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India's novel coronavirus tally crossed 49 lakh on Tuesday with 83,809 new cases, while 38.59 lakh people have recuperated so far, taking the recovery rate to 78.28 per cent, the Health Ministry said.

The death toll rose to 80,776 with 1,054 more people succumbing to the infection. The case fatality rate stands at 1.64 per cent, according to the ministry data.

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India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> case tally crosses 49-lakh mark with a spike of 83,809 new cases &amp; 1,054 deaths in last 24 hours. 
 
The total case tally stands at 49,30,237 including 9,90,061 active cases, 38,59,400 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 80,776 deaths: Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare <a href="https://t.co/il5RGbtiFG">pic.twitter.com/il5RGbtiFG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1305716724084412416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There are 9,90,061 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 20.08 per cent of the total 49,30,236 cases, it said.

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India has consistently maintained a low &amp; declining Case Fatality Rate (1.64%). This is lowest compared to global average of 3.2% and many countries. 
 
The aim is to achieve a national CFR of less than 1%. Many States/UTs even today have CFR less than 1%. <a href="https://t.co/vZVlV3TGn4">pic.twitter.com/vZVlV3TGn4</a>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1305681185738231809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 5.83 crore tests have been conducted so far and 10.73 lakh samples were tested on Monday.&nbsp;

India's novel coronavirus tally crossed 49 lakh on Tuesday with 83,809 new cases, while 38.59 lakh people have recuperated so far, taking the recovery rate to 78.

India's novel coronavirus tally crossed 49 lakh on Tuesday with 83,809 new cases, while 38.59 lakh people have recuperated so far, taking the recovery rate to 78.28 per cent, the Health Ministry said. The death toll rose to 80,776 with 1,054 more people succumbing to the infection. The case fatality rate stands at 1.64 per cent, according to the ministry data. India's #COVID19 case tally crosses 49-lakh mark with a spike of 83,809 new cases & 1,054 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 49,30,237 including 9,90,061 active cases, 38,59,400 cured/discharged/migrated & 80,776 deaths: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/il5RGbtiFG — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2020 × There are 9,90,061 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 20.08 per cent of the total 49,30,236 cases, it said. #IndiaFightsCorona India has consistently maintained a low & declining Case Fatality Rate (1.64%). This is lowest compared to global average of 3.2% and many countries. The aim is to achieve a national CFR of less than 1%. Many States/UTs even today have CFR less than 1%. pic.twitter.com/vZVlV3TGn4 — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 15, 2020 × According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 5.83 crore tests have been conducted so far and 10.73 lakh samples were tested on Monday.

India reports 83,809 new COVID-19 cases; tally crosses 49-lakh mark

Hearing a case calling for the shutdown of online gambling sites and applications, a bench of the Madras High Court observed that online games were not only spoiling youth, but also young children.&nbsp;

The court mentioned that children were getting addicted towards dangerous, violent games and playing them in the wee hours of the day, which would impact them adversely. The case has been adjourned for September 29 for the state government to file their response.&nbsp;

Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and Hemalatha pointed out that parents are in the dark about the late-night gaming habits of their children, adding that even a police constable in Tamil Nadu had to take the extreme step owing to his gambling addiction that had gone beyond control. Justice MM Sundaresh said that youngsters must not blindly follow matinee idols and celebrities&nbsp;to the extent of doing whatever they are asked to do.&nbsp;

Justice Hemalatha questioned the government counsel on why no action is taken against the abettors, pointing out that the authorities arrest the poor, whereas there is no action taken against the influential persons whoa re promoting such activities.&nbsp;

In late August, A senior advocate A.P.Suryaprakasam filed a plea in the Madras High Court seeking a ban on online gambling, and the arrest, prosecution of those running these sites and the famous personalities who endorse them. The plea points out that gambling is a criminal offence in India and that there has been a recent spurt in suicides among youth in Tamil Nadu after they suffered heavy losses in online gambling. This plea had sought the response of the central government (Ministry of Communications)and the state government (home department).

An official from the Department of Telecommunications(DoT) had responded to the plea on behalf of the central government. He stated that the DoT is not empowered to suo-motu direct the blocking of website URLs, but can only direct the Internet service providers to do the same, under instructions from the Court or the Ministry of Electronics and IT. It was stated that the decisions and directions for blocking websites is issued by Group Coordinator, Cyber Law Division, under the Information Technology Act, 2000.&nbsp;

The petitioner had compared online gambling to the blue whale challenge game that led to many youths ending their lives, calling it "a menace to society".&nbsp;

“Youngsters are being hooked to this online gambling addiction by the organizers by providing huge cash bonus. It uses the famous cricket and film personalities including cricketers like Virat Kohli and actress Tamannah who brainwash these young with their powerful appeal to join this game,” the petition states.&nbsp;

It adds that the youth start playing it as a timepass, which further leads to addiction, following which they borrow money from lenders at high-interest rates. After they reach a point where they sustain heavy losses and fail to repay, they end their lives.&nbsp;

“This gambling addiction is more dangerous to the society and violative of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, as it infringes the right to life. Hence this writ petition seeking ban” reads the plea.

In July, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had observed that the Central and State government’s could pass laws that ban games that involve money such as Online Rummy, other online card games across India.&nbsp;

The court drew a parallel to the Telangana government Ordinance amending the Telangana Gaming Act 1974 banning online Rummy. This meant that users playing real cash games from the state are prohibited from doing so.

Hearing a case calling for the shutdown of online gambling sites and applications, a bench of the Madras High Court observed that online games were not only spoiling youth, but also young children.

Hearing a case calling for the shutdown of online gambling sites and applications, a bench of the Madras High Court observed that online games were not only spoiling youth, but also young children. The court mentioned that children were getting addicted towards dangerous, violent games and playing them in the wee hours of the day, which would impact them adversely. The case has been adjourned for September 29 for the state government to file their response. Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and Hemalatha pointed out that parents are in the dark about the late-night gaming habits of their children, adding that even a police constable in Tamil Nadu had to take the extreme step owing to his gambling addiction that had gone beyond control. Justice MM Sundaresh said that youngsters must not blindly follow matinee idols and celebrities to the extent of doing whatever they are asked to do. Justice Hemalatha questioned the government counsel on why no action is taken against the abettors, pointing out that the authorities arrest the poor, whereas there is no action taken against the influential persons whoa re promoting such activities. In late August, A senior advocate A.P.Suryaprakasam filed a plea in the Madras High Court seeking a ban on online gambling, and the arrest, prosecution of those running these sites and the famous personalities who endorse them. The plea points out that gambling is a criminal offence in India and that there has been a recent spurt in suicides among youth in Tamil Nadu after they suffered heavy losses in online gambling. This plea had sought the response of the central government (Ministry of Communications)and the state government (home department). An official from the Department of Telecommunications(DoT) had responded to the plea on behalf of the central government. He stated that the DoT is not empowered to suo-motu direct the blocking of website URLs, but can only direct the Internet service providers to do the same, under instructions from the Court or the Ministry of Electronics and IT. It was stated that the decisions and directions for blocking websites is issued by Group Coordinator, Cyber Law Division, under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The petitioner had compared online gambling to the blue whale challenge game that led to many youths ending their lives, calling it "a menace to society". “Youngsters are being hooked to this online gambling addiction by the organizers by providing huge cash bonus. It uses the famous cricket and film personalities including cricketers like Virat Kohli and actress Tamannah who brainwash these young with their powerful appeal to join this game,” the petition states. It adds that the youth start playing it as a timepass, which further leads to addiction, following which they borrow money from lenders at high-interest rates. After they reach a point where they sustain heavy losses and fail to repay, they end their lives. “This gambling addiction is more dangerous to the society and violative of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, as it infringes the right to life. Hence this writ petition seeking ban” reads the plea. In July, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had observed that the Central and State government’s could pass laws that ban games that involve money such as Online Rummy, other online card games across India. The court drew a parallel to the Telangana government Ordinance amending the Telangana Gaming Act 1974 banning online Rummy. This meant that users playing real cash games from the state are prohibited from doing so.

