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A company manager in Singapore was fined Singapore dollars 9,000 on Thursday for wrongfully confining three Indian nationals working for him in a room for around 40 days amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The workers were first confined from May 12 to 15, and then over a five-week stretch, from May 19 to June 26, The Straits Times reported.

Shaun Pang Tong Heng had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of wrongful confinement.

The Indian workers are Ganesan Pandi, Pandiyan Jakakanthan and Muthuraj Thangaraj. Three other similar charges involving the same men were considered during the sentencing, the report said.

Lawyer Md Noor E Adenaan, who represented the 41-year-old Singaporean, told District Judge Prem Raj that his client is remorseful.

Shaun saw the men as "troublemakers".

The lawyer said that during the outbreak, Pandi and Jakakanthan had left their place of residence in Tuas to buy alcohol despite being housed near a COVID-19 cluster.

Jakakanthan also drove a company lorry without a licence.

As for Thangaraj, the lawyer said, he was previously caught for drunk driving.

The court heard that the room the trio were confined in had clean beds, a bathroom, as well as Wi-Fi connection.

They were also given meals and ample water.

But Deputy Public Prosecutor Eric Hu said it was no excuse for the manager to take matters into his own hands.

Before handing out the sentence, the judge said the manager should have notified the police about the workers.

For each count of wrongful confinement, an offender can be jailed for up to three years and fined.

A company manager in Singapore was fined Singapore dollars 9,000 on Thursday for wrongfully confining three Indian nationals working for him in a room for around 40 days amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

A company manager in Singapore was fined Singapore dollars 9,000 on Thursday for wrongfully confining three Indian nationals working for him in a room for around 40 days amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The workers were first confined from May 12 to 15, and then over a five-week stretch, from May 19 to June 26, The Straits Times reported. Shaun Pang Tong Heng had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of wrongful confinement. The Indian workers are Ganesan Pandi, Pandiyan Jakakanthan and Muthuraj Thangaraj. Three other similar charges involving the same men were considered during the sentencing, the report said. Lawyer Md Noor E Adenaan, who represented the 41-year-old Singaporean, told District Judge Prem Raj that his client is remorseful. Shaun saw the men as "troublemakers". The lawyer said that during the outbreak, Pandi and Jakakanthan had left their place of residence in Tuas to buy alcohol despite being housed near a COVID-19 cluster. Jakakanthan also drove a company lorry without a licence. As for Thangaraj, the lawyer said, he was previously caught for drunk driving. The court heard that the room the trio were confined in had clean beds, a bathroom, as well as Wi-Fi connection. They were also given meals and ample water. But Deputy Public Prosecutor Eric Hu said it was no excuse for the manager to take matters into his own hands. Before handing out the sentence, the judge said the manager should have notified the police about the workers. For each count of wrongful confinement, an offender can be jailed for up to three years and fined.

Singapore company manager fined for confining three Indian nationals

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic. The paper, authored by Ramit Debnath and Ronita Bardhan said that these nudges from the PM played a large part in creating herd effect on locdown and social distancing norms across India.

India was under lockdown from March 25 to May 31 in four phases. The announcements about the lockdown were made by PM Modi himself via his national television address.

The Cambridge Univeristy study said that PM Modi's addresses effected changes in various sectors like "public health (e.g., masks in public spaces; Yoga and Ayurveda for immunity), transport (e.g., old trains converted to isolation wards), micro, small and medium enterprises (e.g., rapid production of PPE and masks), science and technology sector (e.g., diagnostic kits, robots and nano-technology), home affairs (e.g., surveillance and lockdown), urban (e.g. drones, GIS-tools) and education (e.g., online learning)" 
&nbsp; 
The study has been published in scientific journal PLOS One

Primary data for the study was taken from Press Information Bureau (PIB) in form of press releases of government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements.

"A text corpus of 260,852 words was created from 396 documents from the PIB. An unsupervised machine-based topic modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm was performed on the text corpus. It was done to extract high probability topics in the policy sectors. The interpretation of the extracted topics was made through a nudge theoretic lens to derive the critical policy heuristics of the government.." says the study 
&nbsp;

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic.

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic. The paper, authored by Ramit Debnath and Ronita Bardhan said that these nudges from the PM played a large part in creating herd effect on locdown and social distancing norms across India. India was under lockdown from March 25 to May 31 in four phases. The announcements about the lockdown were made by PM Modi himself via his national television address. The Cambridge Univeristy study said that PM Modi's addresses effected changes in various sectors like "public health (e.g., masks in public spaces; Yoga and Ayurveda for immunity), transport (e.g., old trains converted to isolation wards), micro, small and medium enterprises (e.g., rapid production of PPE and masks), science and technology sector (e.g., diagnostic kits, robots and nano-technology), home affairs (e.g., surveillance and lockdown), urban (e.g. drones, GIS-tools) and education (e.g., online learning)" The study has been published in scientific journal PLOS One Primary data for the study was taken from Press Information Bureau (PIB) in form of press releases of government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements. "A text corpus of 260,852 words was created from 396 documents from the PIB. An unsupervised machine-based topic modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm was performed on the text corpus. It was done to extract high probability topics in the policy sectors. The interpretation of the extracted topics was made through a nudge theoretic lens to derive the critical policy heuristics of the government.." says the study

'Nudges' from Modi were important in India's fight against COVID-19: Cambridge study

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday.

Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said.

A resident of the Mothers' Old Age Home, she was admitted to the hospital ten days ago after testing COVID- positive.

The doctors and nurses who were treating her held a small celebration before she was discharged.

Handique, who was beaming with excitement, joined the party singing several Assamese songs in her full-throated voice.

Handique, called Aita (grandma) by all at the hospital, told reporters that she enjoyed her stay and the food.

"We were given fish or meat on most of the days while egg and banana were given daily. We were also given 'ruti- bhaji' (chappatis and vegetables) which I enjoyed the most," she said.

She also thanked all those who treated her, saying, "The girls (the nurses) and the doctors' took very good care."

Handique also had a special word of praise for Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- "He is doing very hard work for all of us and I bless him to continue to help people who are suffering from this disease."

Sarma, too, wished her on the recovery.

"Steely resolve of 100-year old Mai Handique is monumental. With brilliant support of doctors at MMCH, she defeated coronavirus, giving us a lesson in having the right will power," he said.

A doctor treating Handique said, "Initially, we were worried due to her age and she also has hypertension, but she was always cheerful and in a positive frame of mind."

Twelve residents of the Mothers' Old Age Home have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and five of them have been discharged so far.

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday. Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said.

