held the seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks on Monday at Chushul in eastern Ladakh -- which lasted for almost 12 hours. A joint statement was issued after the meet. It called for a "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible." The joint statement -- the third between the two countries in last one-and-a-half months -- described Monday's talks as "positive, constructive and had enhanced understanding of each other’s positions". The month of September saw two India-China joint statements -- first after the foreign ministers talks in Moscow and then after the sixth Corps Commander-level talks. In the seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks, India continued to demand complete disengagement and de-escalation by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from the eastern Ladakh sector. Also read | India, China hold seventh round of Corps Commander-level talks

Eighth India-China Corps Commander-level talks to be held next week

The Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting for the coronavirus situation and the&nbsp;preparedness of the country for vaccine delivery, distribution, and administration.

India has emerged as one of the hotspots in the world as the coronavirus cases crossed&nbsp;7,400,000 as of Saturday morning.

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The Prime Minister applauded the efforts of the local authorities which have led to a decline in the number of daily infections.

This meeting was attended by Union Health Minister, Shri Harsh Vardhan, Principal Secretary to PM, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, Principal Scientific Advisor, Senior Scientists, officers of PMO, and other Departments of Government of India. &nbsp;

He also talked about the preparedness of the authorities in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. He pointed out that India has three coronavirus vaccine, out of which two are in Phase II and one is in Phase-III of clinical trials. He also informed that Indian scientists are already collaborating with&nbsp;Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and countries such as&nbsp;Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-russias-sputnik-v-gets-go-ahead-for-clinical-trials-in-india-336019">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: Russia's Sputnik V gets go ahead for clinical trials in India</a>

The PM urged the authorities to make sure they are prepared for the distribution of the vaccine as the Asian country is geographically widespread. He stressed that every step in the logistics, delivery, and administration should be put in place rigorously. He further guided the authorities to&nbsp;include advanced planning of cold storage chains, distribution network, monitoring mechanism, advance assessment, and preparation of ancillary equipment required, such as vails, syringes etc.

He has also urged locals to keep maintaining social distance and step outside only when necessary, especially with the upcoming festival season in India.

India reported&nbsp;62,212 new cases and 837 deaths on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting for the coronavirus situation and the preparedness of the country for vaccine delivery, distribution, and administration.

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting for the coronavirus situation and the preparedness of the country for vaccine delivery, distribution, and administration. India has emerged as one of the hotspots in the world as the coronavirus cases crossed 7,400,000 as of Saturday morning. Also read| Coronavirus: India reports 60k+ new cases, active cases fall below 800,000 The Prime Minister applauded the efforts of the local authorities which have led to a decline in the number of daily infections. This meeting was attended by Union Health Minister, Shri Harsh Vardhan, Principal Secretary to PM, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, Principal Scientific Advisor, Senior Scientists, officers of PMO, and other Departments of Government of India. He also talked about the preparedness of the authorities in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. He pointed out that India has three coronavirus vaccine, out of which two are in Phase II and one is in Phase-III of clinical trials. He also informed that Indian scientists are already collaborating with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries. Also read| COVID-19: Russia's Sputnik V gets go ahead for clinical trials in India The PM urged the authorities to make sure they are prepared for the distribution of the vaccine as the Asian country is geographically widespread. He stressed that every step in the logistics, delivery, and administration should be put in place rigorously. He further guided the authorities to include advanced planning of cold storage chains, distribution network, monitoring mechanism, advance assessment, and preparation of ancillary equipment required, such as vails, syringes etc. He has also urged locals to keep maintaining social distance and step outside only when necessary, especially with the upcoming festival season in India. India reported 62,212 new cases and 837 deaths on Saturday morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews COVID-19 situation in India

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to&nbsp;Dr Reddy's, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India, to conduct phase 2 and 3 clinical human trials of the Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine.

Dr. Reddy's has partnered up with&nbsp;Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on September 16 to carry out clinical trials and distribution of the Russian vaccine in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-spreads-fake-news-about-oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-claims-it-turns-humans-into-monkeys-335768">Also read:&nbsp;Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys</a>

Co-chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy's Laboratories G.V. Prasad in a statement said "This is a significant development that allows us to commence the clinical trials in India and we are committed to bringing in a safe and efficacious vaccine to combat the pandemic."

"On regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr Reddy`s 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," a statement from the Russian fund had earlier stated.

As of now, the authorities are hoping that the deliveries of the vaccine could begin towards the end of 2020.&nbsp;"The agreement between RDIF and Dr Reddy`s reflects the growing awareness of countries and organisations to have a diversified anti-COVID vaccine portfolio to protect their populations," RDIF added.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to Dr Reddy's, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India, to conduct phase 2 and 3 clinical human trials of the Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine. Dr. Reddy's has partnered up with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on September 16 to carry out clinical trials and distribution of the Russian vaccine in India. Also read: Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys Co-chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy's Laboratories G.V. Prasad in a statement said "This is a significant development that allows us to commence the clinical trials in India and we are committed to bringing in a safe and efficacious vaccine to combat the pandemic." "On regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr Reddy`s 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," a statement from the Russian fund had earlier stated. As of now, the authorities are hoping that the deliveries of the vaccine could begin towards the end of 2020. "The agreement between RDIF and Dr Reddy`s reflects the growing awareness of countries and organisations to have a diversified anti-COVID vaccine portfolio to protect their populations," RDIF added.

COVID-19: Russia's Sputnik V gets go ahead for clinical trials in India

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year.

India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade".

India's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.

A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation".

Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018.

The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India.

India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market. Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year. India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade". India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation". Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture & Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018. The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India. India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

India allows market access for 5 Bhutanese agri-products

Amid the standoff with China which has necessitated deployment of augmented army presence at the Line of Actual Control, India has gone for urgent purchase of additional high-altitude winter clothing from the US for troops deployed at forward locations in eastern Ladakh. 
 
The winter clothing has been purchased under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) between India and the US. The agreement facilitates logistical support, supplies and services between the armed forces of the two countries, and includes clothing, food, lubricants, spare parts, medical services, among other essentials. 
 
India is also looking to European markets to get more winter clothing for immediate requirements as its soldiers are braving temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius as they occupy 13 critical heights in south of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. 
 
The seventh round of India-China military talks on October 12 at Chushul to resolve the border dispute in eastern Ladakh ended in deadlock, after around 11 hours of deliberations. The de-escalation of forces at the LAC during the winter is highly unlikely now and India has to set up a huge logistical arrangement. 
 
On August 30, India occupied critical mountain heights like Rechin La, Rezang La, Mukpari, and Tabletop, that were unmanned till now, on the southern bank of the Pangong Lake. It also made some deployments near Blacktop also. 
 
The deployment came after the Chinese tried to make a provocative military move. Now, dominance at these 13 peaks allows India to dominate Spangur Gap under Chinese control and also the Moldo garrison on the Chinese side. 
 
