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The body of a BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Sunday, police said.

Ganesh Roy, a middle-aged BJP worker, was found hanging from a tree near his village in Khanati in the Goghat area, they said.

The BJP alleged he was murdered by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress, a charged denied by the state's ruling party.

Roy was missing since Saturday evening, police said, adding that the circumstances behind his death were being investigated.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh alleged that Roy was murdered by the TMC and then his body was hanged from the tree around midnight to spread panic among his party's workers in the area.

"It has become a new trend to hang to death BJP workers. But we will launch a strong resistance. TMC is scared of the growing support for the BJP," he said.

The Trinamool Congress said their party members were not involved in the death of Roy.

Hooghly's BJP MP Locket Chatterjee said, "This brutality needs to stop. Where are the champions of democracy and why are they silent on these never ending killing of BJP workers in West Bengal?" BJP workers blocked the Goghat-Arambagh Road for some time in protest against the incident before being dispersed by police.

On July 28, a BJP booth president's body was found hanging in Haldia in East Midnapore district.

Before that incident, the body of BJP leader and Hemtabad MLA Debendra Nath Ray was also found hanging near his home in North Dinajpur district, amid allegations by his family and the party that it was a "cold-blooded murder by TMC", a charge again denied by the ruling party which said that he had died by suicide, citing the post mortem report.

Over the last few years, bodies of several BJP workers have been found hanging in different parts of the state.

The body of a BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Sunday, police said. Ganesh Roy, a middle-aged BJP worker, was found hanging from a tree near his village in Khanati in the Goghat area, they said.

The body of a BJP worker was found hanging from a tree in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Sunday, police said. Ganesh Roy, a middle-aged BJP worker, was found hanging from a tree near his village in Khanati in the Goghat area, they said. The BJP alleged he was murdered by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress, a charged denied by the state's ruling party. Roy was missing since Saturday evening, police said, adding that the circumstances behind his death were being investigated. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh alleged that Roy was murdered by the TMC and then his body was hanged from the tree around midnight to spread panic among his party's workers in the area. "It has become a new trend to hang to death BJP workers. But we will launch a strong resistance. TMC is scared of the growing support for the BJP," he said. The Trinamool Congress said their party members were not involved in the death of Roy. Hooghly's BJP MP Locket Chatterjee said, "This brutality needs to stop. Where are the champions of democracy and why are they silent on these never ending killing of BJP workers in West Bengal?" BJP workers blocked the Goghat-Arambagh Road for some time in protest against the incident before being dispersed by police. On July 28, a BJP booth president's body was found hanging in Haldia in East Midnapore district. Before that incident, the body of BJP leader and Hemtabad MLA Debendra Nath Ray was also found hanging near his home in North Dinajpur district, amid allegations by his family and the party that it was a "cold-blooded murder by TMC", a charge again denied by the ruling party which said that he had died by suicide, citing the post mortem report. Over the last few years, bodies of several BJP workers have been found hanging in different parts of the state.

BJP worker's body found hanging from tree in Bengal's Hooghly

Family members of Sudiksha Bhati, who died in a road accident, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence here on Sunday.

Bhati, who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on August 10 in a road crash in Bulandshahr district while she was pillion riding a motorcycle with her cousin.

She was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at Babson College, Massachusetts (US), on a scholarship and was scheduled to go back on August 20.

Adityanath gave a financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the family and also announced that a library and a memorial will be built in the memory of Bhati.

A government spokesperson said the father, mother and maternal uncle of the deceased reached the official residence of the chief minister along with Noida MP Surendra Nagar and Dadri MLA Tejpal Nagar.

Surendra Nagar said family members of Bhati asked that a memorial (prernaa sthal) and library be constructed in her name, which the chief minister accepted.

He also said that Adityanath announced Rs 15 lakh financial assistance for the family members of Bhati.

Rs 5 lakh was also given to the family by local public representatives, he added.

Police have arrested two persons -- Deepak Choudhary and Raju -- in connection with the road accident.

Family members of Sudiksha Bhati, who died in a road accident, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence here on Sunday. Bhati, who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on August 10 in a road crash in Bulandshahr district while she was pillion riding a motorcycle with her cousin.

Family members of Sudiksha Bhati, who died in a road accident, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence here on Sunday. Bhati, who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on August 10 in a road crash in Bulandshahr district while she was pillion riding a motorcycle with her cousin. She was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at Babson College, Massachusetts (US), on a scholarship and was scheduled to go back on August 20. Adityanath gave a financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the family and also announced that a library and a memorial will be built in the memory of Bhati. A government spokesperson said the father, mother and maternal uncle of the deceased reached the official residence of the chief minister along with Noida MP Surendra Nagar and Dadri MLA Tejpal Nagar. Surendra Nagar said family members of Bhati asked that a memorial (prernaa sthal) and library be constructed in her name, which the chief minister accepted. He also said that Adityanath announced Rs 15 lakh financial assistance for the family members of Bhati. Rs 5 lakh was also given to the family by local public representatives, he added. Police have arrested two persons -- Deepak Choudhary and Raju -- in connection with the road accident.

Uttar Pradesh government gives ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to family of road accident victim US-based scholar Sudiksha Bhati

Serum Institute of India will resume clinical trials of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate after getting the permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the Pune-based vaccine maker said on Saturday.

Pharma giant AstraZeneca on Saturday said that clinical trials for the AstraZeneca Oxford coronavirus vaccine, AZD1222, have resumed in the UK following confirmation by the Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) that the trials were safe.

"Once DCGI will give us the permission to restart the trials in India, we will resume the trials," Serum Institute of India (SII) said in a statement.