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday. Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said. A resident of the Mothers' Old Age Home, she was admitted to the hospital ten days ago after testing COVID- positive. The doctors and nurses who were treating her held a small celebration before she was discharged. Handique, who was beaming with excitement, joined the party singing several Assamese songs in her full-throated voice. Handique, called Aita (grandma) by all at the hospital, told reporters that she enjoyed her stay and the food. "We were given fish or meat on most of the days while egg and banana were given daily. We were also given 'ruti- bhaji' (chappatis and vegetables) which I enjoyed the most," she said. She also thanked all those who treated her, saying, "The girls (the nurses) and the doctors' took very good care." Handique also had a special word of praise for Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- "He is doing very hard work for all of us and I bless him to continue to help people who are suffering from this disease." Sarma, too, wished her on the recovery. "Steely resolve of 100-year old Mai Handique is monumental. With brilliant support of doctors at MMCH, she defeated coronavirus, giving us a lesson in having the right will power," he said. A doctor treating Handique said, "Initially, we were worried due to her age and she also has hypertension, but she was always cheerful and in a positive frame of mind." Twelve residents of the Mothers' Old Age Home have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and five of them have been discharged so far.

100-year-old woman beats COVID-19 in Assam

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that though New Delhi remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ladakh, it is prepared to tackle "all contingencies".

"We do remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the current situation. At the same time, we remain prepared to deal with all contingencies," said Singh in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of the Parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-pla-plays-punjabi-songs-in-ladakh-to-distract-indian-troops-328046">India-China standoff: PLA plays Punjabi songs in Ladakh to distract Indian troops</a>

The defence minister also said Chinese actions in the Ladakh border reflect a disregard of various bilateral agreements signed between both the sides, adding that the amassing of the Chinese forces is against the 1993 and 1996 agreements.&nbsp;

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He also hailed Indian troops for displaying 'sayyam' (patience) in the region despite Chinese provocations and for equally showcasing 'shaurya' (valour) to protect the territorial integrity.&nbsp;

"The conduct of our armed forces throughout these incidents shows that while they maintained 'Sayyam' in face of provocative actions, they also equally displayed 'Shaurya' when it was required to protect the territorial integrity of India," Singh said.&nbsp;

He also accused China of claiming Indian territory of 90,000 sq km in the Eastern Sector of the boundary in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and said the country illegally occupied 38,000 sq km in the Union Territory of Ladakh. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that though New Delhi remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ladakh, it is prepared to tackle "all contingencies".

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that though New Delhi remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ladakh, it is prepared to tackle "all contingencies". "We do remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the current situation. At the same time, we remain prepared to deal with all contingencies," said Singh in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of the Parliament. Also read | India-China standoff: PLA plays Punjabi songs in Ladakh to distract Indian troops The defence minister also said Chinese actions in the Ladakh border reflect a disregard of various bilateral agreements signed between both the sides, adding that the amassing of the Chinese forces is against the 1993 and 1996 agreements. Also read | Indians accused of financial crime, terrorism, IPL betting on Chinese radar: Report He also hailed Indian troops for displaying 'sayyam' (patience) in the region despite Chinese provocations and for equally showcasing 'shaurya' (valour) to protect the territorial integrity. "The conduct of our armed forces throughout these incidents shows that while they maintained 'Sayyam' in face of provocative actions, they also equally displayed 'Shaurya' when it was required to protect the territorial integrity of India," Singh said. He also accused China of claiming Indian territory of 90,000 sq km in the Eastern Sector of the boundary in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and said the country illegally occupied 38,000 sq km in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

India committed to peace, but prepared for all 'contingencies': Defence Minister warns China

The Indian government has rejected Pakistan’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism and emphasised that Islamabad should desist from laying untenable claims to Indian territories, which has neither legal validity nor international credibility, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here on Thursday.

While responding to an unstarred question on the new political map of Pakistan, V Muraleedharan, Minister of State in the MEA, said in Rajya Sabha that Pakistan had released the “so-called” map “making absurd assertions and laying untenable claims to territories in the Gujarat and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh”.

The new political map of Pakistan was unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan on the eve of the first anniversary of the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370.

The map depicts the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory while also incorporating Siachen as part of Pakistan. It also incorporates Sir Creek into Pakistani territory as well as parts of the erstwhile princely state of Junagadh.

“On 4 August 2020, a so-called political map of Pakistan was unveiled by its Prime Minister making absurd assertions and laying untenable claims to territories in the Indian state of Gujarat and our Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Muraleedharan said.

“Government has rejected Pakistan’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism. It has also been emphasised that Pakistan should desist from laying untenable claims to Indian territories, which neither have legal validity nor international credibility,” Muraleedharan said.

The minister said the government continues to respond appropriately to Pakistan’s “malicious actions and propaganda” including on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian government has rejected Pakistan’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism and emphasised that Islamabad should desist from laying untenable claims to Indian territories, which has neither legal validity nor international credibility, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here on Thursday.

The Indian government has rejected Pakistan’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism and emphasised that Islamabad should desist from laying untenable claims to Indian territories, which has neither legal validity nor international credibility, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here on Thursday. While responding to an unstarred question on the new political map of Pakistan, V Muraleedharan, Minister of State in the MEA, said in Rajya Sabha that Pakistan had released the “so-called” map “making absurd assertions and laying untenable claims to territories in the Gujarat and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh”. The new political map of Pakistan was unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan on the eve of the first anniversary of the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. The map depicts the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory while also incorporating Siachen as part of Pakistan. It also incorporates Sir Creek into Pakistani territory as well as parts of the erstwhile princely state of Junagadh. “On 4 August 2020, a so-called political map of Pakistan was unveiled by its Prime Minister making absurd assertions and laying untenable claims to territories in the Indian state of Gujarat and our Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Muraleedharan said. “Government has rejected Pakistan’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism. It has also been emphasised that Pakistan should desist from laying untenable claims to Indian territories, which neither have legal validity nor international credibility,” Muraleedharan said. The minister said the government continues to respond appropriately to Pakistan’s “malicious actions and propaganda” including on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

India rejects Pak’s obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross border terrorism: MEA

The Centre has said that if the Supreme Court decides on the issue of media regulation then such an exercise should be undertaken with the digital media first as it has faster reach and information has the potential to go viral due to applications like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook.

The government told the apex court that sufficient framework and judicial pronouncements exist for the electronic and the print media.

"Considering the serious impact and the potential, it is desirable that if this court decides to undertake the exercise, it should first be undertaken with regard to digital media as there already exists sufficient framework and judicial pronouncements with regard to electronic media and print media," said the counter affidavit, filed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

It is submitted that while in a mainstream media (whether electronic or print), the publication /telecast is a one-time act, the digital media has faster reach from wider range of viewership/ readership and has the potential to become viral because of several electronic applications like Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook,&nbsp;it said.