The Indian Army now has to stock up winter items for around 35,000 extra troops deployed at the forward locations. Most of the friction points in Ladakh like Pangong Lake and Galwan Valley where the face-offs have occurred are 15,000 feet above the sea level. 
 
Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria had, earlier this month, stated that India sees China digging in for the winter along the disputed border, and that India is taking action based on the ground realities.

Amid the standoff with China which has necessitated deployment of augmented army presence at the Line of Actual Control, India has gone for urgent purchase of additional high-altitude winter clothing from the US for troops deployed at forward locations in eastern Ladakh.

Amid the standoff with China which has necessitated deployment of augmented army presence at the Line of Actual Control, India has gone for urgent purchase of additional high-altitude winter clothing from the US for troops deployed at forward locations in eastern Ladakh. The winter clothing has been purchased under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) between India and the US. The agreement facilitates logistical support, supplies and services between the armed forces of the two countries, and includes clothing, food, lubricants, spare parts, medical services, among other essentials. India is also looking to European markets to get more winter clothing for immediate requirements as its soldiers are braving temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius as they occupy 13 critical heights in south of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. The seventh round of India-China military talks on October 12 at Chushul to resolve the border dispute in eastern Ladakh ended in deadlock, after around 11 hours of deliberations. The de-escalation of forces at the LAC during the winter is highly unlikely now and India has to set up a huge logistical arrangement. On August 30, India occupied critical mountain heights like Rechin La, Rezang La, Mukpari, and Tabletop, that were unmanned till now, on the southern bank of the Pangong Lake. It also made some deployments near Blacktop also. The deployment came after the Chinese tried to make a provocative military move. Now, dominance at these 13 peaks allows India to dominate Spangur Gap under Chinese control and also the Moldo garrison on the Chinese side. The Indian Army now has to stock up winter items for around 35,000 extra troops deployed at the forward locations. Most of the friction points in Ladakh like Pangong Lake and Galwan Valley where the face-offs have occurred are 15,000 feet above the sea level. Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria had, earlier this month, stated that India sees China digging in for the winter along the disputed border, and that India is taking action based on the ground realities.

India buying winter clothing from US, Europe for troops in Ladakh

A militant associate was arrested on Friday after a brief shootout in Chadoora area of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

"On a specific input regarding presence of a police deserter (SPO), who had decamped with two AK-47 rifles two days ago, along with his associate in Chadoora area of Budgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the police, Army and CRPF," a police spokesman said.

He said as the joint team of security forces reached near the target location, the SPO-turned-militant along with his associate started firing indiscriminately.

The firing was retaliated by the joint team leading to a brief gunfight, the spokesman said.

"During the ensuing gunfight, the deserter special police officer (SPO) managed to escape, but his associate was captured alive," he said.

The captured militant associate has been identified as Jahangir Ahmad Bhat, an overground worker and a notorious stone pelter, the spokesman said.

One of the AK-47 rifles taken away by the deserter SPO was recovered from the possession of the accused, he said.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar appreciated the police and security forces for showing maximum restraint by arresting the terrorist associate during live encounter.

He also appealed the family of deserter SPO Altaf to help the police in bringing him back.

In another operation, security forces arrested SSB constable Altaf Hussain, who had gone missing along with ammunition from Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district.

He was arrested from Rajouri district on Friday, police officials said.

Hussain had gone missing from the camp at Nagam area near Chadoora with one magazine of INSAS rifle and 20 rounds on October 13. He belonged to Rehan village of Koteranka tehsil of Rajouri district.

He was apprehended by police from his native district along with ammunition, police added.

A militant associate was arrested on Friday after a brief shootout in Chadoora area of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. "On a specific input regarding presence of a police deserter (SPO), who had decamped with two AK-47 rifles two days ago, along with his associate in Chadoora area of Budgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the police, Army and CRPF," a police spokesman said.

A militant associate was arrested on Friday after a brief shootout in Chadoora area of Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. "On a specific input regarding presence of a police deserter (SPO), who had decamped with two AK-47 rifles two days ago, along with his associate in Chadoora area of Budgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the police, Army and CRPF," a police spokesman said. He said as the joint team of security forces reached near the target location, the SPO-turned-militant along with his associate started firing indiscriminately. The firing was retaliated by the joint team leading to a brief gunfight, the spokesman said. "During the ensuing gunfight, the deserter special police officer (SPO) managed to escape, but his associate was captured alive," he said. The captured militant associate has been identified as Jahangir Ahmad Bhat, an overground worker and a notorious stone pelter, the spokesman said. One of the AK-47 rifles taken away by the deserter SPO was recovered from the possession of the accused, he said. IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar appreciated the police and security forces for showing maximum restraint by arresting the terrorist associate during live encounter. He also appealed the family of deserter SPO Altaf to help the police in bringing him back. In another operation, security forces arrested SSB constable Altaf Hussain, who had gone missing along with ammunition from Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district. He was arrested from Rajouri district on Friday, police officials said. Hussain had gone missing from the camp at Nagam area near Chadoora with one magazine of INSAS rifle and 20 rounds on October 13. He belonged to Rehan village of Koteranka tehsil of Rajouri district. He was apprehended by police from his native district along with ammunition, police added.

Militant associate arrested in J-K's Budgam, weapon seized

As many as 63,371 fresh cases and 895 deaths linked to coronavirus were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the government said early on Friday.

With the latest figures by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India's death toll rose to 112,161 and total infections surged to 7,370,469.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stop-commenting-in-internal-issue-if-you-expect-same-from-others-india-after-china-rakes-ap-ladakh-335587">Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh</a>

The data showed that there are 804,528 actives cases in the country, while 6,453,780 people have recovered from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-talks-are-work-in-progress-eam-jaishankar-335585">India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar</a>

Meanwhile, the Health ministry claimed early on Friday that India has one of the lowest deaths in the world per million population. In a tweet, it also said that some states and union territories are performing even better than the national average in terms of deaths per million population.

On Thursday, many parts across the country opened theatres and multiplexes after witnessing a seven-month lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19.

However, some states, including Maharashtra, home of Bollywood, still did not open up theatres and multiplexes fearing a resurgence in the number of cases.

Globally, the United States remains the worst-hit country with over 8 million cases and is followed by India.

The US also has the highest number of coronavirus deaths and is followed by Brazil and India respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as 63,371 fresh cases and 895 deaths linked to coronavirus were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the government said early on Friday. With the latest figures by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India's death toll rose to 112,161 and total infections surged to 7,370,469.

As many as 63,371 fresh cases and 895 deaths linked to coronavirus were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the government said early on Friday. With the latest figures by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India's death toll rose to 112,161 and total infections surged to 7,370,469. Also read | Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh The data showed that there are 804,528 actives cases in the country, while 6,453,780 people have recovered from the deadly virus. Also read | India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar Meanwhile, the Health ministry claimed early on Friday that India has one of the lowest deaths in the world per million population. In a tweet, it also said that some states and union territories are performing even better than the national average in terms of deaths per million population. On Thursday, many parts across the country opened theatres and multiplexes after witnessing a seven-month lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19. However, some states, including Maharashtra, home of Bollywood, still did not open up theatres and multiplexes fearing a resurgence in the number of cases. Globally, the United States remains the worst-hit country with over 8 million cases and is followed by India. The US also has the highest number of coronavirus deaths and is followed by Brazil and India respectively.

