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Laser-guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&amp;S) Ahmednagar on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry said the ATGM successfully defeated a target located at 3 km during the tests.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO for the successful test-firing of the Laser-guided Anti Tank Guided Missile from MBT Arjun at KK Ranges.

"Congratulations to DRDO for successfully conducting test firing of Laser-Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile from MBT Arjun at KK Ranges (ACC&amp;S) in Ahmednagar. India is proud of Team DRDO, which is assiduously working towards reducing import dependency in the near future," Singh tweeted.

The missile has been developed by Armament Research &amp; Development Establishment (ARDE) Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) Pune, and Instruments Research &amp; Development Establishment (IRDE) Dehradun.

"Laser-guided ATGMs lock and track the targets with the help of laser designation to ensure precision hit accuracy. The missile employs a tandem HEAT warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles. It has been developed with multiple-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from gun of MBT Arjun," stated the release from Defence Ministry.

Laser-guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry on Wednesday.

Laser-guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry on Wednesday. The ministry said the ATGM successfully defeated a target located at 3 km during the tests.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO for the successful test-firing of the Laser-guided Anti Tank Guided Missile from MBT Arjun at KK Ranges. "Congratulations to DRDO for successfully conducting test firing of Laser-Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile from MBT Arjun at KK Ranges (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar. India is proud of Team DRDO, which is assiduously working towards reducing import dependency in the near future," Singh tweeted. The missile has been developed by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) Pune, and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) Dehradun. "Laser-guided ATGMs lock and track the targets with the help of laser designation to ensure precision hit accuracy. The missile employs a tandem HEAT warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles. It has been developed with multiple-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from gun of MBT Arjun," stated the release from Defence Ministry.

Laser-guided ATGM successfully test-fired, Rajnath Singh says India proud of DRDO

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country.&nbsp;

While the project will formally begin next year after tendering by Maldives government, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the airport earlier this week for assessment and initial survey. The AAI team is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and will submit it within 2 months.

The team also met with Maldives Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and officials from Maldive's Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.&nbsp;

The expansion of the airport includes-- an extension of the runway to 2200 metres which will allow A320s, Boeing 737s to land and up-gradation of terminals, fuel farms, cargo terminal, and fire station. India has extended line of credit of $ 800 million Line of Credit for the development of the project.

A release by the Indian mission in the Maldives said, "Transparency and partnership are cornerstone principles of Indian Line of Credit projects. ....Capacity building of local companies and officials will be a priority even while the project is being implemented to assure sustainability."

The project is expected to increase development in the northern Maldives, especially when it comes to drawing investment. Earlier this week India and Maldives announced a ferry service from Tuticorin and Cochin to Kulhudhuhfushi and Male. This will increase connectivity between the 2 countries but also increase economic activity in Northern Maldives where Kulhudhuhfushi is located. &nbsp;

India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, (expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale.&nbsp;

Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country.

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country. While the project will formally begin next year after tendering by Maldives government, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the airport earlier this week for assessment and initial survey. The AAI team is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and will submit it within 2 months. The team also met with Maldives Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and officials from Maldive's Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The expansion of the airport includes-- an extension of the runway to 2200 metres which will allow A320s, Boeing 737s to land and up-gradation of terminals, fuel farms, cargo terminal, and fire station. India has extended line of credit of $ 800 million Line of Credit for the development of the project. A release by the Indian mission in the Maldives said, "Transparency and partnership are cornerstone principles of Indian Line of Credit projects. ....Capacity building of local companies and officials will be a priority even while the project is being implemented to assure sustainability." The project is expected to increase development in the northern Maldives, especially when it comes to drawing investment. Earlier this week India and Maldives announced a ferry service from Tuticorin and Cochin to Kulhudhuhfushi and Male. This will increase connectivity between the 2 countries but also increase economic activity in Northern Maldives where Kulhudhuhfushi is located. India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, (expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale. Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Work on India supported expansion of Maldives's Hanimaadhoo airport to begin next year

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Paaniswami has written to Prime Minster Narendra Modi, requesting him to personally intervene and ensure that experts from Tamil Nadu are included in the committee that is meant to study the origin and evolution of Indian culture.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister’s letter expressed surprise on how the Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for this initiative happened to ignore experts from the Southern state.&nbsp;

It was pointed out that the committee had no representative from any of the Southern states, especially from Tamil Nadu, which has a glorious past and is home to the Dravidian civilization, which is a living and thriving culture in the South of India.&nbsp;

“The recent archaeological excavations in Keezhadi and other parts of Tamil Nadu reveal that the world-reputed Sangam era can now be dated back to as early as 6th century BCE. This places Tamil culture and language as one of the oldest surviving heritages in the world” the letter stated.&nbsp;

Referring to the Prime Minister’s Mamallapuram summit of September 2019, where he had visited the monuments and witnessed Tamil heritage, it was stressed that any chronicle of Indian history and culture would be incomplete without giving its rightful place to Tamil culture and language.&nbsp;

Seeking the Prime Minister’s personal intervention the Chief Minister had requested that the Ministry of Culture be directed to reconstitute the expert committee by inducting eminent scholars from Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

This particular 16-member committee announced by Prahlad Patel, Minister for culture, has drawn a lot of flak from academicians and political leaders alike. It has been pointed out that there are no women on the panel and that it did not include experts from southern states and the northeastern states.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Paaniswami has written to Prime Minster Narendra Modi, requesting him to personally intervene and ensure that experts from Tamil Nadu are included in the committee that is meant to study the origin and evolution of Indian culture.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Paaniswami has written to Prime Minster Narendra Modi, requesting him to personally intervene and ensure that experts from Tamil Nadu are included in the committee that is meant to study the origin and evolution of Indian culture. The Chief Minister’s letter expressed surprise on how the Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for this initiative happened to ignore experts from the Southern state. It was pointed out that the committee had no representative from any of the Southern states, especially from Tamil Nadu, which has a glorious past and is home to the Dravidian civilization, which is a living and thriving culture in the South of India. “The recent archaeological excavations in Keezhadi and other parts of Tamil Nadu reveal that the world-reputed Sangam era can now be dated back to as early as 6th century BCE. This places Tamil culture and language as one of the oldest surviving heritages in the world” the letter stated. Referring to the Prime Minister’s Mamallapuram summit of September 2019, where he had visited the monuments and witnessed Tamil heritage, it was stressed that any chronicle of Indian history and culture would be incomplete without giving its rightful place to Tamil culture and language. Seeking the Prime Minister’s personal intervention the Chief Minister had requested that the Ministry of Culture be directed to reconstitute the expert committee by inducting eminent scholars from Tamil Nadu. This particular 16-member committee announced by Prahlad Patel, Minister for culture, has drawn a lot of flak from academicians and political leaders alike. It has been pointed out that there are no women on the panel and that it did not include experts from southern states and the northeastern states.