The affidavit was filed in a pending matter in which the top court is hearing a petition which has raised grievance over Sudarshan TV's 'Bindas Bol' programme whose promo had claimed that channel would show the 'big expose on conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service'.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud had on September 15 restrained the channel from telecasting its episodes of programme for two days, saying the intent&nbsp;of aired episodes prima facie&nbsp;appears to vilify&nbsp;the community.

The bench had suggested that a committee of apolitical experts of distinguished citizens or former judges may be appointed to help in self-regulating the electronic media specially.

The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter today.

In its affidavit, the Centre has said that subject matter of the present petition namely balancing between the journalist freedom and responsible journalism is a field already occupied either by the statutory provisions made by the Parliament or by the judgments of this court".

"It is respectfully submitted that in view of the issue having already received attention of the Parliament, as well as, of this court, the present petition be confined to only one channel namely Sudarshan TV and this court may not undertake the exercise of laying down any further guidelines with or without appointment of an amicus or a committee of persons as amicus," the affidavit said.

It said that situation in each case shall have to be decided on a case-to-case basis and a broader exercise "which is too general in nature is neither warranted nor permissible."

The affidavit said, "Even if this court considers it appropriate to undertake the said exercise, there is no justification to confine this exercise only to mainstream electronic media. The media includes mainstream electronic media, mainstream print media as well as a parallel media namely digital print media and digital web-based news portal and You Tube channels as well as 'over the top' platforms (OTTs)."

Referring to earlier verdicts delivered by the apex court, the affidavit said it lays down the correct legal proposition requiring no general exercise to be undertaken merely based upon one episode or few episodes of a channel.

Separately, Sudarshan TV has also filed an affidavit in the apex court and claimed that it has no ill-will against any community or any individual and the programme concerns a matter of grave national interest.

The channel claimed that it has used word like 'UPSC Jehad' in its programme as an institute for Muslim UPSC aspirants has received foreign funds, also from those which are linked to organisations that allegedly funds extremist groups.

The Centre has said that if the Supreme Court decides on the issue of media regulation then such an exercise should be undertaken with the digital media first as it has faster reach and information has the potential to go viral due to applications like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook.

The Centre has said that if the Supreme Court decides on the issue of media regulation then such an exercise should be undertaken with the digital media first as it has faster reach and information has the potential to go viral due to applications like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook. The government told the apex court that sufficient framework and judicial pronouncements exist for the electronic and the print media. "Considering the serious impact and the potential, it is desirable that if this court decides to undertake the exercise, it should first be undertaken with regard to digital media as there already exists sufficient framework and judicial pronouncements with regard to electronic media and print media," said the counter affidavit, filed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is submitted that while in a mainstream media (whether electronic or print), the publication /telecast is a one-time act, the digital media has faster reach from wider range of viewership/ readership and has the potential to become viral because of several electronic applications like Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, it said. The affidavit was filed in a pending matter in which the top court is hearing a petition which has raised grievance over Sudarshan TV's 'Bindas Bol' programme whose promo had claimed that channel would show the 'big expose on conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service'. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud had on September 15 restrained the channel from telecasting its episodes of programme for two days, saying the intent of aired episodes prima facie appears to vilify the community. The bench had suggested that a committee of apolitical experts of distinguished citizens or former judges may be appointed to help in self-regulating the electronic media specially. The apex court is scheduled to hear the matter today. In its affidavit, the Centre has said that subject matter of the present petition namely balancing between the journalist freedom and responsible journalism is a field already occupied either by the statutory provisions made by the Parliament or by the judgments of this court". "It is respectfully submitted that in view of the issue having already received attention of the Parliament, as well as, of this court, the present petition be confined to only one channel namely Sudarshan TV and this court may not undertake the exercise of laying down any further guidelines with or without appointment of an amicus or a committee of persons as amicus," the affidavit said. It said that situation in each case shall have to be decided on a case-to-case basis and a broader exercise "which is too general in nature is neither warranted nor permissible." The affidavit said, "Even if this court considers it appropriate to undertake the said exercise, there is no justification to confine this exercise only to mainstream electronic media. The media includes mainstream electronic media, mainstream print media as well as a parallel media namely digital print media and digital web-based news portal and You Tube channels as well as 'over the top' platforms (OTTs)." Referring to earlier verdicts delivered by the apex court, the affidavit said it lays down the correct legal proposition requiring no general exercise to be undertaken merely based upon one episode or few episodes of a channel. Separately, Sudarshan TV has also filed an affidavit in the apex court and claimed that it has no ill-will against any community or any individual and the programme concerns a matter of grave national interest. The channel claimed that it has used word like 'UPSC Jehad' in its programme as an institute for Muslim UPSC aspirants has received foreign funds, also from those which are linked to organisations that allegedly funds extremist groups.

Regulate digital media first, sufficient framework exists on print, electronic media: Centre to SC

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by the beginning of the next year.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha Dr HArsh Vardhan said that “India is making efforts just like other countries. Under PM's guidance, an expert group is looking at it &amp; we have advanced planning in place. We are hopeful that by start of next year, vaccine will be available in the country.”

Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally of cases galloped past 51 lakh with a spike of 97,894 new cases and 1,132 deaths in last 24 hours.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 51,18,254 including 10,09,976 active cases, 40,25,080 cured/discharged/migrated and 83,198 deaths, according to Union Ministry of Health data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by the beginning of the next year. Speaking in Rajya Sabha Dr HArsh Vardhan said that “India is making efforts just like other countries.

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by the beginning of the next year. Speaking in Rajya Sabha Dr HArsh Vardhan said that “India is making efforts just like other countries. Under PM's guidance, an expert group is looking at it & we have advanced planning in place. We are hopeful that by start of next year, vaccine will be available in the country.” Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally of cases galloped past 51 lakh with a spike of 97,894 new cases and 1,132 deaths in last 24 hours. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 51,18,254 including 10,09,976 active cases, 40,25,080 cured/discharged/migrated and 83,198 deaths, according to Union Ministry of Health data. (With inputs from agencies)

Hopeful of virus vaccine in India by beginning of 2021: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

The tensions with China in eastern Ladakh could eventually result in increased permanent deployment of forces in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

India's big push for border infra development in Ladakh

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said he has tested COVID-19 positive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-crosses-5-million-cases-with-90123-new-cases-327847">Also Read:&nbsp;India crosses 5 million COVID-19 cases with 90,123 new cases</a>

"Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor. During the course of my check up, I have been tested COVID-19 positive," Gadkari tweeted.