Madras High Court seeks Tamil Nadu govt's response over possible ban on online gambling, violent games

After a media report of Chinese government's snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals, the opposition parties, especially the Congress has urged the government to step up its efforts on cybersecurity for confronting China's intentions in the cyberspace.

Yesterday a media report published by The Indian Express said that a Shenzen-based Company named Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.

Tagging the news report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter that the news about Chinese digital surveillance of India's leaders and others is "worrying".

"We condemn this unequivocally. Have the Chinese used this 2 yr old Company to influence Govt policies in any manner? Will the Govt investigate &amp; assure the Nation?" he said. 
 
<img alt="Randeep Surjewala" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e181766-42c8-4c85-9844-edd508538f24" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/randip-surjewala.JPG" />

In another tweet, Surjewala asked that, if the report is correct, then did the Modi government know about this serious matter.

"Or they didn't know that we were being spied upon? Why is the government failing to protect our strategic interests over and over again?" he said.

A clear message needs to be sent out to China to prevent them from indulging in such activities, he said in the tweet in Hindi.

When asked about the report, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, "We want the government of India to step up its efforts on cybersecurity because when we confront a country like China, we are not only confronting China on land, sea and air, we are also confronting Chinese intentions in the cyberspace as well."

The government should not be caught sleeping and should ramp up its efforts, he told reporters.

"In the days to come, the government should be clear...that all the data that has been collected by Chinese agencies has not been used to manipulate policy, has not been used to gain more intelligence data on our military or sensitive information," he said.

That kind of assurance should come from this government, Gogoi asserted.

(With inputs from PTI)

After a media report of Chinese government's snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals, the opposition parties, especially the Congress has urged the government to step up its efforts on cybersecurity for confronting China's intentions in the cyberspace.

After a media report of Chinese government's snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals, the opposition parties, especially the Congress has urged the government to step up its efforts on cybersecurity for confronting China's intentions in the cyberspace. Yesterday a media report published by The Indian Express said that a Shenzen-based Company named Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others. Tagging the news report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter that the news about Chinese digital surveillance of India's leaders and others is "worrying". "We condemn this unequivocally. Have the Chinese used this 2 yr old Company to influence Govt policies in any manner? Will the Govt investigate & assure the Nation?" he said. In another tweet, Surjewala asked that, if the report is correct, then did the Modi government know about this serious matter. "Or they didn't know that we were being spied upon? Why is the government failing to protect our strategic interests over and over again?" he said. A clear message needs to be sent out to China to prevent them from indulging in such activities, he said in the tweet in Hindi. When asked about the report, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, "We want the government of India to step up its efforts on cybersecurity because when we confront a country like China, we are not only confronting China on land, sea and air, we are also confronting Chinese intentions in the cyberspace as well." The government should not be caught sleeping and should ramp up its efforts, he told reporters. "In the days to come, the government should be clear...that all the data that has been collected by Chinese agencies has not been used to manipulate policy, has not been used to gain more intelligence data on our military or sensitive information," he said. That kind of assurance should come from this government, Gogoi asserted. (With inputs from PTI)

Opposition raises questions after reports of China snooping on Indians

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire".

This was stated in a statement of US embassy on US Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's one day Delhi visit.

During his Delhi visit, which comes four days after Intra Afghan talks ceremony in Doha, Khalilzad held meetings with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Present in the meeting were Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division in MEA JP Singh.

The US read out of the meet said, "The Afghan sides should ensure their territory must not be used by any terrorist group against any other country." This is a point also raised by external affairs minister during his speech at the intra Afghan talks ceremony on Saturday which he addressed virtually. According to a UN report, 6000- 6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/taliban-will-cooperate-to-bring-back-peace-in-afghanistan-khalilzad-310750" hreflang="en">Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad</a>

Ambassador Khalilzad "stressed regional and international support is critical for the success of these negotiations and the implementation of any agreement" and &nbsp;"India and the United States will work together in support of this objective."

The US readout further added both sides have "similar views on the importance of long term assistance, trade, and investment for consolidating a peace agreement for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan, the region, and beyond."

India has played an important role in connectivity when it comes to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port in Iran and the India Afghanistan air corridor. It has also emerged as an important developmental partner of the country.

Meanwhile, Indian government sources told WION that, "Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations.." and "briefed about the US assessment the talks and shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace process."

Both sides while discussing "future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process" also "deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan."

Khalilzad had visited India earlier this year on May 7. This is his 5th visit to India since January 2019.

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire".

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire". This was stated in a statement of US embassy on US Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's one day Delhi visit. During his Delhi visit, which comes four days after Intra Afghan talks ceremony in Doha, Khalilzad held meetings with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Present in the meeting were Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division in MEA JP Singh. The US read out of the meet said, "The Afghan sides should ensure their territory must not be used by any terrorist group against any other country." This is a point also raised by external affairs minister during his speech at the intra Afghan talks ceremony on Saturday which he addressed virtually. According to a UN report, 6000- 6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Pakistan. Also read: Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad Ambassador Khalilzad "stressed regional and international support is critical for the success of these negotiations and the implementation of any agreement" and "India and the United States will work together in support of this objective." The US readout further added both sides have "similar views on the importance of long term assistance, trade, and investment for consolidating a peace agreement for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan, the region, and beyond." India has played an important role in connectivity when it comes to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port in Iran and the India Afghanistan air corridor. It has also emerged as an important developmental partner of the country. Meanwhile, Indian government sources told WION that, "Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations.." and "briefed about the US assessment the talks and shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace process." Both sides while discussing "future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process" also "deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan." Khalilzad had visited India earlier this year on May 7. This is his 5th visit to India since January 2019.

Khalilzad in Delhi: India, US agree that Afghan peace process should lead to political roadmap, ceasefire

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).&nbsp;

India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women. Even as India and Afghanistan won the ballot among the 54 members, China could not cross the half-way mark.

<img alt="ECOSOC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="230011f7-3041-4c03-8c98-0594cb5ce1fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/india-china11.jpg" />

TS Tirumurti, permanent representative of India to the United Nations tweeted, “India wins seat in prestigious ECOSOC body! India elected member of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support.” 
&nbsp;

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India wins seat in prestigious <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECOSOC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECOSOC</a> body! 
 
India elected Member of Commission on Status of Women <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSW</a>. It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. 
 
We thank member states for their support. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/C7cKrMxzOV">pic.twitter.com/C7cKrMxzOV</a>
— PR UN Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1305615293503483908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This year is the 25th anniversary of the famous Beijing World Conference on Women (1995). 
 
The Commission on the Status of Women is a UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

India will be a member of United Nation's Commission on Status of Women for four years, 2021 to 2025. 
 
Earlier on June 18, 2020, India was elected as one of the non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with an overwhelming majority of 184 votes out of 192, where the minimum requirement was 128.

In fact that was for the eighth time that India has been elected to UNSC. India has served seven times earlier: 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women.

India has been elected as the member of the United Nations’ Commission on Status of Women (CSW), a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India, Afghanistan and China had contested the elections to the Commission on Status of Women. Even as India and Afghanistan won the ballot among the 54 members, China could not cross the half-way mark. TS Tirumurti, permanent representative of India to the United Nations tweeted, “India wins seat in prestigious ECOSOC body! India elected member of Commission on Status of Women (CSW). It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support.” India wins seat in prestigious #ECOSOC body! India elected Member of Commission on Status of Women #CSW. It’s a ringing endorsement of our commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all our endeavours. We thank member states for their support. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/C7cKrMxzOV — PR UN Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) September 14, 2020 × This year is the 25th anniversary of the famous Beijing World Conference on Women (1995). The Commission on the Status of Women is a UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. India will be a member of United Nation's Commission on Status of Women for four years, 2021 to 2025. Earlier on June 18, 2020, India was elected as one of the non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with an overwhelming majority of 184 votes out of 192, where the minimum requirement was 128. In fact that was for the eighth time that India has been elected to UNSC. India has served seven times earlier: 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012. (With inputs from agencies)

India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC

India on the 3rd anniversary of India-UN Development Partnership Fund has highlighted how its focus has been on "cooperation over conflict" and amidst the COVID pandemic it reached out to countries.