In a tweet, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said: "As I'd mentioned earlier, we should not jump to conclusions until the trials are fully concluded. The recent chain of events is a clear example why we should not bias the process and should respect the process till the end. Good news, @UniofOxford."

The human trials resumed days after a pause had been announced in the trials after an adverse reaction in one of the participants.

Following the suspension, the DCGI directed Serum Institute of India to suspend till further orders new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the vaccine candidate.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, as the trial sponsor, on Saturday said that they cannot disclose further medical information but confirmed that independent investigations concluded that the trials were safe to restart.

 
&nbsp;

Serum Institute of India will resume clinical trials of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate after getting the permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the Pune-based vaccine maker said on Saturday.

Serum Institute of India will resume clinical trials of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate after getting the permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the Pune-based vaccine maker said on Saturday. Pharma giant AstraZeneca on Saturday said that clinical trials for the AstraZeneca Oxford coronavirus vaccine, AZD1222, have resumed in the UK following confirmation by the Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) that the trials were safe. "Once DCGI will give us the permission to restart the trials in India, we will resume the trials," Serum Institute of India (SII) said in a statement. In a tweet, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said: "As I'd mentioned earlier, we should not jump to conclusions until the trials are fully concluded. The recent chain of events is a clear example why we should not bias the process and should respect the process till the end. Good news, @UniofOxford." The human trials resumed days after a pause had been announced in the trials after an adverse reaction in one of the participants. Following the suspension, the DCGI directed Serum Institute of India to suspend till further orders new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the vaccine candidate. AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, as the trial sponsor, on Saturday said that they cannot disclose further medical information but confirmed that independent investigations concluded that the trials were safe to restart.

India's Serum Institute says will resume COVID-19 vaccine trials after DCGI nod

India on Saturday recorded 97,570 new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-had-64-million-coronavirus-cases-by-may-icmr-sero-survey-326946"> coronavirus</a> cases which is the highest one day increase in COVID-19 cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-vaccine-astrazeneca-pauses-covid-19-vaccine-trial-326745/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The total number of coronavirus cases has now shot up to 46,59,985 in the country with 9,58,316 active cases. The death toll due the virus has now reached 77,472 with 1,201 deaths recorded on Friday.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tally-crosses-45-million-with-96551-new-cases-326751">coronavirus </a>cases crossed the 1 million mark in Maharashtra on Friday.

The ministry of health said that the gap between percentage of recovered cases and active cases has progressively been growing wide. There have been over 3/4 of total cases that is 36 lakhs have recovered and discharged, it said.

In Puducherry, there were 504 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 19,026 including 365 deaths. There are 4,878 active cases, the state health department said.&nbsp;

In Goa, there were 555 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 23,445. There have been 276 fatalities due to the virus in the state.

India on Saturday recorded 97,570 new coronavirus cases which is the highest one day increase in COVID-19 cases. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases has now shot up to 46,59,985 in the country with 9,58,316 active cases.

India on Saturday recorded 97,570 new coronavirus cases which is the highest one day increase in COVID-19 cases. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases has now shot up to 46,59,985 in the country with 9,58,316 active cases. The death toll due the virus has now reached 77,472 with 1,201 deaths recorded on Friday. Meanwhile, coronavirus cases crossed the 1 million mark in Maharashtra on Friday. The ministry of health said that the gap between percentage of recovered cases and active cases has progressively been growing wide. There have been over 3/4 of total cases that is 36 lakhs have recovered and discharged, it said. In Puducherry, there were 504 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 19,026 including 365 deaths. There are 4,878 active cases, the state health department said. In Goa, there were 555 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 23,445. There have been 276 fatalities due to the virus in the state.

India records highest single day spike in coronavirus cases; death toll rises to over 77,000

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-be-present-at-intra-afghan-talks-ceremony-in-doha-326898">Also Read:&nbsp;India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha</a>

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically.

India will be present along around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. The official negotiations starts on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.&nbsp;

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp;

The Afghan govt negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi.&nbsp;

The Afghan government in a statement said, "President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan Government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country."

The Taliban said, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of Intra-Afghan Negotiations".

The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying "This opportunity must not be squandered."

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically. India will be present along around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. The official negotiations starts on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The Afghan govt negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group. The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. The Afghan government in a statement said, "President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan Government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country." The Taliban said, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of Intra-Afghan Negotiations". The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying "This opportunity must not be squandered." US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

Jaishankar to be present 'virtually' at intra-Afghan ceremony in Doha today

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting.

The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit.

SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO.

After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate.

Here are the 5-points:

<ol>
	<li>India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes.</li>
	<li>India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions.</li>
	<li>They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border.</li>
	<li>The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China.</li>
</ol>

And finally,

Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures.

The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan?

It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more.

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That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions

Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC?&nbsp;

When will China pull back its troops?

Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all?

The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question.

Is China even serious about the disengagement?

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign &nbsp;Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties.

We have the exact quote.

"Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question"

Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it.&nbsp;

Where did China get this from?

Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! 
&nbsp; 
A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says,

The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question

Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off

A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times.&nbsp;It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border.

And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup.

As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades.

The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China.&nbsp;

What should Delhi do?

Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties.

&nbsp; 
We have a list of three

<ol>
	<li>Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May.</li>
	<li>A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation.</li>
	<li>Define the boundary</li>
</ol>

The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China.

India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground.

India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. 
&nbsp; 
We've done this with Pakistan.

Talks and terror don't go hand in hand.

Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground. The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit. SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO. After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate. Here are the 5-points: India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes. India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions. They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border. The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China. And finally, Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures. The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan? It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more. × That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC? When will China pull back its troops? Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all? The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question. Is China even serious about the disengagement? The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties. We have the exact quote. "Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question" Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it. Where did China get this from? Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says, The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times. It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border. And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup. As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades. The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China. What should Delhi do? Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties. We have a list of three Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May. A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation. Define the boundary The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China. India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground. India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. We've done this with Pakistan. Talks and terror don't go hand in hand. Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Time to tell China, border aggression and business don't go hand in hand

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday urged private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment to ensure that patients, afflicted with the viral disease, are not denied beds and they get prompt care.

The ministry, in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and AIIMS, New Delhi, at a virtual conclave with private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment emphasised the collective goal must be to have a health system that is available, affordable and accessible to all.

During the meeting, the importance of timely treatment of comorbid patients to reduce fatality was stressed upon. Hospitals were encouraged to protect healthcare workers by adopting all practices on infection prevention and control and keep the staff motivated, the health ministry said.

Hospitals were also asked to ensure seamless admission of patients. The importance of evidence-based treatment protocols and reducing heterogeneity in treatment of COVID-19 patients was also underscored, it said.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan inaugurated the virtual conference.

"He reiterated the government's resolve to ensure that COVID-19 patients must not be denied beds and must be provided prompt treatment," the health ministry said.

"The collective goal must be to have a health system that is available, affordable and accessible to all. He highlighted that the aim of the Centre along with the states and Union Territories is to achieve a mortality rate of less than one per cent," the ministry said.

The conclave was organised to provide a platform for discussion on clinical protocols and best practices in COVID-19 management towards reducing avoidable deaths.

According to the ministry, while COVID-19 has posed unprecedented challenges to the country's healthcare systems, there have been proactive responses from the government as well as the private industry.

"The conclave was organised to share the best practices and effective treatment modules being implemented by the public and private sector hospitals in the country."

The health ministry also encouraged the hospital representatives to share their key concerns and challenges being faced while managing COVID-19 in their facilities.

The best practices included discussion of the teleconsultation sessions conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, through the e-ICU, Centers of Excellence (CoE) and clinical grand rounds to enhance the clinical management capacities of the ICU doctors in various states and union territories, the ministry said.

This, supplemented by various other focussed strategies of containment, prevention, early identification, has resulted in higher recoveries and steadily declining mortality.

At the meeting, senior doctors from private hospitals also shared their experiences and challenges about their battle against COVID-19.

Concerns about the delayed referral of patients from smaller facilities and financial stress owing to the lack of health insurance were also discussed. The conclave was attended by more than 150 hospital representatives, senior doctors and clinicians from across the country, the ministry said.

ICMR Director General Prof Balram Bhargava, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal, FICCI President and Apollo Hospitals Enterprises JMD Dr Sangita Reddy, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals Dr Alok Roy were also present at the meeting.

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday urged private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment to ensure that patients, afflicted with the viral disease, are not denied beds and they get prompt care.

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday urged private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment to ensure that patients, afflicted with the viral disease, are not denied beds and they get prompt care. The ministry, in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and AIIMS, New Delhi, at a virtual conclave with private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment emphasised the collective goal must be to have a health system that is available, affordable and accessible to all. During the meeting, the importance of timely treatment of comorbid patients to reduce fatality was stressed upon. Hospitals were encouraged to protect healthcare workers by adopting all practices on infection prevention and control and keep the staff motivated, the health ministry said. Hospitals were also asked to ensure seamless admission of patients. The importance of evidence-based treatment protocols and reducing heterogeneity in treatment of COVID-19 patients was also underscored, it said. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan inaugurated the virtual conference. "He reiterated the government's resolve to ensure that COVID-19 patients must not be denied beds and must be provided prompt treatment," the health ministry said. "The collective goal must be to have a health system that is available, affordable and accessible to all. He highlighted that the aim of the Centre along with the states and Union Territories is to achieve a mortality rate of less than one per cent," the ministry said. The conclave was organised to provide a platform for discussion on clinical protocols and best practices in COVID-19 management towards reducing avoidable deaths. According to the ministry, while COVID-19 has posed unprecedented challenges to the country's healthcare systems, there have been proactive responses from the government as well as the private industry. "The conclave was organised to share the best practices and effective treatment modules being implemented by the public and private sector hospitals in the country." The health ministry also encouraged the hospital representatives to share their key concerns and challenges being faced while managing COVID-19 in their facilities. The best practices included discussion of the teleconsultation sessions conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, through the e-ICU, Centers of Excellence (CoE) and clinical grand rounds to enhance the clinical management capacities of the ICU doctors in various states and union territories, the ministry said. This, supplemented by various other focussed strategies of containment, prevention, early identification, has resulted in higher recoveries and steadily declining mortality. At the meeting, senior doctors from private hospitals also shared their experiences and challenges about their battle against COVID-19. Concerns about the delayed referral of patients from smaller facilities and financial stress owing to the lack of health insurance were also discussed. The conclave was attended by more than 150 hospital representatives, senior doctors and clinicians from across the country, the ministry said. ICMR Director General Prof Balram Bhargava, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal, FICCI President and Apollo Hospitals Enterprises JMD Dr Sangita Reddy, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals Dr Alok Roy were also present at the meeting.

Ensure COVID-19 patients not denied beds, get prompt treatment: Health ministry to pvt hospitals

Bharat Biotech International Limited, which is developing the coronavirus vaccine COVAXIN, in its latest report announced that its vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, has shown positive efficacy in animal studies and generated robust immune responses.

COVAXIN, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech, is being tested at 12 institutes across India.

During the procedure, a two-dose vaccination regimen of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates was administered in 20 rhesus macaques, divided into four groups.

