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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) announced today that it tested its indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter(LUH) at Leh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-bombers-paratroopers-and-special-forces-deployed-in-plateau-region-amid-border-tensions-says-global-times-326328">Also Read:&nbsp;Bombers, paratroopers deployed in 'plateau region, says Global Times</a>

"The helicopter demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier high altitude, during the trials, pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam," it said.

HAL said the "Army version" of LUH is now ready for initial operation clearance.

"A comprehensive test plan was executed at Leh which included envelope expansion, performance and flying qualities," the HAL informed.

"HAL has once again proved its indigenous capability in design and development," it added with all planned tests successfully demonstrated.

The tests were conducted in hot and high weather conditions in the Himalayas for around 10 days.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) announced today that it tested its indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter(LUH) at Leh. Also Read: Bombers, paratroopers deployed in 'plateau region, says Global Times "The helicopter demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier high altitude, during the trials, pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam," it said.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) announced today that it tested its indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter(LUH) at Leh. Also Read: Bombers, paratroopers deployed in 'plateau region, says Global Times "The helicopter demonstrated its payload capability in Siachen glacier high altitude, during the trials, pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam," it said. HAL said the "Army version" of LUH is now ready for initial operation clearance. "A comprehensive test plan was executed at Leh which included envelope expansion, performance and flying qualities," the HAL informed. "HAL has once again proved its indigenous capability in design and development," it added with all planned tests successfully demonstrated. The tests were conducted in hot and high weather conditions in the Himalayas for around 10 days.

HAL completes new helicopter tests in Himalayas

Guarding Rezang La is critical for India as it blocks China from more military adventurism in the disputed region. India has been carefully watching the movements of the PLA

Indo-China border tensions show no signs of ebbing

Delhi State Government on Wednesday passed an order that made doctor's prescription for coronavirus test unnecessary. As per the order, anyone can get himself or herseld tested for an infection of coronavirus.

"...it has been decided that hecneforth there will be no requirement of a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner for Covid-19 testing in NCT of Delhi..." said the official order.

However, the order added that the tests will be carried out in accordance with the strategy/advisory issued by Indian Council of Medical Research.

Though the official order was passed on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted on Tuesday itself announcing the decision of the government.

 
"Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold.I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctor’s prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested," tweeted Kejriwal.

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Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold. 
 
I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctor’s prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1303310636865126401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As per latest numbers released by Ministry of Health, Delhi has 22,377 active coronavirus cases. In past 24 hours 1834 new cases have been detected. 170140 patients have been cured so far. They have been 4618 deaths. 
&nbsp;

Delhi State Government on Wednesday passed an order that made doctor's prescription for coronavirus test unnecessary. As per the order, anyone can get himself or herseld tested for an infection of coronavirus.

Delhi State Government on Wednesday passed an order that made doctor's prescription for coronavirus test unnecessary. As per the order, anyone can get himself or herseld tested for an infection of coronavirus. "...it has been decided that hecneforth there will be no requirement of a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner for Covid-19 testing in NCT of Delhi..." said the official order. However, the order added that the tests will be carried out in accordance with the strategy/advisory issued by Indian Council of Medical Research. Though the official order was passed on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted on Tuesday itself announcing the decision of the government. "Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold.I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctor’s prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested," tweeted Kejriwal. Delhi govt has increased testing multi-fold. I have directed Health Minister this morning that Doctor’s prescription shud not be asked for testing. Anyone can get himself tested. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 8, 2020 × As per latest numbers released by Ministry of Health, Delhi has 22,377 active coronavirus cases. In past 24 hours 1834 new cases have been detected. 170140 patients have been cured so far. They have been 4618 deaths.

Doctor's prescription not needed for Covid-19 test in Delhi from now

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’</a> 
 
Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.

Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here. ALSO READ: Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’ Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India, China to meet in Moscow: Chinese foreign ministry

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said.

On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan.

The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB.

The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said.

Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries.

The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014.

The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said.

A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case.

A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested.

Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court.

The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

 
&nbsp;

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014. Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said. On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan. The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB. The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said. Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries. The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014. The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said. A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case. A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested. Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court. The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

4 JMB terrorists jailed for 7 years in Burdwan blast case

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally.

The 'Levels &amp; Trends in Child Mortality' Report 2020 said that the number of global under-five deaths dropped to its lowest point on record in 2019 - down to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990.

Over the past 30 years, health services to prevent or treat causes of child death such as preterm, low birth weight, complications during birth, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, as well as vaccination, have played a large role in saving millions of lives.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to health services that threaten to undo decades of hard-won progress toward eliminating preventable child deaths.

According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the World Bank Group, the under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined to 34 in 2019 from 126 in 1990.

The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 824,000 in 2019.

The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 679000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990.

The country also witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 522,000 deaths in 2019.

Further, the probability of dying among children aged 5-14 years declined from 21 in 1990 to 5 in 2019 (447,000 deaths in 1990 to 136,000 deaths in 2019) and the probability of dying among youth aged 15-24 years dipped from 24 to 10 (407,000 deaths to 246,000 deaths) between the period under review.

The sex-specific under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India in 1990 stood at 122 males and 131 females and this declined to 34 males and 35 females in 2019. The regions of Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) both saw a faster decline in under-five mortality from 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009.

However, the global burden of under-five deaths weighs most heavily on just two regions - sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia.

The report said that about 53 per cent of all under-five deaths in 2019 - 2.8 million - occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, and roughly 1.5 million children (28 per cent) died in 2019 before reaching age 5 in Central and Southern Asia.

These two regions alone accounted for more than 80 per cent of the 5.2 million global under-five deaths in 2019, but they only accounted for 52 per cent of the global under-five population. "Nearly half (49 per cent) of all under-five deaths in 2019 occurred in just five countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. Nigeria and India alone account for almost a third," the report said.

The report added that countries worldwide are now experiencing disruptions in child and maternal health services, such as health checkups, vaccinations and prenatal and post-natal care, due to resource constraints and a general uneasiness with using health services due to a fear of getting COVID-19.

"The global community has come too far towards eliminating preventable child deaths to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop us in our tracks. When children are denied access to health services because the system is overrun, and when women are afraid to give birth at the hospital for fear of infection, they, too, may become casualties of COVID-19. Without urgent investments to re-start disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborns, could die," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

Even before COVID-19, newborns were at highest risk of death. In 2019, a newborn baby died every 13 seconds. Moreover, 47 per cent of all under-five deaths occurred in the neonatal period, up from 40 per cent in 1990.

With severe disruptions in essential health services, newborn babies could be at much higher risk of dying. The report said that meeting the SDG target on under-five mortality would save the lives of almost 11 million children.

On current trends, about 48 million children under 5 years of age will die between 2020 and 2030, half of them newborns. More than half (57 per cent) of these 48 million deaths will occur in sub-Saharan Africa (28 million) and 25 per cent in Central and Southern Asia (12 million).

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally.

