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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that India and Bangladesh will hold Joint Consultative Commission soon.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Warm conversation with FM Dr AK Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Agreed to hold our Joint Consultative Commission very soon. Will continue to work closely to reach the ambitious goals set by our leaders."

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Warm conversation with FM Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Agreed to hold our Joint Consultative Commission very soon. Will continue to work closely to reach the ambitious goals set by our leaders.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1302873820001378304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, the Bangladesh Parliament has unanimously adopted a condolence motion on former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away last month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/mr-indispensable-breathes-his-last-324466" hreflang="en">‘Mr Indispensable’ breathes his last</a>

According to the High Commission of India in Bangladesh, the motion said the people of Bangladesh will remember Mukherjee as a "true patriot".

"Bangladesh @jatiyoshangsad unanimously adopted a condolence motion on the demise of late Pranab Mukherjee, adding, 'The people of Bangladesh will always remember this great eternal leader as a genuine well-wisher of the people of India and Bangladesh and a true patriot'," the High Commission said in a tweet on Monday.

Mukherjee breathed his last at a Delhi hospital on August 31. He was 84.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that India and Bangladesh will hold Joint Consultative Commission soon. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Warm conversation with FM Dr AK Abdul Momen of Bangladesh.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that India and Bangladesh will hold Joint Consultative Commission soon. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Warm conversation with FM Dr AK Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Agreed to hold our Joint Consultative Commission very soon. Will continue to work closely to reach the ambitious goals set by our leaders." Warm conversation with FM Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Agreed to hold our Joint Consultative Commission very soon. Will continue to work closely to reach the ambitious goals set by our leaders. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 7, 2020 × Earlier today, the Bangladesh Parliament has unanimously adopted a condolence motion on former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away last month. Also read: ‘Mr Indispensable’ breathes his last According to the High Commission of India in Bangladesh, the motion said the people of Bangladesh will remember Mukherjee as a "true patriot". "Bangladesh @jatiyoshangsad unanimously adopted a condolence motion on the demise of late Pranab Mukherjee, adding, 'The people of Bangladesh will always remember this great eternal leader as a genuine well-wisher of the people of India and Bangladesh and a true patriot'," the High Commission said in a tweet on Monday. Mukherjee breathed his last at a Delhi hospital on August 31. He was 84.

India, Bangladesh to hold Joint Consultative Commission soon: Jaishankar

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites.

Locals are expecting that this consideration will boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley.

The administration is keenly interested in the development of Mughal gardens. Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (UT) Manoj Sinha issued orders on the upgradation of restoration work of the six Mughal Gardens including Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshmashahi, Pari Mahal, Achabal and Veerinag.

Farooq Ahmad Rather, Director, Department of Floriculture, Jammu and Kashmir told ANI, "The Department of Floriculture in consultation with known professional reworked eight gardens of Jammu and Kashmir between 2005-2011."

Rather said, "With the help of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) survey experts of UNESCO visited the valley to see the heritage value of Mughal gardens. Later in 2011, six of these gardens were in the tentative list of Heritage sites presented by the UNESCO."

"Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration with a consultation team is preparing a dossier which will be presented to the UNESCO," said Rather.

On being asked about its benefits, Rather said, "These gardens are part of our heritage and we have to preserve the same at any cost."

"After the historical Mughal garden makes it to the UNESCO's heritage site list, it will attract a lot of tourists. Eventually, this will boost the tourism industry here," Rather added.

Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, a local appreciated the steps taken by the administration. Bhat said, "It is a great step by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

"Getting consideration from UNESCO will help in boosting the economy in Srinagar," he added.

Gopinath Tiwari, a tourist on his third visit to Srinagar said that he comes to the Valley to visit various tourist spots. "It is always good to visit Heritage Mughal Garden every year," Tiwari said.

"It will be good for the people here if Heritage Mughal garden gets UNESCO's consideration," Tiwari added.

Speaking on the issue, Mohamad Ayoub, another local said, "These gardens should be given UNESCO's consideration. We are proud of our culture."