"Bharat Biotech proudly announces the animal study results of COVAXIN -- these results demonstrate the protective efficacy in a live viral challenge model," the Hyderabad-based firm said.

The drug-maker added: "The vaccine candidate was found to generate robust immune responses. Thus, preventing infection and disease in the primates upon high amounts of exposure to live SARS-CoV-2 virus."

One group was administered with placebo, while three groups were immunised with three different vaccine candidates at zero and 14 days. All the macaques were exposed to viral challenge 14 days after the second dose.

No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group.&nbsp;

Adverse events were not seen in animals immunised with a two-dose vaccination regimen.

Bharat Biotech International Limited, which is developing the coronavirus vaccine COVAXIN, in its latest report announced that its vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, has shown positive efficacy in animal studies and generated robust immune responses.

Bharat Biotech International Limited, which is developing the coronavirus vaccine COVAXIN, in its latest report announced that its vaccine candidate, COVAXIN, has shown positive efficacy in animal studies and generated robust immune responses. COVAXIN, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech, is being tested at 12 institutes across India. During the procedure, a two-dose vaccination regimen of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates was administered in 20 rhesus macaques, divided into four groups. "Bharat Biotech proudly announces the animal study results of COVAXIN -- these results demonstrate the protective efficacy in a live viral challenge model," the Hyderabad-based firm said. The drug-maker added: "The vaccine candidate was found to generate robust immune responses. Thus, preventing infection and disease in the primates upon high amounts of exposure to live SARS-CoV-2 virus." One group was administered with placebo, while three groups were immunised with three different vaccine candidates at zero and 14 days. All the macaques were exposed to viral challenge 14 days after the second dose. No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group. Adverse events were not seen in animals immunised with a two-dose vaccination regimen.

Indian coronavirus vaccine-maker's test on monkeys gets robust immune response

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-pla-confirmed-missing-youths-from-arunachal-pradesh-found-on-their-side-government-326017">Also Read:&nbsp;China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says&nbsp;Government</a>

The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said.

The Indian Army had approached the PLA on a hotline to trace and return the youths and on September 8, the response on the hotline confirmed that the missing individuals had been found.

The hunters will be quarantined for 14 days according to COVID-19 protocol and will then be handed over to their families.

The five hunters from upper Subansiri district had inadvertently strayed across the LAC. The Army said, "three such incidents have taken place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang district, including the latest incident."

The Army informed that adventurous people fond of exploring nature for medicinal herbs and possessing traditional flair for hunting which involves surviving off the land for weeks in the jungles and far-flung remote areas stay to the other side of the LAC.

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week. Also Read: China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says Government The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said.

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week. Also Read: China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says Government The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said. The Indian Army had approached the PLA on a hotline to trace and return the youths and on September 8, the response on the hotline confirmed that the missing individuals had been found. The hunters will be quarantined for 14 days according to COVID-19 protocol and will then be handed over to their families. The five hunters from upper Subansiri district had inadvertently strayed across the LAC. The Army said, "three such incidents have taken place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang district, including the latest incident." The Army informed that adventurous people fond of exploring nature for medicinal herbs and possessing traditional flair for hunting which involves surviving off the land for weeks in the jungles and far-flung remote areas stay to the other side of the LAC.

China's PLA hands five youths to India who had inadvertently crossed LAC; set to be quarantined for 14 days

The Directorate of Enforcement(ED) has seized properties worth over $12 million&nbsp;belonging to DMK Lok Sabha MP Jagathrakshakan and his family members. S.Jagathrakshakan is the incumbent Member of Parliament representing the Arakkonam constituency of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The agency has seized immovable properties such as agricultural lands, plots, houses and also balances in bank accounts and shares amounting to over $12 million&nbsp;crore.&nbsp;

Investigation in this case was taken up by ED following information that the MP had acquired foreign security by violating the provisions of FEMA. In a statement, the agency has said that, in June 2017, the MP and his son Sundeep Anand had subscribed to 70,00,000 shares &amp; 20,00,000 shares respectively (valued at Singapore $ 1/- per share) of M/s. Silver Park International Pte. Ltd., Singapore, without obtaining the approval of Reserve Bank of India.

According to the agency, these shares acquired in an unauthorized manner were transferred by S. Jagathrakshakan to his family members in violation of Section 4 of FEMA read with Regulation 3 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004.

As per the provisions of section 37A of FEMA, if foreign exchange, foreign security or immovable property, situated outside India, is suspected to have been held in contravention of section 4 of FEMA, the ED is empowered to seize its value equivalent, situated within India, of such foreign exchange, foreign security or immovable property.

In line with this, immovable properties such as agricultural lands, plots, houses etc in Tamil Nadu and movable properties in the form of balances in bank accounts &amp; shares totalling over&nbsp;$12 million&nbsp;held by S. Jagathrakshakan and his family members are seized by the Directorate under the provisions of Section 37A of FEMA.

Further investigation in the case is in progress.

The Directorate of Enforcement(ED) has seized properties worth over $12 million belonging to DMK Lok Sabha MP Jagathrakshakan and his family members. S.Jagathrakshakan is the incumbent Member of Parliament representing the Arakkonam constituency of Tamil Nadu.