India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti at an event in New York said," India has through history prioritized cooperation over conflict, co-existence over the competition, sharing over receiving, plurality over hegemony and inclusivity and democracy over exclusion and control. This has underpinned our approach to development cooperation as well."

The Fund was established in 2017 in collaboration with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. It is currently undertaking 59 development projects in 48 developing countries through $47.8 million in contributions from a $150 million multi-year pledge by the Indian government.

In a veiled message on Pakistan and China, the envoy said, "at a time when some countries are busy taking undue advantage ofCOVID-19 to spread divisive disinformation or to enhance even more their support to terrorism or to adopt aggressive policies "India's answer has been to "immediately come to the support of countries vulnerable to the pandemic, rush urgently needed medical supplies, strengthen national health capacities and mitigate the diverse socio-economic impact of this crisis."

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Fund provided financial support to nine developing countries to procure medical supplies and protective equipment as well as to implement socio-economic response measures. These were Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu.

The Fund has made contributions in the area of poverty reduction. For example, in Chad, a project trained 200 local farmers in innovative farming techniques. Across 7 Pacific Island Countries, the fund supported climate resilience project like climate early warning system, including installation of weather monitoring equipment.

It is much appreciated by everyone especially the Pacific Islands countries and the Caribbean.

Envoy of Kiribati to UN said, "India is taking good leadership of the multilateral partnership" while Antigua and Barbuda envoy said, "The Fund has been extremely cooperative with us. PM has asked to offer congratulations to PM and Govt and people of India for the partnership."

In the neighbourhood, Maldives envoy to UN lauded India by saying "everyone has to follow India’s lead as an example of multilateralism" while Nepal envoy said," Nepal is one of the beneficiaries of India’s generous assistance. Appreciate India’s efforts on South-South cooperation".

India on the 3rd anniversary of India-UN Development Partnership Fund has highlighted how its focus has been on "cooperation over conflict" and amidst the COVID pandemic it reached out to countries.

India on the 3rd anniversary of India-UN Development Partnership Fund has highlighted how its focus has been on "cooperation over conflict" and amidst the COVID pandemic it reached out to countries. India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti at an event in New York said," India has through history prioritized cooperation over conflict, co-existence over the competition, sharing over receiving, plurality over hegemony and inclusivity and democracy over exclusion and control. This has underpinned our approach to development cooperation as well." The Fund was established in 2017 in collaboration with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. It is currently undertaking 59 development projects in 48 developing countries through $47.8 million in contributions from a $150 million multi-year pledge by the Indian government. In a veiled message on Pakistan and China, the envoy said, "at a time when some countries are busy taking undue advantage ofCOVID-19 to spread divisive disinformation or to enhance even more their support to terrorism or to adopt aggressive policies "India's answer has been to "immediately come to the support of countries vulnerable to the pandemic, rush urgently needed medical supplies, strengthen national health capacities and mitigate the diverse socio-economic impact of this crisis." During the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Fund provided financial support to nine developing countries to procure medical supplies and protective equipment as well as to implement socio-economic response measures. These were Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu. The Fund has made contributions in the area of poverty reduction. For example, in Chad, a project trained 200 local farmers in innovative farming techniques. Across 7 Pacific Island Countries, the fund supported climate resilience project like climate early warning system, including installation of weather monitoring equipment. It is much appreciated by everyone especially the Pacific Islands countries and the Caribbean. Envoy of Kiribati to UN said, "India is taking good leadership of the multilateral partnership" while Antigua and Barbuda envoy said, "The Fund has been extremely cooperative with us. PM has asked to offer congratulations to PM and Govt and people of India for the partnership." In the neighbourhood, Maldives envoy to UN lauded India by saying "everyone has to follow India’s lead as an example of multilateralism" while Nepal envoy said," Nepal is one of the beneficiaries of India’s generous assistance. Appreciate India’s efforts on South-South cooperation".

‘Cooperation over conflict’ as India celebrates third anniversary of India-UN development partnership fund

Days after the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Qatar's Doha, US Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is scheduled to visit New Delhi on September 15 (Tuesday).

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to visit India today

An Indian-origin entrepreneur-activist was on Monday dropped as a prospective London mayoral candidate to contest against Sadiq Khan next year after her past antisemitic comments came to light.

Geeta Sidhu Robb, the founder of organic food and juice products firm Nosh Detox, had been shortlisted as the Liberal Democrat candidate to take on Labour's Khan but was instead suspended from the party after a 1997 General Election footage revealed her making anti-Jewish remarks.

"I apologise profusely for my actions in the 1997 General Election campaign. My behaviour caused offence and hurt and I am deeply sorry," said Sidhu Robb.

"There is no room for any form of racism or antisemitism in society and as such I very much regret my conduct at that time. It is in no way an excuse, but the context was that I was on the receiving end of a consistent racist campaign and, wrongly, retaliated as I did," she said.

As a Conservative Party General Election candidate in Blackburn 23 years ago when she was contesting against incumbent Labour MP Jack Straw, Sidhu Robb was filmed saying: "Don't vote for a Jew, Jack Straw is a Jew."

The London-based health food promoter, who came second behind Straw in that election, said she was "deeply ashamed" of the language she had used, which she is seen admitting in the footage was done in anger.

"As shown in the footage, I instantly regretted my appalling behaviour, which I continue to do. And I am actively reaching out to the Jewish community to listen and learn," she said.

"Two wrongs never make a right. I made a mistake and I take responsibility for my abhorrent actions 23 years ago, they were never repeated. I urge you to judge me on who I am today, a campaigner committed to eradicating inequality and discrimination in all its forms," she added, in a lengthy Twitter statement.

The London mayoral election was due to be held in May this year but has been postponed to May 2021 due to the coronavirus lockdown disruption.

So far, incumbent Sadiq Khan is being challenged by Conservative Party candidate Shaun Bailey in the race. The Lib Dem choice has proved difficult as the party's previous choice, Siobhan Benita, withdrew from the race saying she could not commit to an extra year of unpaid campaigning. The party is now back to seeking a prospective candidate after Sidhu Robb's suspension.

"Geeta Sidhu Robb has been suspended from the Liberal Democrats and will not be on the ballot paper to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor of London. There is an investigation under way in accordance with due process," a Lib Dem spokesperson said.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur-activist was on Monday dropped as a prospective London mayoral candidate to contest against Sadiq Khan next year after her past antisemitic comments came to light.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur-activist was on Monday dropped as a prospective London mayoral candidate to contest against Sadiq Khan next year after her past antisemitic comments came to light. Geeta Sidhu Robb, the founder of organic food and juice products firm Nosh Detox, had been shortlisted as the Liberal Democrat candidate to take on Labour's Khan but was instead suspended from the party after a 1997 General Election footage revealed her making anti-Jewish remarks. "I apologise profusely for my actions in the 1997 General Election campaign. My behaviour caused offence and hurt and I am deeply sorry," said Sidhu Robb. "There is no room for any form of racism or antisemitism in society and as such I very much regret my conduct at that time. It is in no way an excuse, but the context was that I was on the receiving end of a consistent racist campaign and, wrongly, retaliated as I did," she said. As a Conservative Party General Election candidate in Blackburn 23 years ago when she was contesting against incumbent Labour MP Jack Straw, Sidhu Robb was filmed saying: "Don't vote for a Jew, Jack Straw is a Jew." The London-based health food promoter, who came second behind Straw in that election, said she was "deeply ashamed" of the language she had used, which she is seen admitting in the footage was done in anger. "As shown in the footage, I instantly regretted my appalling behaviour, which I continue to do. And I am actively reaching out to the Jewish community to listen and learn," she said. "Two wrongs never make a right. I made a mistake and I take responsibility for my abhorrent actions 23 years ago, they were never repeated. I urge you to judge me on who I am today, a campaigner committed to eradicating inequality and discrimination in all its forms," she added, in a lengthy Twitter statement. The London mayoral election was due to be held in May this year but has been postponed to May 2021 due to the coronavirus lockdown disruption. So far, incumbent Sadiq Khan is being challenged by Conservative Party candidate Shaun Bailey in the race. The Lib Dem choice has proved difficult as the party's previous choice, Siobhan Benita, withdrew from the race saying she could not commit to an extra year of unpaid campaigning. The party is now back to seeking a prospective candidate after Sidhu Robb's suspension. "Geeta Sidhu Robb has been suspended from the Liberal Democrats and will not be on the ballot paper to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor of London. There is an investigation under way in accordance with due process," a Lib Dem spokesperson said.