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019 but the country, along with Nigeria, still accounted for almost a third of all under-five deaths last year, according to a new report which warned that COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable child deaths globally. The 'Levels & Trends in Child Mortality' Report 2020 said that the number of global under-five deaths dropped to its lowest point on record in 2019 - down to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990. Over the past 30 years, health services to prevent or treat causes of child death such as preterm, low birth weight, complications during birth, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, as well as vaccination, have played a large role in saving millions of lives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to health services that threaten to undo decades of hard-won progress toward eliminating preventable child deaths. According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the World Bank Group, the under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined to 34 in 2019 from 126 in 1990. The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 824,000 in 2019. The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 679000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990. The country also witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 522,000 deaths in 2019. Further, the probability of dying among children aged 5-14 years declined from 21 in 1990 to 5 in 2019 (447,000 deaths in 1990 to 136,000 deaths in 2019) and the probability of dying among youth aged 15-24 years dipped from 24 to 10 (407,000 deaths to 246,000 deaths) between the period under review. The sex-specific under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India in 1990 stood at 122 males and 131 females and this declined to 34 males and 35 females in 2019. The regions of Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) both saw a faster decline in under-five mortality from 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009. However, the global burden of under-five deaths weighs most heavily on just two regions - sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia. The report said that about 53 per cent of all under-five deaths in 2019 - 2.8 million - occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, and roughly 1.5 million children (28 per cent) died in 2019 before reaching age 5 in Central and Southern Asia. These two regions alone accounted for more than 80 per cent of the 5.2 million global under-five deaths in 2019, but they only accounted for 52 per cent of the global under-five population. "Nearly half (49 per cent) of all under-five deaths in 2019 occurred in just five countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. Nigeria and India alone account for almost a third," the report said. The report added that countries worldwide are now experiencing disruptions in child and maternal health services, such as health checkups, vaccinations and prenatal and post-natal care, due to resource constraints and a general uneasiness with using health services due to a fear of getting COVID-19. "The global community has come too far towards eliminating preventable child deaths to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop us in our tracks. When children are denied access to health services because the system is overrun, and when women are afraid to give birth at the hospital for fear of infection, they, too, may become casualties of COVID-19. Without urgent investments to re-start disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborns, could die," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. Even before COVID-19, newborns were at highest risk of death. In 2019, a newborn baby died every 13 seconds. Moreover, 47 per cent of all under-five deaths occurred in the neonatal period, up from 40 per cent in 1990. With severe disruptions in essential health services, newborn babies could be at much higher risk of dying. The report said that meeting the SDG target on under-five mortality would save the lives of almost 11 million children. On current trends, about 48 million children under 5 years of age will die between 2020 and 2030, half of them newborns. More than half (57 per cent) of these 48 million deaths will occur in sub-Saharan Africa (28 million) and 25 per cent in Central and Southern Asia (12 million).

India's child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: United Nations

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday.

It also said five states have contributed 61 per cent of the total active cases.

A record 74,894 patients recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

The total number of recoveries on a weekly basis has increased from 1,53,118 during the third week of July to 4,84,068 in the first week of September, the ministry said.

A total of 89,706 new cases have been reported in a span of 24 hours, of which Maharashtra has contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh more than 10,000 cases.

Sixty per cent of the new cases are reported from only five states, it said.

There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19 in the country which comprises 20.53 per cent of the total caseload, it said.

Maharashtra is leading this tally with more than 2,40,000 active cases whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh follow with more than 96,000 each.

"Five states -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu -- contribute 61 per cent of the total active cases of coronavirus infection," the ministry said.

A total of 1,115 deaths have been registered in a day.

Maharashtra has reported 380 deaths followed by Karnataka with 146 deaths, whereas Tamil Nadu has logged 87 deaths, it said.

With 89,706 infections being reported in a day, India's COVID-19 tally of cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday. It also said five states have contributed 61 per cent of the total active cases. A record 74,894 patients recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The total number of recoveries on a weekly basis has increased from 1,53,118 during the third week of July to 4,84,068 in the first week of September, the ministry said. A total of 89,706 new cases have been reported in a span of 24 hours, of which Maharashtra has contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh more than 10,000 cases. Sixty per cent of the new cases are reported from only five states, it said. There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19 in the country which comprises 20.53 per cent of the total caseload, it said. Maharashtra is leading this tally with more than 2,40,000 active cases whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh follow with more than 96,000 each. "Five states -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu -- contribute 61 per cent of the total active cases of coronavirus infection," the ministry said. A total of 1,115 deaths have been registered in a day. Maharashtra has reported 380 deaths followed by Karnataka with 146 deaths, whereas Tamil Nadu has logged 87 deaths, it said. With 89,706 infections being reported in a day, India's COVID-19 tally of cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recoveries near 34 lakh, fatality rate has drops to 1.69 per cent: Health Ministry

Israel has hoped India &amp; China will resolve things in a "peaceful" way even as tensions rise between the two&nbsp;Asian neighbours. 
&nbsp; 
Deputy Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Division of Israeli Foreign Ministry Gilad Cohen in response to a WION question said, "We have very good relations with India, we have good relations with China"

Adding, "We hope all things will be sorted out in peaceful ways and tension will reduce, this is what we desire".

Israel is in advance stage of negotiations with Free Trade Agreement with China and already has pact for specific goods with India.

Ties between India &amp; Israel have grown in the last few years. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July of 2017, the first-ever visit of Indian PM to the West Asian country which was followed by the visit of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu the next year.&nbsp;

Asked, if more countries could establish ties with Israel, Cohen said, “We hope UAE breakthrough will be echoed" and "will open other relations who don't have ties with Israel".

In a major development last month, UAE became the first Gulf country to establish ties with Israel. This was followed by the first direct commercial flight between the 2 countries. UAE is the 3rd Arab country to recognize Israel after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Israel has hoped India & China will resolve things in a "peaceful" way even as tensions rise between the two Asian neighbours. Deputy Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Division of Israeli Foreign Ministry Gilad Cohen in response to a WION question said, "We have very good relations with India, we have good relations with China" Adding, "We hope all things will be sorted out in peaceful ways and tension will reduce, this is what we desire".

Israel has hoped India & China will resolve things in a "peaceful" way even as tensions rise between the two Asian neighbours. Deputy Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Division of Israeli Foreign Ministry Gilad Cohen in response to a WION question said, "We have very good relations with India, we have good relations with China" Adding, "We hope all things will be sorted out in peaceful ways and tension will reduce, this is what we desire". Israel is in advance stage of negotiations with Free Trade Agreement with China and already has pact for specific goods with India. Ties between India & Israel have grown in the last few years. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July of 2017, the first-ever visit of Indian PM to the West Asian country which was followed by the visit of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu the next year. Asked, if more countries could establish ties with Israel, Cohen said, “We hope UAE breakthrough will be echoed" and "will open other relations who don't have ties with Israel". In a major development last month, UAE became the first Gulf country to establish ties with Israel. This was followed by the first direct commercial flight between the 2 countries. UAE is the 3rd Arab country to recognize Israel after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’

The&nbsp;Union Health Ministry of India has issued a&nbsp;standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools.

Only&nbsp;the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen. It has also been ordered to not allow students, teachers and non-teaching staff come to school if they reside in containment zones. Furthermore, the students, teachers and&nbsp;non-teaching staff who will opt to come back to school will be advised not to travel to the containment zones after rejoining school.

The reopening will only be allowed for classes IX to XII, as of now. Instructions for other classes will be released soon, after looking at the turnout and judging the ability of schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-5-crore-covid-19-tests-conducted-till-date-in-india-325962">Also read:&nbsp;Over 5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted till date in India</a>

All schools will have to compulsorily sanitise the premises, from classrooms to labs, with&nbsp;1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution. This will be personally checked by the local authorities for the schools which have been used as quarantine facilities in the past few months.