Include experts from Tamil Nadu in panel studying Indian culture, Tamil Nadu CM writes to PM Modi 

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port.&nbsp;

The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar.

The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port"

India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line."

The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction &amp; Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port. The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan. The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar. The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port" India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan. MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line." The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction & Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

Iran's Shahid Beheshti built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo since 2018

Indian Government on Tuesday informed Rajya Sabha that 16 countries allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said that in addition to 16 countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians, there were 43 countries which provided visa-on-arrival facility and there were 36 countries that provided e-visa facility to Indians.

As per the information provided by the minister, these are the countries that provide visa-free travel to Indians.

<ol>
	<li>Barbados</li>
	<li>Bhutan</li>
	<li>Dominica&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Grenada&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Haiti</li>
	<li>Hong Kong SAR</li>
	<li>the Maldives</li>
	<li>Mauritius</li>
	<li>Montserrat</li>
	<li>Nepal</li>
	<li>Niue Island</li>
	<li>Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</li>
	<li>Samoa</li>
	<li>Senegal</li>
	<li>Serbia&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Trinidad and Tobago</li>
</ol>

As per the information given by the minister, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand were among the countries that provided e-visa to Indians.

Ease of travel with a particular passport also translates into 'power' of that passport. More a passport holder gets visa-free travel, more is considered to the power of the passport

Muraleedharan also said that the government was continuing its efforts to ensure that more and more countries in the world allowed visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. 
&nbsp;

Indian Government on Tuesday informed Rajya Sabha that 16 countries allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said that in addition to 16 countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians, there were 43 countries which provided visa-on-arrival facility and there were 36 countries that provided e-visa facility to Indians.

Indian Government on Tuesday informed Rajya Sabha that 16 countries allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said that in addition to 16 countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians, there were 43 countries which provided visa-on-arrival facility and there were 36 countries that provided e-visa facility to Indians. As per the information provided by the minister, these are the countries that provide visa-free travel to Indians. Barbados Bhutan Dominica Grenada Haiti Hong Kong SAR the Maldives Mauritius Montserrat Nepal Niue Island Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa Senegal Serbia Trinidad and Tobago As per the information given by the minister, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand were among the countries that provided e-visa to Indians. Ease of travel with a particular passport also translates into 'power' of that passport. More a passport holder gets visa-free travel, more is considered to the power of the passport Muraleedharan also said that the government was continuing its efforts to ensure that more and more countries in the world allowed visa-free travel to Indian passport holders.

Indian government says 16 countries allowed visa-free travel to Indians

After the sixth round of Senior Commanders' meeting, India and China on Tuesday said they had agreed to strengthen communication, refrain from sending more troops to the border and avoid actions that would worsen tensions between the two countries.

Both the countries issued a joint statement after the Military Commander-level meeting on September 21.

"The two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on stabilizing the situation along the LAC in the India-China border areas. They agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen communication on the ground, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation," the statement said.

"The two sides also agreed to hold the 7th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting as soon as possible, take practical measures to properly solve problems on the ground, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border area," it added.

The sixth Corps Commander-Level Meeting started on Monday at around 10 am and went on till 11 pm.

Sources had said that during the meeting India insisted that China should move back to the positions which existed before April-May 2020 timeframe in the eastern Ladakh sector.

They said China asked India to vacate the positions taken over by it on the south bank of Pangong Tso after August 29.

14 Corps Chief Lt Gen Harinder Singh and his likely successor Lt Gen PGK Menon along with a Joint Secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attended the meeting from the Indian side at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Corps Commanders of the two sides met after more than a month as both sides had been engaged in at least three firing incidents that have taken place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Corps Commanders met at the Moldo but opposite Chushul on the Indian side.

Prior to the meeting, the agenda and issues of the Indian side were discussed and finalised during a high-level meeting attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, last week on Friday.

The talks happened at a time when the Indian side has also occupied six major hill features which are helping the Indian Army to be in dominating positions on heights.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the sixth round of Senior Commanders' meeting, India and China on Tuesday said they had agreed to strengthen communication, refrain from sending more troops to the border and avoid actions that would worsen tensions between the two countries.

After the sixth round of Senior Commanders' meeting, India and China on Tuesday said they had agreed to strengthen communication, refrain from sending more troops to the border and avoid actions that would worsen tensions between the two countries. Both the countries issued a joint statement after the Military Commander-level meeting on September 21. "The two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on stabilizing the situation along the LAC in the India-China border areas. They agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen communication on the ground, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation," the statement said. "The two sides also agreed to hold the 7th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting as soon as possible, take practical measures to properly solve problems on the ground, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border area," it added. The sixth Corps Commander-Level Meeting started on Monday at around 10 am and went on till 11 pm. Sources had said that during the meeting India insisted that China should move back to the positions which existed before April-May 2020 timeframe in the eastern Ladakh sector. They said China asked India to vacate the positions taken over by it on the south bank of Pangong Tso after August 29. 14 Corps Chief Lt Gen Harinder Singh and his likely successor Lt Gen PGK Menon along with a Joint Secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attended the meeting from the Indian side at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Corps Commanders of the two sides met after more than a month as both sides had been engaged in at least three firing incidents that have taken place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Corps Commanders met at the Moldo but opposite Chushul on the Indian side. Prior to the meeting, the agenda and issues of the Indian side were discussed and finalised during a high-level meeting attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, last week on Friday. The talks happened at a time when the Indian side has also occupied six major hill features which are helping the Indian Army to be in dominating positions on heights. (With inputs from agencies)

Ladakh standoff: India, China agree not to send more troops to the frontline

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;

Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June. The first was with US Navy's USS Nimitz and then with the Russian Navy.&nbsp;

India and Australia in the last few months have increased cooperation, especially defence engagement. 
 
A Navy statement said, the exercises, “reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain."

Adding," The exercise, which is in keeping with the strong bond shared by the two navies, would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Australia defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in accordance with international regulations."

From the Australian side, HMAS Hobart will be present, from the Indian side-- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk will be present.

Indian Navy said, "The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations."

The exercises happening in the backdrop of COVID crisis will be ‘non-contact activity’ and would not involve any physical contact between the participating personnel of the two navies. Both navies have regular biennially AUSINDEX exercises.&nbsp;

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday. Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June.