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Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor. During the course of my check up, I have been tested COVID 19 positive. I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1306262137346514950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself," he added. 
Gadkari's ministerial colleagues Amit Shah, Shripad Naik, Dharmendra Pradhan, Kailash Choudhary, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Gajendra Shekhawat and Suresh Angadi were also diagnosed with COVID-19 recently.

Prominent politicians who tested COVID-19 positive recently include Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan&nbsp;and Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Maharashtra ministers Ashok Chavan and Dhananjay Munde had also tested positive.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said he has tested COVID-19 positive. Also Read: India crosses 5 million COVID-19 cases with 90,123 new cases "Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said he has tested COVID-19 positive. Also Read: India crosses 5 million COVID-19 cases with 90,123 new cases "Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor. During the course of my check up, I have been tested COVID-19 positive," Gadkari tweeted. Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my Doctor. During the course of my check up, I have been tested COVID 19 positive. I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself. — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 16, 2020 × "I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself," he added. Gadkari's ministerial colleagues Amit Shah, Shripad Naik, Dharmendra Pradhan, Kailash Choudhary, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Gajendra Shekhawat and Suresh Angadi were also diagnosed with COVID-19 recently. Prominent politicians who tested COVID-19 positive recently include Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit. Maharashtra ministers Ashok Chavan and Dhananjay Munde had also tested positive.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari tests positive for coronavirus

In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement was issued after virtual IBSA foreign ministers meet.

The statement said: "expressing frustration with the slow pace of progress on Security Council reforms in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process which lacks transparency in its working methods." &nbsp;

"We insist that the time has come to move towards a result-oriented process with provision for substantive negotiations based on a single comprehensive text in a formal setting," it added.

It must be remembered that 10 years after inter-governmental negotiations began, the negotiations remain in the informal stage. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but its conversation is considered "informal" in nature and United Nations General Assembly UNGA rule of procedure doesn't apply.&nbsp;

The statement said, "failure to reform the Security Council has serious implications for international peace and security", calling for, "significant and accelerated reform" which "is critical to ensure that this organ is more representative, effective and responsive, and remains capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter."

The statement also extended support for Africa at the high table. It said, "Africa must be equitably represented in a reformed Security Council, we reiterate our support for the representation of Africa in the Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories and express our unequivocal support for the Common African Position, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration."

Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC.

India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, South African FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor and Brazilian FM Ambassador Fabio Marzano. During the virtual meet, ministers discussed issues like terror, climate change, sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and on-going COVID-19 situation.

In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

In a first, the IBSA grouping - India, Brazil and South Africa issued a joint statement calling for "accelerated and comprehensive reforms" of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The joint statement was issued after virtual IBSA foreign ministers meet. The statement said: "expressing frustration with the slow pace of progress on Security Council reforms in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations process which lacks transparency in its working methods." "We insist that the time has come to move towards a result-oriented process with provision for substantive negotiations based on a single comprehensive text in a formal setting," it added. It must be remembered that 10 years after inter-governmental negotiations began, the negotiations remain in the informal stage. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but its conversation is considered "informal" in nature and United Nations General Assembly UNGA rule of procedure doesn't apply. The statement said, "failure to reform the Security Council has serious implications for international peace and security", calling for, "significant and accelerated reform" which "is critical to ensure that this organ is more representative, effective and responsive, and remains capable of delivering on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter." The statement also extended support for Africa at the high table. It said, "Africa must be equitably represented in a reformed Security Council, we reiterate our support for the representation of Africa in the Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories and express our unequivocal support for the Common African Position, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration." Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, South African FM Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor and Brazilian FM Ambassador Fabio Marzano. During the virtual meet, ministers discussed issues like terror, climate change, sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and on-going COVID-19 situation.

India, Brazil, South Africa IBSA grouping issue joint statement calling for 'accelerated & comprehensive' UNSC reforms

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning&nbsp;with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours.

The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported.

In the last 11 days, India has recorded a little more than 1 million cases, which is a world record, as no country has recorded so many cases within 10 days.

India is now the second-worst affected country of the world with nearly 5.02 million cases. The United States still remains the worst affected with&nbsp;6.59 million cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721">Also read:&nbsp;Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

In the beginning, India took nearly 160 days to reach a million cases. However, next million came within 21 days and the difference has been shortening since then with India reporting four million cases within 29 days.

A total of&nbsp;59,429,115 samples have been tested till September, out of which 1,116,842 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. However, experts believe these tests are not enough, and the ICMR needs to step up the testing speed to reach locals from all areas, including rural areas.

Maharashtra reported 20,482 new cases and 515 deaths in the last 24 hours&nbsp;with 19,423 patients being discharged. Total cases in the state rose to 1,097,856 including 30,409 deaths and &nbsp;775,273 patients getting discharged. Active cases stand at 291,797.

The national capital New Delhi reported 4,263 new cases and 36 deaths&nbsp;, taking the tally to 225,796. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 29,787 and 191,203, respectively, and a&nbsp;death toll of 4,806. Meanwhile, the city&nbsp;reopened its gyms on September 14 — a move which has attracted mix reviews from locals and experts.

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported.

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported. In the last 11 days, India has recorded a little more than 1 million cases, which is a world record, as no country has recorded so many cases within 10 days. India is now the second-worst affected country of the world with nearly 5.02 million cases. The United States still remains the worst affected with 6.59 million cases. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN In the beginning, India took nearly 160 days to reach a million cases. However, next million came within 21 days and the difference has been shortening since then with India reporting four million cases within 29 days. A total of 59,429,115 samples have been tested till September, out of which 1,116,842 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. However, experts believe these tests are not enough, and the ICMR needs to step up the testing speed to reach locals from all areas, including rural areas. Maharashtra reported 20,482 new cases and 515 deaths in the last 24 hours with 19,423 patients being discharged. Total cases in the state rose to 1,097,856 including 30,409 deaths and 775,273 patients getting discharged. Active cases stand at 291,797. The national capital New Delhi reported 4,263 new cases and 36 deaths , taking the tally to 225,796. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 29,787 and 191,203, respectively, and a death toll of 4,806. Meanwhile, the city reopened its gyms on September 14 — a move which has attracted mix reviews from locals and experts.

COVID-19: India crosses 5 million cases with 90,123 new cases

The National Security Advisors (NSAs) of BRICS countries will meet on Thursday "virtually". India will be represented by NSA Ajit Doval.&nbsp;

This will be the tenth&nbsp;such meeting of BRICS NSAs. The Chinese side will be represented by diplomat Yang Jiechi.&nbsp;

Russia which is the host of the meet in a statement said,"BRICS countries to discuss threats and challenges to national security"

Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev will represent Russia at the meeting.

