India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers.

Up until this month, New Delhi and its satellite cities, which last year accounted for half of the dozen most-polluted cities worldwide, had enjoyed respite due to the strict nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

But, a pick-up in economic activity and a slightly early start to crop waste burning, a significant source of pollution during the winter months, has made the air more toxic again.

"The gains which we had seen because of the lockdown are lost in September," said Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a professor at the IIT Kanpur and a member of the National Clear Air Mission, a federal body.

In September, the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles in a cubic metre of air averaged at 47.64 micrograms, more than 17% higher from the same month last year, according to a Reuters analysis of government data, indicating a "poor" rating.

That is almost twice the level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO), though it is still below the safety level of 60 micrograms set by SAFAR, India's environment monitoring agency.

In Punjab state, to the north of New Delhi, there were about 70 crop fires in September, more than double the number in the same month last year, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in northern India.

Air pollution typically worsens during the winter months from October to December.

Last year, New Delhi suffered nine consecutive days in late October, early November when the air quality was hazardous, with a PM2.5 reading of 509.2 micrograms recorded on Nov. 3 by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss-based group that gathers air-quality data globally.

Authorities intensified a campaign to reduce crop waste burning after the outrage caused by last year's sickening air quality levels, and officials say farmers are likely to reduce burning by 75-80% this year. 
&nbsp;

India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers.

India's longest spell of clean air on record came to an end in September when New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital city, recorded a significant deterioration in air quality, partly due to crop waste burning by farmers. Up until this month, New Delhi and its satellite cities, which last year accounted for half of the dozen most-polluted cities worldwide, had enjoyed respite due to the strict nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus. But, a pick-up in economic activity and a slightly early start to crop waste burning, a significant source of pollution during the winter months, has made the air more toxic again. "The gains which we had seen because of the lockdown are lost in September," said Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a professor at the IIT Kanpur and a member of the National Clear Air Mission, a federal body. In September, the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles in a cubic metre of air averaged at 47.64 micrograms, more than 17% higher from the same month last year, according to a Reuters analysis of government data, indicating a "poor" rating. That is almost twice the level deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO), though it is still below the safety level of 60 micrograms set by SAFAR, India's environment monitoring agency. In Punjab state, to the north of New Delhi, there were about 70 crop fires in September, more than double the number in the same month last year, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in northern India. Air pollution typically worsens during the winter months from October to December. Last year, New Delhi suffered nine consecutive days in late October, early November when the air quality was hazardous, with a PM2.5 reading of 509.2 micrograms recorded on Nov. 3 by IQ AirVisual, a Swiss-based group that gathers air-quality data globally. Authorities intensified a campaign to reduce crop waste burning after the outrage caused by last year's sickening air quality levels, and officials say farmers are likely to reduce burning by 75-80% this year.

Delhi loses cleaner lockdown air as farmers burn crop waste

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most&nbsp;narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan. A recent article in Eureporter has shed light on this. Eureporter is a Brussells based European multimedia news platform.

A survey was carried out involving 872 convicted drug peddlers. Majority of them (83.94 per cent) said that drugs were mainly trafficked illegally into India from Pakistan. This was followed by Nepal (5.05 per cent) and Afghanistan (4.24 per cent)

A recent report from South Asia Democratic Forum said that number of seizures of consignments containing drugs as well as ammunition indicated that activities of terror groups and drug peddlers had increased. This is particularly evident in Punjab.

In June 2019, customs officials in Amritsar seized a heroin cargo worth Rs 2700 crore. The drugs were intended to be trafficked to Kashmir.

Pakistani state uses drug trafficking as a way to raise money to fund terror activities. Narco-terrorism is an integral part of Pakistan's state sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. These funds are then used to conduct asymmetric warfare in the region, mainly against India. This in turn is used to achieve certain foreign policy goals.

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan.

Pakistan's role in fomenting terror in India and elsewhere is perhaps well-documented. But a new report says that over 80 per cent of surveyed convicted drug peddlers say that most narcotic drugs enter India illegally from Pakistan. A recent article in Eureporter has shed light on this. Eureporter is a Brussells based European multimedia news platform. A survey was carried out involving 872 convicted drug peddlers. Majority of them (83.94 per cent) said that drugs were mainly trafficked illegally into India from Pakistan. This was followed by Nepal (5.05 per cent) and Afghanistan (4.24 per cent) A recent report from South Asia Democratic Forum said that number of seizures of consignments containing drugs as well as ammunition indicated that activities of terror groups and drug peddlers had increased. This is particularly evident in Punjab. In June 2019, customs officials in Amritsar seized a heroin cargo worth Rs 2700 crore. The drugs were intended to be trafficked to Kashmir. Pakistani state uses drug trafficking as a way to raise money to fund terror activities. Narco-terrorism is an integral part of Pakistan's state sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. These funds are then used to conduct asymmetric warfare in the region, mainly against India. This in turn is used to achieve certain foreign policy goals.

Over 80 per cent of convicted peddlers say most narcotics come to India from Pakistan

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations.

This was in fact, one of the key outcomes of the 13th Meeting of the India Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investments (JWGTI). Sectors like--pharmaceuticals, IT, and Financial Technology could be the focus areas of the PTA.

Undersecretary at the Philippines trade office, Ceferino S&nbsp;Rodolfo at the meet said “a more focused approach like a PTA is more practical. &nbsp;The Philippines is eager to conclude one with India not only to improve current trade levels in terms of value and volume but also in the breadth of products to be covered as current trade is highly concentrated on a few products.”

Joint Secretary Anant Swarup in India's commerce ministry, concurring with him said, “India recognizes the benefits of negotiating a PTA with the Philippines” and called for both countries to "consult authorities and secure the mandate for the PTA negotiations."

To further the PTA negotiations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Indian Embassy in Manila, and Philippines Embassy in New Delhi organized a webinar on India-Philippines Enhancing Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship on 25 September. &nbsp;

In 2018-19, India-Philippines trade was around $ 2.32 billion, with exports from India to the Philippines being at $ 1743 million and imports from the Philippines by India- US $ 581 million. In 2017-18 bilateral trade grew by nearly 25% to US$ 2.45 billion.

Recent years have seen an intensification of relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Philippines in 2017 for the 31st ASEAN and EAS Summits, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018 for India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and Republic Day celebrations.

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations.