India: More than 63,000 fresh cases detected; death toll stands at 112,161

Indians can now travel to 17 countries as the Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a separate bilateral air bubble arrangement with Ukraine to conduct select international passenger flights between the two countries.

"To further widen the scope of international air connectivity, an air bubble arrangement is now in place for flights between India and Ukraine, taking the number of such arrangements to 17. Carriers of India and Ukraine will operate between the two countries," Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.

"Transport bubbles" or "air travel arrangements" are temporary arrangements between two countries intended to resume commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended.

International commute has largely been affected due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

The air bubble arrangement is now in place for flights between India and Ukraine under the Vande Bharat Mission -- which started in early May to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus-induced travel restrictions.The mission is in its sixth phase which will continue till October 24.&nbsp;

Accordingly, it will be up to the concerned airlines to ensure no travel restrictions for Indian nationals to enter the respective country with a particular visa category before issuing tickets/boarding passes to Indian citizens.

India has made similar arrangements with 16 countries - Afghanistan, Bahrain, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, UK, and the USA.

Indians can now travel to 17 countries as the Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a separate bilateral air bubble arrangement with Ukraine to conduct select international passenger flights between the two countries.

Indians can now travel to 17 countries as the Ministry of Civil Aviation has established a separate bilateral air bubble arrangement with Ukraine to conduct select international passenger flights between the two countries. "To further widen the scope of international air connectivity, an air bubble arrangement is now in place for flights between India and Ukraine, taking the number of such arrangements to 17. Carriers of India and Ukraine will operate between the two countries," Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. "Transport bubbles" or "air travel arrangements" are temporary arrangements between two countries intended to resume commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended. International commute has largely been affected due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The air bubble arrangement is now in place for flights between India and Ukraine under the Vande Bharat Mission -- which started in early May to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronavirus-induced travel restrictions.The mission is in its sixth phase which will continue till October 24. Accordingly, it will be up to the concerned airlines to ensure no travel restrictions for Indian nationals to enter the respective country with a particular visa category before issuing tickets/boarding passes to Indian citizens. India has made similar arrangements with 16 countries - Afghanistan, Bahrain, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, UK, and the USA.

India-Ukraine air bubble arrangement now in place

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

"On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries," said Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs.

The UN has appealed for more than USD 1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year. However, only&nbsp;less than half amount has been contributed. The conference will take place on October 22 virtually.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar. "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries," said Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs. The UN has appealed for more than USD 1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year. However, only less than half amount has been contributed. The conference will take place on October 22 virtually.

India invited for global aid conference on Rohingya crisis

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries"

The UN has appealed for more than $1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year, but so far less than half has been contributed. The conference will take place virtually and takes place on October 22.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries" The UN has appealed for more than $1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year, but so far less than half has been contributed. The conference will take place virtually and takes place on October 22.

India invited for global aid conference on rohingya refugees 

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said that Galwan incident has had a "deep public impact, very major political impact" and it has left India China relationship "profoundly disturbed".&nbsp;

The Galwan incident at Line of Actual Control (LAC) on June 15 saw clash&nbsp;between Chinese and Indian forces. It left 20 Indian soldiers dead.&nbsp;

China also suffered casualties, but never came out with a number.&nbsp;

Jaishankar said, "What we saw this year was a departure from the entire series of agreement, the massing of a large amount of Chinese forces on the border was clearly contrary to all of this. When you have friction point, a large number of troops very close to each other. Then something tragic like June 15 happened."

The Galwan incident was the first military casualty after 1975 at the LAC between India and China. The build up by the Chinese started in the month of May, and since then they have been present at the area.&nbsp;

When asked about the reason for Chinese aggression at the LAC, the minister said, "I haven't frankly got any reasonable explanation that I can tell from them on the matter," adding, "large number of troops with weapons concentrated at that segment of border. And it is a critical security challenge we face."

Both Indian and Chinese foreign and defence ministers met each other in the month of September, and since then two Corps Commanders-level talks have taken place to defuse the tensions.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said that Galwan incident has had a "deep public impact, very major political impact" and it has left India China relationship "profoundly disturbed".

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said that Galwan incident has had a "deep public impact, very major political impact" and it has left India China relationship "profoundly disturbed". The Galwan incident at Line of Actual Control (LAC) on June 15 saw clash between Chinese and Indian forces. It left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China also suffered casualties, but never came out with a number. Jaishankar said, "What we saw this year was a departure from the entire series of agreement, the massing of a large amount of Chinese forces on the border was clearly contrary to all of this. When you have friction point, a large number of troops very close to each other. Then something tragic like June 15 happened." The Galwan incident was the first military casualty after 1975 at the LAC between India and China. The build up by the Chinese started in the month of May, and since then they have been present at the area. When asked about the reason for Chinese aggression at the LAC, the minister said, "I haven't frankly got any reasonable explanation that I can tell from them on the matter," adding, "large number of troops with weapons concentrated at that segment of border. And it is a critical security challenge we face." Both Indian and Chinese foreign and defence ministers met each other in the month of September, and since then two Corps Commanders-level talks have taken place to defuse the tensions.

Galwan incident has had deep political and public impact: Jaishankar

Passenger vehicle and motorbike sales surged in September as companies stocked up dealerships in anticipation of a surge in demand for personal transport during the festival period starting later this month.

Passenger vehicle wholesale sales in September surged 26&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from a year ago while sales of motorbikes and scooters to dealers rose 12 per cent, after months of decline due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released on Friday by the Society of&nbsp;Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a trade body.

However, retail sales of passenger vehicle for September grew just 10 per cent&nbsp;from a year ago while motorbike sales declined about 12&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;over the same period last year, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of&nbsp;India&nbsp;said last week.

Companies typically stock up dealerships ahead of major festivals, such as Diwali in November, during which&nbsp;Indians often make large purchases.

"There is good festive demand right now. To judge whether it is real or sustainable we will have to wait to see the demand in January 2021," said Kenichi Ayukawa, president, SIAM and managing director of Maruti Suzuki,&nbsp;India's top-selling carmaker.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is pushing ahead with a full opening to try to boost the economy ahead of the usually high-spending festival season.

Demand for personal transport, which is seen as a safer option amid the pandemic as compared with taking public or shared transport, has propped up sales of small cars and motorbikes in recent weeks.

But even as sales for September surged, wholesales for the first six months of the current fiscal year are down 34% from a year ago, SIAM data showed.

Passenger vehicle and motorbike sales surged in September as companies stocked up dealerships in anticipation of a surge in demand for personal transport during the festival period starting later this month.