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday. Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June. The first was with US Navy's USS Nimitz and then with the Russian Navy. India and Australia in the last few months have increased cooperation, especially defence engagement. A Navy statement said, the exercises, “reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain." Adding," The exercise, which is in keeping with the strong bond shared by the two navies, would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Australia defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in accordance with international regulations." From the Australian side, HMAS Hobart will be present, from the Indian side-- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk will be present. Indian Navy said, "The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations." The exercises happening in the backdrop of COVID crisis will be ‘non-contact activity’ and would not involve any physical contact between the participating personnel of the two navies. Both navies have regular biennially AUSINDEX exercises.

Indian, Australian navies to undertake PASSEX exercises in Indian Ocean

In a first, Chennai Air Customs officials have seized synthetic drug tablets that have come in from France. Based on intelligence, officials had detained a postal parcel suspected to contain narcotics substance, which arrived from at the Foreign Post Office. On examination it was found to contain MDMA tablets worth Rs 4 lakhs.&nbsp;

The parcel which contained a plastic pouch carried pink-colored tablets suspected to be MDMA, a narcotic substance. This particular variant of the tablet is known as ‘ACAB Pig’. ACAB is an acronym of a derogatory term and is used as a slogan used in protests, graffiti, tattoos and other imagery. The pills themselves were in the shape of a cartoon pig. Senior officials said that this was the first time that this variant of MDMA pills were being seized, that too from France.&nbsp;

Reports from the UK state that authorities urge public to exercise extra caution with such pills which are shaped like cartoons. This is done as children may chance upon the harmful substances by accident and consume them considering them to be sweets. There have been many instances where such pills with a cartoon shape have been seized in various countries.&nbsp;

130 MDMA pills valued at 5445USD or Rs 4 lakhs were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The seized tablets contain around 250mg of MDMA which is a very high dose. The parcel arrived from Poulainville, a town in Northern France and was consigned to an address in Chennai city. Searches at the apartment did not yield results are the apartment was locked and was said to have been unoccupied since the lockdown.

In a first, Chennai Air Customs officials have seized synthetic drug tablets that have come in from France. Based on intelligence, officials had detained a postal parcel suspected to contain narcotics substance, which arrived from at the Foreign Post Office.

In a first, Chennai Air Customs officials have seized synthetic drug tablets that have come in from France. Based on intelligence, officials had detained a postal parcel suspected to contain narcotics substance, which arrived from at the Foreign Post Office. On examination it was found to contain MDMA tablets worth Rs 4 lakhs. The parcel which contained a plastic pouch carried pink-colored tablets suspected to be MDMA, a narcotic substance. This particular variant of the tablet is known as ‘ACAB Pig’. ACAB is an acronym of a derogatory term and is used as a slogan used in protests, graffiti, tattoos and other imagery. The pills themselves were in the shape of a cartoon pig. Senior officials said that this was the first time that this variant of MDMA pills were being seized, that too from France. Reports from the UK state that authorities urge public to exercise extra caution with such pills which are shaped like cartoons. This is done as children may chance upon the harmful substances by accident and consume them considering them to be sweets. There have been many instances where such pills with a cartoon shape have been seized in various countries. 130 MDMA pills valued at 5445USD or Rs 4 lakhs were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The seized tablets contain around 250mg of MDMA which is a very high dose. The parcel arrived from Poulainville, a town in Northern France and was consigned to an address in Chennai city. Searches at the apartment did not yield results are the apartment was locked and was said to have been unoccupied since the lockdown.

MDMA pills from France with derogatory sign ‘ACAB’ seized at Chennai, worth $5445

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly&nbsp;on Tuesday.

During his address, he said, "the Kashmir conflict which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia is still a burning issue."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-strong-exception-to-turkish-president-erdogans-comments-on-kashmir-280785">India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir&nbsp;</a>

"We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-proposed-ankara-visit-called-off-over-erdogans-kashmir-stance-256934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
The prime Security Council directive on Kashmir, Resolution 47, called for Pakistan to remove its troops and personnel from the region as the first step and a pre-condition for a referendum. 
 
Islamabad has rejected it and continued its occupation allowing for India to settle the matter through elections in Kashmir. 
 
Erdogan avoided naming India directly, while he had named countries in many of the conflicts from Azerbaijan to Armenia that he spoke about.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/news-update-breaking-Turkey-President-Erdogan-rakes-up-Kashmir-issue-in-Pakistan-Parliament">Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament</a>

At last year's high-level meeting of the General Assembly, only Erdogan and Mahatir Mohammed, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, joined Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk about Kashmir. 
 
While he condemned terrorism in other parts of the world, Erdogan was silent on the terrorism directed against India. 
 
In his attempt to challenge the Saudi leadership of the Islamic nations, he criticised attempts to bring about reconciliation with Israel, but did not directly mention the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which recently set up diplomatic resolution with Israel, with the apparent approval of Riyadh. 
 
"Participation of some countries of the region in this game does not mean anything beyond serving Israel`s efforts to erode basic international parameters," Erdogan said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

Erdogan also called for "sincere" dialogue to settle the growing row with Greece over Ankara's energy search in the eastern Mediterranean,&nbsp;rejecting "harassment".

NATO members Turkey and Greece have been at odds over rights to potential hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean and the extent of their continental shelves.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. During his address, he said, "the Kashmir conflict which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia is still a burning issue." Also read: India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir "We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," he added. The prime Security Council directive on Kashmir, Resolution 47, called for Pakistan to remove its troops and personnel from the region as the first step and a pre-condition for a referendum. Islamabad has rejected it and continued its occupation allowing for India to settle the matter through elections in Kashmir. Erdogan avoided naming India directly, while he had named countries in many of the conflicts from Azerbaijan to Armenia that he spoke about. Also read: Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament At last year's high-level meeting of the General Assembly, only Erdogan and Mahatir Mohammed, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, joined Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk about Kashmir. While he condemned terrorism in other parts of the world, Erdogan was silent on the terrorism directed against India. In his attempt to challenge the Saudi leadership of the Islamic nations, he criticised attempts to bring about reconciliation with Israel, but did not directly mention the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which recently set up diplomatic resolution with Israel, with the apparent approval of Riyadh. "Participation of some countries of the region in this game does not mean anything beyond serving Israel`s efforts to erode basic international parameters," Erdogan said. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea Erdogan also called for "sincere" dialogue to settle the growing row with Greece over Ankara's energy search in the eastern Mediterranean, rejecting "harassment". NATO members Turkey and Greece have been at odds over rights to potential hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean and the extent of their continental shelves. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner."

Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will."

The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building.

India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes.

EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play."

Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings.&nbsp;

The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local. He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner." Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will." The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building. India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes. EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play." Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings. The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India offers Africa an honest partnership: EAM Dr S Jaishankar 

Amid tensions along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control(LAC)</a>, Indian and Chinese corps commanders met on Monday at 10 am and the meeting lasted for 13 hours, reports said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/army-commanders-of-india-china-hold-sixth-round-of-talks-on-border-standoff-329202/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

14 corps chief Lt Gen Harinder Singh and Lt Gen PGK Menon along with a joint secretary from the MEA represented the Indian side at Moldo on the Chinese side of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lac-standoff-india-china-to-hold-sixth-round-of-corps-commander-level-talks-on-monday-328981">LAC</a>. The MEA was represented by joint secretary East Naveen Srivastava.&nbsp;

It was the sixth commander-level meeting between the two sides this year ever since the tensions between the two nations increased in May. Indian and Chinese corps commanders had earlier met on June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 &amp; August 2.

India and Chinese troops had clashed at Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although China hasn't admitted to casualties but the state-run Global Times admitted to casualties by the PLA.

The latest talks between the commanders of the two nations are the first since the Moscow pact which emphasised on reducing tensions through dialogue and disengagement.

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Indian and Chinese corps commanders met on Monday at 10 am and the meeting lasted for 13 hours, reports said.

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Indian and Chinese corps commanders met on Monday at 10 am and the meeting lasted for 13 hours, reports said. Watch: 14 corps chief Lt Gen Harinder Singh and Lt Gen PGK Menon along with a joint secretary from the MEA represented the Indian side at Moldo on the Chinese side of LAC. The MEA was represented by joint secretary East Naveen Srivastava. It was the sixth commander-level meeting between the two sides this year ever since the tensions between the two nations increased in May. Indian and Chinese corps commanders had earlier met on June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 & August 2. India and Chinese troops had clashed at Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although China hasn't admitted to casualties but the state-run Global Times admitted to casualties by the PLA. The latest talks between the commanders of the two nations are the first since the Moscow pact which emphasised on reducing tensions through dialogue and disengagement.

India-China standoff: India, China corps commander-level talks went on for 13 hours

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a legislation that provides for up to seven years in jail for those attacking healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus or during any situation akin to the current pandemic.

The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020, will replace an ordinance issued in April by the government. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the bill on Saturday.

With the Lok Sabha giving its nod, it will soon become an act, which is going to amend 123-year-old legislation.

The government had brought the ordinance on April 22 to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, to make incidents of violence on health workers treating COVID-19 patients a non-bailable offence, with provisions of a penalty and a jail term of up to seven years.

The bill intends to ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero-tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare personnel and damage to property.

Under the proposed act, the commission or abetment of such violence will be punishable with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years and with a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000.

In case of causing grievous hurt, the imprisonment shall be for a term of six months to seven years and with a fine of Rs 1-5 lakh.

Replying to a debate on the bill in the lower House, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said this was a empowering legislation and states could make additions to the act.

The ordinance has given a very strong message to perpetrators of violence against medical professionals and health workers during the pandemic, Vardhan said.

"We have all noticed that there has been a dramatic decline in the incidents of violence against health workers all over the country," he said.

Vardhan explained that the ordinance had to be brought as incidents of harassment and violence against health workers were rising amid a lack of awareness about coronavirus.

"Everyone was feeling sad and bad. That was the time the government thought of taking a proactive step. When the government reviewed, it found there were minimal laws and powers in some states. There was a need to have a central law to put in place a prohibitory mechanism to stop such activities," Vardhan said.

With regard to certain objections raised by members from opposition parties regarding some legal flaws in the bill, he said the bill had been drafted after taking legal opinion.

Adhir Chowdhury of the Congress said it seemed that the government had brought the Bill in haste as certain provisions were an area of concern.

As the saying goes, "haste makes waste", he said, adding: "I would request the government to send the bill to the standing committee and a comprehensive legislation should be brought in."

Under the bill, there is a provision that says the offender would be presumed to be guilty of the offence unless proved otherwise by the accused defender, Chowdhury said, adding that this was in complete deviation from the principles of the country's criminal law.

Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD and Kalyan Banerjee of the TMC also raised legal lacuna in the bill and wanted the government to consider changes.

The health minister said "our government from the last 3-4 years is working on a National Public Health Act to comprehensively deal with issues related to biological emergencies".

Subhash Bhamre of the BJP said healthcare workers should be allowed to work in an environment free of abuse. He said 68,000 healthcare workers had tested positive for coronavirus so far and 500 doctors had lost their lives due to the infection.

Bhamre said when doctors were working round the clock, donning PPEs, which makes it difficult to work, and without caring for their lives, the healthcare workers should get the respect they deserve.

T Sumathy Thangapandian of the DMK said the bill talked about violence against healthcare personnel during the pandemic, asking what would be the case after the pandemic ended.

Kalyan Banerjee said West Bengal already had a legislation that provides protection to healthcare workers. He said the states should be authorised to take a decision on the punishment.

K Suresh of the Congress cited various instances when healthcare workers and doctors were attacked during the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a legislation that provides for up to seven years in jail for those attacking healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus or during any situation akin to the current pandemic.

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a legislation that provides for up to seven years in jail for those attacking healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus or during any situation akin to the current pandemic. The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020, will replace an ordinance issued in April by the government. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the bill on Saturday. With the Lok Sabha giving its nod, it will soon become an act, which is going to amend 123-year-old legislation. The government had brought the ordinance on April 22 to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, to make incidents of violence on health workers treating COVID-19 patients a non-bailable offence, with provisions of a penalty and a jail term of up to seven years. The bill intends to ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero-tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare personnel and damage to property. Under the proposed act, the commission or abetment of such violence will be punishable with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years and with a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000. In case of causing grievous hurt, the imprisonment shall be for a term of six months to seven years and with a fine of Rs 1-5 lakh. Replying to a debate on the bill in the lower House, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said this was a empowering legislation and states could make additions to the act. The ordinance has given a very strong message to perpetrators of violence against medical professionals and health workers during the pandemic, Vardhan said. "We have all noticed that there has been a dramatic decline in the incidents of violence against health workers all over the country," he said. Vardhan explained that the ordinance had to be brought as incidents of harassment and violence against health workers were rising amid a lack of awareness about coronavirus. "Everyone was feeling sad and bad. That was the time the government thought of taking a proactive step. When the government reviewed, it found there were minimal laws and powers in some states. There was a need to have a central law to put in place a prohibitory mechanism to stop such activities," Vardhan said. With regard to certain objections raised by members from opposition parties regarding some legal flaws in the bill, he said the bill had been drafted after taking legal opinion. Adhir Chowdhury of the Congress said it seemed that the government had brought the Bill in haste as certain provisions were an area of concern. As the saying goes, "haste makes waste", he said, adding: "I would request the government to send the bill to the standing committee and a comprehensive legislation should be brought in." Under the bill, there is a provision that says the offender would be presumed to be guilty of the offence unless proved otherwise by the accused defender, Chowdhury said, adding that this was in complete deviation from the principles of the country's criminal law. Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJD and Kalyan Banerjee of the TMC also raised legal lacuna in the bill and wanted the government to consider changes. The health minister said "our government from the last 3-4 years is working on a National Public Health Act to comprehensively deal with issues related to biological emergencies". Subhash Bhamre of the BJP said healthcare workers should be allowed to work in an environment free of abuse. He said 68,000 healthcare workers had tested positive for coronavirus so far and 500 doctors had lost their lives due to the infection. Bhamre said when doctors were working round the clock, donning PPEs, which makes it difficult to work, and without caring for their lives, the healthcare workers should get the respect they deserve. T Sumathy Thangapandian of the DMK said the bill talked about violence against healthcare personnel during the pandemic, asking what would be the case after the pandemic ended. Kalyan Banerjee said West Bengal already had a legislation that provides protection to healthcare workers. He said the states should be authorised to take a decision on the punishment. K Suresh of the Congress cited various instances when healthcare workers and doctors were attacked during the pandemic.