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations. This was in fact, one of the key outcomes of the 13th Meeting of the India Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investments (JWGTI). Sectors like--pharmaceuticals, IT, and Financial Technology could be the focus areas of the PTA. Undersecretary at the Philippines trade office, Ceferino S Rodolfo at the meet said “a more focused approach like a PTA is more practical. The Philippines is eager to conclude one with India not only to improve current trade levels in terms of value and volume but also in the breadth of products to be covered as current trade is highly concentrated on a few products.” Joint Secretary Anant Swarup in India's commerce ministry, concurring with him said, “India recognizes the benefits of negotiating a PTA with the Philippines” and called for both countries to "consult authorities and secure the mandate for the PTA negotiations." To further the PTA negotiations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Indian Embassy in Manila, and Philippines Embassy in New Delhi organized a webinar on India-Philippines Enhancing Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship on 25 September. In 2018-19, India-Philippines trade was around $ 2.32 billion, with exports from India to the Philippines being at $ 1743 million and imports from the Philippines by India- US $ 581 million. In 2017-18 bilateral trade grew by nearly 25% to US$ 2.45 billion. Recent years have seen an intensification of relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Philippines in 2017 for the 31st ASEAN and EAS Summits, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018 for India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and Republic Day celebrations.

India, Philippines working on preferential trade agreement

All accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case have been acquitted by the Special CBI court in Lucknow on Wednesday. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

Babri Masjid demolition case verdict: Court says demolition not premediated

News Alert: All accused acquitted in Babri Masjid demolition case

A special court in Lucknow will deliver the verdict in the Babri Masjid demolition case today. The verdict will be delivered by judge SK Yadav. The judge had earlier directed all 32 accused to be present in the special court on September 30 during the announcement of the verdict.

Babri Masjid demolition case verdict: BJP Leader LK Advani, MM Joshi among the accused

India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 kilometre range.

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India successfully test-fires the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 km range. 
 
Test carried out under PJ-10 project of Defence Research and Development Organisation under which the missile was launched with an indigenous booster.
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Congratulating the team of scientists involved in today's successful test, DRDO chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said that this will lead to adding "more indigenous content" to the supersonic cruise missile.

The test-firing was carried out under the PJ-10 project of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under which the missile was launched with an indigenous booster.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/isro-marks-5-years-of-space-observatory-astrosat-more-science-missions-in-anvil-331170" hreflang="en">ISRO marks 5 years of Space Observatory - AstroSat; More science missions in anvil</a>

The missile was launched from a land-based facility in Odisha.

This is the second test-firing of the extended range version of the missile which has an indigenously developed airframe and booster.

The BrahMos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter jets, or land.

The missile has been developed as a joint venture between the DRDO and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia.

India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 kilometre range. India successfully test-fires the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 km range.

India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 kilometre range. India successfully test-fires the extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which can hit targets at over 400 km range. Test carried out under PJ-10 project of Defence Research and Development Organisation under which the missile was launched with an indigenous booster. — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2020 × Congratulating the team of scientists involved in today's successful test, DRDO chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said that this will lead to adding "more indigenous content" to the supersonic cruise missile. The test-firing was carried out under the PJ-10 project of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under which the missile was launched with an indigenous booster. Also read: ISRO marks 5 years of Space Observatory - AstroSat; More science missions in anvil The missile was launched from a land-based facility in Odisha. This is the second test-firing of the extended range version of the missile which has an indigenously developed airframe and booster. The BrahMos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, fighter jets, or land. The missile has been developed as a joint venture between the DRDO and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia.

India successfully test-fires BrahMos cruise missile with extended strike range of 450 km

A special CBI court in Lucknow on Wednesday will deliver the verdict in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The verdict will be delivered by judge SK Yadav. The judge had earlier directed all 32 accused to be present in the special court on September 30 during the announcement of the verdict.

India: Special court to deliver Babri Masjid demolition case verdict

The vice-president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Releasing a statement. The office of the vice-president released a statement, saying Naidu underwent a COVID-19 test in the morning.

Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu tests positive for COVID-19

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided.&nbsp;

While this is the 19th WMCC meet since the mechanism came up in 2012, it is the fifth such meet amid the ongoing tension. At WMCC meets, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava represents India. China is represented by Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is the first WMCC meet since the foreign ministers of two countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organization earlier this month in which both sides agreed for disengagement&nbsp;to ease the tension. &nbsp;

After the FMs meet, 6th corps commander level talks happened at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and while disengagement by China is yet to happen, both sides agreed to "stop sending more troops to the frontline."

WMCC is an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the management of India-China border areas. During this meet, both sides exchange views on strengthening communication including on areas such as border security personnel of the two sides.

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided.

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided. While this is the 19th WMCC meet since the mechanism came up in 2012, it is the fifth such meet amid the ongoing tension. At WMCC meets, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava represents India. China is represented by Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the first WMCC meet since the foreign ministers of two countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organization earlier this month in which both sides agreed for disengagement to ease the tension. After the FMs meet, 6th corps commander level talks happened at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and while disengagement by China is yet to happen, both sides agreed to "stop sending more troops to the frontline." WMCC is an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the management of India-China border areas. During this meet, both sides exchange views on strengthening communication including on areas such as border security personnel of the two sides.

India, China WMCC talks underway

New virus found in China -&nbsp;The Cat Que Virus -&nbsp; The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China&nbsp; - the Cat Que Virus.&nbsp;

According to the ICMR, the virus has potential to spread diseases across India. The CQV may cause febrile illnesses, meningitis, and paediatric encephalitis among humans.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/why-china-must-be-punished-for-its-contribution-in-global-spread-of-coronavirus-331011" hreflang="en">Why China must be punished for its contribution in global spread of coronavirus</a>

The virus has been spotted in culex mosquitoes and pigs across China and Vietnam. India, too is home to species of culex mosquitoes.

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus 

Researchers at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found antibodies for the virus in two out of the 883 human serum samples which were taken from various Indian states. This implies that people have been infected with the virus.

During the course of the study, the virus was not found in human or animal samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/interferon-insufficiency-is-the-reason-why-coronavirus-is-deadly-for-some-patients-330858" hreflang="en">‘Interferon’ insufficiency is the reason why coronavirus is deadly for some patients</a>

The two samples that tested positive for CQV antibodies came from Karnataka - one from 2014 and the other from 2017.

The findings of the study were published in the latest issue of Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).

According to the ICMR study, Indian mosquitoes are susceptible to CQV, which could also become a public health pathogen..

Its natural host is a mosquito. Domestic pigs are also considered the primary mammalian host of the Cat Que Virus.&nbsp;

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China - the Cat Que Virus.

New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned of the danger posed by another virus found in China - the Cat Que Virus. According to the ICMR, the virus has potential to spread diseases across India. The CQV may cause febrile illnesses, meningitis, and paediatric encephalitis among humans. Also read: Why China must be punished for its contribution in global spread of coronavirus The virus has been spotted in culex mosquitoes and pigs across China and Vietnam. India, too is home to species of culex mosquitoes. New virus found in China - The Cat Que Virus Researchers at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found antibodies for the virus in two out of the 883 human serum samples which were taken from various Indian states. This implies that people have been infected with the virus. During the course of the study, the virus was not found in human or animal samples. Also read: ‘Interferon’ insufficiency is the reason why coronavirus is deadly for some patients The two samples that tested positive for CQV antibodies came from Karnataka - one from 2014 and the other from 2017. The findings of the study were published in the latest issue of Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR). According to the ICMR study, Indian mosquitoes are susceptible to CQV, which could also become a public health pathogen.. Its natural host is a mosquito. Domestic pigs are also considered the primary mammalian host of the Cat Que Virus.