Passenger vehicle and motorbike sales surged in September as companies stocked up dealerships in anticipation of a surge in demand for personal transport during the festival period starting later this month. Passenger vehicle wholesale sales in September surged 26 per cent from a year ago while sales of motorbikes and scooters to dealers rose 12 per cent, after months of decline due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released on Friday by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a trade body. However, retail sales of passenger vehicle for September grew just 10 per cent from a year ago while motorbike sales declined about 12 per cent over the same period last year, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India said last week. Companies typically stock up dealerships ahead of major festivals, such as Diwali in November, during which Indians often make large purchases. "There is good festive demand right now. To judge whether it is real or sustainable we will have to wait to see the demand in January 2021," said Kenichi Ayukawa, president, SIAM and managing director of Maruti Suzuki, India's top-selling carmaker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is pushing ahead with a full opening to try to boost the economy ahead of the usually high-spending festival season. Demand for personal transport, which is seen as a safer option amid the pandemic as compared with taking public or shared transport, has propped up sales of small cars and motorbikes in recent weeks. But even as sales for September surged, wholesales for the first six months of the current fiscal year are down 34% from a year ago, SIAM data showed.

India's car, motorbike sales surge as dealerships stock up ahead of festive season

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability. 
 
Presiding&nbsp;over an event organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to celebrate World Food Day, he said: The "FSSAI`s Eat Right India movement targets to promote safe and healthy food for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way. It is a part of its mandate to provide safe and wholesome food for all citizens. This will improve the food safety ecosystems and lift the hygiene and health of our citizens." 
 
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey also joined, via video conferencing, the event, whose theme this year`s event is "Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together". 
 
A key focus this year is elimination of trans fats from the food supply chain. A food toxin present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) (e.g. vanaspati, shortening, margarine, etc.), baked and fried foods, trans fat is a major contributor to the rise in non-communicable diseases in India. 
 
Harsh Vardhan said: "Trans fat is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Eliminating CVD risk factor is especially relevant during Covid-19 as people with CVD are predisposed to have serious conditions having an impact on mortality." 
 
He reminded everyone of the government`s effort to make India trans fat free by 2022, a year ahead of WHO`s target, in synergy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of a New India on 75 years of the country`s independence. 
 
Reiterating the game-changing potential of 'Eat Right India'&nbsp;and `Fit India Movement`, the Minister said: "These two movements along with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and other efforts of the Environment Ministry will improve the health of Indians and heal the environment." 
 
Expressing his amazement at the marvels of the internet where curious citizens can look up things on the whole gamut of information available, he asked officials of FSSAI to promote awareness and consumer education leveraging technology so that informed citizens can make responsible choices. 
 
Harsh Vardhan also launched the Eat Right Creativity Challenge for schools which is a poster and photography competition and aims to promote healthy dietary habits. 
 
He also launched the `Eat Smart City` (challenge) by FSSAI in partnership with Smart City Mission and The Food Foundation, UK which will create an environment of right food practices and habits in India`s smart cities and can set an example for other cities to follow. 
 
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, FSSAI CEO Arun Singhal, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI were present at the event. 
 
State Food Safety Commissioners, Regional Directors and officers of FSSAI, professionals of scientific panel of oils and fats, officials of international public health organisations, the WHO, the World Bank, members of NePRoFaN - Network of Professionals of Food and Nutrition, prominent food business corporates, industry associations, implementation partners, development partners for Food Fortification were also invited to attend the event through video conference.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability. Presiding over an event organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to celebrate World Food Day, he said: The "FSSAI`s Eat Right India movement targets to promote safe and healthy food for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way. It is a part of its mandate to provide safe and wholesome food for all citizens. This will improve the food safety ecosystems and lift the hygiene and health of our citizens." Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey also joined, via video conferencing, the event, whose theme this year`s event is "Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together". A key focus this year is elimination of trans fats from the food supply chain. A food toxin present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) (e.g. vanaspati, shortening, margarine, etc.), baked and fried foods, trans fat is a major contributor to the rise in non-communicable diseases in India. Harsh Vardhan said: "Trans fat is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Eliminating CVD risk factor is especially relevant during Covid-19 as people with CVD are predisposed to have serious conditions having an impact on mortality." He reminded everyone of the government`s effort to make India trans fat free by 2022, a year ahead of WHO`s target, in synergy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of a New India on 75 years of the country`s independence. Reiterating the game-changing potential of 'Eat Right India' and `Fit India Movement`, the Minister said: "These two movements along with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and other efforts of the Environment Ministry will improve the health of Indians and heal the environment." Expressing his amazement at the marvels of the internet where curious citizens can look up things on the whole gamut of information available, he asked officials of FSSAI to promote awareness and consumer education leveraging technology so that informed citizens can make responsible choices. Harsh Vardhan also launched the Eat Right Creativity Challenge for schools which is a poster and photography competition and aims to promote healthy dietary habits. He also launched the `Eat Smart City` (challenge) by FSSAI in partnership with Smart City Mission and The Food Foundation, UK which will create an environment of right food practices and habits in India`s smart cities and can set an example for other cities to follow. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, FSSAI CEO Arun Singhal, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI were present at the event. State Food Safety Commissioners, Regional Directors and officers of FSSAI, professionals of scientific panel of oils and fats, officials of international public health organisations, the WHO, the World Bank, members of NePRoFaN - Network of Professionals of Food and Nutrition, prominent food business corporates, industry associations, implementation partners, development partners for Food Fortification were also invited to attend the event through video conference.

India on road to be trans fat free by 2022: Harsh Vardhan

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

Speaking during an online event hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar said, 'In terms of your'&nbsp;question, how are we with Pakistan. Well, I am afraid we're still at the, if not the perennial issues, at least the long-lasting ones, which is terrorism from Pakistan continues."

"Terrorism from Pakistan remains publicly acknowledged by their government as a policy that they are justifying. So it makes it very hard to conduct normal relations with them,''&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

He added that it is not only terrorism, but Pakistan doesn't do normal trade with India and has not given New Delhi MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status.

''We don't have a normal visa relationship, they are very restrictive on that score. They have blocked connectivity between India and Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India,''&nbsp;he said.

Jaishankar said that normal neighbours do visas and trade, ''they give you connectivity and most important they don't practice terrorism. And I think until we address that problem, this challenge of how do you have a normal relationship with this very unique neighbour is a very troubling issue for our foreign policy.''

Responding to a question on the developments in Kashmir since the bifurcation last year, Jaishankar said the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has now become two union territories.

''The external boundaries of India have not changed. The external boundaries of India remain what they are today as opposed to what they were five years ago or 20 years ago, 40 years ago,''&nbsp;he said.

''So as far as our neighbours are concerned, our point to them is that this is something which is internal to us. Every country after all reserves the right to change its administrative jurisdictions. A country like China has also changed the borders of its provinces and I'm sure a lot of other countries do that.

''Neighbours get impacted only if your external boundaries change. That has not happened in this case,''&nbsp;he said.

Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26 last year in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday. Speaking during an online event hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar said, 'In terms of your' question, how are we with Pakistan. Well, I am afraid we're still at the, if not the perennial issues, at least the long-lasting ones, which is terrorism from Pakistan continues." "Terrorism from Pakistan remains publicly acknowledged by their government as a policy that they are justifying. So it makes it very hard to conduct normal relations with them,'' Jaishankar said. He added that it is not only terrorism, but Pakistan doesn't do normal trade with India and has not given New Delhi MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status. ''We don't have a normal visa relationship, they are very restrictive on that score. They have blocked connectivity between India and Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India,'' he said. Jaishankar said that normal neighbours do visas and trade, ''they give you connectivity and most important they don't practice terrorism. And I think until we address that problem, this challenge of how do you have a normal relationship with this very unique neighbour is a very troubling issue for our foreign policy.'' Responding to a question on the developments in Kashmir since the bifurcation last year, Jaishankar said the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has now become two union territories. ''The external boundaries of India have not changed. The external boundaries of India remain what they are today as opposed to what they were five years ago or 20 years ago, 40 years ago,'' he said. ''So as far as our neighbours are concerned, our point to them is that this is something which is internal to us. Every country after all reserves the right to change its administrative jurisdictions. A country like China has also changed the borders of its provinces and I'm sure a lot of other countries do that. ''Neighbours get impacted only if your external boundaries change. That has not happened in this case,'' he said. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26 last year in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue.

Terrorism from Pak continues, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with them: Jaishankar

A 21-year-old son of a richshaw driver, Kamal Singh, has made it to one of the most prestigious ballet schools of the United Kingdom. Singh is one of the first Indian students to have gotten admitted to the English National Ballet School, located in London and hailed all over the world.

A 21-year-old son of a richshaw driver, Kamal Singh, has made it to one of the most prestigious ballet schools of the United Kingdom. Singh is one of the first Indian students to have gotten admitted to the English National Ballet School, located in London and hailed all over the world. Back in 2016, when Singh was 17 years old, he visited the Imperial Fernando Ballet School in India's national capital city New Delhi. He di not know anything about the dance form at that time, but he wanted to try as he had often seen the dance form in various Bollywood films. Singh was being trained by Fernando Aguilera in the Delhi institute, who claims Singh is a naturally talented and gifted. “He was completely flexible, like a rubber. He had a body that was ready-made for ballet by god – he just needed to be taught how to use it,” Aguilera said. View this post on Instagram Happy birthday to my dear Maestro @fernandoaguileraindiaofficial and wishing you many more Candles to blow..!🎂🎊🎉 A post shared by Kamal singh (@kamalsinghballetdancer) on Aug 17, 2020 at 11:51am PDT × While SIngh and his mentor knew he loved dancring, Singh confessed that he could not afford to carry on with the classes due to financial limitations as the class costed £37 (INR 3,500), which was a huge sum for the son of a rickshaw driver. “In that moment my heart broke into pieces. I told him ‘come back tomorrow. I’m not going to charge you, just come because I want to keep seeing you in class’,” Aguilera recalled. Aguilera offered Singh a place in his school with a scholarship and also started paying Singh's food and travel expenses. Singh travelled two hours from his home to attend the classes and that is when Aguilera says he knew that Singh was a naturally talented boy. “He was very dedicated, he worked very hard and he wanted to learn. I taught him for four years, and he never asked for a break, he never missed a single day," Aguilera said. SIngh has always be thankful to his mentor for his constant support. “He made me watch videos of professional ballet dancers and taught me that it can be a career, just like a doctor or an engineer, and he also met my father to explain. After that my father allowed me to study full-time," Singh said. View this post on Instagram 🇬🇧🇬🇧 A post shared by Kamal singh (@kamalsinghballetdancer) on Sep 27, 2020 at 11:07am PDT × Later, when he got accepted for English National Ballet School, Singh was on cloud nine, but his initial happiness disappeared into a thick cloud of worry as he realised that the tuition fees and the cost of living will be nearly £20,000 for a year, and Singh knew he could not afford it. So, the teacher-duo student set to work and started a crowdfunding page, through which they raised £16,000 (INR 1.5 million) within a week and then more than INR 1.9 million in the second week. Several A-listers such as came forward to help Singh after Kunal Kapoor saw the page and helped spread the word. View this post on Instagram diurnally in Ballet classes with Maestro @fernandoaguileraindiaofficial At @ifbc.studioofficial . . #ballet #maleballetdancer #worldwideballet #vaganovaballetacademy #mariinskyballet #bolshoiballet #loveballet #balletpost #balletfeet #bolshoi #noddysinghballet #balletinindia #balletbody #worldwidedance #bolshoitheatre #ballett #balletclass #swanlake #balletteacher #balletpiano #balletpost #instaballet A post shared by Kamal singh (@kamalsinghballetdancer) on Aug 11, 2020 at 11:13am PDT × Singh has started his classes this week and says he is very thankful and happy. “I cannot explain how it feels, it is all my dreams come true” said Singh. “It’s amazing, I’m enjoying every day. “My family do not know much about ballet but they are very happy and very proud that I am at the English National Ballet. I am the first in my family to come to London.”

Rickshaw driver's son gets admission in London's ballet school through crowdfunding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state.&nbsp;

Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/47-open-grounds-19-halls-to-be-used-for-public-rallies-during-bihar-polls-only-100-people-to-be-allowed-332385">47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed</a>

He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gears-up-for-first-election-amid-pandemic-as-dates-for-bihar-assembly-polls-announced-330130">India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced</a>

His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj,&nbsp;

Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies.&nbsp;

Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. &nbsp;

The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 12 rallies in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly election in the eastern Indian state. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis addressed a press conference on Friday where he said Modi will address rallies in Sasaram, Gaya and Bhagalpur on October 23 for the first phase of the election. Also read | 47 open grounds, 19 halls to be used for public rallies during Bihar polls; only 100 people to be allowed He will then hold rallies in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and Patna on October 28, Fadnavis, who is also BJP's election in-charge of Bihar said. Also read | India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced His third set of rallies will be in Chapra, East Champaran and Samastipur on November 1. He will also hold public meetings in West Champaran, Saharsa and Forbesganj, Fadnavis also said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other leaders of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also be present at Modi's rallies. Keeping in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the senior BJP leader said sanitisers will be provided at the rallies and people participating in the gatherings will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The Assembly election of the crucial state of Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7 and the results would be announced on November 10.

Bihar election 2020: PM Narendra Modi to address 12 rallies

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police told WION that a recently-joined terrorist identified as Jahangir who was previously a stone pelter was held during the operation.&nbsp;

The inspector general of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said that the (arrested) is an associate of SPO Altaf who recently decamped with two AK-47 rifles and is believed to have joined terror ranks.