The Directorate of Enforcement(ED) has seized properties worth over $12 million belonging to DMK Lok Sabha MP Jagathrakshakan and his family members. S.Jagathrakshakan is the incumbent Member of Parliament representing the Arakkonam constituency of Tamil Nadu. The agency has seized immovable properties such as agricultural lands, plots, houses and also balances in bank accounts and shares amounting to over $12 million crore. Investigation in this case was taken up by ED following information that the MP had acquired foreign security by violating the provisions of FEMA. In a statement, the agency has said that, in June 2017, the MP and his son Sundeep Anand had subscribed to 70,00,000 shares & 20,00,000 shares respectively (valued at Singapore $ 1/- per share) of M/s. Silver Park International Pte. Ltd., Singapore, without obtaining the approval of Reserve Bank of India. According to the agency, these shares acquired in an unauthorized manner were transferred by S. Jagathrakshakan to his family members in violation of Section 4 of FEMA read with Regulation 3 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004. As per the provisions of section 37A of FEMA, if foreign exchange, foreign security or immovable property, situated outside India, is suspected to have been held in contravention of section 4 of FEMA, the ED is empowered to seize its value equivalent, situated within India, of such foreign exchange, foreign security or immovable property. In line with this, immovable properties such as agricultural lands, plots, houses etc in Tamil Nadu and movable properties in the form of balances in bank accounts & shares totalling over $12 million held by S. Jagathrakshakan and his family members are seized by the Directorate under the provisions of Section 37A of FEMA. Further investigation in the case is in progress.

ED attaches DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, family’s properties worth $12 million

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-virtually-joins-intra-afghan-ceremony-held-in-doha-327020">Also Read:&nbsp;India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha</a>

&nbsp;India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" &amp; "promote human rights and democracy" .

He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" &amp; "effectively address violence across the country".

On the issue of terrorism, he said,"soil of Afghanistan should not be used for anti-India activities". According to the United Nations report earlier this year, about 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Afghanistan.

He highlighted India's role as a development partner of Afghanistan, and how it reached out amidst COVID-19. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

WION&nbsp;was the first to break on Friday that India will be present at the ceremony in Doha. Official negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government starts on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.

Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire".

Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha. Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" & "promote human rights and democracy" .

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha. Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" & "promote human rights and democracy" . He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" & "effectively address violence across the country". On the issue of terrorism, he said,"soil of Afghanistan should not be used for anti-India activities". According to the United Nations report earlier this year, about 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Afghanistan. He highlighted India's role as a development partner of Afghanistan, and how it reached out amidst COVID-19. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony. India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. WION was the first to break on Friday that India will be present at the ceremony in Doha. Official negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government starts on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire". Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar. US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.

India extends support for 'immediate ceasefire' in Afghanistan; says Afghan process should respect rights of minorities

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.08 kilograms of Charas concealed inside a consignment which was being sent to Hong Kong through a courier service in Kolkata.

"NCB officers then conducted a follow-up investigation and identified the Consigner consignee and a drug supplier from Kolkata area," said the statement.

On September 10, the NCB apprehended two main suppliers of the seized drug from Dum Dum and Durga Nagar areas of Kolkata.

"Drug supplier named Ashim Ray, son of Shyama Pad Roy, and Kingpin Rajan Mishra, son of late Balkrisna Mishra were arrested. They send such parcels frequently to Hong Kong," said the statement.

The NCB further recovered approximately 100 gram of Charas along with 20 bottles of Codeine cough syrup and some other medicines from the possession of Mishra.

In follow-up investigation, a team of NCB further apprehended Biswanath Das, resident of Manikpara in Kolkata and seized 95 bottles of Wincirex, a codeine-based cough syrup, kept in his house without any documents related to the purchase or sale of it."

In his statement, he (Biswanath Das) admitted that he was doing all this for making extra money as his chemist shop was not functioning well," the statement added.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.08 kilograms of Charas concealed inside a consignment which was being sent to Hong Kong through a courier service in Kolkata. "NCB officers then conducted a follow-up investigation and identified the Consigner consignee and a drug supplier from Kolkata area," said the statement. On September 10, the NCB apprehended two main suppliers of the seized drug from Dum Dum and Durga Nagar areas of Kolkata. "Drug supplier named Ashim Ray, son of Shyama Pad Roy, and Kingpin Rajan Mishra, son of late Balkrisna Mishra were arrested. They send such parcels frequently to Hong Kong," said the statement. The NCB further recovered approximately 100 gram of Charas along with 20 bottles of Codeine cough syrup and some other medicines from the possession of Mishra. In follow-up investigation, a team of NCB further apprehended Biswanath Das, resident of Manikpara in Kolkata and seized 95 bottles of Wincirex, a codeine-based cough syrup, kept in his house without any documents related to the purchase or sale of it." In his statement, he (Biswanath Das) admitted that he was doing all this for making extra money as his chemist shop was not functioning well," the statement added.

NCB arrests two from Kolkata for smuggling drugs to Hong Kong

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-be-present-at-intra-afghan-talks-ceremony-in-doha-326898">Also Read:&nbsp;India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha</a>

Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India is present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. Official negotiations start on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp;

Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire".

Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony. India is present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. Official negotiations start on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire". Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar. US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha

India recorded a single-day surge in coronavirus cases and the fatalities linked to the highly infectious disease with 96,551 new infections and 1,209 deaths registered in the last 24 hours, taking the tally past 45 lakh.

India is reporting world's highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases

India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to defuse tensions between the countries and said the current situation in the border areas of Ladakh is not in the interest of either side. They agreed that the border troops of both sides should “continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions”.

India-China border dispute: India-China reach 5-point consensus to solve disputes

Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that it was in touch with Pakistan over Kulbhushan Jadhav and has raised a demand of unconditional access to him. MEA also said that a demand to appoint an Indian lawyer was made as well. Kulbhushan Jadhav is on death row in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan alleges Jadhav of espionage, a claim India has refuted many times.

India has been making constant demand of unimpeded consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. After the verdict of International Court of Justice (ICJ) Pakistan has granted the consular access but it was closely observed by Pakistani officials.