All the entry and exit points for the school will have to have sanitisation machines which will include&nbsp;mandatory hand sanitizer dispenser and thermal screening provisions.&nbsp;

All employees and students will be asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing.

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Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking 
guidance from their teachers in the context of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>.<a href="https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT">https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT</a> <a href="https://t.co/6c9datyVOC">pic.twitter.com/6c9datyVOC</a>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1303335899426512896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It has also been ordered to not let the students/teachers/non-teaching staff come to school if any of them show the slightest symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

The schools have also been asked to display posters and sign boards reading out the preacuations and prevention needed to contain the spread of coronavirus, in school and in general.

While the schools are being given the permission to resume offline classes for specific class, the government has asked schools to keep encouraging students and parents to continue with online classes.

The Union Health Ministry of India has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools. Only the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen.

The Union Health Ministry of India has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools who would opt to re-open schools. Only the schools that lie outside the containment zones will be allowed to reopen. It has also been ordered to not allow students, teachers and non-teaching staff come to school if they reside in containment zones. Furthermore, the students, teachers and non-teaching staff who will opt to come back to school will be advised not to travel to the containment zones after rejoining school. The reopening will only be allowed for classes IX to XII, as of now. Instructions for other classes will be released soon, after looking at the turnout and judging the ability of schools. Also read: Over 5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted till date in India All schools will have to compulsorily sanitise the premises, from classrooms to labs, with 1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution. This will be personally checked by the local authorities for the schools which have been used as quarantine facilities in the past few months. All the entry and exit points for the school will have to have sanitisation machines which will include mandatory hand sanitizer dispenser and thermal screening provisions. All employees and students will be asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing. #IndiaFightsCorona Health Ministry issues SOP for partial reopening of Schools for students of 9th-12th classes on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers in the context of #COVID19.https://t.co/i1I8pPwXyT pic.twitter.com/6c9datyVOC — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 8, 2020 × It has also been ordered to not let the students/teachers/non-teaching staff come to school if any of them show the slightest symptoms of the novel coronavirus. The schools have also been asked to display posters and sign boards reading out the preacuations and prevention needed to contain the spread of coronavirus, in school and in general. While the schools are being given the permission to resume offline classes for specific class, the government has asked schools to keep encouraging students and parents to continue with online classes.

'Encourage online classes': Indian schools get guidelines for resuming offline classes

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

On Wednesday, as many as 89,706 new infections were reported.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.69 per cent.

There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19, which is 20.53 per cent of the total caseload in the country, the data stated.

Meanwhile, the metro train services resumed in most of the cities on Monday started on a cautious note amid a slew of measures for the safety of passengers and staff.

With the Centre issuing guidelines for their resumption under Unlock 4, the rapid transit networks started operations in a graded manner in Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, but were still closed in Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Jaipur.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry. On Wednesday, as many as 89,706 new infections were reported. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.69 per cent. There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19, which is 20.53 per cent of the total caseload in the country, the data stated. Meanwhile, the metro train services resumed in most of the cities on Monday started on a cautious note amid a slew of measures for the safety of passengers and staff. With the Centre issuing guidelines for their resumption under Unlock 4, the rapid transit networks started operations in a graded manner in Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, but were still closed in Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Jaipur. (With inputs from agencies)

India registers 89,706 fresh Covid cases in a day, total crosses 43 lakh

Nirav Modi, fighting extradition to India, is unlikely to get a fair trial there due to the politicisation of his case and he faces a "high risk of suicide" due to the lack of adequate medical facilities in Indian prisons, his legal team told a UK court on Tuesday.

The 49-year-old fugitive diamond merchant is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.

On the second day of Modi's five-day extradition hearing at the court, Justice Samuel Goozee was taken through official Indian prisons data, including statistics on coronavirus cases at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai where Modi is to be held if he is extradited.

Modi's barrister, Clare Montgomery, also laid out her plans to depose further expert witnesses during the course of week, including a former Indian Supreme Court judge referred to only by his last name of Katju.

"There has been a significant decline in the integrity of the justice system in India&nbsp;and the Nirav Modi case has been made a political issue, with no presumption made of innocence,"&nbsp;Montgomery told the court.

She claimed that because the jeweller had been made into a "hate figure" in India, there was an "overwhelming political necessity" to condemn him and see him convicted.

She added that other defence witnesses also highlight a decline in the "standards of behaviour" of investigating agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The court was told about a "marked decline"&nbsp;in Modi's mental health at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, where stricter coronavirus curbs have meant a lack of access to inhouse counselling facilities and very limited contact with family, with only 25 minutes allowed outside his cell in July.

"He has increasingly suffered from severe depression and the latest assessment shows he is on the threshold of being subject to hospitalisation unless given proper treatment&nbsp;and his fitness to plead may be in doubt here or in the requesting state (India) given a high risk of suicide,"&nbsp;Montgomery said, adding that the availability of psychiatric help in Indian prisons was "utterly inadequate".

"The laconic assurance [of the government of India] and the prison video to say that he will be kept in humane conditions appears to be completely inadequate when one bears in mind his psychiatric condition and in addition the looming threat of COVID-19," she said.

Modi's legal team also indicated plans to depose an expert in tropical medicine in an attempt to counter Indian government claims that the COVID-19 outbreak reported at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai in May had been brought under control.

"What is claimed is improbable and the management of COVID-19 within Arthur Road Jail does not add up," Montgomery told the judge.

The defence arguments follow the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) opening the second part of the extradition trial on Monday on behalf of the Indian authorities, which focused on establishing a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi.

CPS barrister Helen Malcolm took Justice Goozee through detailed witness statements by so-called "dummy directors"&nbsp;including Ashish Lad, who recorded a video back in June 2018 to say that his life had been threatened by Modi.

She laid out details of how as the details of the fraud were beginning to emerge, the jeweller started by hiding most of the evidence, in particular the originals of "letters of undertaking" (LoUs) from PNB, and then went on to "threaten, intimidate, cajole and bribe officials."

"He destroyed mobiles of dummy directors and threatened one of the witnesses with death," Malcolm told the court.

Modi, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, has been observing the court proceedings remotely from a room in Wandsworth Prison and referring to bundles of documents laid out before him from time to time.

He is subject to two sets of criminal proceedings, the first brought by the CBI relating to a large-scale fraud said to have been committed upon PNB and the ED case, relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

A further extradition request was made in February this year, certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, of two additional offences relating to allegations that Modi interfered with the CBI investigation by causing the disappearance of evidence and intimidating a witness.

The CPS must establish a prima facie case against Modi to allow the judge to rule that he has a case to answer before the Indian courts. If the judge finds a prima facie case against Modi, it will go back to Patel to formally certify his extradition to India to stand trial.

A ruling in the case is expected at the end of this year after a final hearing scheduled for December 1.

Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19 last year on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard.

Nirav Modi, fighting extradition to India, is unlikely to get a fair trial there due to the politicisation of his case and he faces a "high risk of suicide" due to the lack of adequate medical facilities in Indian prisons, his legal team told a UK court on Tuesday.