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Op Chadoora, Budgam. 
During the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. 
Area was cordoned. Extensive search was carried out &amp; the terrorist was apprehended with one AK. 
Joint op concluded.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/kZUWLTSMry">pic.twitter.com/kZUWLTSMry</a>
— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1317024289636323328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Indian army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted “during the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. The area was cordoned. An extensive search was carried out &amp; the terrorist was apprehended with one AK.”&nbsp;

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A joint team of security forces have held a terrorist during an encounter along with an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Jammu and Kashmir police told WION that a recently-joined terrorist identified as Jahangir who was previously a stone pelter was held during the operation. The inspector general of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said that the (arrested) is an associate of SPO Altaf who recently decamped with two AK-47 rifles and is believed to have joined terror ranks. Op Chadoora, Budgam. During the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. Area was cordoned. Extensive search was carried out & the terrorist was apprehended with one AK. Joint op concluded.#Kashmir @adgpi pic.twitter.com/kZUWLTSMry — Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) October 16, 2020 × The Indian army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted “during the search at a joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post at Chadoora, today morning, a terrorist fired at the SF. The area was cordoned. An extensive search was carried out & the terrorist was apprehended with one AK.”

Security forces nab terrorist after he fires at them in central Kashmir

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, while hearing a plea highlighting the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, said that the court is only concerned that the citizens of Delhi-NCR get to breathe clean and fresh air.

The bench said that the new committee, which will monitor the stubble burning and take preventive steps, will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states.

"We have been made aware of steps by Punjab and Haryana for stopping stubble burning including the development of an app which can help in identification and notification of a particular field in which someone has burnt stubble... In spite of measures, reported an increase in stubble burning which will pollute the atmosphere of Delhi-NCR inevitably. We are not inclined to make an assessment of which measure has been effective or not," the bench said.

The bench also asked the heads of National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, and Bharat Scouts and Guides to put the young force at Justice Lokur`s disposal to help locate stubble burning in the three states and bring it to the notice of authorities to prevent the same.

"There needs to be some monitoring of stubble burning before it assumes unhealthy proportions. Accordingly, we find that the suggestion of a former Judge of this court is appointed to monitor the situation in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh," the bench said.

"We accordingly accept the suggestion and appoint Justice Madan B Lokur, former Supreme Court Judge to act as the one-man monitoring Committee to prevent stubble burning in the State," it added.

The bench, in its order, said that it considers it appropriate for the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to enable Justice Lokur in order to devise additional means and methods for preventing burning or stubble.

It further said that the states shall provide adequate facilities to the committee for carrying out its job including secretarial assistance and transportation if necessary and added that the Committee will submit a report fortnightly or as and when required.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the petitioner, a class 12 student Aditya Dubey, said the prayer in the plea is that a one-man commission of Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur can be appointed because he has dealt with many environmental issues.

The state agencies and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority are not empowered and don`t have any teeth to take action, he said.

Singh further contended that let a one-man commission of Justice Madan B Lokur be appointed and let him formulate teams to tackle this for continuous monitoring and he can take assistance from NGOs or NCC for the creation of mobile teams that can monitor and identify instances of stubble burning.

The plea, which referred to a Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild COVID-19 infection into an acute one, had contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi.

It had sought directions to ban stubble burning in the states neighbouring the national capital as it cases massive air pollution in the winters. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, while hearing a plea highlighting the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, said that the court is only concerned that the citizens of Delhi-NCR get to breathe clean and fresh air. The bench said that the new committee, which will monitor the stubble burning and take preventive steps, will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states. "We have been made aware of steps by Punjab and Haryana for stopping stubble burning including the development of an app which can help in identification and notification of a particular field in which someone has burnt stubble... In spite of measures, reported an increase in stubble burning which will pollute the atmosphere of Delhi-NCR inevitably. We are not inclined to make an assessment of which measure has been effective or not," the bench said. The bench also asked the heads of National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, and Bharat Scouts and Guides to put the young force at Justice Lokur`s disposal to help locate stubble burning in the three states and bring it to the notice of authorities to prevent the same. "There needs to be some monitoring of stubble burning before it assumes unhealthy proportions. Accordingly, we find that the suggestion of a former Judge of this court is appointed to monitor the situation in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh," the bench said. "We accordingly accept the suggestion and appoint Justice Madan B Lokur, former Supreme Court Judge to act as the one-man monitoring Committee to prevent stubble burning in the State," it added. The bench, in its order, said that it considers it appropriate for the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to enable Justice Lokur in order to devise additional means and methods for preventing burning or stubble. It further said that the states shall provide adequate facilities to the committee for carrying out its job including secretarial assistance and transportation if necessary and added that the Committee will submit a report fortnightly or as and when required. During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the petitioner, a class 12 student Aditya Dubey, said the prayer in the plea is that a one-man commission of Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur can be appointed because he has dealt with many environmental issues. The state agencies and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority are not empowered and don`t have any teeth to take action, he said. Singh further contended that let a one-man commission of Justice Madan B Lokur be appointed and let him formulate teams to tackle this for continuous monitoring and he can take assistance from NGOs or NCC for the creation of mobile teams that can monitor and identify instances of stubble burning. The plea, which referred to a Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild COVID-19 infection into an acute one, had contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi. It had sought directions to ban stubble burning in the states neighbouring the national capital as it cases massive air pollution in the winters.

Supreme Court appoints retired SC judge to monitor stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and UP

In a heartwarming gesture to honour a "fallen soldier", the Indian Army said on Thursday that it has restored the damaged grave of a prominent officer of Pakistani military in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;

A photograph was tweeted by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps in which Major Mohd Shabir Khan's grave could be seen.&nbsp;

The epitaph read: ''In memory of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitar-e-Jurrat Shahid 05 May 1972, 1630 H, killed in counter attack by 9 Sikh''.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-chief-naravane-to-be-conferred-honorary-rank-of-general-of-the-nepal-army-335398">Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army'</a>

Chinar Corps wrote in the tweet that they are maintaining the "tradition" and "ethos" of Indian Army and Chinar Corps by restoring the damaged grave of the officer who was killed in 1972. &nbsp;

"In keeping with the traditions &amp; ethos of the #IndianArmy, #ChinarCorps resuscitated a damaged grave of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitara-e-Jurrat, Pakistan Army, who was Killed in Action (KIA) at a forward location along LC in Naugam Sector on 05 May 1972."&nbsp;

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In keeping with the traditions &amp; ethos of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinarCorps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinarCorps</a> resuscitated a damaged grave of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitara-e-Jurrat, Pakistan Army, who was Killed in Action (KIA) at a forward location along LC in Naugam Sector on 05 May 1972.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a><a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/EjbFQSn9Iq">pic.twitter.com/EjbFQSn9Iq</a>
— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1316765649331339264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"A fallen soldier, irrespective to the country he belongs to, deserves respect &amp; honour in death. #IndianArmy stands with this belief. This is #IndianArmy for the world," it said in another post.&nbsp;

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A fallen soldier, irrespective to the country he belongs to, deserves respect &amp; honour in death. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> stands with this belief. 
✅ This is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> for the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialDGISPR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/7dnzWN2koZ">pic.twitter.com/7dnzWN2koZ</a>
— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1316765662656622592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The gesture from the Indian Army came despite New Delhi's strained ties both with Islamabad and Beijing.