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India has also been pressing for appointment of an Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav should he needs to be represented in Pakistani court. The Indian side has maintained in past that Jadhav's representation by a Pakistani lawyer may not help him.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-maintain-peace-and-tranquility-at-lac-jaishankar-to-chinas-foreign-minister-326708">Need to maintain peace and tranquility at LAC, Jaishankar to China's foreign minister</a>

"We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing.

"However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said. 
&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that it was in touch with Pakistan over Kulbhushan Jadhav and has raised a demand of unconditional access to him. MEA also said that a demand to appoint an Indian lawyer was made as well.

Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that it was in touch with Pakistan over Kulbhushan Jadhav and has raised a demand of unconditional access to him. MEA also said that a demand to appoint an Indian lawyer was made as well. Kulbhushan Jadhav is on death row in Pakistan. Pakistan alleges Jadhav of espionage, a claim India has refuted many times. India has been making constant demand of unimpeded consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. After the verdict of International Court of Justice (ICJ) Pakistan has granted the consular access but it was closely observed by Pakistani officials. × India has also been pressing for appointment of an Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav should he needs to be represented in Pakistani court. The Indian side has maintained in past that Jadhav's representation by a Pakistani lawyer may not help him. Also Read | Need to maintain peace and tranquility at LAC, Jaishankar to China's foreign minister "We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing. "However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said.

Raised demand on unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA

The government announced the reopening of schools and colleges for students belonging to classes 9-12 with schools and colleges outside of containment zones allowed to operate. High-risk individuals including elderly people likely to be infected with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-havent-covid-19-vaccine-trials-stopped-dcgi-asks-serum-institute-over-safety-concerns-326380">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;will not be allowed in campuses which is one of the big steps as part of reopening schools and colleges under Unlock 4.0 news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-registers-89706-fresh-covid-cases-in-a-day-total-crosses-43-lakh-326242">Also Read:&nbsp;India registers 89,706 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day</a>

The health ministry said that students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on "voluntary basis" for taking "guidance" from their teachers subject to written consent of their parents/guardians as part of standard operation procedures (SOPs).

Watch:

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The government directive also stated that schools used as quarantine centres earlier would have to be properly sanitized before it is allowed to reopen with only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-prescription-not-needed-for-covid-19-test-in-delhi-from-now-326317">asymptomatic </a>people allowed to enter the school premises.

“Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made Page 5 of 5 mandatory in all class rooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before beginning of classes and at the end of the day," the government statement said.

Teachers and students have been asked to keep a physical distance of 6 feet with seating arrangement reflecting a similar change. The health ministry also said that outdoor spaces can be utilized if the weather permits while adhering to social distancing norms.

“Academic scheduling should have intermix of regular classroom teaching and online teaching/assessments,” it said while adding that schools and colleges should revamp their calenders to avoid overcrowding of campuses.&nbsp;

The government had earlier allowed Metro services to resume as part of Unlock 4.0 even as the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-recoveries-near-34-lakh-fatality-rate-has-drops-to-169-per-cent-health-ministry-326251">coronavirus </a>cases continues to rise in the country. On Wednesday, India recorded &nbsp;89,706 new infections with the number of COVID-19 cases shooting up past 43 lakh.

The government announced the reopening of schools and colleges for students belonging to classes 9-12 with schools and colleges outside of containment zones allowed to operate.

The government announced the reopening of schools and colleges for students belonging to classes 9-12 with schools and colleges outside of containment zones allowed to operate. High-risk individuals including elderly people likely to be infected with COVID-19 will not be allowed in campuses which is one of the big steps as part of reopening schools and colleges under Unlock 4.0 news. Also Read: India registers 89,706 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day The health ministry said that students of class 9th to 12th shall be permitted to visit their school on "voluntary basis" for taking "guidance" from their teachers subject to written consent of their parents/guardians as part of standard operation procedures (SOPs). Watch: The government directive also stated that schools used as quarantine centres earlier would have to be properly sanitized before it is allowed to reopen with only asymptomatic people allowed to enter the school premises. “Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) to be made Page 5 of 5 mandatory in all class rooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before beginning of classes and at the end of the day," the government statement said. Teachers and students have been asked to keep a physical distance of 6 feet with seating arrangement reflecting a similar change. The health ministry also said that outdoor spaces can be utilized if the weather permits while adhering to social distancing norms. “Academic scheduling should have intermix of regular classroom teaching and online teaching/assessments,” it said while adding that schools and colleges should revamp their calenders to avoid overcrowding of campuses. The government had earlier allowed Metro services to resume as part of Unlock 4.0 even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the country. On Wednesday, India recorded 89,706 new infections with the number of COVID-19 cases shooting up past 43 lakh.

Unlock 4.0 News: Government announces reopening schools, colleges

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights.&nbsp;

Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability. Children are worst affected as they live with a looming sense of fear and uncertainty and are often deprived of their right to education."

Without taking Pakistan's name directly India called on "member states" to "demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their collaborators and sponsors, especially those sanctioned by the Council, to account, to fulfil Council’s child protection obligations."

The number of Pakistani nationals listed on the UN list are among the maximum. These include the likes of Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed who are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India.&nbsp;

India's statement urged the United Nations Security Council that "counter-terrorism needs to be translated into action" &amp; "terrorist outfits and individuals proscribed by the Council are directly or indirectly responsible for abusing child rights."

Explaining,"greater recognition and comprehensive action to counter threats to children posed by terrorist groups in different parts of the world."

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights. Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability.