The Russian statement also said," meeting agenda comprises of challenges and threats to global, regional and national security in today’s world."

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in BRICS FMs meet. The leaders' summit is expected to take place in October, no date for which has been announced.

The National Security Advisors (NSAs) of BRICS countries will meet on Thursday "virtually". India will be represented by NSA Ajit Doval. This will be the tenth such meeting of BRICS NSAs.

The National Security Advisors (NSAs) of BRICS countries will meet on Thursday "virtually". India will be represented by NSA Ajit Doval. This will be the tenth such meeting of BRICS NSAs. The Chinese side will be represented by diplomat Yang Jiechi. Russia which is the host of the meet in a statement said,"BRICS countries to discuss threats and challenges to national security" Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev will represent Russia at the meeting. The Russian statement also said," meeting agenda comprises of challenges and threats to global, regional and national security in today’s world." Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in BRICS FMs meet. The leaders' summit is expected to take place in October, no date for which has been announced.

NSA Ajit Doval to participate in BRICS NSA virtual meet

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy also said 138 terrorists were killed by security forces between March and August this year.

There were 176 attempts of infiltration from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir from August 2019 to July 2020 and 111 of these were successful, he said in a written reply.

Reddy said Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism, which is sponsored and supported from across the border, for more than the last three decades.

He said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism.

"As a result, 138 terrorists have been neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. During this period of six months, 50 security force personnel attained martyrdom in terrorist-related incidents, ceasefire violations and cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir," the minister added.

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy also said 138 terrorists were killed by security forces between March and August this year. There were 176 attempts of infiltration from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir from August 2019 to July 2020 and 111 of these were successful, he said in a written reply. Reddy said Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism, which is sponsored and supported from across the border, for more than the last three decades. He said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism. "As a result, 138 terrorists have been neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. During this period of six months, 50 security force personnel attained martyrdom in terrorist-related incidents, ceasefire violations and cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir," the minister added.

111 successful attempts of infiltration to J&K in last one year: Centre in Lok Sabha

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said.

Rajendra Kankariya, 61, pleaded guilty by video conference before US District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to committing wire fraud affecting a financial institution.

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President and Chief Financial Officer of New Jersey Company Charged with $17 Million Fraud Scheme: Rajendra Kankariya and Rakesh Sethi have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating and participating in a scheme to defraud a bank. <a href="https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF">https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF</a>
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBINewark/status/1204611827100876801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of USD1 million. Kankariya is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18. 
According to court documents, from March 2016 through March 2018, Kankariya, the president and part owner of Lotus Exim International Inc, conspired with other LEI employees to obtain from the bank a USD17 million line of credit by fraudulent means.

The bank extended the line of credit believing it to have been secured in part by LEI's accounts receivable. In reality, Kankariya and his conspirators fabricated or inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit, prosecutors alleged.

To conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI employees, with the knowledge and approval of Kankariya, created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI's customers so they could pose as them and answer the bank's and outside auditor's inquiries about the accounts receivable.

The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the bank losses of about USD17 million, a statement issued by US Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said.

An Indian-American president of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler has admitted his role in scheming to defraud a bank in connection with a USD17 million secured line of credit, a US Attorney has said. Rajendra Kankariya, 61, pleaded guilty by video conference before US District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to committing wire fraud affecting a financial institution. President and Chief Financial Officer of New Jersey Company Charged with $17 Million Fraud Scheme: Rajendra Kankariya and Rakesh Sethi have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating and participating in a scheme to defraud a bank. https://t.co/h5x8j9T5UF — FBI Newark (@FBINewark) December 11, 2019 × He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of USD1 million. Kankariya is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18. According to court documents, from March 2016 through March 2018, Kankariya, the president and part owner of Lotus Exim International Inc, conspired with other LEI employees to obtain from the bank a USD17 million line of credit by fraudulent means. The bank extended the line of credit believing it to have been secured in part by LEI's accounts receivable. In reality, Kankariya and his conspirators fabricated or inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit, prosecutors alleged. To conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI employees, with the knowledge and approval of Kankariya, created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI's customers so they could pose as them and answer the bank's and outside auditor's inquiries about the accounts receivable. The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the bank losses of about USD17 million, a statement issued by US Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

Indian-American pleads guilty in $17 million bank fraud

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday has announced that the upcoming ‘Mughal Museum’ in Agra will be renamed after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“How can Mughals be our heroes? The very name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will invoke a feeling of nationalism and self-esteem," UP CM said in a statement.

He made it clear that his government has always nurtured the nationalist ideology and anything which smacks of subservient mentality will be done away with.

“The under-construction museum in Agra will be named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In your new Uttar Pradesh, there is no place for any symbols of subservient mentality,” Adityanath tweeted in Hindi soon after the review meeting.

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आगरा में निर्माणाधीन म्यूजियम को छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज के नाम से जाना जाएगा। 
 
आपके नए उत्तर प्रदेश में गुलामी की मानसिकता के प्रतीक चिन्हों का कोई स्थान नहीं। 
 
हम सबके नायक शिवाजी महाराज हैं। 
 
जय हिन्द, जय भारत।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1305534467465912321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday has announced that the upcoming ‘Mughal Museum’ in Agra will be renamed after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday has announced that the upcoming ‘Mughal Museum’ in Agra will be renamed after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “How can Mughals be our heroes? The very name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will invoke a feeling of nationalism and self-esteem," UP CM said in a statement. He made it clear that his government has always nurtured the nationalist ideology and anything which smacks of subservient mentality will be done away with. “The under-construction museum in Agra will be named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In your new Uttar Pradesh, there is no place for any symbols of subservient mentality,” Adityanath tweeted in Hindi soon after the review meeting. आगरा में निर्माणाधीन म्यूजियम को छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज के नाम से जाना जाएगा। आपके नए उत्तर प्रदेश में गुलामी की मानसिकता के प्रतीक चिन्हों का कोई स्थान नहीं। हम सबके नायक शिवाजी महाराज हैं। जय हिन्द, जय भारत। — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 14, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Yogi Adityanath renames Mughal museum after Chhatrapati Shivaji, says ‘How can Mughals be our heroes’

India is all set to get back 15th Century Idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman&nbsp;from UK. The idols were stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu in 1978. The temple was built-in Vijayanagara period.

In August 2019, Indian high commission in London was informed by India Pride Project that 4 antique idols --Shri Ram, Sita, Lakshman&nbsp;and Hanuman, stolen from India, may be in UK.&nbsp;

The Indian mission raised the matter with Art and Antique Unit of the London's Metropolitan Police and Idol wing of Tamil Nadu police. Tamil Nadu police sent a comprehensive report confirming the theft of 1978 and also provided the expert opinion about the match of the idol with a photo archive.