More than a month ago, Indian Army rescued three Chinese citizens who had lost their way at an altitude of 17,500 feet in North Sikkim despite a border standoff with China.&nbsp;

In a heartwarming gesture to honour a "fallen soldier", the Indian Army said on Thursday that it has restored the damaged grave of a prominent officer of Pakistani military in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a heartwarming gesture to honour a "fallen soldier", the Indian Army said on Thursday that it has restored the damaged grave of a prominent officer of Pakistani military in Jammu and Kashmir. A photograph was tweeted by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps in which Major Mohd Shabir Khan's grave could be seen. The epitaph read: ''In memory of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitar-e-Jurrat Shahid 05 May 1972, 1630 H, killed in counter attack by 9 Sikh''. Also read | Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' Chinar Corps wrote in the tweet that they are maintaining the "tradition" and "ethos" of Indian Army and Chinar Corps by restoring the damaged grave of the officer who was killed in 1972. "In keeping with the traditions & ethos of the #IndianArmy, #ChinarCorps resuscitated a damaged grave of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitara-e-Jurrat, Pakistan Army, who was Killed in Action (KIA) at a forward location along LC in Naugam Sector on 05 May 1972." In keeping with the traditions & ethos of the #IndianArmy, #ChinarCorps resuscitated a damaged grave of Major Mohd Shabir Khan, Sitara-e-Jurrat, Pakistan Army, who was Killed in Action (KIA) at a forward location along LC in Naugam Sector on 05 May 1972.#Kashmir@adgpi pic.twitter.com/EjbFQSn9Iq — Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) October 15, 2020 × "A fallen soldier, irrespective to the country he belongs to, deserves respect & honour in death. #IndianArmy stands with this belief. This is #IndianArmy for the world," it said in another post. A fallen soldier, irrespective to the country he belongs to, deserves respect & honour in death. #IndianArmy stands with this belief. ✅ This is #IndianArmy for the world. @OfficialDGISPR #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/7dnzWN2koZ — Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) October 15, 2020 × The gesture from the Indian Army came despite New Delhi's strained ties both with Islamabad and Beijing. More than a month ago, Indian Army rescued three Chinese citizens who had lost their way at an altitude of 17,500 feet in North Sikkim despite a border standoff with China.

As mark of respect to 'fallen soldier', Indian Army restores damaged grave of a Pakistani officer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-labels-china-latest-spy-accusation-as-fake-334879">Taiwan</a> President Tsai Ing-wen today tweeted a message saying the country was "lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants &amp; Taiwanese people love them."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a> is lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants, &amp; Taiwanese people love them. I always go for chana masala and naan, while <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chai</a> always takes me back to my travels in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and memories of a vibrant, diverse &amp; colourful country. What are your favourite Indian dishes? <a href="https://t.co/IJbf5yZFLY">pic.twitter.com/IJbf5yZFLY</a>
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1316608930651402240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I always go for chana masala and naan, while chai always takes me back to my travels in India, and memories of a vibrant, diverse &amp; colourful country," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-claims-manipulation-after-china-shows-spy-confession-334594">Taiwan </a>president said in a tweet.

Tsai Ing-wen was quick to ask Twitterati on their "favourite Indian dishes".

The Taiwan government has made several friendship gestures towards India in the recent past amid growing tensions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-day-row-chinese-y-8-asw-aircraft-enters-taiwan-air-space-334300">China</a>. Earlier this month Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu had hit out at the Chinese mission after it asked the Indian media to follow "One-China"&nbsp;policy.

A tweet by Taiwanese foreign ministry, said, "India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press &amp; freedom-loving people. But it looks like Communist China hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship."

"Taiwan's Indian friends will have one reply: GET LOST! JW", it said.

Earlier in the month, Taiwan had celebrated its National Day as Chinese jets entered its air space during the week leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen today tweeted a message saying the country was "lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants & Taiwanese people love them." #Taiwan is lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants, & Taiwanese people love them.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen today tweeted a message saying the country was "lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants & Taiwanese people love them." #Taiwan is lucky to be home to many Indian restaurants, & Taiwanese people love them. I always go for chana masala and naan, while #chai always takes me back to my travels in #India, and memories of a vibrant, diverse & colourful country. What are your favourite Indian dishes? pic.twitter.com/IJbf5yZFLY — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) October 15, 2020 × "I always go for chana masala and naan, while chai always takes me back to my travels in India, and memories of a vibrant, diverse & colourful country," the Taiwan president said in a tweet. Tsai Ing-wen was quick to ask Twitterati on their "favourite Indian dishes". The Taiwan government has made several friendship gestures towards India in the recent past amid growing tensions with China. Earlier this month Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu had hit out at the Chinese mission after it asked the Indian media to follow "One-China" policy. A tweet by Taiwanese foreign ministry, said, "India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press & freedom-loving people. But it looks like Communist China hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship." "Taiwan's Indian friends will have one reply: GET LOST! JW", it said. Earlier in the month, Taiwan had celebrated its National Day as Chinese jets entered its air space during the week leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

I always go for chana masala and naan, tweets Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market.

The Drugs Controller General of India had approved&nbsp;FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay,&nbsp;last month after it met the quality benchmark of the&nbsp;Indian Council for Medical Research.

It has been developed by a team of young scientists of the&nbsp;Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scales-up-testing-capacity-from-1-in-january-to-over-77-cr-in-october-health-ministry-332379">India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry</a>

FELUDA&nbsp;delivers results in minutes as opposed to the existing RT-PCR kits, which takes anywhere between 4 to 5 hours.

According to CSIR's&nbsp;Director General&nbsp;Shekhar C Mande,&nbsp;"This test kit only takes 30 minutes to test for COVID when the RT PCR takes around 4 to 5 hours. Also, this testing kit is three to five times cheaper than the RT PCR based test kit".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-its-own-covid-19-testing-kit-288276">India gets its own Covid-19 testing kit</a>

The paper-based diagnosis test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test kit.

"The test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test where we dip the paper (containing the sample) in a solution and the colour changes," the DG, CSIR said.

Speaking on the advantages of the testing kit, he said that the test's ability to give accurate results in a short span of time is its biggest advantage.

"Through these kits, we hope to test people residing in villages as well which could not be possible with the RT-PCR test as a large number of instruments are required for the test," he said and added that the sensitivity and specificity are "as good as the RT-PCR test".

Another advantage is that we can move anywhere even to villages and move them around and keep testing people. 
Mande said that in the next three-four weeks the testing kit should come into the market once it gets approval from the regulatory authority.

One of the senior scientists, Debojyoti Chakraborty, said: "This test we have developed is similar to two other tests which also use the CRISPR Cas system for detection. They have been developed at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley. However, the Cas9 and detection chemistries are different."