Indian-origin London mayor candidate dropped over anti-semitism remarks 

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database.

Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in&nbsp;Shenzhen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, a report by The Indian Express has said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-targets-indias-new-economy-snooping-on-online-ventures-and-tech-startups-327652">China targets India's economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups</a>

WION spoke to P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express, who&nbsp;explained&nbsp;the process of uncovering data, of categorising it, and what it means.

<h6><img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82a9972d-62e0-42e3-9c23-ce2de86c69a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_152.jpg" /> 
P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express</h6>

&nbsp;

WION: Can you break down the process involved in this investigation? And how challenging was it?

Iyer: It started with a very innocuous LinkedIn message from a source in Vietnam who is an academician, who has worked with the HSBC business school in Shenzhen for about a decade. He said that he had got some information in which I would be interested in. It started off with that.

Generally what happens is - we get so many messages, so many calls, we tend to ignore them, or we don’t call them back. I genuinely respond to every message, and this was one of those messages I thankfully responded to. And then, that was the starting point.

I remember that date very distinctly, it was May 21. Over a period of time, we started discussing this with the source. Christopher Balding is the professor I was talking about. And another gentleman who is in Canberra - Robert Potter, who owns a cybersecurity firm and used to work with British aerospace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-snooping-on-top-indian-politicians-defence-chiefs-and-news-media-editors-reports-327391" hreflang="en">China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports</a>

He helped us put together the data in a format which is readable. This data had come to Christopher from a source who is connected to the company. There are reports that the information is stolen, but the whistleblower remains anonymous because of security concerns. This was the starting point, and then the data was put together in a manner that we could read, and we were given very specific access methodologies to get into the database online.

We were not allowed to download the whole database to your systems, because that is also a security risk. We were allowed access to the servers and this was a very painful and laborious task because these were log files. 10,000 odd log files were distributed between me, Jay Mazoomdaar, and Kaunain Sheriff. 

It took us a while to just sift through data, go one by one - a laborious exercise of looking at each link that had to opened up. Creating excel sheets, data sheets, sharing them, putting them together, kind of numbering them, putting them into different buckets. That was the process which took us almost 2 and a half months. And then, we could get the big picture of what this data is all about.

WION: We spoke to Robert Potter yesterday, who raised an alarm over the magnitude of the spying which is taking place, and he also compared this to the Cambridge Analytics case. What is your take?

Iyer: I think this is a monster of a data. Given the staggering scale, and scale in terms of geography - the number of countries about which the data has been collected; we can say that this is data which has escaped from all kinds of social media platforms and online forums, at a staggering scale of more than 50 billion data points collected over&nbsp;two years.

This company was set up in 2018 April, and they had begun work on it a year earlier.&nbsp; But the scale and depth of data is what was staggering. When you look at data, you don’t just look at personal information from various social media sites. That is one aspect, but the other critical aspect is: Do they really open up fields numbering into more fields. So that at a later date, that you keep collecting and building to this database. It is bothersome, and worrisome.&nbsp;

Watch the whole interview below:

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A media report has said that China has reportedly been spying on over 10,000 prominent Indians. 
 
P Vaidyanathan Iyer (<a href="https://twitter.com/iyervaidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iyervaidy</a>), Executive Editor (National Affairs) Indian Express breaks down the process involved in this investigation.<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> brings you the story <a href="https://t.co/wL1bhK58rI">pic.twitter.com/wL1bhK58rI</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1305814572465401858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the investigative report published in the Indian Express, the company’s ‘Overseas Key Information Database (OKIDB)’, is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals.OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint. 
 
The report also claimed that the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database. Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzhen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, a report by The Indian Express has said. Also read: China targets India's economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups WION spoke to P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express, who explained the process of uncovering data, of categorising it, and what it means. P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express WION: Can you break down the process involved in this investigation? And how challenging was it? Iyer: It started with a very innocuous LinkedIn message from a source in Vietnam who is an academician, who has worked with the HSBC business school in Shenzhen for about a decade. He said that he had got some information in which I would be interested in. It started off with that. Generally what happens is - we get so many messages, so many calls, we tend to ignore them, or we don’t call them back. I genuinely respond to every message, and this was one of those messages I thankfully responded to. And then, that was the starting point. I remember that date very distinctly, it was May 21. Over a period of time, we started discussing this with the source. Christopher Balding is the professor I was talking about. And another gentleman who is in Canberra - Robert Potter, who owns a cybersecurity firm and used to work with British aerospace. Also read: China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports He helped us put together the data in a format which is readable. This data had come to Christopher from a source who is connected to the company. There are reports that the information is stolen, but the whistleblower remains anonymous because of security concerns. This was the starting point, and then the data was put together in a manner that we could read, and we were given very specific access methodologies to get into the database online. We were not allowed to download the whole database to your systems, because that is also a security risk. We were allowed access to the servers and this was a very painful and laborious task because these were log files. 10,000 odd log files were distributed between me, Jay Mazoomdaar, and Kaunain Sheriff. It took us a while to just sift through data, go one by one - a laborious exercise of looking at each link that had to opened up. Creating excel sheets, data sheets, sharing them, putting them together, kind of numbering them, putting them into different buckets. That was the process which took us almost 2 and a half months. And then, we could get the big picture of what this data is all about. WION: We spoke to Robert Potter yesterday, who raised an alarm over the magnitude of the spying which is taking place, and he also compared this to the Cambridge Analytics case. What is your take? Iyer: I think this is a monster of a data. Given the staggering scale, and scale in terms of geography - the number of countries about which the data has been collected; we can say that this is data which has escaped from all kinds of social media platforms and online forums, at a staggering scale of more than 50 billion data points collected over two years. This company was set up in 2018 April, and they had begun work on it a year earlier. But the scale and depth of data is what was staggering. When you look at data, you don’t just look at personal information from various social media sites. That is one aspect, but the other critical aspect is: Do they really open up fields numbering into more fields. So that at a later date, that you keep collecting and building to this database. It is bothersome, and worrisome. Watch the whole interview below: A media report has said that China has reportedly been spying on over 10,000 prominent Indians. P Vaidyanathan Iyer (@iyervaidy), Executive Editor (National Affairs) Indian Express breaks down the process involved in this investigation.@MollyGambhir brings you the story pic.twitter.com/wL1bhK58rI — WION (@WIONews) September 15, 2020 × According to the investigative report published in the Indian Express, the company’s ‘Overseas Key Information Database (OKIDB)’, is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals.OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint. The report also claimed that the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list.

'Staggering scale of data': P Vaidyanathan Iyer, journalist who unearthed China's 'Snoopgate' speaks to WION

India has listed its COVID-19 strategy at the United Nation's Human Rights Council saying the mantra is ‘Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi’ which is "saving lives as well as livelihoods.