The London Metropolitan Police who investigated the matter contacted the present owner of the statue and conveyed Indian Mission’s request to return the statue as they were stolen from a "living temple" in India.&nbsp;

The art collector had bought the idol on good faith including through a check of Art Loss Register Certificates.&nbsp;

The vendor responsible for the sell is now deceased due to which there were no grounds to open an investigation in the UK.

The owner of the Ram&nbsp;idol was also in possession of two other idols of Sita and Lakshman&nbsp;which were handed over to the High Commissioner. All the three idols are being transferred to Tamil Nadu Government.

The Indian mission in a statement said, "HCI is working on many such cases at present. We are confident that in coming days, with this partnership of the ASI, law enforcement agencies, and the independent experts, we will be successful in returning many more pieces of our cultural heritage to India."

The Indian mission in London in the past was able to get back to India, Bramha- Brahmani sculpture which was stolen from the World heritage site Rani-Ki Vav, 12th Century Bronze statue of Buddha, two antiques – a 17th Century Bronze idol of Navanitha Krishna and a 2nd-century limestone Carved Pillar motif.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the mission sent back Shiva statue stolen from the Ghateshwar temple, Baroli in Rajasthan to India.

India is all set to get back 15th Century Idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman from UK. The idols were stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu in 1978. The temple was built-in Vijayanagara period.

India is all set to get back 15th Century Idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman from UK. The idols were stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu in 1978. The temple was built-in Vijayanagara period. In August 2019, Indian high commission in London was informed by India Pride Project that 4 antique idols --Shri Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, stolen from India, may be in UK. The Indian mission raised the matter with Art and Antique Unit of the London's Metropolitan Police and Idol wing of Tamil Nadu police. Tamil Nadu police sent a comprehensive report confirming the theft of 1978 and also provided the expert opinion about the match of the idol with a photo archive. The London Metropolitan Police who investigated the matter contacted the present owner of the statue and conveyed Indian Mission’s request to return the statue as they were stolen from a "living temple" in India. The art collector had bought the idol on good faith including through a check of Art Loss Register Certificates. The vendor responsible for the sell is now deceased due to which there were no grounds to open an investigation in the UK. The owner of the Ram idol was also in possession of two other idols of Sita and Lakshman which were handed over to the High Commissioner. All the three idols are being transferred to Tamil Nadu Government. The Indian mission in a statement said, "HCI is working on many such cases at present. We are confident that in coming days, with this partnership of the ASI, law enforcement agencies, and the independent experts, we will be successful in returning many more pieces of our cultural heritage to India." The Indian mission in London in the past was able to get back to India, Bramha- Brahmani sculpture which was stolen from the World heritage site Rani-Ki Vav, 12th Century Bronze statue of Buddha, two antiques – a 17th Century Bronze idol of Navanitha Krishna and a 2nd-century limestone Carved Pillar motif. Earlier this year, the mission sent back Shiva statue stolen from the Ghateshwar temple, Baroli in Rajasthan to India.

Britain returns stolen sculptures of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman to India after 40 years

As part of the Indian Express' investigative series on Chinese snooping, it has been revealed that more than 10,000 Indians accused of financial crime, terrorism, IPL betting, narcotics and smuggling are also on being watched by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/staggering-scale-of-data-p-vaidyanathan-iyer-journalist-who-unearthed-chinas-snoopgate-speaks-to-wion-327726">Also Read:&nbsp;P Vaidyanathan Iyer, journalist who unearthed China's 'Snoopgate' speaks to WION</a>

China is not only monitoring the prominent Indian personalities, other high-profile entrants too are in its radar from the accused in the AgustaWestland bribery case to hundreds accused of financial crime, corruption, terror organisation links are under China's surveillance programme.

The high profile personalities who are reportedly under China's surveillance include Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra. His company "skylight hospitality private limited"&nbsp;is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate.

Former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who was accused of illegally denotifying a prime plot to benefit his relatives and former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, who was named in a Red Corner notice in a money laundering case also reportedly figure in the list.

Beijing has kept a close watch on several Indian criminals too over the years. The list includes names of the Indian fugitive Dawood Ibrahim, members of Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin, operatives of People’s Liberation Front of India who were held in Chhattisgarh in 2013 and militants of Democratic Front of Bodoland, however, Beijing has denied spying on Indian citizens and called the claims baseless.

As part of the Indian Express' investigative series on Chinese snooping, it has been revealed that more than 10,000 Indians accused of financial crime, terrorism, IPL betting, narcotics and smuggling are also on being watched by China.

As part of the Indian Express' investigative series on Chinese snooping, it has been revealed that more than 10,000 Indians accused of financial crime, terrorism, IPL betting, narcotics and smuggling are also on being watched by China. Also Read: P Vaidyanathan Iyer, journalist who unearthed China's 'Snoopgate' speaks to WION China is not only monitoring the prominent Indian personalities, other high-profile entrants too are in its radar from the accused in the AgustaWestland bribery case to hundreds accused of financial crime, corruption, terror organisation links are under China's surveillance programme. The high profile personalities who are reportedly under China's surveillance include Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra. His company "skylight hospitality private limited" is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. Former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who was accused of illegally denotifying a prime plot to benefit his relatives and former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, who was named in a Red Corner notice in a money laundering case also reportedly figure in the list. Beijing has kept a close watch on several Indian criminals too over the years. The list includes names of the Indian fugitive Dawood Ibrahim, members of Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin, operatives of People’s Liberation Front of India who were held in Chhattisgarh in 2013 and militants of Democratic Front of Bodoland, however, Beijing has denied spying on Indian citizens and called the claims baseless.

Indians accused of financial crime, terrorism, IPL betting on Chinese radar: Report

India-China standoff: How Indian military is preparing for the treacherous, high-altitude winter against PLA at LAC

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country.&nbsp;

A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one.

The best thing about a robot overlooking coronavirus wards is that it keeps healthcare workers safe from the virus.

The robot is called “Mitra”, which translated into “friend” in Hindi. The robot had earlier interacted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a 2017 event.

<h6><img alt="A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is see" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a143075-7943-4c1b-acd9-87ed9eadc741" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_153.jpg" />A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is seen in Noida | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to news agency Reuters, the robot’s eyes are equipped with facial recognition technology, to ensure it remembers those he had interacted with earlier.

Mitra’s chest also has a tablet to allow video calls, being in touch with family, but also for medical staff to supervise the contagious wards.

"It takes a lot of time to recover, and during this time, when patients need their families the most, they are unable to visit," Dr Arun Lakhanpal, a doctor at the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida Extension, told Reuters. The basic usage of Mitra is restricted to patients unable to communicate using their phones.