Nirav Modi, fighting extradition to India, is unlikely to get a fair trial there due to the politicisation of his case and he faces a "high risk of suicide" due to the lack of adequate medical facilities in Indian prisons, his legal team told a UK court on Tuesday. The 49-year-old fugitive diamond merchant is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. On the second day of Modi's five-day extradition hearing at the court, Justice Samuel Goozee was taken through official Indian prisons data, including statistics on coronavirus cases at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai where Modi is to be held if he is extradited. Modi's barrister, Clare Montgomery, also laid out her plans to depose further expert witnesses during the course of week, including a former Indian Supreme Court judge referred to only by his last name of Katju. "There has been a significant decline in the integrity of the justice system in India and the Nirav Modi case has been made a political issue, with no presumption made of innocence," Montgomery told the court. She claimed that because the jeweller had been made into a "hate figure" in India, there was an "overwhelming political necessity" to condemn him and see him convicted. She added that other defence witnesses also highlight a decline in the "standards of behaviour" of investigating agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court was told about a "marked decline" in Modi's mental health at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, where stricter coronavirus curbs have meant a lack of access to inhouse counselling facilities and very limited contact with family, with only 25 minutes allowed outside his cell in July. "He has increasingly suffered from severe depression and the latest assessment shows he is on the threshold of being subject to hospitalisation unless given proper treatment and his fitness to plead may be in doubt here or in the requesting state (India) given a high risk of suicide," Montgomery said, adding that the availability of psychiatric help in Indian prisons was "utterly inadequate". "The laconic assurance [of the government of India] and the prison video to say that he will be kept in humane conditions appears to be completely inadequate when one bears in mind his psychiatric condition and in addition the looming threat of COVID-19," she said. Modi's legal team also indicated plans to depose an expert in tropical medicine in an attempt to counter Indian government claims that the COVID-19 outbreak reported at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai in May had been brought under control. "What is claimed is improbable and the management of COVID-19 within Arthur Road Jail does not add up," Montgomery told the judge. The defence arguments follow the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) opening the second part of the extradition trial on Monday on behalf of the Indian authorities, which focused on establishing a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. CPS barrister Helen Malcolm took Justice Goozee through detailed witness statements by so-called "dummy directors" including Ashish Lad, who recorded a video back in June 2018 to say that his life had been threatened by Modi. She laid out details of how as the details of the fraud were beginning to emerge, the jeweller started by hiding most of the evidence, in particular the originals of "letters of undertaking" (LoUs) from PNB, and then went on to "threaten, intimidate, cajole and bribe officials." "He destroyed mobiles of dummy directors and threatened one of the witnesses with death," Malcolm told the court. Modi, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, has been observing the court proceedings remotely from a room in Wandsworth Prison and referring to bundles of documents laid out before him from time to time. He is subject to two sets of criminal proceedings, the first brought by the CBI relating to a large-scale fraud said to have been committed upon PNB and the ED case, relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud. A further extradition request was made in February this year, certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, of two additional offences relating to allegations that Modi interfered with the CBI investigation by causing the disappearance of evidence and intimidating a witness. The CPS must establish a prima facie case against Modi to allow the judge to rule that he has a case to answer before the Indian courts. If the judge finds a prima facie case against Modi, it will go back to Patel to formally certify his extradition to India to stand trial. A ruling in the case is expected at the end of this year after a final hearing scheduled for December 1. Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19 last year on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard.

Nirav Modi faces suicide risk in India, UK court told

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday. 
 
The eastern command said that the Chinese officials thanked the Indian Army for the "compassionate gesture".

"In a humane gesture, the Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on August 31 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture," the Eastern Command tweeted.

The situation with China has been tense and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Friday, who visited Ladakh to review the situation.

India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong Lake’s southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.

India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June.

The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant general-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday.

In a humane gesture, Indian Army handed over yaks and calves that strayed across the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to China, said the Eastern Command, Indian Army on Monday. The eastern command said that the Chinese officials thanked the Indian Army for the "compassionate gesture". "In a humane gesture, the Indian Army handed over 13 Yaks and four Calves that strayed across the LAC on August 31 in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh to China on 07 Sep 20. Chinese officials present thanked the Indian Army for the compassionate gesture," the Eastern Command tweeted. The situation with China has been tense and India is continuously engaging with them at the military and diplomatic level, Army Chief General MM Naravane said on Friday, who visited Ladakh to review the situation. India recently outflanked China by taking control of strategic height near Pangong Lake’s southern bank. It thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh. India and China are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot Springs and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in June. The talks between the two sides have been going on for the last three months including five Lieutenant general-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

Amid row, army hands over 13 yaks, 4 calves to China as ‘humane gesture’

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which he said calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level.

Mr Jaishankar was speaking at an interactive session by The Indian Express newspaper.

"The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. I wrote it before that unfortunate incident happened in Galwan," Mr Jaishankar said referring to his newly published book ''The India Way''.

Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the line of duty. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

"If peace and tranquility on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said.

Mr Jaishankar is set to meet Wang Yi on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"Exactly what I will tell him, obviously I am not going to tell you," Mr Jaishankar said when asked what message he will deliver to his Chinese counterpart.

He, however, said the broad principle around which his position would be constructed would be about the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of ties which has been reflected in the last 30 years of the relationship.

The minister also talked about the number of pacts between the two countries on the border management since 1993, saying they clearly stipulate keeping forces at a minimum level along the border and largely shaped the behaviour of the armed forces.

"If these are not observed, then it raises very very important questions.... I note that this very serious situation has been going on since the beginning of May, this calls for very very deep conversation between the two sides at a political level," he added.

Mr Jaishankar said there were problems left over from history as well. "We have problems left over from history which continue to be an overhang on the relationship," he said, calling the current standoff as of "a very different order".

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country. The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which he said calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level. Mr Jaishankar was speaking at an interactive session by The Indian Express newspaper. "The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. I wrote it before that unfortunate incident happened in Galwan," Mr Jaishankar said referring to his newly published book ''The India Way''. Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the line of duty. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. "If peace and tranquility on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said. Mr Jaishankar is set to meet Wang Yi on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). "Exactly what I will tell him, obviously I am not going to tell you," Mr Jaishankar said when asked what message he will deliver to his Chinese counterpart. He, however, said the broad principle around which his position would be constructed would be about the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of ties which has been reflected in the last 30 years of the relationship. The minister also talked about the number of pacts between the two countries on the border management since 1993, saying they clearly stipulate keeping forces at a minimum level along the border and largely shaped the behaviour of the armed forces. "If these are not observed, then it raises very very important questions.... I note that this very serious situation has been going on since the beginning of May, this calls for very very deep conversation between the two sides at a political level," he added. Mr Jaishankar said there were problems left over from history as well. "We have problems left over from history which continue to be an overhang on the relationship," he said, calling the current standoff as of "a very different order".

Need 'very very deep' political discussions: India says Ladakh situation with China 'serious'

According to PUBG Corp, it is aware of the whole situation and is actively looking into the entire issue around the ban.

Your Story: PUBG mobile eyeing comeback in India?

India's Special frontier force's (SFF) soldier Nyima Tenzin was cremated with full public honours in Ladakh on Monday. He was a member of the Tibetan refugee community which came out in full force in Ladakh to pay tributes to him.

According to Army sources he died in a landmine blast last weekend that saw the Indian army thwarting attempts by Chinese to occupy southern bank of Pangong lake.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-is-now-working-to-free-tibet-325721">India is now working to free Tibet</a>

With body wrapped in Indian and Tibetan flags, Tenzin was cremated as the atmosphere reverberated with slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", "We salute Indian army". The Indian National anthem was also sung along with and the anthem of Tibetan Government in Exile which is considered as the Tibetan National Anthem written in 1950.