India has listed its COVID-19 strategy at the United Nation's Human Rights Council saying the mantra is ‘Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi’ which is "saving lives as well as livelihoods." India's first secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, "India has continued on the path to ramping up our capacities, securing the needs of poorest citizens and future-proofing our society.." and "was among the first few countries to create a responsive system of lockdown, in launching public awareness campaigns about social distancing and use of face masks." While India has now the second-highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world after the US, it also continues to post high recoveries, according to government data which says recovery rate has touched 78.28% in the country. Pawan explained India has been "able to upscale, in record time, health infrastructure, including COVID-19 hospitals, ICU capacities and testing facilities." India currently has 298 COVID-19 testing labs. As COVID-19 pandemic started to spread across the world, India has put in place nationwide lockdown starting in the month of March. Currently, the country is in the unlock phase. Badhe at the HRC highlighted India has "emerged as the second-largest manufacturer of PPE kits in the world" and has been "deploying indigenously developed digital tools for contact tracing and to predict emerging hotspots". "We have managed to keep our fatalities at one-and-a-half per cent, for we responded by – coming together not growing apart; collaboration not confusion; preparation not panic." India announced the economic stimulus package to deal with the crisis. Under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Package, $ 22 billion has been set out to alleviate the situation of the poor and vulnerable and funds were transferred through direct cash transfer schemes to 28 million poor senior citizens, differently-abled people, and widows. India sent medical supplies to over 150 nations was also pointed out by the Indian diplomat. He said,"universality of human needs has guided our collective action" and "India remains committed to being inclusive and non-transactional in collaborating with other stakeholders in a collective quest to develop solutions to manage the crisis."

Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region.

Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC), India's permanent representative to UN in Geneva Indra Mani Pandey said, "since the changes made in August 2019, people in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of India."

Explaining,"We have been able to revive grassroot democracy and provide a new momentum to social and economic development, despite the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process."

Last year saw Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reach&nbsp;out to the UNHRC over&nbsp;India's removal of&nbsp;special status to J&amp;K but found no traction.

At the council, India's envoy highlighted how as "the largest and most vibrant democracy" India has been since "independence, been an ardent supporter of human rights, which we have sought to promote and secure through enshrining them in our Constitution as fundamental rights."

"We have also endeavoured to create an international environment conducive for dialogue and cooperation for promoting and protecting these rights," the Indian envoy added.&nbsp;

While he said, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights", it is of the "view that the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner."

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region.

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region. Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC), India's permanent representative to UN in Geneva Indra Mani Pandey said, "since the changes made in August 2019, people in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of India." Explaining,"We have been able to revive grassroot democracy and provide a new momentum to social and economic development, despite the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process." Last year saw Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reach out to the UNHRC over India's removal of special status to J&K but found no traction. At the council, India's envoy highlighted how as "the largest and most vibrant democracy" India has been since "independence, been an ardent supporter of human rights, which we have sought to promote and secure through enshrining them in our Constitution as fundamental rights." "We have also endeavoured to create an international environment conducive for dialogue and cooperation for promoting and protecting these rights," the Indian envoy added. While he said, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights", it is of the "view that the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner."

Revived grassroot democracy in Jammu & Kashmir, says India at UNHRC

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that&nbsp;a database compiled by a Chinese tech company&nbsp;has at least 1,400 entries covering the Indian economy.

Overseas Key Individual DataBase (OKIDB), built by Zhenhua Data, reportedly has&nbsp;links to the country’s military and intelligence networks.&nbsp;People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party are&nbsp;some of its main clients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-snooping-on-top-indian-politicians-defence-chiefs-and-news-media-editors-reports-327391" hreflang="en">China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports</a>

Chinese online spies are aiming at the venture capitalists, angel investors, founders and chief technology officers of India’s new online ventures including payment apps, technology startups and foreigner investors based in country.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-is-snooping-on-wion-327581/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The prominent personalities that are being tracked include:&nbsp;T K Kurien, the Chief Investment Officer at the Premji Invest, a venture capital company set up by Azim Premji,&nbsp;Anish Shah, Group CFO, Mahindra Group,&nbsp;PK X Thomas, CTO, Reliance Brands,&nbsp;Brian Bade, Chief Executive, Reliance Retail; and Vineet Sekhsaria, Country Head, Morgan Stanley, Real Estate Investing.

Flipkart co-founder&nbsp;Binny Bansal,&nbsp;Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal; Swiggy co-founder and CEO Nandan Reddy&nbsp;Nykaa co-founder and CEO Falguni Nayar; Uber India’s head of driver operations Pavan Vaish, and PayU business head Nameet Potnis are also part of&nbsp;the list.&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;comes when Chinese investment in Indian startups surged by over 10 times from $ 381 million in 2016 to $4.6 billion in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rattled-by-zee-groups-coverage-china-puts-spies-on-editor-in-chief-sudhir-chaudhary-report-327401" hreflang="en">Rattled by Zee group’s coverage, China puts spies on Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary: Report</a>

Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media, a report by The Indian Express has said.

According to the report the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list.

OKIDB &nbsp;is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals. OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint.

Overall, approximately 2.4 million people are included in the database, assembled mostly based on public open-source data such as social media profiles, analysts said.

The database report demonstrates that the depth and the breadth of Chinese surveillance could not be underestimated.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a database compiled by a Chinese tech company has at least 1,400 entries covering the Indian economy.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a database compiled by a Chinese tech company has at least 1,400 entries covering the Indian economy. Overseas Key Individual DataBase (OKIDB), built by Zhenhua Data, reportedly has links to the country’s military and intelligence networks. People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party are some of its main clients. Also read: China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports Chinese online spies are aiming at the venture capitalists, angel investors, founders and chief technology officers of India’s new online ventures including payment apps, technology startups and foreigner investors based in country. The prominent personalities that are being tracked include: T K Kurien, the Chief Investment Officer at the Premji Invest, a venture capital company set up by Azim Premji, Anish Shah, Group CFO, Mahindra Group, PK X Thomas, CTO, Reliance Brands, Brian Bade, Chief Executive, Reliance Retail; and Vineet Sekhsaria, Country Head, Morgan Stanley, Real Estate Investing. Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal; Swiggy co-founder and CEO Nandan Reddy Nykaa co-founder and CEO Falguni Nayar; Uber India’s head of driver operations Pavan Vaish, and PayU business head Nameet Potnis are also part of the list. The report comes when Chinese investment in Indian startups surged by over 10 times from $ 381 million in 2016 to $4.6 billion in 2019. Also read: Rattled by Zee group’s coverage, China puts spies on Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary: Report Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media, a report by The Indian Express has said. According to the report the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list. OKIDB is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals. OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint. Overall, approximately 2.4 million people are included in the database, assembled mostly based on public open-source data such as social media profiles, analysts said. The database report demonstrates that the depth and the breadth of Chinese surveillance could not be underestimated.

China targets India's new economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">India-China border standoff </a>in Parliament today asserting that &nbsp;both sides have different perceptions about the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-is-china-tracking-influential-indians-327686/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"China doesn't recognise the traditional and&nbsp;customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well established geographical principals," Rajnath Singh said in Parliament, adding, "India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on the border."

"China has mobilised a huge number of Army battalions and armaments along LAC and inner areas. There are&nbsp;many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake's north and south banks. Indian Army has made counter deployments in these areas," Rajnath Singh said.

"The Chinese side created a violent face-off on June 15&nbsp;at Galwan. Our brave soldiers laid down their lives and also inflicted costs including casualties on the Chinese side," Rajnath Singh said in Parliament

Rajnath Singh said PM Modi's Ladakh visit instilled confidence while insisting that he is taking stock of the situation at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-air-force-intends-to-counter-chinas-forward-airbase-close-to-lac-326902">LAC</a> himself in the midst of the India-China standoff at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-defeats-china-becomes-member-of-united-nations-ecosoc-327590">Also Read:&nbsp;India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC</a>

The defence minister informed the House that India's border with China is well established but highlighted that China says the border is still to be decided.

"China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. kms in Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China," Rajnath Singh said.

"Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders," he said.