India's parliament passes bill to punish those attacking healthcare workers

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-nations-faces-crisis-of-confidence-pm-modi-in-unga-address-329308">Also Read:&nbsp;United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address</a>

Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism."

"Pakistan is a country which is globally recognized epicentre of terrorism, which by its own admission harbours and trains terrorists and hails them as martyrs, and consistently persecutes its ethnic and religious minorities," Maitra asserted.

Pakistan while speaking at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations had raked Kashmir and first secretary's statement was India's right of reply to the statement.

Vidisha while rejecting the references made by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Our delegation had hoped that during this solemn commemoration of a shared global milestone, the General Assembly would be spared another repetition of the baseless falsehoods that have now become a trademark of Pakistan’s interventions on such platforms."

For a nation that is bereft of milestones, one can only expect a stonewalled and stymied approach to reason, diplomacy and dialogue. What we heard today is the never-ending fabricated narrative presented by the Pakistani representative about the internal affairs of India," India's first secretary at Indian mission to UN added.&nbsp;

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism. Also Read: United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism.

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism. Also Read: United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism." "Pakistan is a country which is globally recognized epicentre of terrorism, which by its own admission harbours and trains terrorists and hails them as martyrs, and consistently persecutes its ethnic and religious minorities," Maitra asserted. Pakistan while speaking at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations had raked Kashmir and first secretary's statement was India's right of reply to the statement. Vidisha while rejecting the references made by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Our delegation had hoped that during this solemn commemoration of a shared global milestone, the General Assembly would be spared another repetition of the baseless falsehoods that have now become a trademark of Pakistan’s interventions on such platforms." For a nation that is bereft of milestones, one can only expect a stonewalled and stymied approach to reason, diplomacy and dialogue. What we heard today is the never-ending fabricated narrative presented by the Pakistani representative about the internal affairs of India," India's first secretary at Indian mission to UN added.

India slams Pakistan at UN, says it is globally recognised epicentre of terrorism

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall.&nbsp;

PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.

"We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said.

PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021.

As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare."

He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end.

India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges.

There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council.

India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.

In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago.

"Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council."

Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world."

He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family.

Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor.

India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades.

India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall. PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare. "We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said. PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021. As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare." He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end. India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges. There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council. India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago. "Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council." Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world." He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family. Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor. India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades. India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. (with inputs from agencies)

United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address

After unveiling a new political map that claimed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of India's Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory, Nepal government has issued a book as study material for Nepal's political geography for its higher secondary school students.&nbsp;

The book dwells on border disputes, mainly with the India in a move that could further shrink the space for bilateral talks.

The move caused outrage in India because it included Indian Territory in Nepal’s map.

The book, titled Nepalko Bhubhaag Ra Seemasambandhi Swadhyay Samagri (Nepal’s territory and reading materials for border issues) is far more than an academic misadventure.

The new book is&nbsp;for the 9th and 12th classes have a preface written by Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel.

Nepal in May released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the three strategically important areas in Uttarakhand, more than six months after India published a new map in November 2019.

Following the endorsement of the new map by the Nepal Cabinet, then government spokesperson and Finance Minister Yuvaraj Khatiwada told the media that the government had decided to update the schedule of the Constitution and school curriculum incorporating the new political map. India in its response said that it had already made its position clear on it.

The India-Nepal bilateral ties came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.

(With inputs from agencies)

After unveiling a new political map that claimed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of India's Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory, Nepal government has issued a book as study material for Nepal's political geography for its higher secondary school students.

After unveiling a new political map that claimed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of India's Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory, Nepal government has issued a book as study material for Nepal's political geography for its higher secondary school students. The book dwells on border disputes, mainly with the India in a move that could further shrink the space for bilateral talks. The move caused outrage in India because it included Indian Territory in Nepal’s map. The book, titled Nepalko Bhubhaag Ra Seemasambandhi Swadhyay Samagri (Nepal’s territory and reading materials for border issues) is far more than an academic misadventure. The new book is for the 9th and 12th classes have a preface written by Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel. Nepal in May released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the three strategically important areas in Uttarakhand, more than six months after India published a new map in November 2019. Following the endorsement of the new map by the Nepal Cabinet, then government spokesperson and Finance Minister Yuvaraj Khatiwada told the media that the government had decided to update the schedule of the Constitution and school curriculum incorporating the new political map. India in its response said that it had already made its position clear on it. The India-Nepal bilateral ties came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal publishes anti-India school book with revised map

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable.

Justice Navin Chawla said prima facie Delhi government's September 13 order is "arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of fundamental rights of citizens&nbsp;guaranteed under the Constitution".

The court issued notices and sought responses of the Delhi government and the Centre on a plea by 'Association of Healthcare Providers' to quash the order to reserve 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients.

"Prima facie the order appears to be arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution. The operation of the order shall remain stayed till the next date of the hearing,"&nbsp;the court said.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on October 16.

The association said the 33 hospitals are its members and the Delhi government's order shall be quashed as it was passed in an irrational manner.