Ruling BJP party's National General Secretary was also present. He tweeted saying, he is was "a Tibetan who laid down his life protecting our borders in Ladakh" but later deleted it.

His presence at the funeral can be read as New Delhi's departure from its traditional stand.&nbsp;India has traditionally recognised the Tibetan autonomous region as a part of China.&nbsp;As the world rethinks its ties with China, India is already hinting at a blueprint.

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The development comes amidst heightened India China tensions at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh. The two Asian giants are locked in a bitter row in over 4 months after what India describes as "unilateral" action by China to hindered the "normal patrolling patterns."

The Tibetan community in Delhi also paid homage at Majnu Ka Tila monastery. The area has a sizeable Tibetan community. On his picture was written, "hero of India's resistance against Chinese PLA's aggression" and "the unsung Tibetan". Tenzin was part of the Vikas regiment of the SFF.

SFF has been so far hidden from any attention. Created in 1962, it is made up of Tibetan refugees, whose forefathers left Tibet after Chinese occupations.

While Indian govt hasn't reacted publicly over SFF's existence, this the first time the Tibetan community has publicly come out on it. The development is expected to rile China.

Lasted week when asked about ethnic Tibetans being part of Indian troops, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "I am also wondering what is the connection between so-called "Tibetans in exile" and the Indian border troops. I hope you can do some in-depth investigation. It will be great if you can share with us any further information and progress in this regard."

She also blamed US saying, "role the US has played in this process. China's position is very clear. We firmly oppose any country providing convenience in any form for the "Tibet independence" forces' separatist activities."

Chinese mouthpiece 'The Global Times' stated&nbsp;''exiled Tibetans in India's 'special force' are only cannon fodder'', revealing&nbsp;China's transition from denial to baseless criticism.

India's Special frontier force's (SFF) soldier Nyima Tenzin was cremated with full public honours in Ladakh on Monday. He was a member of the Tibetan refugee community which came out in full force in Ladakh to pay tributes to him.

India's Special frontier force's (SFF) soldier Nyima Tenzin was cremated with full public honours in Ladakh on Monday. He was a member of the Tibetan refugee community which came out in full force in Ladakh to pay tributes to him. According to Army sources he died in a landmine blast last weekend that saw the Indian army thwarting attempts by Chinese to occupy southern bank of Pangong lake. Also read | India is now working to free Tibet With body wrapped in Indian and Tibetan flags, Tenzin was cremated as the atmosphere reverberated with slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", "We salute Indian army". The Indian National anthem was also sung along with and the anthem of Tibetan Government in Exile which is considered as the Tibetan National Anthem written in 1950. Ruling BJP party's National General Secretary was also present. He tweeted saying, he is was "a Tibetan who laid down his life protecting our borders in Ladakh" but later deleted it. His presence at the funeral can be read as New Delhi's departure from its traditional stand. India has traditionally recognised the Tibetan autonomous region as a part of China. As the world rethinks its ties with China, India is already hinting at a blueprint. × The development comes amidst heightened India China tensions at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh. The two Asian giants are locked in a bitter row in over 4 months after what India describes as "unilateral" action by China to hindered the "normal patrolling patterns." The Tibetan community in Delhi also paid homage at Majnu Ka Tila monastery. The area has a sizeable Tibetan community. On his picture was written, "hero of India's resistance against Chinese PLA's aggression" and "the unsung Tibetan". Tenzin was part of the Vikas regiment of the SFF. SFF has been so far hidden from any attention. Created in 1962, it is made up of Tibetan refugees, whose forefathers left Tibet after Chinese occupations. While Indian govt hasn't reacted publicly over SFF's existence, this the first time the Tibetan community has publicly come out on it. The development is expected to rile China. Lasted week when asked about ethnic Tibetans being part of Indian troops, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "I am also wondering what is the connection between so-called "Tibetans in exile" and the Indian border troops. I hope you can do some in-depth investigation. It will be great if you can share with us any further information and progress in this regard." She also blamed US saying, "role the US has played in this process. China's position is very clear. We firmly oppose any country providing convenience in any form for the "Tibet independence" forces' separatist activities." Chinese mouthpiece 'The Global Times' stated ''exiled Tibetans in India's 'special force' are only cannon fodder'', revealing China's transition from denial to baseless criticism.

India's Special frontier force's Tibetan soldier cremated with full public honour

India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms. This makes India the fourth country to successfully test a demonstrator vehicle, joining the ranks of US, Russia, and China.

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In a historic mission today, India successfully flight tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies and significant milestone towards a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sashaktbharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sashaktbharat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/atmanirbharbharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#atmanirbharbharat</a>.
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India/status/1302863224988082181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, the HSTDV has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The test was conducted by DRDO at 11.30 IST from APJ Abdul Kalam testing range in Odisha and lasted for five minutes.

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Successful flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the cost of Odisha today. <a href="https://t.co/7SstcyLQVo">pic.twitter.com/7SstcyLQVo</a>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1302890754696646656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This implies that the DRDO would be able to develop hypersonic missiles with a scramjet in the next five years. A hypersonic missile would be able to cover over two kilometres per second.

According to the DRDO, owing to this successful test, India has shown the capability to create complex technology to accentuate the growth of hypersonic vehicles in the coming times.

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The officials added that the HSTDV can power cruise missiles and performs on scramjet engines, as opposed to the ramjet engines, which in turn, yields better results and more speed, reaching upto Mach 6, which is more than 7,000 kilometres per hour.

Besides military capabilities, the HSTDV may be used to launch satellites at a low-cost.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and wrote.

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I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising PM’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1302855421397364736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them,” the defence minister said in a tweet.

Read the Vice President's message below.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a> for successfully conducting test flight of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle by using indigenous scramjet engine. This is an important milestone in our quest towards achieving self-reliance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HSTDV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HSTDV</a> <a href="https://t.co/1pC5EGiCBo">pic.twitter.com/1pC5EGiCBo</a>
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat/status/1302932541112856578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms.

India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms. This makes India the fourth country to successfully test a demonstrator vehicle, joining the ranks of US, Russia, and China. In a historic mission today, India successfully flight tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies and significant milestone towards a #sashaktbharat and #atmanirbharbharat. — DRDO (@DRDO_India) September 7, 2020 × Based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, the HSTDV has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test was conducted by DRDO at 11.30 IST from APJ Abdul Kalam testing range in Odisha and lasted for five minutes. Successful flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the cost of Odisha today. pic.twitter.com/7SstcyLQVo — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 7, 2020 × This implies that the DRDO would be able to develop hypersonic missiles with a scramjet in the next five years. A hypersonic missile would be able to cover over two kilometres per second. According to the DRDO, owing to this successful test, India has shown the capability to create complex technology to accentuate the growth of hypersonic vehicles in the coming times. × The officials added that the HSTDV can power cruise missiles and performs on scramjet engines, as opposed to the ramjet engines, which in turn, yields better results and more speed, reaching upto Mach 6, which is more than 7,000 kilometres per hour. Besides military capabilities, the HSTDV may be used to launch satellites at a low-cost. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and wrote. I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising PM’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 7, 2020 × “I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them,” the defence minister said in a tweet. Read the Vice President's message below. Congratulations to @DRDO_India for successfully conducting test flight of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle by using indigenous scramjet engine. This is an important milestone in our quest towards achieving self-reliance. #HSTDV pic.twitter.com/1pC5EGiCBo — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) September 7, 2020 ×

India rockets to hypersonic missile club, joins the ranks of US, Russia

Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances.