India: ICMR warns of danger posed by another virus from China - Cat Que Virus

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India.&nbsp;

Oukhoo village in south Kashmir supplies around 90 percent wood used to manufacture pencils in India. 
 
The village is the hub of pencil slates where both men and women are employed to process raw wood. 
 
Not many know that this district will soon be called the pencil district of India given it supplies most of the slates needed to make a pencil.

"Companies used to get supplies from Germany and Chine but with time they started taking wood. Later we got machines and designed slates here, I'm happy we are getting employment here through this," says Manzoor Ahmad, one of the factory owner.

It wasn't the same before the 90s when companies in India would import wood from Germany, China, and other countries. This has helped in local employment generation as well.

Special trees which grow in the wetlands of the district are used as it has the right amount of moisture. Around 17 registered units here work hard to write made in Kashmir story.&nbsp;

"The government is trying several initiatives and has been successful too. There is an initiative by which Pulwama will be known as 'Pencil district' and we expect it to happen soon. We want every house to make slates here," says Mubashir, another factory owner.&nbsp;

The slates are stacked before they are dispatched to factories which will process them and make a pencil. Now there is a growing demand for making the entire pencil in Kashmir.

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India.

You might have heard about Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir when it comes to violence and encounter but there is a village that will soon be called a 'Pencil district' of India. Oukhoo village in south Kashmir supplies around 90 percent wood used to manufacture pencils in India. The village is the hub of pencil slates where both men and women are employed to process raw wood. Not many know that this district will soon be called the pencil district of India given it supplies most of the slates needed to make a pencil. "Companies used to get supplies from Germany and Chine but with time they started taking wood. Later we got machines and designed slates here, I'm happy we are getting employment here through this," says Manzoor Ahmad, one of the factory owner. It wasn't the same before the 90s when companies in India would import wood from Germany, China, and other countries. This has helped in local employment generation as well. Special trees which grow in the wetlands of the district are used as it has the right amount of moisture. Around 17 registered units here work hard to write made in Kashmir story. "The government is trying several initiatives and has been successful too. There is an initiative by which Pulwama will be known as 'Pencil district' and we expect it to happen soon. We want every house to make slates here," says Mubashir, another factory owner. The slates are stacked before they are dispatched to factories which will process them and make a pencil. Now there is a growing demand for making the entire pencil in Kashmir.

Make in Kashmir: A village which supplies 90% wood for pencils in India

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports.

Citing media reports in the country, Sputnik reported that the proposals were being led by Conservative lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith, who said that the UK should take tougher action against China.

"The government has still not got it on human rights in China. If an African country was doing what China is doing, ministers would be all over it, but because of China's size and influence at the UN, it runs away. It is time we stood up against the abuses underway within China," Sputnik quoted Smith who told a newspaper.

Pro-Uyghur lawmakers in the UK parliament are proposing that no trade bill regulations that concern Beijing should be enacted if a High Court judge rules that genocide is being committed in China, according to media reports.

Smith said that more than 40 ruling Conservative Party lawmakers in the House of Commons are expected to support the proposal, which should allow it to pass even if the government poses resistance.

The international community has levied accusations against the Chinese authorities of oppression against ethnic Uighurs.

According to Sputnik, the US House of Representatives on September 22 passed legislation to ban imports of products made with "forced labor" in Xinjiang over alleged human rights abuses, amid accusations that Uighurs are being held in so-called re-education camps.

The Chinese government has denied the charges, saying that the camps are to provide vocational and Chinese language training for Uighurs and other Muslim minorities.

The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority from Central Asia, are a distinct ethnic group from Han Chinese, with Urumqi being closer to Kabul than Beijing. In 2009, the most infamous riots broke out in the streets of Urumqi, Xinjiang which pitted Uyghur Muslims against Han Chinese.

The CCP government has turned the entire region into a highly controlled, open-air prison after the Urumqi riots in 2009. The CCP has turned the region into a "brutal totalitarian police state" and everything unique about Uighurs is "systematically targeted".

There have been growing calls for action against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Xinjiang.

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports.

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports. Citing media reports in the country, Sputnik reported that the proposals were being led by Conservative lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith, who said that the UK should take tougher action against China. "The government has still not got it on human rights in China. If an African country was doing what China is doing, ministers would be all over it, but because of China's size and influence at the UN, it runs away. It is time we stood up against the abuses underway within China," Sputnik quoted Smith who told a newspaper. Pro-Uyghur lawmakers in the UK parliament are proposing that no trade bill regulations that concern Beijing should be enacted if a High Court judge rules that genocide is being committed in China, according to media reports. Smith said that more than 40 ruling Conservative Party lawmakers in the House of Commons are expected to support the proposal, which should allow it to pass even if the government poses resistance. The international community has levied accusations against the Chinese authorities of oppression against ethnic Uighurs. According to Sputnik, the US House of Representatives on September 22 passed legislation to ban imports of products made with "forced labor" in Xinjiang over alleged human rights abuses, amid accusations that Uighurs are being held in so-called re-education camps. The Chinese government has denied the charges, saying that the camps are to provide vocational and Chinese language training for Uighurs and other Muslim minorities. The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority from Central Asia, are a distinct ethnic group from Han Chinese, with Urumqi being closer to Kabul than Beijing. In 2009, the most infamous riots broke out in the streets of Urumqi, Xinjiang which pitted Uyghur Muslims against Han Chinese. The CCP government has turned the entire region into a highly controlled, open-air prison after the Urumqi riots in 2009. The CCP has turned the region into a "brutal totalitarian police state" and everything unique about Uighurs is "systematically targeted". There have been growing calls for action against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Xinjiang.

UK government mulls proposal to allow Uighurs to file plea in High Court against genocide in China

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani&nbsp;on Wednesday welcomed the&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition verdict&nbsp;after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow.

The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

“The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-mosque-demolition-verdict-all-accused-acquitted-court-says-demolition-not-pre-planned-331374" hreflang="en">Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court</a>

26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing.

Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition case.&nbsp;The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.''

While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act. “The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra. Also read: Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court 26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing. Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court Babri mosque demolition case. The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.'' While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani welcomes Babri mosque demolition verdict

The coronavirus tally of India has crossed the 61-lakh mark with a spike of 70,589 new cases and 776 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Case tally stands at 61,45,292 including 9,47,576 active cases, 51,01,398 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 96,318 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's latest update read.

Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the duration of several schemes has been extended till December 31 due to COVID-19.

"The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has extended the duration of several schemes till 31.12.2020 in view of the continued disruption caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic in certain parts of the country and to provide greater Ease of Doing Business," a tweet from the Office of Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Meanwhile, the global death toll from COVID-19 rose past 1 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, a bleak milestone in a pandemic that has devastated the global economy, overloaded health systems and changed the way people live.