Delhi government however defended its decision saying it is only for 33 hospitals and 20 per cent ICU beds remain for the non-COVID-19 serious patients and it has been done keeping in view the sudden spike in cases of the virus.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable. Justice Navin Chawla said prima facie Delhi government's September 13 order is "arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution". The court issued notices and sought responses of the Delhi government and the Centre on a plea by 'Association of Healthcare Providers' to quash the order to reserve 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients. "Prima facie the order appears to be arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution. The operation of the order shall remain stayed till the next date of the hearing," the court said. The court listed the matter for further hearing on October 16. The association said the 33 hospitals are its members and the Delhi government's order shall be quashed as it was passed in an irrational manner. Delhi government however defended its decision saying it is only for 33 hospitals and 20 per cent ICU beds remain for the non-COVID-19 serious patients and it has been done keeping in view the sudden spike in cases of the virus.

High Court stays Delhi govt's decision to reserve 80% ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in 33 pvt hospitals

Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees.

The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in March.

Nishank said there are 25 IIITs in the country, of which five are run by the Union government and 15 operate under the public-private-partnership model.

"We have brought the proposal before this House to bring five new operational institutes, which are located and have started operations in Surat (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhagalpur (Bihar), Agartala (Tripura) and Raichur (Karnataka), under this legislation," Nishank said.

Bringing the five new IIITs under this law will make them institutes of national importance and they will have the legal right to grant diplomas, degrees, and PhDs, he said.

The institutes were hitherto registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and did not have the power to award degrees or diplomas.

The bill will also enable the institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base in the field of information technology. The five IIITs, set up on the PPP model, can now use the nomenclature B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD.

During a debate on the bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP lawmaker Kamakhya Prasad Tasa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Nishank for including the institute in Agartala in the bill. BJD's Sasmit Patra too supported the bill.

V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP said including more institutes in the new law will help students in getting jobs. He urged the government to make India a global education hub and also asked it to consider setting up another IIIT in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

RCP Singh of JD(U) suggested standardisation of all IIITs and creating a faculty pool for all such institutes.

However, raising concerns over the fee structure, K Ravindra Kumar of TDP said all new IIITs are under PPP model and students have to bear all expenses. He said he wondered how the meritorious but poor students would afford it.

He also raised the issue of quality in higher technical education and asked whether there is any provision of quality assessment.

Replying to the members, the education minister said technology is one of the high priority areas for this government and it is enhancing the adoption of technology across the sector to raise productivity and standards.

"The New Education Policy along with technology would strengthen the foundation of the New India," he said. He said the government has given priority to the Northeast in this bill.

"In IIITs, the Government of India contributes 50 per cent and the rest 35 per cent and 15 per cent are from the respective state governments and the industry. While in the case of the Northeast, 50 per cent sum of the industry participation is taken care of by the Government of India," he said.

On making India an education hub, Nishank said more than 1,000 students from ASEAN countries come for research in IITs.

The bill amends the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017.

Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees.

Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in March. Nishank said there are 25 IIITs in the country, of which five are run by the Union government and 15 operate under the public-private-partnership model. "We have brought the proposal before this House to bring five new operational institutes, which are located and have started operations in Surat (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhagalpur (Bihar), Agartala (Tripura) and Raichur (Karnataka), under this legislation," Nishank said. Bringing the five new IIITs under this law will make them institutes of national importance and they will have the legal right to grant diplomas, degrees, and PhDs, he said. The institutes were hitherto registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and did not have the power to award degrees or diplomas. The bill will also enable the institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base in the field of information technology. The five IIITs, set up on the PPP model, can now use the nomenclature B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD. During a debate on the bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP lawmaker Kamakhya Prasad Tasa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Nishank for including the institute in Agartala in the bill. BJD's Sasmit Patra too supported the bill. V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP said including more institutes in the new law will help students in getting jobs. He urged the government to make India a global education hub and also asked it to consider setting up another IIIT in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. RCP Singh of JD(U) suggested standardisation of all IIITs and creating a faculty pool for all such institutes. However, raising concerns over the fee structure, K Ravindra Kumar of TDP said all new IIITs are under PPP model and students have to bear all expenses. He said he wondered how the meritorious but poor students would afford it. He also raised the issue of quality in higher technical education and asked whether there is any provision of quality assessment. Replying to the members, the education minister said technology is one of the high priority areas for this government and it is enhancing the adoption of technology across the sector to raise productivity and standards. "The New Education Policy along with technology would strengthen the foundation of the New India," he said. He said the government has given priority to the Northeast in this bill. "In IIITs, the Government of India contributes 50 per cent and the rest 35 per cent and 15 per cent are from the respective state governments and the industry. While in the case of the Northeast, 50 per cent sum of the industry participation is taken care of by the Government of India," he said. On making India an education hub, Nishank said more than 1,000 students from ASEAN countries come for research in IITs. The bill amends the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017.

Parliament passes bill giving national importance tag to five new IIITs

Indian Parliament has passed two of the three agriculture related bills amid ruckus and protest by opposition. New law to end the role of middlemen in the farming sector.

Indian Parliament passed two agriculture related bills amid ruckus by opposition

As tensions between India and China see no end, Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets have conducted some “familiarization sorties” around the Line of Actual Control (LAC)&nbsp;in a bid to keep regular surveillance over the movement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

According to a report published in The Times of India, the five Rafales, which were formally inducted into service at the Ambala airbase on September 10, have conducted some “familiarization sorties” in Ladakh in recent days.

The IAF is overall boosting the combat readiness in view of “provocative actions” by Chinese troops including the three incidents of shots being fired in the air in the last three weeks.

The news agency ANI has reported that six new major hill features have been occupied by the Indian Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the past three weeks.

This has allowed our troops to have an edge over the Chinese troops in those areas. These hill features, the sources said, were lying dormant.

Meanwhile, The sixth round of Corps Commander talks between the armies of India and China is scheduled to be held on Monday with a sole focus on the implementation of a five-point agreement reached between the two countries on disengagement of troops and de-escalation of the volatile situation in eastern Ladakh, government sources said on Sunday.

The talks are set to start at 9 AM at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, they said.

For the first time, a joint secretary-level officer from the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to be part of the Indian delegation, the sources said, adding India is looking for some concrete outcome from the dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies)

As tensions between India and China see no end, Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets have conducted some “familiarization sorties” around the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a bid to keep regular surveillance over the movement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

As tensions between India and China see no end, Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets have conducted some “familiarization sorties” around the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a bid to keep regular surveillance over the movement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). According to a report published in The Times of India, the five Rafales, which were formally inducted into service at the Ambala airbase on September 10, have conducted some “familiarization sorties” in Ladakh in recent days. The IAF is overall boosting the combat readiness in view of “provocative actions” by Chinese troops including the three incidents of shots being fired in the air in the last three weeks. The news agency ANI has reported that six new major hill features have been occupied by the Indian Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the past three weeks. This has allowed our troops to have an edge over the Chinese troops in those areas. These hill features, the sources said, were lying dormant. Meanwhile, The sixth round of Corps Commander talks between the armies of India and China is scheduled to be held on Monday with a sole focus on the implementation of a five-point agreement reached between the two countries on disengagement of troops and de-escalation of the volatile situation in eastern Ladakh, government sources said on Sunday. The talks are set to start at 9 AM at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, they said. For the first time, a joint secretary-level officer from the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to be part of the Indian delegation, the sources said, adding India is looking for some concrete outcome from the dialogue. (With inputs from agencies)

India occupies six new major heights along LAC, Rafales conduct 'familiarisation sorties'

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said.