"We have extensively characterized a highly specific Cas9 that can recognise any DNA sequences. If we direct it to go and find out the sequence for COVID-19, then it can specifically identify that sequence and then form a complex with DNA," said Chakraborty.

Speaking on the procedure of the test, Chakraborty said: "On the strip, you get two lines: one line is a control line which is present in every strip that is being used and tells that the strip is working fine and then there is a test line which comes positive only if the COVID-19 sequence was present in the initial RNA."

He added further: "A negative sample will not have the test line appearing. So looking at the test line position you can visually see whether the patient test is positive or negative depending upon how the line forms on the strips."

Manoj Kumar, another scientist working on this project said: "The main idea was given by Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty and Souvik Maiti, the senior scientists who are heading our team said that we can use these particular strips--which is already developed two years back for Sickle cell anemia--and now we are repurposing it for COVID-19 testing."

He added: "I am really feeling great to be part of this team. Working on this project can be beneficial for society."

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market. The Drugs Controller General of India had approved FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay, last month after it met the quality benchmark of the Indian Council for Medical Research.

A fast and easy paper-based testing strip called 'FELUDA' which can act as a game changer for India is ready to hit the market. The Drugs Controller General of India had approved FELUDA, an acroynym for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay, last month after it met the quality benchmark of the Indian Council for Medical Research. It has been developed by a team of young scientists of the Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR). Also read: India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry FELUDA delivers results in minutes as opposed to the existing RT-PCR kits, which takes anywhere between 4 to 5 hours. According to CSIR's Director General Shekhar C Mande, "This test kit only takes 30 minutes to test for COVID when the RT PCR takes around 4 to 5 hours. Also, this testing kit is three to five times cheaper than the RT PCR based test kit". Also read: India gets its own Covid-19 testing kit The paper-based diagnosis test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test kit. "The test is similar to the mechanism of a pregnancy test where we dip the paper (containing the sample) in a solution and the colour changes," the DG, CSIR said. Speaking on the advantages of the testing kit, he said that the test's ability to give accurate results in a short span of time is its biggest advantage. "Through these kits, we hope to test people residing in villages as well which could not be possible with the RT-PCR test as a large number of instruments are required for the test," he said and added that the sensitivity and specificity are "as good as the RT-PCR test". Another advantage is that we can move anywhere even to villages and move them around and keep testing people. Mande said that in the next three-four weeks the testing kit should come into the market once it gets approval from the regulatory authority. One of the senior scientists, Debojyoti Chakraborty, said: "This test we have developed is similar to two other tests which also use the CRISPR Cas system for detection. They have been developed at MIT and the University of California, Berkeley. However, the Cas9 and detection chemistries are different." "We have extensively characterized a highly specific Cas9 that can recognise any DNA sequences. If we direct it to go and find out the sequence for COVID-19, then it can specifically identify that sequence and then form a complex with DNA," said Chakraborty. Speaking on the procedure of the test, Chakraborty said: "On the strip, you get two lines: one line is a control line which is present in every strip that is being used and tells that the strip is working fine and then there is a test line which comes positive only if the COVID-19 sequence was present in the initial RNA." He added further: "A negative sample will not have the test line appearing. So looking at the test line position you can visually see whether the patient test is positive or negative depending upon how the line forms on the strips." Manoj Kumar, another scientist working on this project said: "The main idea was given by Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty and Souvik Maiti, the senior scientists who are heading our team said that we can use these particular strips--which is already developed two years back for Sickle cell anemia--and now we are repurposing it for COVID-19 testing." He added: "I am really feeling great to be part of this team. Working on this project can be beneficial for society."

India's new 'game-changing' strip test for coronavirus ready to hit market

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters".

Advising Beijing that "We hope that countries will not comment on India’s internal matters, as much as they expect the same of others."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-talks-are-work-in-progress-eam-jaishankar-335585">Also read:&nbsp;India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar</a>

New Delhi reiterated the same position on Arunachal Pradesh saying, "Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level."

China earlier this week said, it "doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory... and also Arunachal Pradesh" after India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated bridges in the region. The defence minister inaugurated 44 bridges in seven union territories and states, many of them bordering China. &nbsp;

Beijing was irked with the development with its foreign ministry saying, "Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border...is root cause of the tension between the two sides." The comments come even as the country has ramped up infrastructure in its Tibet region, that borders with India in several areas.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters".

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters". Advising Beijing that "We hope that countries will not comment on India’s internal matters, as much as they expect the same of others." Also read: India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar New Delhi reiterated the same position on Arunachal Pradesh saying, "Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level." China earlier this week said, it "doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory... and also Arunachal Pradesh" after India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated bridges in the region. The defence minister inaugurated 44 bridges in seven union territories and states, many of them bordering China. Beijing was irked with the development with its foreign ministry saying, "Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border...is root cause of the tension between the two sides." The comments come even as the country has ramped up infrastructure in its Tibet region, that borders with India in several areas.

Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out".

Speaking at a media event, EAM recalled his meet with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in September and said, "we had a discussion and we agreed on the importance of early disengagement and since then meeting have happened between the military commanders assisted by diplomats. That is work in progress."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-to-deliver-submarine-to-myanmar-navy-335553">Also read|&nbsp;In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy</a> 
&nbsp; 
Adding, "we regularly patrol the line of actual control...Army is present and is monitoring...discussion are going on, it is work in progress. The first rule is don't predict what is going on".

Ties between the two countries have suffered after the increased Chinese build-up and Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.&nbsp;

Describing the Chinese troop build-up as one that "has no precedent in recent past" and whose "gravity..is certainly there", EAM said, "Can rising China and rising India find an equilibrium and situation at borders is an expression of that challenge, inability to meet the challenge"&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-message-sent-india-on-pakistan-nsas-claim-of-new-delhi-reaching-out-to-islamabad-335503">Also read|&nbsp;No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad</a>

He explained, "If underlined peace and tranquility is disturbed, if the agreements...are not honored, then that is the primary cause of disruption."

The 7th corps commanders meet happened on Monday, in which the Chinese side gave a proposal. The proposal has been discussed at the China study group. &nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out".

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out". Speaking at a media event, EAM recalled his meet with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in September and said, "we had a discussion and we agreed on the importance of early disengagement and since then meeting have happened between the military commanders assisted by diplomats. That is work in progress." Also read| In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy Adding, "we regularly patrol the line of actual control...Army is present and is monitoring...discussion are going on, it is work in progress. The first rule is don't predict what is going on". Ties between the two countries have suffered after the increased Chinese build-up and Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Describing the Chinese troop build-up as one that "has no precedent in recent past" and whose "gravity..is certainly there", EAM said, "Can rising China and rising India find an equilibrium and situation at borders is an expression of that challenge, inability to meet the challenge" Also read| No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad He explained, "If underlined peace and tranquility is disturbed, if the agreements...are not honored, then that is the primary cause of disruption." The 7th corps commanders meet happened on Monday, in which the Chinese side gave a proposal. The proposal has been discussed at the China study group.

India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar

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