Russia claims its vaccine will be available this week. On Tuesday India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Moscow to have a wide ranging discussion on the vaccine alliance. Moscow sounds certain that an agreement will be struck. Three days ago, Russian officials talked about setting up a production facility in India.

“Now the focus is on the fact that Russian production capacities will be initially used only for the Russian market. We are organising the production in India and other countries for the foreign market. Due to the perfect work of the Gamaleya institute, we see interest of not 20, not 30, but 40 countries now”, Russian welfare fund head, Kirill Dmitriyev.

Russia the first with a vaccine

Russia was the first country to claim that it has a vaccine that works, and is now aggressively promoting the Sputnik V.

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Recently, a video showed Russian defence minister taking a jab of the vaccine. Moscow still says the vaccine is safe and it works. However, scientists around the world say the trials in Russia were too small to prove the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Two days back, Russia went public with the data. Published by medical journal the Lancet, it says that early tests show signs of an immune response. Experts are now calling for larger and randomised trials to test Sputnik V.

In this case, an alliance with India would certainly help Russia. India is the third largest vaccine maker in the world, and India currently has 10 vaccine candidates in development.

According to a report - the US, Britain, the European Union and Japan have so far secured about 1.3 billion doses of vaccines, with an option to snap up 1.5 billion more.

Even before a vaccine has been proved effective, more than two billion doses are already gone.

India steps in

South Asian countries are looking to India for help, and with its manufacturing prowess, India can get access to multiple global frontrunners. Some supplies of the Oxford vaccine will be reserved for India.

The Serum Institute of India that has rights to the Oxford vaccine has agreed to supply 50 percent of its stock to India. The Oxford vaccine is among the most promising candidates right now. According to the Serum Institute, it has an 80 per cent chance of working.

Reportedly, India is also keeping an eye on the Moderna vaccine. Also, India is developing its own vaccine called Covaxin. On September 7, it began the second phase of its clinical trials. Besides these two - India is watching eight other vaccine programmes, including German and Israeli candidates.

India has also pledged 15 million dollars to Gavi, the vaccine alliance created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

About 70 per cent of the vaccines used around the world are made in India. 7 billion people in the world need a vaccine for the coronavirus, and the world cannot make a vaccine without India's help.

Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances.

Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances. Russia claims its vaccine will be available this week. On Tuesday India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Moscow to have a wide ranging discussion on the vaccine alliance. Moscow sounds certain that an agreement will be struck. Three days ago, Russian officials talked about setting up a production facility in India. “Now the focus is on the fact that Russian production capacities will be initially used only for the Russian market. We are organising the production in India and other countries for the foreign market. Due to the perfect work of the Gamaleya institute, we see interest of not 20, not 30, but 40 countries now”, Russian welfare fund head, Kirill Dmitriyev. Russia the first with a vaccine Russia was the first country to claim that it has a vaccine that works, and is now aggressively promoting the Sputnik V. × Recently, a video showed Russian defence minister taking a jab of the vaccine. Moscow still says the vaccine is safe and it works. However, scientists around the world say the trials in Russia were too small to prove the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Two days back, Russia went public with the data. Published by medical journal the Lancet, it says that early tests show signs of an immune response. Experts are now calling for larger and randomised trials to test Sputnik V. In this case, an alliance with India would certainly help Russia. India is the third largest vaccine maker in the world, and India currently has 10 vaccine candidates in development. According to a report - the US, Britain, the European Union and Japan have so far secured about 1.3 billion doses of vaccines, with an option to snap up 1.5 billion more. Even before a vaccine has been proved effective, more than two billion doses are already gone. India steps in South Asian countries are looking to India for help, and with its manufacturing prowess, India can get access to multiple global frontrunners. Some supplies of the Oxford vaccine will be reserved for India. The Serum Institute of India that has rights to the Oxford vaccine has agreed to supply 50 percent of its stock to India. The Oxford vaccine is among the most promising candidates right now. According to the Serum Institute, it has an 80 per cent chance of working. Reportedly, India is also keeping an eye on the Moderna vaccine. Also, India is developing its own vaccine called Covaxin. On September 7, it began the second phase of its clinical trials. Besides these two - India is watching eight other vaccine programmes, including German and Israeli candidates. India has also pledged 15 million dollars to Gavi, the vaccine alliance created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. About 70 per cent of the vaccines used around the world are made in India. 7 billion people in the world need a vaccine for the coronavirus, and the world cannot make a vaccine without India's help.

Does India hold the key for global access to the coronavirus vaccine?

India&nbsp;overtook Brazil in confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, making it second only to the United States after a record jump of&nbsp;more than 90,000 fresh infections for two consecutive days.

No other country has recorded so many cases in a single day. The previous record was held by US which had recorded&nbsp;80,000 in 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-19-tally-past-42-lakh-mark-as-country-becomes-second-worst-affected-325648" hreflang="en">India Covid-19 tally past 42L mark as country becomes second-worst affected</a>

Over 4.2 million have contracted the novel coronavirus in India, surpassing Brazil's total and making the country's tally the second-highest behind the United States' 6.25 million.

According to India's&nbsp;Ministry of Health, the country has 8,82,542 active cases, 32,50,429 cured or discharged/migrated.

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It appears the densely populated country and its&nbsp;poor healthcare system is unable to bear the burden.

However, this is merely the partial truth. Let's take a look at the complete picture:

Normalcy

Life is returning to its normal state in the country. The metro in the capital New Delhi began reopening on Monday after a five-month shutdown and 12 other cities restarted subway services.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-resumes-services-here-is-a-list-of-sops-that-you-should-know-325638" hreflang="en">Delhi Metro resumes services: Here is a list of SOPs that you should know</a>

Too early?

India's COVID-19 death rate is one of the lowest in the world.&nbsp;So far, India has reported over 71,600 deaths. The fatality rate stands at 1.72 percent.&nbsp;Whereas, the global average stands at 3.3 percent.

India is reporting 48 deaths per million people while the global average stands at 110&nbsp;deaths per million people.

Brazil and the UK Are reporting deaths 12 to 13 times higher than India per million people.&nbsp;The fatality rate stands at 1.72 percent the crisis is real and deadly.

The government says the high recovery rates show its strategy of testing, tracing and treatment is working. Testing has&nbsp;increased from 100,000 tests per day in May to 1.2 million tests per day at present.&nbsp;

India has tested 49 million people in total and&nbsp;is only behind China and US who have conducted 160 million and 87 million tests respectively.

Its recovery rate stands at 77 percent in comparison to the US with a&nbsp;recovery rate of 57 per cent.

In April the country's hospitals had&nbsp;just 95,000 dedicated beds. But by the end of August,&nbsp;the number went up to &nbsp;1.2 million beds.

Five states account for the country's 60 per cent cases which means it has been able to curb widespread.

India overtook Brazil in confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, making it second only to the United States after a record jump of more than 90,000 fresh infections for two consecutive days.