<h6><img alt="A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12218940-7c69-4bac-8ea6-f3d41f4bf97a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_107.jpg" />A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The robot was developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based start-up. The hospital paid 1 million rupees ($13,600) to acquire Mitra, as reported by Reuters.

On Wednesday, India crossed the grim 5 million threshold for the total number of coronavirus cases.

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country. A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one.

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country. A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one. The best thing about a robot overlooking coronavirus wards is that it keeps healthcare workers safe from the virus. The robot is called “Mitra”, which translated into “friend” in Hindi. The robot had earlier interacted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a 2017 event. A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is seen in Noida | Reuters According to news agency Reuters, the robot’s eyes are equipped with facial recognition technology, to ensure it remembers those he had interacted with earlier. Mitra’s chest also has a tablet to allow video calls, being in touch with family, but also for medical staff to supervise the contagious wards. "It takes a lot of time to recover, and during this time, when patients need their families the most, they are unable to visit," Dr Arun Lakhanpal, a doctor at the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida Extension, told Reuters. The basic usage of Mitra is restricted to patients unable to communicate using their phones. A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020 | Reuters The robot was developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based start-up. The hospital paid 1 million rupees ($13,600) to acquire Mitra, as reported by Reuters. On Wednesday, India crossed the grim 5 million threshold for the total number of coronavirus cases.

Meet Mitra, the friendly robot connecting coronavirus patients with loved ones in India

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

DCGI VG Somani, in a letter to SII, has said that the institute's reply has been "carefully examined" as also the recommendations of the DSMB in India and in UK.

"You (SII) may recommence the clinical trial dated August 2, 2020, as recommended by the DSMB, India as per already approved protocol and the provisions laid down under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 subject to the conditions mentioned which are to be scrupulously followed such as extra care during screening, additional information in the informed consent and close monitoring for similar events during the study follow-up," the letter said.

The DCGI has also asked SII to submit the details of the medication used as per protocol for the management of the adverse events.

AstraZeneca had earlier paused the ongoing trial of nCoV19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness. It was reported that the clinical trial had been put on hold in the US, UK, Brazil and South Africa.

Following this, the country's top drugs regulator had September 11 ordered the SII to suspend any new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for vaccine"&gt;COVID-19 vaccine till further orders.

AstraZeneca has already resumed trials in the UK for the vaccine.

A government official said that Serum Institute of India submitted the recommendations of the DSMB, UK and DSMB India on September 15 and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial.

"The DSMB, UK recommended that investigators recommend all immunizations in their clinical trials subject to certain conditions. The DSMB, India recommended to continue the study and enroll the remaining participants in the clinical trial as per protocol subject to three conditions to the scrupulously followed," the official said.

These recommendations include revised participant information sheet, revised informed consent form (ICF) and additional safety monitory plans for the enrolled participants incorporating the latest SUSAR and indicating the specific contact numbers for participants for seeking assistants in case of any problem or question.

India's top drugs regulator had in August granted permission to SII to conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) at various clinical trial sites in the country to determine its safety and immunogenicity.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. DCGI VG Somani, in a letter to SII, has said that the institute's reply has been "carefully examined" as also the recommendations of the DSMB in India and in UK. "You (SII) may recommence the clinical trial dated August 2, 2020, as recommended by the DSMB, India as per already approved protocol and the provisions laid down under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 subject to the conditions mentioned which are to be scrupulously followed such as extra care during screening, additional information in the informed consent and close monitoring for similar events during the study follow-up," the letter said. The DCGI has also asked SII to submit the details of the medication used as per protocol for the management of the adverse events. AstraZeneca had earlier paused the ongoing trial of nCoV19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness. It was reported that the clinical trial had been put on hold in the US, UK, Brazil and South Africa. Following this, the country's top drugs regulator had September 11 ordered the SII to suspend any new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine till further orders. AstraZeneca has already resumed trials in the UK for the vaccine. A government official said that Serum Institute of India submitted the recommendations of the DSMB, UK and DSMB India on September 15 and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial. "The DSMB, UK recommended that investigators recommend all immunizations in their clinical trials subject to certain conditions. The DSMB, India recommended to continue the study and enroll the remaining participants in the clinical trial as per protocol subject to three conditions to the scrupulously followed," the official said. These recommendations include revised participant information sheet, revised informed consent form (ICF) and additional safety monitory plans for the enrolled participants incorporating the latest SUSAR and indicating the specific contact numbers for participants for seeking assistants in case of any problem or question. India's top drugs regulator had in August granted permission to SII to conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) at various clinical trial sites in the country to determine its safety and immunogenicity.

DCGI gives go-ahead to Serum Institute for Covid-19 vaccine trials in India

The construction of the Atal Tunnel connecting Manali with Leh, which is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been completed in a span of 10 years whereas the original estimated time was less than six years.

"Atal Tunnel, connecting Manali to Leh, is the world''s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. The estimated period for completion of this tunnel was less than 6 years but it was completed in 10 years," said KP Purushothaman, Chief Engineer.

"There are CCTV cameras at every 60 metres and emergency exit tunnels at every 500 metres inside the tunnel. The tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres and four hours can be saved," said KP Purushothaman.

Fire hydrants have also been installed inside the tunnel in case of any fire incident.

"The induction and de-induction of resources was a difficult task while it was under construction. We did face a lot of challenges but together we were able to complete its construction. The tunnel's width is 10.5 metres, including footpath of 1 metre on both sides," said KP Purushothaman.

Speaking to ANI, Colonel Parikshit Mehra, Director, Atal Tunnel project said that many experts working within the team were of the opinion to change the alignment of the tunnel.

"We have had this dream to connect Leh and this was the first step to the connectivity ladder. This tunnel was a challenging project because we were working only from two ends. The other end was in North, across the Rohtang Pas which was accessible only for around five months in a year," he added.&nbsp;

The construction of the Atal Tunnel connecting Manali with Leh, which is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been completed in a span of 10 years whereas the original estimated time was less than six years.

The construction of the Atal Tunnel connecting Manali with Leh, which is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, has been completed in a span of 10 years whereas the original estimated time was less than six years. "Atal Tunnel, connecting Manali to Leh, is the world''s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. The estimated period for completion of this tunnel was less than 6 years but it was completed in 10 years," said KP Purushothaman, Chief Engineer. "There are CCTV cameras at every 60 metres and emergency exit tunnels at every 500 metres inside the tunnel. The tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres and four hours can be saved," said KP Purushothaman. Fire hydrants have also been installed inside the tunnel in case of any fire incident. "The induction and de-induction of resources was a difficult task while it was under construction. We did face a lot of challenges but together we were able to complete its construction. The tunnel's width is 10.5 metres, including footpath of 1 metre on both sides," said KP Purushothaman. Speaking to ANI, Colonel Parikshit Mehra, Director, Atal Tunnel project said that many experts working within the team were of the opinion to change the alignment of the tunnel. "We have had this dream to connect Leh and this was the first step to the connectivity ladder. This tunnel was a challenging project because we were working only from two ends. The other end was in North, across the Rohtang Pas which was accessible only for around five months in a year," he added.