"We have told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-air-force-intends-to-counter-chinas-forward-airbase-close-to-lac-326902">China</a> through diplomatic channels that the attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements,"&nbsp;Rajnath Singh stated in Lok Sabha.

"Both India and China agree that to maintain peace and tranquillity in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-china-denies-reports-of-troops-laying-cables-at-lac-327669"> India-China border</a> areas, it is essential for the further development of bilateral relations," India's defence minister added.

"In the meeting with Chinese defence minister, I clearly stated that while our troops had always taken a responsible approach towards border management, but at same time there should be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," India's defence minister told the lower house of parliament on the standoff at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">LAC</a>.

"I request this house to pass a resolution that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces who are guarding our borders to safeguard India's sovereignty and integrity," the minister said, adding,"I want to assure you that we are ready to deal with any situation."

"In past too, we have had situations of prolonged standoffs in border areas with China which were resolved peacefully. Even though situation this year is very different both in terms of scale of troops involved and the number of friction points, we remain committed to peaceful resolution," he said.

"I want to assure that the morale of our armed forces is high. No one should doubt it,"&nbsp;he added.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke on the India-China border standoff in Parliament today asserting that both sides have different perceptions about the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke on the India-China border standoff in Parliament today asserting that both sides have different perceptions about the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: "China doesn't recognise the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well established geographical principals," Rajnath Singh said in Parliament, adding, "India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on the border." "China has mobilised a huge number of Army battalions and armaments along LAC and inner areas. There are many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake's north and south banks. Indian Army has made counter deployments in these areas," Rajnath Singh said. "The Chinese side created a violent face-off on June 15 at Galwan. Our brave soldiers laid down their lives and also inflicted costs including casualties on the Chinese side," Rajnath Singh said in Parliament Rajnath Singh said PM Modi's Ladakh visit instilled confidence while insisting that he is taking stock of the situation at the LAC himself in the midst of the India-China standoff at the border. Also Read: India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations' ECOSOC The defence minister informed the House that India's border with China is well established but highlighted that China says the border is still to be decided. "China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. kms in Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China," Rajnath Singh said. "Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders," he said. "We have told China through diplomatic channels that the attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements," Rajnath Singh stated in Lok Sabha. "Both India and China agree that to maintain peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas, it is essential for the further development of bilateral relations," India's defence minister added. "In the meeting with Chinese defence minister, I clearly stated that while our troops had always taken a responsible approach towards border management, but at same time there should be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," India's defence minister told the lower house of parliament on the standoff at the LAC. "I request this house to pass a resolution that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces who are guarding our borders to safeguard India's sovereignty and integrity," the minister said, adding,"I want to assure you that we are ready to deal with any situation." "In past too, we have had situations of prolonged standoffs in border areas with China which were resolved peacefully. Even though situation this year is very different both in terms of scale of troops involved and the number of friction points, we remain committed to peaceful resolution," he said. "I want to assure that the morale of our armed forces is high. No one should doubt it," he added.

India-China standoff: China has mobilised huge number of Army battalions and armaments along LAC, says Rajnath Singh in Parliament

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a Shenzhen-based company named Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited is monitoring over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations.

Why is China tracking influential Indians?

US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to meet S Jaishankar

Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill which seeks to improve India's aviation safety ratings and provide statutory status to regulatory institutions, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 also provides for keeping aircraft belonging to the country's armed forces outside the purview of the Aircraft Act, 1934.

The Bill also proposes to increase the fine amount for violations of new rules from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

The bill was passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha.

It had got approval of Lok Sabha in March.

Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill which seeks to improve India's aviation safety ratings and provide statutory status to regulatory institutions, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill which seeks to improve India's aviation safety ratings and provide statutory status to regulatory institutions, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 also provides for keeping aircraft belonging to the country's armed forces outside the purview of the Aircraft Act, 1934. The Bill also proposes to increase the fine amount for violations of new rules from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The bill was passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha. It had got approval of Lok Sabha in March.

Parliament passes bill to give statutory status to aviation regulators

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19&nbsp;vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024.

The chief executive of the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, Adar Poonawalla, has said dampened the hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end in an interview with the Financial Times. He said that pharma firms were not ramping up production capacity swiftly to be able to innoculate the world population in less duration.

“It’s going to take four to five years until everyone gets the vaccine on this planet,” Poonawalla was quoted as saying. He had earlier predicted that if the coronavirus shot is a two-dose vaccine, as is the case with measles or rotavirus, then the world would require 15 billion doses.

The Serum Institute has partnered with five international pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and Novavax, to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The firm may also tie-up with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute to produce the Sputnik vaccine.

The institute has pledged to manufacture one billion doses, out of which it has promised 50% to India.

The firm will, as part of its agreement with AstraZeneca, seek to produce Covid-19 vaccine doses that cost closed $3 for 68 countries and under its deal with Novavax, for 92 countries.

Poonawalla had in April ordered 600m glass vials and other particulars to gear up for the mass manufacturing of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, as of Tuesday morning, the total number of coronavirus cases stood at 29,281,638 and the fatalities rose to 928,423, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19 vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024.

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19 vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024. The chief executive of the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, Adar Poonawalla, has said dampened the hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end in an interview with the Financial Times. He said that pharma firms were not ramping up production capacity swiftly to be able to innoculate the world population in less duration. “It’s going to take four to five years until everyone gets the vaccine on this planet,” Poonawalla was quoted as saying. He had earlier predicted that if the coronavirus shot is a two-dose vaccine, as is the case with measles or rotavirus, then the world would require 15 billion doses. The Serum Institute has partnered with five international pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and Novavax, to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The firm may also tie-up with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute to produce the Sputnik vaccine. The institute has pledged to manufacture one billion doses, out of which it has promised 50% to India. The firm will, as part of its agreement with AstraZeneca, seek to produce Covid-19 vaccine doses that cost closed $3 for 68 countries and under its deal with Novavax, for 92 countries. Poonawalla had in April ordered 600m glass vials and other particulars to gear up for the mass manufacturing of the vaccine. Meanwhile, as of Tuesday morning, the total number of coronavirus cases stood at 29,281,638 and the fatalities rose to 928,423, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

Coronavirus vaccine won’t be available to everyone before 2024 end: India's Serum Institute chief

The Government of India, on Monday, refuted a fake report that claimed that Centre is planning another lockdown from September 25 due to the rise in deadly covid-19 cases in the country.&nbsp;

The nodal agency of the Government of India, Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a clarification on this heavily viral report of lockdown extension.

Taking to Twitter PIB said,&nbsp;“Claim: An order purportedly issued by the National Disaster Management Authority claims that it has directed the government to re-impose a nationwide lockdown from September 25.&nbsp;PIB Fact Check: This order is fake. NMDA has not issued any such order to re-impose lockdown,.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Claim: An order purportedly issued by National Disaster Management Authority claims that it has directed the government to re-impose a nationwide <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lockdown</a> from 25th September. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a>: This order is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fake</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> has not issued any such order to re-impose lockdown. <a href="https://t.co/J72eeA62zl">pic.twitter.com/J72eeA62zl</a>
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1304803151082434560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The fact check team of PIB has called the viral order fake and said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) did not issue any such circular.

“In order to contain the spread of Covid-19 and decrease the mortality rate in the country, the National Disaster Management Authority, along with the Planning commission, hereby urges the government of India and directs the Prime Minister Office, ministry of home affairs to re-impose a strict nationwide lockdown of 46 days starting from midnight September 25, 2020. Maintaining the supply chain of essential commodities in the country, therefore hereby NDMA is issuing a prior notice to the ministry to plan accordingly,” the fake order, dated September 10 reads.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India, on Monday, refuted a fake report that claimed that Centre is planning another lockdown from September 25 due to the rise in deadly covid-19 cases in the country.