India overtook Brazil in confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, making it second only to the United States after a record jump of more than 90,000 fresh infections for two consecutive days. No other country has recorded so many cases in a single day. The previous record was held by US which had recorded 80,000 in 24 hours. Also read: India Covid-19 tally past 42L mark as country becomes second-worst affected Over 4.2 million have contracted the novel coronavirus in India, surpassing Brazil's total and making the country's tally the second-highest behind the United States' 6.25 million. According to India's Ministry of Health, the country has 8,82,542 active cases, 32,50,429 cured or discharged/migrated. × It appears the densely populated country and its poor healthcare system is unable to bear the burden. However, this is merely the partial truth. Let's take a look at the complete picture: Normalcy Life is returning to its normal state in the country. The metro in the capital New Delhi began reopening on Monday after a five-month shutdown and 12 other cities restarted subway services. Also read: Delhi Metro resumes services: Here is a list of SOPs that you should know Too early? India's COVID-19 death rate is one of the lowest in the world. So far, India has reported over 71,600 deaths. The fatality rate stands at 1.72 percent. Whereas, the global average stands at 3.3 percent. India is reporting 48 deaths per million people while the global average stands at 110 deaths per million people. Brazil and the UK Are reporting deaths 12 to 13 times higher than India per million people. The fatality rate stands at 1.72 percent the crisis is real and deadly. The government says the high recovery rates show its strategy of testing, tracing and treatment is working. Testing has increased from 100,000 tests per day in May to 1.2 million tests per day at present. India has tested 49 million people in total and is only behind China and US who have conducted 160 million and 87 million tests respectively. Its recovery rate stands at 77 percent in comparison to the US with a recovery rate of 57 per cent. In April the country's hospitals had just 95,000 dedicated beds. But by the end of August, the number went up to 1.2 million beds. Five states account for the country's 60 per cent cases which means it has been able to curb widespread.

Lesser known facts about India's fight against coronavirus pandemic

Reacting strongly to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claims, Indian Army on Tuesday asserted that no stage had its soldiers transgressed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or resorted to any aggressive means, including firing.

WION Exclusive: Chinese troops seen with machetes tied to their spears

India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday.

Dharmendra Pradhan said India's three state-backed fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum, which operate about 63,150 fuel station across India, are moving to deploy solar panels across their operations.

They have currently installed a combined 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity and will add 60 MW more capacity in the coming year, Pradhan said.

With government encouragement, Indian oil and gas companies are turning to investing in green energy such as renewables,&nbsp;biofuels&nbsp;and&nbsp;hydrogen to reduce the country's carbon footprint.

"The oil and gas public sector undertakings are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and renewable energy space for diversification," Pradhan said at the World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance.

He did not give any investment figures.

India imports over 80% of its solar cell and module requirements from China, as domestic manufacturers have struggled to compete with cheap Chinese modules. However, Pradhan said companies have expressed interest in setting up new manufacturing capacity in India amounting to 10 GW of solar power equipment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants companies to procure most of their equipment from local industry to boost the Indian economy, which has now been hit by COVID-19.

Asia's third-largest economy has set a target to have a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. That would include 100 GW of solar capacity, up from around 35 GW currently.

India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday.

India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday. Dharmendra Pradhan said India's three state-backed fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum, which operate about 63,150 fuel station across India, are moving to deploy solar panels across their operations. They have currently installed a combined 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity and will add 60 MW more capacity in the coming year, Pradhan said. With government encouragement, Indian oil and gas companies are turning to investing in green energy such as renewables, biofuels and hydrogen to reduce the country's carbon footprint. "The oil and gas public sector undertakings are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and renewable energy space for diversification," Pradhan said at the World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance. He did not give any investment figures. India imports over 80% of its solar cell and module requirements from China, as domestic manufacturers have struggled to compete with cheap Chinese modules. However, Pradhan said companies have expressed interest in setting up new manufacturing capacity in India amounting to 10 GW of solar power equipment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants companies to procure most of their equipment from local industry to boost the Indian economy, which has now been hit by COVID-19. Asia's third-largest economy has set a target to have a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. That would include 100 GW of solar capacity, up from around 35 GW currently.

India aims for half of state-run fuel stations to be solar-powered in five years

China have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side.

WION Dispatch: 5 Indians went missing near China-Arunachal border

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier. It was based on intelligence inputs that the suspicious parcels were detained and examined.&nbsp;

The first parcel contained Lumbo-sacral orthotic belts(used for back pain and related ailments) and the other contained trophies, both of which were found to be unusually heavy. On being cut open, the belts three plastic pouches with white crystalline powder were recovered. In all, the three pouches had contained 24 smaller pouches that had about 2kg of the powder.&nbsp;

In the second consignment, on opening the wooden base of the trophies, a plastic pouch containing 1 kg of white crystalline powder was found concealed inside each of them. 2 kg of white crystalline powder was recovered from both trophies. Total 4 kg Pseudoephedrine valued at Rs. 40 lakhs was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The white crystalline powder tested positive for Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance covered under NDPS Act, 1985.&nbsp;

Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and&nbsp;sinus&nbsp;pain/pressure caused by infection such as clod/flu or other breathing illnesses. It works by narrowing the&nbsp;blood&nbsp;vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It is also said to be used in higher doses to avoid drowsiness and increase the state of alertness.&nbsp;

Pseudoephedrine is a sought-after chemical precursor in the illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth.&nbsp;

In low to moderate doses, methamphetamine can&nbsp;elevate mood, increase alertness, concentration and energy in fatigued individuals, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.&nbsp;

“This is a new modus operandi of concealment and is difficult to detect, this smugglers are finding newer methods to sneak the contraband out of the country. Our last seizure of this drug was back in February this year. We have been maintaining vigil” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs, told WION.&nbsp;

Follow up searches were carried out and one person has been arrested. Further investigation is in progress.

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier.

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier. It was based on intelligence inputs that the suspicious parcels were detained and examined. The first parcel contained Lumbo-sacral orthotic belts(used for back pain and related ailments) and the other contained trophies, both of which were found to be unusually heavy. On being cut open, the belts three plastic pouches with white crystalline powder were recovered. In all, the three pouches had contained 24 smaller pouches that had about 2kg of the powder. In the second consignment, on opening the wooden base of the trophies, a plastic pouch containing 1 kg of white crystalline powder was found concealed inside each of them. 2 kg of white crystalline powder was recovered from both trophies. Total 4 kg Pseudoephedrine valued at Rs. 40 lakhs was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The white crystalline powder tested positive for Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance covered under NDPS Act, 1985. Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection such as clod/flu or other breathing illnesses. It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It is also said to be used in higher doses to avoid drowsiness and increase the state of alertness. Pseudoephedrine is a sought-after chemical precursor in the illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth. In low to moderate doses, methamphetamine can elevate mood, increase alertness, concentration and energy in fatigued individuals, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. “This is a new modus operandi of concealment and is difficult to detect, this smugglers are finding newer methods to sneak the contraband out of the country. Our last seizure of this drug was back in February this year. We have been maintaining vigil” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs, told WION. Follow up searches were carried out and one person has been arrested. Further investigation is in progress.

Drugs worth USD54K hidden in orthotic belts, trophies bound for Australia, seized in Chennai

First pictures have emerged of the September 7 incident at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control</a>(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. On Monday, Chinese Army PLA troops attempted to close-in on one of the Indian forward positions and undertook "provocative activities to escalate" according to Indian Army statement.

Watch:

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Pictures show <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-pla-confirmed-missing-youths-from-arunachal-pradesh-found-on-their-side-government-326017">PLA </a>soldiers carrying weapons, spears and machete. Sources told WION that around 40 PLA soldiers came on September 7 evening. The incident occurred around the heights of Rezang La at LAC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-military-closed-in-on-indian-positions-fired-in-the-air-army-rejects-pla-claims-325901">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims</a>

Chinese Army had claimed in a midnight statement on Monday that Indian side had fired shots. It was rebutted by the Indian army in a statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Indian army said, "PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air" and "despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner".