World's longest highway tunnel connecting Manali with Leh ready after 10 years

The situation remains calm at the Line of actual control (LAC) since the Moscow pact between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers but Indian army is preparing for a long haul as winters are about to set in in the face-off region. Top government sources told WION, "No major aggressive activity seen in last 5-6 days by Chinese at LAC"

Thursday will mark one week since India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Moscow for over 2 hours. After the meet, both sides came out with a five-point joint statement that called for easing of tensions by disengagement, dialogue and keeping distance between the troops of both countries.

Last week ahead of the Moscow pact, on Monday shots were fired at the line of actual control by the Chinese, the Indian army said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Chinese forces indulged in provocative action all though out the day.

Meanwhile, the Indian army is ready with its operational logistics readiness for a prolonged standoff as winters set in. The Indian army has already stocked special fuel and lubricants for tanks and armoured personnel carriers, including spares for their maintenance.

Maj Gen Arvind Kapoor, Chief of Staff, Fire and Fury Corps speaking to reporters in Ladakh said, "We have enough equipment, state of the art facility--habitat, health and hygiene, best quality ration-- highly nutritional. Chief of army staff has visited Ladah and inspected frontline troops and formations."

The area where forces are on standoff experiences 40 feet of snow in just November and temperatures can go down to minus 30-40 degrees, which is normal. What can make the matter worse is chilly winds can add to the problem.

Sources told WION,"Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals like mules and yaks. “Adding," The living barracks have also been prepared which are comfortable and warm. Facilities such as central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities."

Indian army's Logistic capability relates to mobility, special rations, repair, recovery, heating systems, high quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing etc. While most of this existed earlier, sources explained, a lot has also been boosted since May this year when China showed first signs of aggression.

Asked about ammunition, sources responded, "various types including small arms, missiles and tank and artillery ammunition have also been adequately stocked. The medical system is also in place for any eventuality."

Indian forces have the advantage of serving in such climates given the experience of Siachen where conditions are much more demanding than the frontiers with China. &nbsp;This experience of "winter warfare" will come in handy as Chinese still have to disengage and drawdown at LAC. &nbsp;

When it comes to connectivity to Ladakh, there were two routes for moving in, one through Zojila and Rohtang Passes. India has now commissioned the third road from Darcha to Leh which is much shorter distance-wise. Completion of Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has played as "force multiplied the logistic capacities."

Modern snow clearing equipment have been also been placed on the routes to keep them open beyond November so that daily requirements of the troops can be sent. Indian air forces bases will also give the additional advantage of supporting the army.

The situation remains calm at the Line of actual control (LAC) since the Moscow pact between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers but Indian army is preparing for a long haul as winters are about to set in in the face-off region.

The situation remains calm at the Line of actual control (LAC) since the Moscow pact between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers but Indian army is preparing for a long haul as winters are about to set in in the face-off region. Top government sources told WION, "No major aggressive activity seen in last 5-6 days by Chinese at LAC" Thursday will mark one week since India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Moscow for over 2 hours. After the meet, both sides came out with a five-point joint statement that called for easing of tensions by disengagement, dialogue and keeping distance between the troops of both countries. Last week ahead of the Moscow pact, on Monday shots were fired at the line of actual control by the Chinese, the Indian army said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Chinese forces indulged in provocative action all though out the day. Meanwhile, the Indian army is ready with its operational logistics readiness for a prolonged standoff as winters set in. The Indian army has already stocked special fuel and lubricants for tanks and armoured personnel carriers, including spares for their maintenance. Maj Gen Arvind Kapoor, Chief of Staff, Fire and Fury Corps speaking to reporters in Ladakh said, "We have enough equipment, state of the art facility--habitat, health and hygiene, best quality ration-- highly nutritional. Chief of army staff has visited Ladah and inspected frontline troops and formations." The area where forces are on standoff experiences 40 feet of snow in just November and temperatures can go down to minus 30-40 degrees, which is normal. What can make the matter worse is chilly winds can add to the problem. Sources told WION,"Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals like mules and yaks. “Adding," The living barracks have also been prepared which are comfortable and warm. Facilities such as central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities." Indian army's Logistic capability relates to mobility, special rations, repair, recovery, heating systems, high quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing etc. While most of this existed earlier, sources explained, a lot has also been boosted since May this year when China showed first signs of aggression. Asked about ammunition, sources responded, "various types including small arms, missiles and tank and artillery ammunition have also been adequately stocked. The medical system is also in place for any eventuality." Indian forces have the advantage of serving in such climates given the experience of Siachen where conditions are much more demanding than the frontiers with China. This experience of "winter warfare" will come in handy as Chinese still have to disengage and drawdown at LAC. When it comes to connectivity to Ladakh, there were two routes for moving in, one through Zojila and Rohtang Passes. India has now commissioned the third road from Darcha to Leh which is much shorter distance-wise. Completion of Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has played as "force multiplied the logistic capacities." Modern snow clearing equipment have been also been placed on the routes to keep them open beyond November so that daily requirements of the troops can be sent. Indian air forces bases will also give the additional advantage of supporting the army.

After Moscow talks, Indian Army prepares for long winter in Ladakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar on Tuesday confirmed that the company will invest over ₹2,000 crore in the next 12 months

Toyota says investing ₹2,000 crore on electrification of cars in India

India's most powerful businesswomen in 2020

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-sco-charter-puts-map-showing-kashmir-in-sco-nsa-meet-as-india-protests-327747" hreflang="en">Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests</a>

Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.'

Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva&nbsp;himself but got no traction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721" hreflang="en">Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so."

On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices."

Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer&nbsp;of nuclear know-how.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body. First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir." Also read: Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.' Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva himself but got no traction. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so." On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices." Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer of nuclear know-how.

India slams Pakistan, Turkey and OIC at human rights council after they rake Kashmir

The second day of India's Parliament Monsoon Session began on September 15. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement on the India-China border standoff. He said that India will not tolerate any changes to the status quo on the Ladakh borders. The Opposition has been pressing for discussion on the ongoing standoff with China and has made several demands in meetings before the session. Watch this report to know the major takeaways of his speech.

Fineprint: Key takeaways of India's Defence Minister speech on border standoff in Lok Sabha

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