The Government of India, on Monday, refuted a fake report that claimed that Centre is planning another lockdown from September 25 due to the rise in deadly covid-19 cases in the country. The nodal agency of the Government of India, Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a clarification on this heavily viral report of lockdown extension. Taking to Twitter PIB said, “Claim: An order purportedly issued by the National Disaster Management Authority claims that it has directed the government to re-impose a nationwide lockdown from September 25. PIB Fact Check: This order is fake. NMDA has not issued any such order to re-impose lockdown,.” Claim: An order purportedly issued by National Disaster Management Authority claims that it has directed the government to re-impose a nationwide #Lockdown from 25th September. #PIBFactCheck: This order is #Fake. @ndmaindia has not issued any such order to re-impose lockdown. pic.twitter.com/J72eeA62zl — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 12, 2020 × The fact check team of PIB has called the viral order fake and said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) did not issue any such circular. “In order to contain the spread of Covid-19 and decrease the mortality rate in the country, the National Disaster Management Authority, along with the Planning commission, hereby urges the government of India and directs the Prime Minister Office, ministry of home affairs to re-impose a strict nationwide lockdown of 46 days starting from midnight September 25, 2020. Maintaining the supply chain of essential commodities in the country, therefore hereby NDMA is issuing a prior notice to the ministry to plan accordingly,” the fake order, dated September 10 reads. (With inputs from agencies)

Fact check: No nationwide lockdown from September 25

Amid tensions with India along the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control(LAC)</a>, China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint.

In a&nbsp;news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said ''China and India will remain in communication through diplomatic and military channels''.

Earlier, two Indian officials had said that&nbsp;China is laying a network of cables to bolster communications at the line of actual control (LAC).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-china-laying-cables-to-bolster-communications-at-border-flashpoint-327610">India says China laying cables to bolster communications at border flashpoint</a>

According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system.

Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh</a>

Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff.

Indian Army has gained the upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh close to the Chinese positions.&nbsp;

Despite the LAC continues to escalate despite a&nbsp;meeting between India's external affairs minister S.Jaishankar&nbsp;and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow.

Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries&nbsp;after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint.

Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint. In a news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said ''China and India will remain in communication through diplomatic and military channels''. Earlier, two Indian officials had said that China is laying a network of cables to bolster communications at the line of actual control (LAC). Also read: India says China laying cables to bolster communications at border flashpoint According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system. Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said. Also read: India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff. Indian Army has gained the upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh close to the Chinese positions. Despite the LAC continues to escalate despite a meeting between India's external affairs minister S.Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow. Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

India-China standoff: China denies reports of troops laying cables at LAC

As a goodwill gesture, Bangladesh government allowed export of 1450 Metric Tonnes of Padma Hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga puja.

The first consignment of quintessential Bengali delicacy - Padma Hilsa arrived in several fish markets of West Bengal today. People thronged in huge numbers this morning to buy their favourite fish.

The entire quantity of 1450 MT of Padma Hilsa will arrive in batches over a month and each fish will weigh approximately 1kg or 1.2kg. The prices will soar around Rs.1, 000 to Rs.1, 200.

However, this morning the first consignment of Hilsa was sold at Kolkata’s fish markets at around Rs.1, 400. &nbsp;Fish traders claimed that since this is the first batch the prices will gradually decrease.&nbsp;

“Since this is the first consignment that has arrived, the prices are a little higher. We are expecting a dip in the prices as we are told that the fish will arrive almost every day till the first week of October. However, despite the high prices, people are still buying the Hilsa today,” said Shiba Mondal, fish trader.

Hilsa, a sea-water fish makes its way into the fresh waters traveling up to 1300-km during the mating season. This feature gives Padma Hilsa a distinct taste compared to Hilsa of other regions. Bangladesh also produces almost 75% world’s total Hilsa fish production.&nbsp;

Last year, the Bangladesh Government allowed exports of 500 MTs of Padma Hilsa on the occasion of Durga puja.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Government imposed a ban on export of Hilsa to India in 2012 after the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed the Teesta water sharing pact.

As a goodwill gesture, Bangladesh government allowed export of 1450 Metric Tonnes of Padma Hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga puja. The first consignment of quintessential Bengali delicacy - Padma Hilsa arrived in several fish markets of West Bengal today.

As a goodwill gesture, Bangladesh government allowed export of 1450 Metric Tonnes of Padma Hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga puja. The first consignment of quintessential Bengali delicacy - Padma Hilsa arrived in several fish markets of West Bengal today. People thronged in huge numbers this morning to buy their favourite fish. The entire quantity of 1450 MT of Padma Hilsa will arrive in batches over a month and each fish will weigh approximately 1kg or 1.2kg. The prices will soar around Rs.1, 000 to Rs.1, 200. However, this morning the first consignment of Hilsa was sold at Kolkata’s fish markets at around Rs.1, 400. Fish traders claimed that since this is the first batch the prices will gradually decrease. “Since this is the first consignment that has arrived, the prices are a little higher. We are expecting a dip in the prices as we are told that the fish will arrive almost every day till the first week of October. However, despite the high prices, people are still buying the Hilsa today,” said Shiba Mondal, fish trader. Hilsa, a sea-water fish makes its way into the fresh waters traveling up to 1300-km during the mating season. This feature gives Padma Hilsa a distinct taste compared to Hilsa of other regions. Bangladesh also produces almost 75% world’s total Hilsa fish production. Last year, the Bangladesh Government allowed exports of 500 MTs of Padma Hilsa on the occasion of Durga puja. Bangladesh Government imposed a ban on export of Hilsa to India in 2012 after the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed the Teesta water sharing pact.

Bangladesh to export 1,450 tonnes of Padma hilsa to India as Durga Puja gift

Two Indian officials on Tuesday said soldiers from the&nbsp;People's Liberation Army were laying a network of optical fibre cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint in&nbsp;India.

According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system.

Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/days-after-india-china-foreign-ministry-level-talks-situation-remains-unchanged-at-lac-327417" hreflang="en">Days after India, China foreign ministry-level talks, situation remains unchanged at LAC</a>

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions on the matter, while defence officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

However,&nbsp;a statement posted on the Chinese embassy's website on Monday, Ambassador Sun Weidong was quoted as saying: "... Indian ministries had claimed that Indian troops "pre-empted" Chinese military activity on the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake, which obviously revealed that they are illegally trespassing (along) the LAC and (trying to) change status quo in border areas."

Days after Indian and Chinese foreign ministers met in Moscow, situation remains unchanged at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-defeats-china-becomes-member-of-united-nationss-ecosoc-327590" hreflang="en">India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations's ECOSOC</a>

A third Indian official said on Monday that there had been no significant withdrawals or reinforcements on either side since the foreign ministers of the two countries met last week.

"It is as tense as earlier," he said.

Above Leh, Ladakh's main city, Indian fighter planes flew throughout the morning, their engines booming and echoing across the valley surrounded by brown, barren mountains.

"Our biggest worry is that they have laid optical fibre cables for high-speed communications," the first official said, referring to the lake's southern bank, where Indian and Chinese troops are only a few hundred metres apart at some points.

"They have been laying optical fibre cables on the southern bank at breakneck speed," he said.

Indian intelligence agencies noted similar cables to the north of the Pangong Tso lake around a month ago, the second government official said.

The first Indian government official said the authorities were alerted to such activity after satellite imagery showed unusual lines in the sand of the high-altitude deserts to the south of Pangong Tso.

These lines were judged by Indian experts,&nbsp;and corroborated by foreign intelligence agencies - to be communication cables laid in trenches, he said, including near the Spanggur gap, among hilltops where soldiers fired in the air recently for the first time in decades.

Indian officials say a build-up in border infrastructure on their side is also likely to have played a part in the months-long confrontation.

The Chinese have complained about India building roads and air strips in and around their disputed border, and Beijing says this triggered tensions along the border.

A former Indian military intelligence official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said optical fibre cables offered communications security as well as the ability to send data such as pictures and documents.

"If you speak on radio, it can get caught. Communications on optical fibre cables is secure," he said.

Two Indian officials on Tuesday said soldiers from the People's Liberation Army were laying a network of optical fibre cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint in India.