The proposal envisages that the existing helicopter strip in Kishtwar will be further extended to make it viable for aircraft landing. The airport at Kishtwar would cater to the entire region, according to a statement.

Addressing the event, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed airport would lead to ease of travel, besides boosting tourism and trade.

The MoU was signed by Rashtriya Rifles' Sector 9 Commander Brigadier Vikram Bhan and Civil Aviation Commissioner S Katoch in the presence Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha through video conference here at the Raj Bhawan, a spokesperson said.

Northern Command Commander Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and Lt Gen. Harsha Gupta, who is the commander of the 16 Corps, was also present.

The Lt governor said the aerodrome, whose operationalisation was pending since 2018, would provide a vital connectivity to the Kishtwar even during the severe winter conditions and for medical and other emergencies.

The airdrome at the district, which lies at more than 210 km from the nearest airport in Jammu, would reduce the time taken to travel between the two from eight hours to less than 30 minutes, the Lt governor said.

Sinha highlighted that the airport would benefit around 2.50 lakh people of the district and would give a fillip to the socio-economic development of the region.

Singh, who is the Udhampur MP, said he had proposed to the Airports Authority of India and the defence authorities that the airstrip at Udhampur might also be permitted for civilian use.

The Kishtwar airport, according to Singh, would also expedite the work on two major power projects,&nbsp;Pakal Dul and Keru. 
Singh said he had first initiated the proposal about three years back to develop an airport at Kishtwar.

However, there were certain constraints and issues since the land adjoining the existing airstrip was in the possession of the defence authorities, according to the statement.

A series of meetings between the defence authorities and the Civil Aviation Ministry were organised by Singh over the past several months in New Delhi before an amicable agreement could be arrived at, it added.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for development and operationalisation of an airstrip in Kishtwar district, an official said. The proposal envisages that the existing helicopter strip in Kishtwar will be further extended to make it viable for aircraft landing. The airport at Kishtwar would cater to the entire region, according to a statement. Addressing the event, Union minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed airport would lead to ease of travel, besides boosting tourism and trade. The MoU was signed by Rashtriya Rifles' Sector 9 Commander Brigadier Vikram Bhan and Civil Aviation Commissioner S Katoch in the presence Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha through video conference here at the Raj Bhawan, a spokesperson said. Northern Command Commander Lieutenant General Y K Joshi and Lt Gen. Harsha Gupta, who is the commander of the 16 Corps, was also present. The Lt governor said the aerodrome, whose operationalisation was pending since 2018, would provide a vital connectivity to the Kishtwar even during the severe winter conditions and for medical and other emergencies. The airdrome at the district, which lies at more than 210 km from the nearest airport in Jammu, would reduce the time taken to travel between the two from eight hours to less than 30 minutes, the Lt governor said. Sinha highlighted that the airport would benefit around 2.50 lakh people of the district and would give a fillip to the socio-economic development of the region. Singh, who is the Udhampur MP, said he had proposed to the Airports Authority of India and the defence authorities that the airstrip at Udhampur might also be permitted for civilian use. The Kishtwar airport, according to Singh, would also expedite the work on two major power projects, Pakal Dul and Keru. Singh said he had first initiated the proposal about three years back to develop an airport at Kishtwar. However, there were certain constraints and issues since the land adjoining the existing airstrip was in the possession of the defence authorities, according to the statement. A series of meetings between the defence authorities and the Civil Aviation Ministry were organised by Singh over the past several months in New Delhi before an amicable agreement could be arrived at, it added.

Jammu and Kashmir administration signs MoU with Army to operationalise Kishtwar airstrip

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.12 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 54,87,580, while the death toll climbed to 87,882 with the infection claiming 1,130 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to coronavirus has further declined to 1.6 per cent. There are 10,03,299 active cases in the country as of now, which comprises 18.28 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 6,43,92,594 samples have been tested up to September 20, with 7,31,534 samples being tested on Monday.

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.12 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 54,87,580, while the death toll climbed to 87,882 with the infection claiming 1,130 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to coronavirus has further declined to 1.6 per cent. There are 10,03,299 active cases in the country as of now, which comprises 18.28 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 6,43,92,594 samples have been tested up to September 20, with 7,31,534 samples being tested on Monday.

India coronavirus tally reaches 54,87,580; death toll mounts to 87,882

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP&nbsp;

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers.&nbsp; 
 
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The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills.

MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies.

The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21.

The Government of India increased the minimum support prices for six rabi crops following protests by farmers and lawmakers over apprehensions that the new farm bills passed by the government would end the MSP The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has increased the MSP for wheat by Rs 50 per quintal to Rs 1,975, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in Parliament on September 21. Narendra Singh Tomar said, "MSP was offered to farmers before, is in force now, and will remain in force in the future and government procurement will continue," adding that the government has not only increased MSP but also increased procurement at MSP to ensure remunerative prices to farmers. The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that MSP for farm products will continue under the new legislations, allaying farmers concerns that the practice may come to an end following the passage of the bills. MSP is a price at which the government procures crops from farmers, when the market prices fall below it due to high supplies. The MSP of wheat has been hiked by Rs50 per quintal to Rs1, 975 per quintal, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. MSP of gram has been hiked at an annual growth rate of 8.3%, MSP of rapeseed and mustard has been hiked by 7 %, and that of barley has been increased by 5.7%. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre hikes Minimum Support Price on rabi crops amid protests on Farm Bills

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue.

Last week, it came to light that the daughter of Pritam Singh, Bulbul Kaur has been abducted and being converted forcibly. Pritam Singh is the head Granthi of Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Panja Sahib located in Pakistan's Hasan Abdal is considered an important Sikh place of worship since it has the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak.

A candlelight march will take place near Pakistan high commission in Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the development. Around 50 Sikh ladies will be part of the candlelight march.

Earlier conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur to Ayesha Bibi had rocked the Sikh community in Pakistan. A court had ruled that Jagjit should go with her "husband" Muhammad Hassan. Hassan says Jagjit alias "Ayesha bibi" married to him on her own accord which has been disputed by her family.