The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus this year is now double the number of people who die annually from malaria - and the death rate has increased in recent weeks as infections surge in several countries.

"Our world has reached an agonizing milestone," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus tally of India has crossed the 61-lakh mark with a spike of 70,589 new cases and 776 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

The coronavirus tally of India has crossed the 61-lakh mark with a spike of 70,589 new cases and 776 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Case tally stands at 61,45,292 including 9,47,576 active cases, 51,01,398 cured/discharged/migrated & 96,318 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's latest update read. Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the duration of several schemes has been extended till December 31 due to COVID-19. "The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has extended the duration of several schemes till 31.12.2020 in view of the continued disruption caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic in certain parts of the country and to provide greater Ease of Doing Business," a tweet from the Office of Nirmala Sitharaman said. Meanwhile, the global death toll from COVID-19 rose past 1 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, a bleak milestone in a pandemic that has devastated the global economy, overloaded health systems and changed the way people live. The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus this year is now double the number of people who die annually from malaria - and the death rate has increased in recent weeks as infections surge in several countries. "Our world has reached an agonizing milestone," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 70,589 new cases, 776 deaths as tally crosses 61-lakh mark 

Container ship X-Press Godavari is being escorted to the Kolkata port by an Indian Coast Guard vessel. This comes after an overnight firefighting effort, to douse a flame on a container that the ship was carrying.&nbsp;

The fire was first reported on Monday morning, following which the Indian Coast Guard had despatched assets to the location. The container ship X-Press Godavari was in anchorage off Sandheads, which is over a 100kms away from the Haldia port in West Bengal. Initially three Coast Guard vessels had reached the spot and carried out firefighting operations, while a Dornier aircraft was assessing the situation.&nbsp;

By Monday evening, a fourth Coast Guard vessel had joined the action and had successfully doused the blaze. Later, they undertook boundary cooling operations to prevent re-ignition. Boundary cooling is carried out to lower the temperature in the areas around the fire, as metal gets heated up quickly and could always have the potential to re-ignite owing to the retained heat (even in absence of a visible fire).&nbsp;

After carrying out boundary cooling operations through the night, the vessel is being escorted to Kolkata port, by an Indian Coast Guard ship.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Indian Coast Guard had taken up a daunting firefighting task, off the Sri Lanka Coast. In a mammoth effort that lasted nearly 10 days, Indian Coast Guard ships had doused the fire, and also ensured that there was no oil leak and environmental damage, from the mishap on very large crude carrier MT New Diamond.

Container ship X-Press Godavari is being escorted to the Kolkata port by an Indian Coast Guard vessel. This comes after an overnight firefighting effort, to douse a flame on a container that the ship was carrying.

Container ship X-Press Godavari is being escorted to the Kolkata port by an Indian Coast Guard vessel. This comes after an overnight firefighting effort, to douse a flame on a container that the ship was carrying. The fire was first reported on Monday morning, following which the Indian Coast Guard had despatched assets to the location. The container ship X-Press Godavari was in anchorage off Sandheads, which is over a 100kms away from the Haldia port in West Bengal. Initially three Coast Guard vessels had reached the spot and carried out firefighting operations, while a Dornier aircraft was assessing the situation. By Monday evening, a fourth Coast Guard vessel had joined the action and had successfully doused the blaze. Later, they undertook boundary cooling operations to prevent re-ignition. Boundary cooling is carried out to lower the temperature in the areas around the fire, as metal gets heated up quickly and could always have the potential to re-ignite owing to the retained heat (even in absence of a visible fire). After carrying out boundary cooling operations through the night, the vessel is being escorted to Kolkata port, by an Indian Coast Guard ship. Earlier this month, the Indian Coast Guard had taken up a daunting firefighting task, off the Sri Lanka Coast. In a mammoth effort that lasted nearly 10 days, Indian Coast Guard ships had doused the fire, and also ensured that there was no oil leak and environmental damage, from the mishap on very large crude carrier MT New Diamond.

Coast Guard vessels douse fire on container ship X-Press Godavari, ship being escorted to Kolkata

A special CBI court in Lucknow on Wednesday will deliver the verdict in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The verdict will be delivered by judge SK Yadav. The judge had earlier directed all 32 accused to be present in the special court on September 30 during the announcement of the verdict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-demolition-case-supreme-court-directs-trial-court-to-conclude-hearing-in-9-months-237055">Also Read: Supreme Court directs trial court to conclude hearing in 9 months</a>

Former Union ministers Murli Manohar Joshi, LK Advani and Uma Bharti are one of the accused in the case, including former Uttar Pradesh CM Kalyan Singh. The final arguments in the case was held on September 1.

Last year, India's apex court has directed the trial court judge hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case against LK Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti to conclude their hearing in nine months.

In July, BJP leader Advani had recorded his statement before the court through video conferencing while denying involvement in the conspiracy to demolish the mosque.

On April 19, 2017, India's top court had ordered a day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years. The Supreme Court had allowed CBI's plea on restoration of criminal conspiracy charge against the VVIP accused in the case.

Supreme Court had earlier termed the Allahabad High Court's February 12, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous". Security has been beefed up in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the verdict.

Babri Masjid was demolished in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

A special CBI court in Lucknow on Wednesday will deliver the verdict in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The verdict will be delivered by judge SK Yadav. The judge had earlier directed all 32 accused to be present in the special court on September 30 during the announcement of the verdict. Also Read: Supreme Court directs trial court to conclude hearing in 9 months Former Union ministers Murli Manohar Joshi, LK Advani and Uma Bharti are one of the accused in the case, including former Uttar Pradesh CM Kalyan Singh. The final arguments in the case was held on September 1. Last year, India's apex court has directed the trial court judge hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case against LK Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti to conclude their hearing in nine months. In July, BJP leader Advani had recorded his statement before the court through video conferencing while denying involvement in the conspiracy to demolish the mosque. On April 19, 2017, India's top court had ordered a day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years. The Supreme Court had allowed CBI's plea on restoration of criminal conspiracy charge against the VVIP accused in the case. Supreme Court had earlier termed the Allahabad High Court's February 12, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous". Security has been beefed up in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the verdict. Babri Masjid was demolished in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

CBI court set to deliver Babri Masjid demolition case verdict

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries.&nbsp;

The aircraft will help the country in Maritime &amp; exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster and medical relief. It will be especially helpful for the Maldivians in the northern atolls and also identifying foreign vessels, something that has increased presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi said, "As a country with over 99 per cent of its territory covered by the sea we have always worked together with our friends across the ocean to protect our domestic interests from pirates, drug smugglers and poachers. Our national defence forces are the first responders in search and rescue operations and in providing humanitarian relief as per law and by duty."