Two Indian officials on Tuesday said soldiers from the People's Liberation Army were laying a network of optical fibre cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint in India. According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system. Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said. Also read: Days after India, China foreign ministry-level talks, situation remains unchanged at LAC China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions on the matter, while defence officials could not immediately be reached for comment. However, a statement posted on the Chinese embassy's website on Monday, Ambassador Sun Weidong was quoted as saying: "... Indian ministries had claimed that Indian troops "pre-empted" Chinese military activity on the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake, which obviously revealed that they are illegally trespassing (along) the LAC and (trying to) change status quo in border areas." Days after Indian and Chinese foreign ministers met in Moscow, situation remains unchanged at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff. Also read: India defeats China, becomes member of United Nations's ECOSOC A third Indian official said on Monday that there had been no significant withdrawals or reinforcements on either side since the foreign ministers of the two countries met last week. "It is as tense as earlier," he said. Above Leh, Ladakh's main city, Indian fighter planes flew throughout the morning, their engines booming and echoing across the valley surrounded by brown, barren mountains. "Our biggest worry is that they have laid optical fibre cables for high-speed communications," the first official said, referring to the lake's southern bank, where Indian and Chinese troops are only a few hundred metres apart at some points. "They have been laying optical fibre cables on the southern bank at breakneck speed," he said. Indian intelligence agencies noted similar cables to the north of the Pangong Tso lake around a month ago, the second government official said. The first Indian government official said the authorities were alerted to such activity after satellite imagery showed unusual lines in the sand of the high-altitude deserts to the south of Pangong Tso. These lines were judged by Indian experts, and corroborated by foreign intelligence agencies - to be communication cables laid in trenches, he said, including near the Spanggur gap, among hilltops where soldiers fired in the air recently for the first time in decades. Indian officials say a build-up in border infrastructure on their side is also likely to have played a part in the months-long confrontation. The Chinese have complained about India building roads and air strips in and around their disputed border, and Beijing says this triggered tensions along the border. A former Indian military intelligence official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said optical fibre cables offered communications security as well as the ability to send data such as pictures and documents. "If you speak on radio, it can get caught. Communications on optical fibre cables is secure," he said.

India says China laying cables to bolster communications at border flashpoint

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in the Parliament for monsoon session, and spoke to mediapersons present at the Parliament and said that, "this Parliament also has a special responsibility, especially in this session."

In his remarks to media before the commencement of Parliament's monsoon session, PM Modi said, "Jab tak dawai nahi tab tak koi dhilai nahi (no laxity till there is a medicine). We want that a vaccine be developed at the earliest from any corner of the world, our scientists succeed and we succeed in bringing everyone out of this problem."

With the COVID pandemic continuing to spread across the country, the prime minister observed that the session is taking place under special circumstances and asserted that MPs have chosen the path of duty.

He referred to the host of changes, including staggered timings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the decision to run them on weekends too, brought to the running of this session due to the COVID crisis, and said MPs have welcomed them.

Everybody has to follow guidelines and precautions about which they have been informed, Modi said.

He expressed hope that a vaccine is available soon, and people are helped out of this global crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in the Parliament for monsoon session, and spoke to mediapersons present at the Parliament and said that, "this Parliament also has a special responsibility, especially in this session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in the Parliament for monsoon session, and spoke to mediapersons present at the Parliament and said that, "this Parliament also has a special responsibility, especially in this session." In his remarks to media before the commencement of Parliament's monsoon session, PM Modi said, "Jab tak dawai nahi tab tak koi dhilai nahi (no laxity till there is a medicine). We want that a vaccine be developed at the earliest from any corner of the world, our scientists succeed and we succeed in bringing everyone out of this problem." With the COVID pandemic continuing to spread across the country, the prime minister observed that the session is taking place under special circumstances and asserted that MPs have chosen the path of duty. He referred to the host of changes, including staggered timings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the decision to run them on weekends too, brought to the running of this session due to the COVID crisis, and said MPs have welcomed them. Everybody has to follow guidelines and precautions about which they have been informed, Modi said. He expressed hope that a vaccine is available soon, and people are helped out of this global crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Till there is no medicine, no laxity: PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session

With fibre-glass sheets and circles, how Indian Parliament prepared for monsoon session

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated.

The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722.

Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark.

Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases.

Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated. The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722. Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark. Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases. Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India's tally crosses 48 lakh mark with spike of 92,071 cases, 1,136 deaths

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha.

During his one day visit, he is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and will brief him about the ongoing Afghan peace process.

The visit shows how India is being kept in loop regarding the Afghan peace process by Washington. Zalmay reaches India from Pakistan where he met Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Pakistani special envoy on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq.

Saturday saw the ceremony in Doha marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Jaishankar who joined the event virtually extended India's support for ceasefire and reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled".

He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" and "effectively address violence across the country".

India has emerged as an important development partner of Afghanistan and has been building mega infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship project and the Afghan parliament.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit New Delhi on Tuesday -- in the wake of the peace talks that have opened between the Taliban and the Afghan forces in Doha. During his one day visit, he is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and will brief him about the ongoing Afghan peace process. The visit shows how India is being kept in loop regarding the Afghan peace process by Washington. Zalmay reaches India from Pakistan where he met Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Pakistani special envoy on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq. Saturday saw the ceremony in Doha marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Jaishankar who joined the event virtually extended India's support for ceasefire and reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" and "effectively address violence across the country". India has emerged as an important development partner of Afghanistan and has been building mega infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship project and the Afghan parliament.

US special envoy to Afghanistan to visit India on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed gratitude to Indian Army and saluted the courage of soldiers ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/theres-corona-and-theres-duty-mps-chose-duty-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-monsoon-session-327329">Also read | ‘There’s corona and there’s duty, MPs chose duty’, says PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session</a> 
 
All MPs attending the monsoon session will unanimously send a message to our Armed Forces, guarding our borders, that the nation stands behind them, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-session-of-parliament-begins-today-amid-covid-19-327320">Also read | Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today amid Covid-19</a>

"This Parliament, and especially this session have another responsibility. Today, when our soldiers are holding the fort on borders, on hilly and difficult terrain, and snowfall is likely after some time, I believe that all members of the Parliament will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers," the Prime Minister said.

The issues of ongoing LAC standoff, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown are likely to dominate the Monsoon session of Parliament, with the opposition demanding a discussion on them, while the government has listed nearly two dozen new legislations for passage during the COVID-curtailed proceedings.

The 18-day session is being held amid unprecedented precautionary measures against COVID-19 due to a continuing spike in cases. On the eve of the session, the Union Health Ministry reported 94,372 fresh cases in 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed gratitude to Indian Army and saluted the courage of soldiers ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Also read | ‘There’s corona and there’s duty, MPs chose duty’, says PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session All MPs attending the monsoon session will unanimously send a message to our Armed Forces, guarding our borders, that the nation stands behind them, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed gratitude to Indian Army and saluted the courage of soldiers ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Also read | ‘There’s corona and there’s duty, MPs chose duty’, says PM Modi ahead of Monsoon Session All MPs attending the monsoon session will unanimously send a message to our Armed Forces, guarding our borders, that the nation stands behind them, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also read | Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today amid Covid-19 "This Parliament, and especially this session have another responsibility. Today, when our soldiers are holding the fort on borders, on hilly and difficult terrain, and snowfall is likely after some time, I believe that all members of the Parliament will give an unequivocal message that the country stands with our soldiers," the Prime Minister said. The issues of ongoing LAC standoff, handling of the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown are likely to dominate the Monsoon session of Parliament, with the opposition demanding a discussion on them, while the government has listed nearly two dozen new legislations for passage during the COVID-curtailed proceedings. The 18-day session is being held amid unprecedented precautionary measures against COVID-19 due to a continuing spike in cases. On the eve of the session, the Union Health Ministry reported 94,372 fresh cases in 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament will send message to soldiers that nation stands with them, says PM Modi

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