Jagjit Kaur is the daughter of the Granthi of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, one of the holiest Sikh places of worship since it is the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism-- Guru Nanak.

9 family members of "converted" Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur from Pakistan's Nankana Sahib had written to authorities asking them to make a passport for them as they want to leave the country.

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2020 report has taken note of forced conversation of girls from minority Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities in Pakistan and how local police has been often complicit to it. The Sikh community in the country has reported more than 55 such instances of abductions and forced conversions in the past few months.

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue.

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue. Last week, it came to light that the daughter of Pritam Singh, Bulbul Kaur has been abducted and being converted forcibly. Pritam Singh is the head Granthi of Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Panja Sahib located in Pakistan's Hasan Abdal is considered an important Sikh place of worship since it has the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. A candlelight march will take place near Pakistan high commission in Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the development. Around 50 Sikh ladies will be part of the candlelight march. Earlier conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur to Ayesha Bibi had rocked the Sikh community in Pakistan. A court had ruled that Jagjit should go with her "husband" Muhammad Hassan. Hassan says Jagjit alias "Ayesha bibi" married to him on her own accord which has been disputed by her family. Jagjit Kaur is the daughter of the Granthi of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, one of the holiest Sikh places of worship since it is the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism-- Guru Nanak. 9 family members of "converted" Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur from Pakistan's Nankana Sahib had written to authorities asking them to make a passport for them as they want to leave the country. United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2020 report has taken note of forced conversation of girls from minority Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities in Pakistan and how local police has been often complicit to it. The Sikh community in the country has reported more than 55 such instances of abductions and forced conversions in the past few months.

India raises the issue of abduction of Sikh girl with Pakistan

The 6th military-level talks will take place on Monday over the India-China standoff. India to push for disengagement by China. Watch this video to know more.

Army commanders of India, China hold sixth round of talks on border standoff

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections.

The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site. It usually draws seven million visitors a year, but has been closed since March.

India, home to 1.3 billion people and some of the world's most crowded cities, has recorded more than 5.4 million Covid cases. Around 100,000 new infections and over 1,000 deaths are reported almost daily for the last few days.

But in face of a falling GDP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more in favour of kickstarting economic activities.

The Modi government, in recent months, has eased more and more restrictions including on many train routes, domestic flights, markets, and restaurants.

Officials say that when the Taj Mahal reopens, strict social distancing rules will be imposed and daily visitor numbers will be capped at 5,000 -- a quarter the normal rate. Tickets can only be bought online.

Meanwhile, many experts say that even though India is testing more than a million people per day, this is still not enough and the true number of cases may be much higher than officially reported.

The same goes for deaths, which currently stand at more than 86,000, with many fatalities not properly recorded even in normal times in one of the world's worst-funded healthcare systems.

There is however some resistance to Modi's unlocking of the world's second-most populated country, which saw its economy contract by almost a quarter between April and June.

Schools were meant to resume Monday on a voluntary basis for students aged 14 to 17, but many Indian states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have said it is still too soon.

Elsewhere schools are refusing to open or parents are wary of sending their children in. 
&nbsp;

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections. The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site.

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections. The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site. It usually draws seven million visitors a year, but has been closed since March. India, home to 1.3 billion people and some of the world's most crowded cities, has recorded more than 5.4 million Covid cases. Around 100,000 new infections and over 1,000 deaths are reported almost daily for the last few days. But in face of a falling GDP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more in favour of kickstarting economic activities. The Modi government, in recent months, has eased more and more restrictions including on many train routes, domestic flights, markets, and restaurants. Officials say that when the Taj Mahal reopens, strict social distancing rules will be imposed and daily visitor numbers will be capped at 5,000 -- a quarter the normal rate. Tickets can only be bought online. Meanwhile, many experts say that even though India is testing more than a million people per day, this is still not enough and the true number of cases may be much higher than officially reported. The same goes for deaths, which currently stand at more than 86,000, with many fatalities not properly recorded even in normal times in one of the world's worst-funded healthcare systems. There is however some resistance to Modi's unlocking of the world's second-most populated country, which saw its economy contract by almost a quarter between April and June. Schools were meant to resume Monday on a voluntary basis for students aged 14 to 17, but many Indian states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have said it is still too soon. Elsewhere schools are refusing to open or parents are wary of sending their children in.

Taj Mahal reopens even as India's COVID tally soars

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships.

Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would, in effect, be the first set of women airborne tacticians in India who would operate from the deck of warships.

Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed-wing aircrafts that took off and landed ashore.

The two are a part of a group of 17 officers of the Navy, including four women officers and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard, who were awarded ''Wings'' on graduating as ''Observers'' at a ceremony on Monday at the INS Garuda in Kochi, a Defence statement said. The group comprised 13 officers of Regular batch and four woman officers of Short Service Commission batch.

The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) who presented the awards and coveted wings to the graduating officers.

In addition, the chief guest also awarded the Instructor Badge to six other officers, (five from the Indian Navy including a woman and another from Indian Coast Guard) who had successfully graduated as Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNI).

The Rear Admiral Antony highlighted the fact that it was a landmark occasion wherein for the first time, women are going to be trained in helicopter operations which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of women in frontline warships of Indian Navy.

The officers of the 91st Regular course and 22nd SSC Observer course were trained in air navigation, flying procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti- submarine warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems.

These officers would serve on-board Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the statement said.

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships.

In a first, two women officers have been selected to join as ''Observers'' (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy's helicopter stream that would ultimately pave the way for women being posted in frontline warships. Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would, in effect, be the first set of women airborne tacticians in India who would operate from the deck of warships. Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed-wing aircrafts that took off and landed ashore. The two are a part of a group of 17 officers of the Navy, including four women officers and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard, who were awarded ''Wings'' on graduating as ''Observers'' at a ceremony on Monday at the INS Garuda in Kochi, a Defence statement said. The group comprised 13 officers of Regular batch and four woman officers of Short Service Commission batch. The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief Staff Officer (Training) who presented the awards and coveted wings to the graduating officers. In addition, the chief guest also awarded the Instructor Badge to six other officers, (five from the Indian Navy including a woman and another from Indian Coast Guard) who had successfully graduated as Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNI). The Rear Admiral Antony highlighted the fact that it was a landmark occasion wherein for the first time, women are going to be trained in helicopter operations which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of women in frontline warships of Indian Navy. The officers of the 91st Regular course and 22nd SSC Observer course were trained in air navigation, flying procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti- submarine warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems. These officers would serve on-board Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the statement said.

In a historic first, two women officers to operate helicopters from Indian Navy warships 

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