"The request for a Dornier initiated by the former administration in 2016 which we saw materialize today will go a long way in increasing our capacity to tackle these challenges. It’s a colossal milestone in defence relations and adds a new chapter to the continued cooperation between our two countries."

All in all, the Dornier will in the command and control of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and will be flown with MNDF flag and colours. Maldivian pilots have been training on it since 2017.&nbsp;

Maldives National Defence Force release said it will be, "used in surveillance and monitoring of Maldivian waters, monitoring Maldivian maritime fishing grounds and identifying foreign vessels, in anti-drug (and other illegal substances) and human trafficking operations, as well as in search and rescue missions and to provide humanitarian assistance."

It was in 2016, that the request for a Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft was raised during the visit of the then President Yameen of the Maldives to India, after the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih government of Maldives was able to fast track it.&nbsp;

It comes even as India and Maldives have been doing joint surveillance of exclusive economic zone in which the aircraft will be helpful. Since 2009 both Maldivian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have conducted 54 joint aerial surveillance operations to safeguard Maldivian waters.

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries.

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries. The aircraft will help the country in Maritime & exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster and medical relief. It will be especially helpful for the Maldivians in the northern atolls and also identifying foreign vessels, something that has increased presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Speaking exclusively to WION, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi said, "As a country with over 99 per cent of its territory covered by the sea we have always worked together with our friends across the ocean to protect our domestic interests from pirates, drug smugglers and poachers. Our national defence forces are the first responders in search and rescue operations and in providing humanitarian relief as per law and by duty." "The request for a Dornier initiated by the former administration in 2016 which we saw materialize today will go a long way in increasing our capacity to tackle these challenges. It’s a colossal milestone in defence relations and adds a new chapter to the continued cooperation between our two countries." All in all, the Dornier will in the command and control of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and will be flown with MNDF flag and colours. Maldivian pilots have been training on it since 2017. Maldives National Defence Force release said it will be, "used in surveillance and monitoring of Maldivian waters, monitoring Maldivian maritime fishing grounds and identifying foreign vessels, in anti-drug (and other illegal substances) and human trafficking operations, as well as in search and rescue missions and to provide humanitarian assistance." It was in 2016, that the request for a Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft was raised during the visit of the then President Yameen of the Maldives to India, after the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih government of Maldives was able to fast track it. It comes even as India and Maldives have been doing joint surveillance of exclusive economic zone in which the aircraft will be helpful. Since 2009 both Maldivian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have conducted 54 joint aerial surveillance operations to safeguard Maldivian waters.

Colossal milestone, says Maldives defence minister as India's gift Dornier surveillance aircraft reaches the country

The vice-president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, on Tuesday tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Releasing a statement, t

The office of the vice-president released a statement on Tuesday evening, saying Naidu underwent a Covid-19 test in the morning.

Naidu is asymptomatic and is in good health.

"The Vice President of India who underwent a routine COVID-19 test today morning has been tested positive. He is however, asymptomatic and in good health. He has been advised home quarantine. His wife Smt. Usha Naidu has been tested negative and is in self-isolation," read the official statement.

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The Vice President of India who underwent a routine COVID-19 test today morning has been tested positive. He is however, asymptomatic and in good health. He has been advised home quarantine. His wife Smt. Usha Naidu has been tested negative and is in self-isolation.
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The vice-president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, on Tuesday tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Releasing a statement, t The office of the vice-president released a statement on Tuesday evening, saying Naidu underwent a Covid-19 test in the morning.

The vice-president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, on Tuesday tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Releasing a statement, t The office of the vice-president released a statement on Tuesday evening, saying Naidu underwent a Covid-19 test in the morning. Naidu is asymptomatic and is in good health. "The Vice President of India who underwent a routine COVID-19 test today morning has been tested positive. He is however, asymptomatic and in good health. He has been advised home quarantine. His wife Smt. Usha Naidu has been tested negative and is in self-isolation," read the official statement. The Vice President of India who underwent a routine COVID-19 test today morning has been tested positive. He is however, asymptomatic and in good health. He has been advised home quarantine. His wife Smt. Usha Naidu has been tested negative and is in self-isolation. — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) September 29, 2020 ×

Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu tests positive for coronavirus

According to data submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) to India's Supreme Court in 2015, the country has at least 31 lakh registered NGOs.

The number is more than double the number of schools in the country and 250 times the number of government hospitals and it means India has one NGO for every 400 people as against one policeman for more than 700 people.

Less than 10 per cent of NGOs have complied with the rules and more than 90 per cent did not submit their balance sheets. They are supposed to submit statements with the registrar of societies but they did not.

There is an urgent need for regulation especially for those which get funds from outside India. According to a report, India has more than 21,000 foreign-funded NGOs. An amendment to India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act(FCRA) is awaiting presidential nod.

For decades, governments have been trying to knit together balanced rules to check the misuse of foreign funding because there is no such thing as a free lunch. While the role of civil society is crucial to the functioning of a democracy, foreign funding, if unchecked, can hamper the country's sovereignty.

This is where a balanced rule comes in and in its absence, India has had to resort to ad hoc crackdowns. NGOs have always played a big role in India be it in development or disaster relief but many of them have misused their influence to sell foreign narratives, push vested interests and promote religious conversion.

Recently, India suspended FCRA clearance for four Christian NGOs. Since 2014, India has cancelled the FCRA licence of 14,800 NGOs. In 2015 alone, 10,000 licences were cancelled among them were Ford Foundation, Greenpeace and Human Rights Advocacy group - lawyers collective.

In 2017, Michael Bloomberg's NGO Bloomberg Philanthropies was under the government's scanner. The NGO was accused of running a campaign to target Indian tobacco businesses. It was apparently lobbying against the sector.

Critics have often looked at these cases as India's crackdown on dissent. Earlier this year, India's apex court had said that the government of India cannot deprive NGOs of their right to receive foreign money but in the very same ruling, the Supreme Court of India said that organisations with "avowed political objectives in their memorandum of associations or bye-laws, cannot be permitted &nbsp;to access foreign funding."

Between 1993 and 2012, 39 countries enacted laws to restrict funding of foreign NGOs and these were developing countries. Hungary recently approved a law that made foreign-funded NGOs declare their foreign status on websites and promotional material.&nbsp;

Egypt, Russia, Israel and some other countries have similar laws and then we have China which has Gongos which are government organised NGOs which in other words are sitting oxymorons. India cannot have that it is a democracy. So it must regulate actively and balance transparency and internal security with dissent, foreign money cannot be allowed to influence policy and political discourse in India.

According to data submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) to India's Supreme Court in 2015, the country has at least 31 lakh registered NGOs. The number is more than double the number of schools in the country and 250 times the number of government hospitals and it means India has one NGO for every 400 people as against one policeman for more than 700 people.