Slamming Pakistan at United Nations Security Council, India on Thursday highlighted how UN listed cross-border terrorists are impacting child rights. Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, India in a statement said, "Terror networks spread their tentacles across borders threatening peace and stability. Children are worst affected as they live with a looming sense of fear and uncertainty and are often deprived of their right to education." Without taking Pakistan's name directly India called on "member states" to "demonstrate the greater political will to hold the perpetrators of terrorism and their collaborators and sponsors, especially those sanctioned by the Council, to account, to fulfil Council’s child protection obligations." The number of Pakistani nationals listed on the UN list are among the maximum. These include the likes of Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed who are responsible for a number of terror attacks in India. India's statement urged the United Nations Security Council that "counter-terrorism needs to be translated into action" & "terrorist outfits and individuals proscribed by the Council are directly or indirectly responsible for abusing child rights." Explaining,"greater recognition and comprehensive action to counter threats to children posed by terrorist groups in different parts of the world."

UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC".

He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same.

In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">Also read|&nbsp;UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered.

This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said.

As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained.

A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment.

"We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place."

On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists. Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC". He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same. In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region. Also read| UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered. This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said. As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained. A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment. "We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place." On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

Alert along LoC after ISI uses drones to drop weapons for terrorists

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published the results of part two of the first national population-based sero survey to check the transmission of coronavirus in the country.

The survey was&nbsp;conducted between May 11 and June 4 in 21 states. The findings&nbsp;indicated that 0.73 per cent of adults in India were exposed to Covid-19 infection, amounting to 6.4 million infections in total by early May.

"The findings of the sero survey indicated a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population in India in early May 2020. As most of the population remains susceptible to infection, our public health strategy needs to plan for an inevitable increase in transmission," the sero-survey revealed.

A total of 30,283 households were visited and 28,000 individuals were enrolled in the survey. The seroprevalence ranged between 0.62 per cent and 1.03 per cent across the four strata of districts.

"The findings of our survey indicated that the overall seroprevalence in India was low, with less than 1 per cent of the adult population exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by mid May 2020," ICMR stated.

The low prevalence observed in most districts indicates that India is in early phase of the epidemic and the majority of the Indian population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, it added.

"It is therefore necessary to continue to implement the context-specific containment measures including testing of all symptomaties, isolating positive cases and tracing high-risk contacts to slow transmission and to prevent the overburdening of the health system," ICMR said.

The survey also found out that for every RT-PCR confirmed case of Covid-19, there were 82-130 infections in India.

The seropositivity was highest in the age-group of 18-45 years at 43.3 per cent, followed by those between 46 and 60 years (39.5 per cent) and the lowest seropositivity was detected in those aged above 60 years (17.2 per cent), it further stated.

The findings pointed out that the seropositivity was highest at 69.4 per cent in the rural areas, while in the urban slums it was 15.9 per cent and in urban non-slums, it was 14.6 per cent.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published the results of part two of the first national population-based sero survey to check the transmission of coronavirus in the country.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published the results of part two of the first national population-based sero survey to check the transmission of coronavirus in the country. The survey was conducted between May 11 and June 4 in 21 states. The findings indicated that 0.73 per cent of adults in India were exposed to Covid-19 infection, amounting to 6.4 million infections in total by early May. "The findings of the sero survey indicated a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population in India in early May 2020. As most of the population remains susceptible to infection, our public health strategy needs to plan for an inevitable increase in transmission," the sero-survey revealed. A total of 30,283 households were visited and 28,000 individuals were enrolled in the survey. The seroprevalence ranged between 0.62 per cent and 1.03 per cent across the four strata of districts. "The findings of our survey indicated that the overall seroprevalence in India was low, with less than 1 per cent of the adult population exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by mid May 2020," ICMR stated. The low prevalence observed in most districts indicates that India is in early phase of the epidemic and the majority of the Indian population is still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, it added. "It is therefore necessary to continue to implement the context-specific containment measures including testing of all symptomaties, isolating positive cases and tracing high-risk contacts to slow transmission and to prevent the overburdening of the health system," ICMR said. The survey also found out that for every RT-PCR confirmed case of Covid-19, there were 82-130 infections in India. The seropositivity was highest in the age-group of 18-45 years at 43.3 per cent, followed by those between 46 and 60 years (39.5 per cent) and the lowest seropositivity was detected in those aged above 60 years (17.2 per cent), it further stated. The findings pointed out that the seropositivity was highest at 69.4 per cent in the rural areas, while in the urban slums it was 15.9 per cent and in urban non-slums, it was 14.6 per cent.

India had 6.4 million coronavirus cases by May: ICMR sero survey

India's coronavirus tally crossed the 4.5 million mark as&nbsp;96,551 new cases and&nbsp;1,209 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

The total case tally stands at 4,562,415, including 943,480 active cases, 3,542,664 cured/discharged/migrated and 76,271 deaths, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday morning.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that a total of 54,097,975 samples have been tested up to September 10, 2020, with&nbsp;1,163,542 samples being tested&nbsp;yesterday.

"There has been an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 recoveries in India. There is more than 100% increase in patients recovered and discharged in the past 29 day," the Ministry of Health said.

Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states of the country, recorded 23,446 new cases and 448 deaths with 14,253 patients getting discharged. The total cases in the state rose&nbsp;to 9,90,795, including 28,282 deaths and 7,00,715 patients discharged. Active cases are now 2,61,432.

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Uttar Pradesh recorded&nbsp;7042 new COVID-19 cases and 94 deaths. The tally in the state now stands at 292,029, including 4,206 deaths and 221,506 discharged patients.

Jharkhand reported 1,152 new COVID-19 cases, 1,244 recoveries and 2 deaths on Thursday night, taking total cases to 58,079 including 42,115 recoveries, 517 deaths and 15,447 active cases.

Rajasthan reported&nbsp;1,640 new cases and 14 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 97,376 including 1,192 deaths, 1,032 recoveries and 15,702 active cases.