Some conversation between Indian &amp; Chinese side happening via hotline in the aftermath of the incident.

The developments come days before India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation FMs meet in Moscow.

First pictures have emerged of the September 7 incident at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. On Monday, Chinese Army PLA troops attempted to close-in on one of the Indian forward positions and undertook "provocative activities to escalate" according to Indian Army statement.

First pictures have emerged of the September 7 incident at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. On Monday, Chinese Army PLA troops attempted to close-in on one of the Indian forward positions and undertook "provocative activities to escalate" according to Indian Army statement. Watch: Pictures show PLA soldiers carrying weapons, spears and machete. Sources told WION that around 40 PLA soldiers came on September 7 evening. The incident occurred around the heights of Rezang La at LAC. Also Read: Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims Chinese Army had claimed in a midnight statement on Monday that Indian side had fired shots. It was rebutted by the Indian army in a statement on Tuesday. The Indian army said, "PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air" and "despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner". Some conversation between Indian & Chinese side happening via hotline in the aftermath of the incident. The developments come days before India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation FMs meet in Moscow.

India-China face-off on September 7: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, was carried over the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region, including areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), and in all 12,243 glaciers were studied for thickness and mass changes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmirs-historical-mughal-garden-to-be-included-into-unesco-world-heritage-list-325776" hreflang="en">Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list</a>

"In general, it was observed that the glaciers in the Pir Panjal range are melting at the higher rate,&nbsp;more than one metre per year, while as the glaciers in the Karakoram range are melting relatively at slower rate, around 10 cms per year," noted Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, corresponding author of the study.

"Some glaciers are even advancing or stable in the Karakoram range. In other mountain ranges like the Greater Himalayan range, Zanaskar range, Shamabari range, Leh ranges, the glaciers are undoubtedly melting but the rate of melting is variable," Romshoo, Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, told PTI.

The research team, including Tariq Abdullah and Irfan Rashid, both from Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, used two satellite observations made in 2000 by NASA and in 2012 by German space agency DLR.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorist-associates-of-let-arrested-in-jks-bandipora-325964" hreflang="en">Three terrorist associates of LeT arrested in J&amp;K's Bandipora</a>

They employed this data to determine the glacier thickness changes over the entire Upper Indus Basin, comprising of over 12,000 glaciers.

"There is no such data (satellite observations) available in the world after 2012. This is a first of its kind study in the region and provides a very good idea about what is happening to the glaciers in the region," Romshoo explained.

Till date, he said, only six to seven glaciers have been studied in the region for thickness and glacial mass changes using field observations.

The researchers noted that while glacier melting is a continuous process and the shrinkage in area of the glaciers is being estimated routinely, thickness and mass changes are not possible always because of the lack of satellite data.

There are also limitations and challenges associated with field based studies in the mountainous Himalaya, they said.

The team noted that during one decade of observation in this study, the region has lost about 70.32 gigatonne of glacier mass, which is "quite significant."

Romshoo noted that the continued melting of glaciers will have significant adverse impacts on every sector of economy in the region and beyond, particularly in the downstream areas which are already water scarce.

"It is pertinent to mention here that the waters emanating from this region are shared between the neighbouring countries in the south Asia," the professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, added.

The knowledge generated about the glacier thickness changes across different mountain ranges in the data-scarce Himalayan region is vital for determining the sustainability of water resources in the south Asian region, according to the researchers.

Melting of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is going to impact the water, food and energy security with the consequent adverse effect on the dependent livelihoods, they noted.

The researchers explained that the main drivers of the glacial melt in the Himalayan region are increasing temperatures and decreasing snow precipitation, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from industrialisation and increasing use of fossil fuels the world over.

Romshoo noted that though there is "almost no industrialisation" in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya, the mountainous region is facing the brunt of climate change happening globally.

A study, published in the journal Climatic Change on July 29, found that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh may witness a temperature increase of up to 6.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to climate change, warning that the glaciers in this Himalayan region could shrink by 85 per cent if the projections come true.

The latest study was conducted as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) research project "Centre of Excellence for glacial research in the western Himalaya."

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012.

Glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are melting at a "significant" rate, according to a first-of-its-kind study which used satellite data to find that over 1,200 glaciers in the Himalayan region saw an annual reduction in mass of 35 centimetres (cm) on average between 2000 and 2012. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, was carried over the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region, including areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), and in all 12,243 glaciers were studied for thickness and mass changes. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list "In general, it was observed that the glaciers in the Pir Panjal range are melting at the higher rate, more than one metre per year, while as the glaciers in the Karakoram range are melting relatively at slower rate, around 10 cms per year," noted Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, corresponding author of the study. "Some glaciers are even advancing or stable in the Karakoram range. In other mountain ranges like the Greater Himalayan range, Zanaskar range, Shamabari range, Leh ranges, the glaciers are undoubtedly melting but the rate of melting is variable," Romshoo, Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, told PTI. The research team, including Tariq Abdullah and Irfan Rashid, both from Geoinformatics Department, University of Kashmir, used two satellite observations made in 2000 by NASA and in 2012 by German space agency DLR. Also read: Three terrorist associates of LeT arrested in J&K's Bandipora They employed this data to determine the glacier thickness changes over the entire Upper Indus Basin, comprising of over 12,000 glaciers. "There is no such data (satellite observations) available in the world after 2012. This is a first of its kind study in the region and provides a very good idea about what is happening to the glaciers in the region," Romshoo explained. Till date, he said, only six to seven glaciers have been studied in the region for thickness and glacial mass changes using field observations. The researchers noted that while glacier melting is a continuous process and the shrinkage in area of the glaciers is being estimated routinely, thickness and mass changes are not possible always because of the lack of satellite data. There are also limitations and challenges associated with field based studies in the mountainous Himalaya, they said. The team noted that during one decade of observation in this study, the region has lost about 70.32 gigatonne of glacier mass, which is "quite significant." Romshoo noted that the continued melting of glaciers will have significant adverse impacts on every sector of economy in the region and beyond, particularly in the downstream areas which are already water scarce. "It is pertinent to mention here that the waters emanating from this region are shared between the neighbouring countries in the south Asia," the professor at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, added. The knowledge generated about the glacier thickness changes across different mountain ranges in the data-scarce Himalayan region is vital for determining the sustainability of water resources in the south Asian region, according to the researchers. Melting of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is going to impact the water, food and energy security with the consequent adverse effect on the dependent livelihoods, they noted. The researchers explained that the main drivers of the glacial melt in the Himalayan region are increasing temperatures and decreasing snow precipitation, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions from industrialisation and increasing use of fossil fuels the world over. Romshoo noted that though there is "almost no industrialisation" in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya, the mountainous region is facing the brunt of climate change happening globally. A study, published in the journal Climatic Change on July 29, found that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh may witness a temperature increase of up to 6.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to climate change, warning that the glaciers in this Himalayan region could shrink by 85 per cent if the projections come true. The latest study was conducted as part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) research project "Centre of Excellence for glacial research in the western Himalaya."

Glaciers in Jammu and Kashmir melting at 'significant' rate: Study

Indian Army on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

India: PLA continues to violate bilateral agreements

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