According to data submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) to India's Supreme Court in 2015, the country has at least 31 lakh registered NGOs. The number is more than double the number of schools in the country and 250 times the number of government hospitals and it means India has one NGO for every 400 people as against one policeman for more than 700 people. Less than 10 per cent of NGOs have complied with the rules and more than 90 per cent did not submit their balance sheets. They are supposed to submit statements with the registrar of societies but they did not. There is an urgent need for regulation especially for those which get funds from outside India. According to a report, India has more than 21,000 foreign-funded NGOs. An amendment to India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act(FCRA) is awaiting presidential nod. For decades, governments have been trying to knit together balanced rules to check the misuse of foreign funding because there is no such thing as a free lunch. While the role of civil society is crucial to the functioning of a democracy, foreign funding, if unchecked, can hamper the country's sovereignty. This is where a balanced rule comes in and in its absence, India has had to resort to ad hoc crackdowns. NGOs have always played a big role in India be it in development or disaster relief but many of them have misused their influence to sell foreign narratives, push vested interests and promote religious conversion. Recently, India suspended FCRA clearance for four Christian NGOs. Since 2014, India has cancelled the FCRA licence of 14,800 NGOs. In 2015 alone, 10,000 licences were cancelled among them were Ford Foundation, Greenpeace and Human Rights Advocacy group - lawyers collective. In 2017, Michael Bloomberg's NGO Bloomberg Philanthropies was under the government's scanner. The NGO was accused of running a campaign to target Indian tobacco businesses. It was apparently lobbying against the sector. Critics have often looked at these cases as India's crackdown on dissent. Earlier this year, India's apex court had said that the government of India cannot deprive NGOs of their right to receive foreign money but in the very same ruling, the Supreme Court of India said that organisations with "avowed political objectives in their memorandum of associations or bye-laws, cannot be permitted to access foreign funding." Between 1993 and 2012, 39 countries enacted laws to restrict funding of foreign NGOs and these were developing countries. Hungary recently approved a law that made foreign-funded NGOs declare their foreign status on websites and promotional material. Egypt, Russia, Israel and some other countries have similar laws and then we have China which has Gongos which are government organised NGOs which in other words are sitting oxymorons. India cannot have that it is a democracy. So it must regulate actively and balance transparency and internal security with dissent, foreign money cannot be allowed to influence policy and political discourse in India.

Why regulation is needed to monitor foreign funding in NGOs

&nbsp;India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties.

The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

"The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said.

In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

"Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement.

Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said.

India is investigating imports of copper tubes and pipes from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, to determine whether producers in these countries were receiving unfair subsidies, the government said. The investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the investigative arm of the commerce ministry, could result in these imports facing countervailing duties. The probe covers imports shipped between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. "The Authority has also received the import data of customs of the subject goods during the past four years which indicate increased imports mainly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam collectively account for more than 90% of total imports of subject goods," the circular said. In a statement to Reuters, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said Vietnam strictly adhered to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. "Trade issues between Vietnam and India should be considered objectively, fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that the two countries both joined," the ministry's spokeswoman said in the statement. Calls to two Vietnam-based companies named in the Indian investigation were not answered.

India opens dumping probe on Malaysia, Vietnam, Thai copper tube, pipe imports

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) said today that Amnesty International has been denied FCRA approval by successive governments since it's not eligible to get such approval.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amnesty-international-used-commercial-tools-to-bypass-fcra-cbi-262554">Also Read:&nbsp;Amnesty International used commercial tools to bypass FCRA, says&nbsp;CBI</a>

"In order to circumvent FCRA regulations, Amnesty UK remitted large amounts of money to four entities registered in India, by classifying it as FDI," the MHA said.

Earlier, the Indian arm of the group had said that the government had frozen all its bank accounts prompting it to halt all of its work in the country. The watchdog had also accused the government of indulging in a "witchhunt" against human rights organisations.

The ministry, however, asserted that the stand and statements by Amnesty International were "unfortunate, exaggerated and far from the truth."

The group had said a freeze was put on its bank accounts on September 10 and as a result, it has had to lay off staff and shut operations.

The government however said that, "Amnesty International had received permission under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) only once &amp; that too 20 years ago (19.12.2000)."&nbsp;

"Owing to these illegal practices of Amnesty, the previous government had also rejected repeated applications of Amnesty to receive funds from overseas. This had led Amnesty to suspend its India operations once during that period as well," the ministry informed while adding that Amnesty International "is free to continue humanitarian work in India".

"However, India doesn't allow interference in domestic political debates by entities funded by foreign donations. This law applies equally to all and it shall apply to Amnesty International as well," the government said.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) said today that Amnesty International has been denied FCRA approval by successive governments since it's not eligible to get such approval.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) said today that Amnesty International has been denied FCRA approval by successive governments since it's not eligible to get such approval. Also Read: Amnesty International used commercial tools to bypass FCRA, says CBI "In order to circumvent FCRA regulations, Amnesty UK remitted large amounts of money to four entities registered in India, by classifying it as FDI," the MHA said. Earlier, the Indian arm of the group had said that the government had frozen all its bank accounts prompting it to halt all of its work in the country. The watchdog had also accused the government of indulging in a "witchhunt" against human rights organisations. The ministry, however, asserted that the stand and statements by Amnesty International were "unfortunate, exaggerated and far from the truth." The group had said a freeze was put on its bank accounts on September 10 and as a result, it has had to lay off staff and shut operations. The government however said that, "Amnesty International had received permission under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) only once & that too 20 years ago (19.12.2000)." "Owing to these illegal practices of Amnesty, the previous government had also rejected repeated applications of Amnesty to receive funds from overseas. This had led Amnesty to suspend its India operations once during that period as well," the ministry informed while adding that Amnesty International "is free to continue humanitarian work in India". "However, India doesn't allow interference in domestic political debates by entities funded by foreign donations. This law applies equally to all and it shall apply to Amnesty International as well," the government said.

To circumvent FCRA, Amnesty remitted large amounts of money to entities in India by classifying it as FDI: Home ministry

People on Tuesday took to streets in India's capital New Delhi protesting the non-action by the authorities on the brutal gang rape, and subsequent death, of a Dalit teenager.

The girl, allegedly raped by four upper-caste men, died of her injuries on Tuesday morning at a government hospital in New Delhi.

The 19-year-old woman was brutally assaulted at a field near her home in Hathras district --&nbsp;100 km (62-mile) from Delhi -- in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on September 14, according to a complaint filed by the family with police.

The four accused have been arrested, according to the authorities.

Found lying in a pool of blood and paralysed from injuries to her neck and spine, the woman was rushed to a local hospital before being brought to New Delhi on Monday as her condition worsened.

The news comes even as four men were hanged for the brutal gang rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi in 2012 -- a case which gained worldwide notoriety as the Nirbhaya case.

Famous personalities and women's rights activists took to social media to condemn this month's attack.

About 300 protesters from the Bhim Army, a party championing the rights of Dalits, entered the hospital premises and shouted slogans near the mortuary where the woman’s body was kept.