Madhya Pradesh recorded&nbsp;2,187 new cases and 21 deaths, taking the toll to&nbsp;81,379 including 1,661 deaths and 18,433 active cases.

India's coronavirus tally crossed the 4.5 million mark as 96,551 new cases and 1,209 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 4,562,415, including 943,480 active cases, 3,542,664 cured/discharged/migrated and 76,271 deaths, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday morning.

India's coronavirus tally crossed the 4.5 million mark as 96,551 new cases and 1,209 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 4,562,415, including 943,480 active cases, 3,542,664 cured/discharged/migrated and 76,271 deaths, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday morning. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that a total of 54,097,975 samples have been tested up to September 10, 2020, with 1,163,542 samples being tested yesterday. "There has been an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 recoveries in India. There is more than 100% increase in patients recovered and discharged in the past 29 day," the Ministry of Health said. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states of the country, recorded 23,446 new cases and 448 deaths with 14,253 patients getting discharged. The total cases in the state rose to 9,90,795, including 28,282 deaths and 7,00,715 patients discharged. Active cases are now 2,61,432. × Uttar Pradesh recorded 7042 new COVID-19 cases and 94 deaths. The tally in the state now stands at 292,029, including 4,206 deaths and 221,506 discharged patients. Jharkhand reported 1,152 new COVID-19 cases, 1,244 recoveries and 2 deaths on Thursday night, taking total cases to 58,079 including 42,115 recoveries, 517 deaths and 15,447 active cases. Rajasthan reported 1,640 new cases and 14 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 97,376 including 1,192 deaths, 1,032 recoveries and 15,702 active cases. Madhya Pradesh recorded 2,187 new cases and 21 deaths, taking the toll to 81,379 including 1,661 deaths and 18,433 active cases.

COVID-19 tally crosses 4.5 million with 96,551 new cases

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups.

The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot."

More than 170 people died in the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrated by Pakistan based united listed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-foreign-ministers-agree-to-ease-tensions-issue-joint-statement-326722">Also read:&nbsp;India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement</a>

During the talks, US&nbsp;"reiterated" its support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism."&nbsp;The talks were led by Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs of India Mahaveer Singhvi and the US&nbsp;State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan A. Sales.

During the talks both sides denounced "use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the need for "concerted action" against all terrorist networks including al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh and Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul Mujahideen.

Focus by the two sides was also on "procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals."&nbsp;

US played a key role in listing of Masood Azhar in the aftermath of Pulwama attack of 2019.

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups. The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot.

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups. The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot." More than 170 people died in the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrated by Pakistan based united listed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also read: India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement During the talks, US "reiterated" its support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism." The talks were led by Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs of India Mahaveer Singhvi and the US State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan A. Sales. During the talks both sides denounced "use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the need for "concerted action" against all terrorist networks including al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh and Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul Mujahideen. Focus by the two sides was also on "procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals." US played a key role in listing of Masood Azhar in the aftermath of Pulwama attack of 2019.

India, US ask Pakistan to act on perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot attacks

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions.

The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh</a>

Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side."

One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters."

Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-stern-message-for-those-eyeing-our-sovereignty-rajnath-singh-hail-induction-of-rafale-jets-326501">Also read|&nbsp;Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets</a>

It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases.

The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties,"&nbsp;top government sources told WION.

The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations."

During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present.

EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment.&nbsp;

The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas."

The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders.&nbsp;

The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.&nbsp;

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION. In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions." Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side." One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters." Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC). Also read| Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases. The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties," top government sources told WION. The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations." During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present. EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment. The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas." The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders. The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.

India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations.

In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records"&nbsp;

India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity."

The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family.

India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation."

Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway.

India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community.

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community." Also read | UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records" India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity." The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family. India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation." Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway. India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.30 am on that day. The drug peddlers were trying to sneak past the border in the Anupgarh sector in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

One of the dead has been identified as Shahbaz Ali from the Pakistani national identity card recovered from him.

Pakistan Rangers, the force that patrols the border on Pakistani side disowned the bodies even after they were informed about the drug peddlers. BSF personnel then performed the last rites and buried the bodies of the drug peddlers.

The drug peddlers had thrown five packets across the fence and were trying to cross it. On being challenged by Indian forces they ran back and were shot dead.

8 Kgs of heroin, two pistols and one nightvision enabled binocular has been recovered from the smugglers.

BSF has foiled multiple attempts in past to smuggle drugs across the border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.30 am on that day. The drug peddlers were trying to sneak past the border in the Anupgarh sector in Rajasthan. One of the dead has been identified as Shahbaz Ali from the Pakistani national identity card recovered from him. Pakistan Rangers, the force that patrols the border on Pakistani side disowned the bodies even after they were informed about the drug peddlers. BSF personnel then performed the last rites and buried the bodies of the drug peddlers. The drug peddlers had thrown five packets across the fence and were trying to cross it. On being challenged by Indian forces they ran back and were shot dead. 8 Kgs of heroin, two pistols and one nightvision enabled binocular has been recovered from the smugglers. BSF has foiled multiple attempts in past to smuggle drugs across the border.

Pakistani drug peddlers trying to cross border shot dead by BSF, Pak disowns bodies

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border.

"The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side.&nbsp; 
The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday.

It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border.

Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho.

Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo.

Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri.

On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet.

"China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh".

"I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals.

The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line.

While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said.

After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.?

On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim.

The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said. The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border. "The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side. The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday. It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border. Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh. The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho. Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo. Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet. "China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh". "I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals. The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line. While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.? On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim. The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.

5 missing youths from Arunachal likely to be handed over by China on Saturday: Rijiju

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