Priyanka Gandhi, a member of the opposition Congress party, blamed the assault on the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh, which is ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.

Nearly 34,000 rapes were reported in the country in 2018 -- with one woman reporting&nbsp;a rape every 15 minutes.

(with inputs)

People on Tuesday took to streets in India's capital New Delhi protesting the non-action by the authorities on the brutal gang rape, and subsequent death, of a Dalit teenager.

People on Tuesday took to streets in India's capital New Delhi protesting the non-action by the authorities on the brutal gang rape, and subsequent death, of a Dalit teenager. The girl, allegedly raped by four upper-caste men, died of her injuries on Tuesday morning at a government hospital in New Delhi. The 19-year-old woman was brutally assaulted at a field near her home in Hathras district -- 100 km (62-mile) from Delhi -- in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on September 14, according to a complaint filed by the family with police. The four accused have been arrested, according to the authorities. Found lying in a pool of blood and paralysed from injuries to her neck and spine, the woman was rushed to a local hospital before being brought to New Delhi on Monday as her condition worsened. The news comes even as four men were hanged for the brutal gang rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi in 2012 -- a case which gained worldwide notoriety as the Nirbhaya case. Famous personalities and women's rights activists took to social media to condemn this month's attack. About 300 protesters from the Bhim Army, a party championing the rights of Dalits, entered the hospital premises and shouted slogans near the mortuary where the woman’s body was kept. Priyanka Gandhi, a member of the opposition Congress party, blamed the assault on the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh, which is ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Nearly 34,000 rapes were reported in the country in 2018 -- with one woman reporting a rape every 15 minutes. (with inputs)

Outrage in India as girl dies after brutal gang rape

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) marked five years of the lunch of AstroSat, which is India’s first multi-wavelength mission, which was launched from Sriharikota spaceport on 28th September 2018. The satellite is being operated as a proposal-based observatory, covering a wide band ranging from Ultraviolet(UV) to high energy X-rays.&nbsp;

While a vast majority of ISRO’s satellites are meant to serve purposes like communication, surveillance, imagery, remote sensing etc. A handful of missions/satellites are purely for exploring and helping understand unexplored sciences. Such missions are Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan and AstroSat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/with-isro-assistance-indias-skyroot-aerospace-aims-maiden-rocket-launch-by-dec-2021-320835" hreflang="en">With ISRO assistance, India’s Skyroot Aerospace aims maiden rocket launch by Dec-2021</a>

ISRO says that the unique observation capability of AstroSat in this wide band makes it one of the major space science observatories in the world. According to the Indian Space agency, AstroSat was also the mission which led to the discovery of one of the earliest galaxies in extreme Ultraviolet light, marking a major breakthrough. Called AUDFs01, this galaxy is said to be 9.3 billion light years away from earth.&nbsp;

The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr. Kanak Saha, at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. This team was comprised of scientists from India, Switzerland, France, USA, Japan and Netherlands.&nbsp;

Speaking at a virtual event, to mark five years of AstroSat, R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO said that the data generated from the AstroSat mission has been shared with over 1500 users across 43 countries, hailing the mission as an ‘international success’. “AstroSat was launched into a unique circular orbit, with low incline of 6 degrees and five of its payloads can function simultaneously” he said.&nbsp;

Chairman ISRO, DR. K.Sivan said that, the study of the universe played a major role in defining research of ISRO and AstroSat has brought us into the big league of space astronomy and provided excellent results. He added that the satellite had served its mission life of five years, with all five on-board equipment in ‘very fine’ condition and that it would continue to serve for years to come.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/chandrayaan-2-mapping-lunar-surface-as-per-mission-plan-isro-315205" hreflang="en">Chandrayaan-2 mapping lunar surface as per mission plan: ISRO</a>

Referring to AstroSat as a multi-agency mission, Dr.Sivan elaborated that academia and R&amp;D institutions had worked in the engineering and testing phase of this project.&nbsp;

Speaking of ISRO’s ‘big future plans’ in space exploration and science, he said, that Exposat and Aditya L-1 were upcoming missions which would open exciting possibilities. While Exposat was meant to study X-ray polarisation from cosmic sources, it would also be the first polarimetric mission after half a century, Sivan added. Aditya L-1 is a mission that was slated for launch by mid-2020, the scientific objective of the mission was to study the Sun.&nbsp;

“There are exciting possibilities - missions to detect Eletromagnetic counterparts of gravitational events, to study atmospheric composition of rocky planets and discovery of all life forms outside our solar system” he said. He urged the scientific community to use the scientific data and research to the maximum extent and also indicate the importance of generating future Human Resources by involving school students.&nbsp;

Thus far, in 2020 ISRO has not had any launches owing to the pandemic-induced lockdowns and logistical challenges etc. ISRO officials have said that 4 satellites are ready for launch, namely -&nbsp;&nbsp;GISAT-1, Microsat 2-A, GSAT-12R and RISAT-2BR2.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) marked five years of the lunch of AstroSat, which is India’s first multi-wavelength mission, which was launched from Sriharikota spaceport on 28th September 2018.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) marked five years of the lunch of AstroSat, which is India’s first multi-wavelength mission, which was launched from Sriharikota spaceport on 28th September 2018. The satellite is being operated as a proposal-based observatory, covering a wide band ranging from Ultraviolet(UV) to high energy X-rays. While a vast majority of ISRO’s satellites are meant to serve purposes like communication, surveillance, imagery, remote sensing etc. A handful of missions/satellites are purely for exploring and helping understand unexplored sciences. Such missions are Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan and AstroSat. Also read: With ISRO assistance, India’s Skyroot Aerospace aims maiden rocket launch by Dec-2021 ISRO says that the unique observation capability of AstroSat in this wide band makes it one of the major space science observatories in the world. According to the Indian Space agency, AstroSat was also the mission which led to the discovery of one of the earliest galaxies in extreme Ultraviolet light, marking a major breakthrough. Called AUDFs01, this galaxy is said to be 9.3 billion light years away from earth. The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr. Kanak Saha, at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. This team was comprised of scientists from India, Switzerland, France, USA, Japan and Netherlands. Speaking at a virtual event, to mark five years of AstroSat, R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO said that the data generated from the AstroSat mission has been shared with over 1500 users across 43 countries, hailing the mission as an ‘international success’. “AstroSat was launched into a unique circular orbit, with low incline of 6 degrees and five of its payloads can function simultaneously” he said. Chairman ISRO, DR. K.Sivan said that, the study of the universe played a major role in defining research of ISRO and AstroSat has brought us into the big league of space astronomy and provided excellent results. He added that the satellite had served its mission life of five years, with all five on-board equipment in ‘very fine’ condition and that it would continue to serve for years to come. Also read: Chandrayaan-2 mapping lunar surface as per mission plan: ISRO Referring to AstroSat as a multi-agency mission, Dr.Sivan elaborated that academia and R&D institutions had worked in the engineering and testing phase of this project. Speaking of ISRO’s ‘big future plans’ in space exploration and science, he said, that Exposat and Aditya L-1 were upcoming missions which would open exciting possibilities. While Exposat was meant to study X-ray polarisation from cosmic sources, it would also be the first polarimetric mission after half a century, Sivan added. Aditya L-1 is a mission that was slated for launch by mid-2020, the scientific objective of the mission was to study the Sun. “There are exciting possibilities - missions to detect Eletromagnetic counterparts of gravitational events, to study atmospheric composition of rocky planets and discovery of all life forms outside our solar system” he said. He urged the scientific community to use the scientific data and research to the maximum extent and also indicate the importance of generating future Human Resources by involving school students. Thus far, in 2020 ISRO has not had any launches owing to the pandemic-induced lockdowns and logistical challenges etc. ISRO officials have said that 4 satellites are ready for launch, namely - GISAT-1, Microsat 2-A, GSAT-12R and RISAT-2BR2.

ISRO marks 5 years of Space Observatory - AstroSat; More science missions in anvil

India has strongly reacted to Pakistan announcing elections in Gilgit Baltistan.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to this end, said, "Actions like these can neither hide the illegal occupation of parts of union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan occupied territories for the past seven decades."

"These are cosmetic exercises intended to camouflage its illegal occupation," the MEA added.

Pakistan has announced that elections will take place in Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly on November 15 under the recent Gilgit-Baltistan (Elections and Caretaker Government) Amendment Order 2020. The country plans to make the region its fifth province and hectic political activities are underway.

The MEA reiterated that the entire "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of so-called Gilgit and Baltistan are an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947" and "Government of Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it."

India also highlighted how the Pakistan establishment has been trying to bring material changes in areas under "its illegal and forcible occupation" and call upon Pakistan to "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation."

There are three outsiders for every four in the Pakistan-occupied parts of Indian union territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh. 
&nbsp;

India has strongly reacted to Pakistan announcing elections in Gilgit Baltistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to this end, said, "Actions like these can neither hide the illegal occupation of parts of union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan occupied territories for the past seven decades.

India has strongly reacted to Pakistan announcing elections in Gilgit Baltistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to this end, said, "Actions like these can neither hide the illegal occupation of parts of union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan occupied territories for the past seven decades." "These are cosmetic exercises intended to camouflage its illegal occupation," the MEA added. Pakistan has announced that elections will take place in Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly on November 15 under the recent Gilgit-Baltistan (Elections and Caretaker Government) Amendment Order 2020. The country plans to make the region its fifth province and hectic political activities are underway. The MEA reiterated that the entire "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of so-called Gilgit and Baltistan are an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947" and "Government of Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it." India also highlighted how the Pakistan establishment has been trying to bring material changes in areas under "its illegal and forcible occupation" and call upon Pakistan to "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation." There are three outsiders for every four in the Pakistan-occupied parts of Indian union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

India protests announcement of elections in Gilgit Baltistan

A community-based organisation in South Africa hosted a unique Jazz festival as the last of a series of diverse events held over the past one year to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Gandhi Walk Committee (GWC) in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, hosted the festival at the weekend in the sprawling, mainly Indian township adjacent to the Tolstoy Farm, the huge commune that was started by Gandhi during his tenure in Johannesburg at the turn of the last century.

The Tolstoy Farm is currently undergoing a revamp, led by the Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Organisation and the Indian missions in Johannesburg and Pretoria, after lying derelict for decades.

"The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown put a damper on all our planned activities for the past six months, including the annual Gandhi Walk in April, when plans were far advanced for over 3,000 people to participate again," said GWC chairman Amit Parbhucharan.

"We spent time in the lockdown virtually planning a range of events for when we were out of it, and propitiously, when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to the lowest level of the lockdown and public events with limited audience numbers could be done, we implemented some of these plans, Parbhucharan said.

In the months before the lockdown, the GWC organised tree planting functions, a cycle ride through the area and food donations, the last continuing throughout the lockdown.

"All this and our events of the past two weeks was to remind people of how Gandhiji had embraced the diversity of human endeavour," Parbhucharan said.

The GWC organised a blood donation camp where donors could just drive through a facility that had been set up without having to join the queues or having to make contact with other people, as is usually the case at such camps.

In a style reminiscent of the drive-in theatres of days gone by, only 50 cars, each with a maximum of four people, were allowed into the parking area of the Gandhi Hall, where a large stage had been set up for several individual artists and groups to give their performances.

The funds raised were distributed to two local organisations that undertake various community initiatives.

"We were initially sceptical about this new genre of entertainment meeting with support from the community of Lenasia, who are very used to Bollywood and other similar entertainment, but the fact that we were sold out within just a few hours of announcing the event showed that the community was yearning to have something like this on their doorstep.

"Unfortunately, we had to turn away many more people because of the limitations of the COVID-19 regulations," Parbhucharan said.

A community-based organisation in South Africa hosted a unique Jazz festival as the last of a series of diverse events held over the past one year to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

A community-based organisation in South Africa hosted a unique Jazz festival as the last of a series of diverse events held over the past one year to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Walk Committee (GWC) in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, hosted the festival at the weekend in the sprawling, mainly Indian township adjacent to the Tolstoy Farm, the huge commune that was started by Gandhi during his tenure in Johannesburg at the turn of the last century. The Tolstoy Farm is currently undergoing a revamp, led by the Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Organisation and the Indian missions in Johannesburg and Pretoria, after lying derelict for decades. "The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown put a damper on all our planned activities for the past six months, including the annual Gandhi Walk in April, when plans were far advanced for over 3,000 people to participate again," said GWC chairman Amit Parbhucharan. "We spent time in the lockdown virtually planning a range of events for when we were out of it, and propitiously, when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to the lowest level of the lockdown and public events with limited audience numbers could be done, we implemented some of these plans, Parbhucharan said. In the months before the lockdown, the GWC organised tree planting functions, a cycle ride through the area and food donations, the last continuing throughout the lockdown. "All this and our events of the past two weeks was to remind people of how Gandhiji had embraced the diversity of human endeavour," Parbhucharan said. The GWC organised a blood donation camp where donors could just drive through a facility that had been set up without having to join the queues or having to make contact with other people, as is usually the case at such camps. In a style reminiscent of the drive-in theatres of days gone by, only 50 cars, each with a maximum of four people, were allowed into the parking area of the Gandhi Hall, where a large stage had been set up for several individual artists and groups to give their performances. The funds raised were distributed to two local organisations that undertake various community initiatives. "We were initially sceptical about this new genre of entertainment meeting with support from the community of Lenasia, who are very used to Bollywood and other similar entertainment, but the fact that we were sold out within just a few hours of announcing the event showed that the community was yearning to have something like this on their doorstep. "Unfortunately, we had to turn away many more people because of the limitations of the COVID-19 regulations," Parbhucharan said.

Jazz festival ends year of celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary in South Africa

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