"It is a matter of joy for us when tourists visit the Union Territory," Ayoub said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started preparing a dossier on the six Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley in a bid to empanel them in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites. Locals are expecting that this consideration will boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley. The administration is keenly interested in the development of Mughal gardens. Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (UT) Manoj Sinha issued orders on the upgradation of restoration work of the six Mughal Gardens including Nishat, Shalimar, Cheshmashahi, Pari Mahal, Achabal and Veerinag. Farooq Ahmad Rather, Director, Department of Floriculture, Jammu and Kashmir told ANI, "The Department of Floriculture in consultation with known professional reworked eight gardens of Jammu and Kashmir between 2005-2011." Rather said, "With the help of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) survey experts of UNESCO visited the valley to see the heritage value of Mughal gardens. Later in 2011, six of these gardens were in the tentative list of Heritage sites presented by the UNESCO." "Currently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration with a consultation team is preparing a dossier which will be presented to the UNESCO," said Rather. On being asked about its benefits, Rather said, "These gardens are part of our heritage and we have to preserve the same at any cost." "After the historical Mughal garden makes it to the UNESCO's heritage site list, it will attract a lot of tourists. Eventually, this will boost the tourism industry here," Rather added. Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, a local appreciated the steps taken by the administration. Bhat said, "It is a great step by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. "Getting consideration from UNESCO will help in boosting the economy in Srinagar," he added. Gopinath Tiwari, a tourist on his third visit to Srinagar said that he comes to the Valley to visit various tourist spots. "It is always good to visit Heritage Mughal Garden every year," Tiwari said. "It will be good for the people here if Heritage Mughal garden gets UNESCO's consideration," Tiwari added. Speaking on the issue, Mohamad Ayoub, another local said, "These gardens should be given UNESCO's consideration. We are proud of our culture." "It is a matter of joy for us when tourists visit the Union Territory," Ayoub said.

Jammu and Kashmir's historical Mughal garden to be included into UNESCO world heritage list

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided.&nbsp;Javad Zarif had visited India earlier this year to be part Raisina Dialogue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-defence-minister-florence-parly-to-visit-india-to-attend-rafale-induction-ceremony-325751" hreflang="en">French Defence Minister Florence Parly to visit India to attend Rafale induction ceremony</a>

EAM will be visiting Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet.&nbsp;India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Iran is an observer member of the grouping.

This will be the 2nd time any top Indian minister is visiting Iran within a week. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Iran over the weekend while coming from Russia and meet with Iran's Defence Minister&nbsp;Brigadier General Amir Hatami.

During Rajnath Singh's visit, Afghanistan and regional security were discussed in over one hour long bilateral.

The high-level visits by India to Iran are been considered as a major reached out by New Delhi to a country it considers part of its extended neighbourhood. Iran plays an important role in India's connectivity project via Chabahar port that provides it link to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided. Javad Zarif had visited India earlier this year to be part Raisina Dialogue. Also read: French Defence Minister Florence Parly to visit India to attend Rafale induction ceremony EAM will be visiting Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Iran is an observer member of the grouping. This will be the 2nd time any top Indian minister is visiting Iran within a week. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Iran over the weekend while coming from Russia and meet with Iran's Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami. During Rajnath Singh's visit, Afghanistan and regional security were discussed in over one hour long bilateral. The high-level visits by India to Iran are been considered as a major reached out by New Delhi to a country it considers part of its extended neighbourhood. Iran plays an important role in India's connectivity project via Chabahar port that provides it link to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region.

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran

India on Monday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) that is expected to power futuristic long-range missile systems and aerial platforms, officials said.

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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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The HSTDV, based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), they said.

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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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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO over the successful test flight of the HSTDV, calling it a "landmark achievement"

"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," he tweeted.

A DRDO official said, with the successful test flight of the HSTDV, India has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for next generation hypersonic vehicles in partnership with domestic defence industry.

The HSTDV powers cruise missiles and operates on scramjet engines which can attain the speed of around Mach 6 which is far better than ramjet engines, the officials said.

India on Monday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) that is expected to power futuristic long-range missile systems and aerial platforms, officials said.

India on Monday successfully flight tested the indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) that is expected to power futuristic long-range missile systems and aerial platforms, officials said. 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 × The HSTDV, based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), they said. 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 × Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO over the successful test flight of the HSTDV, calling it a "landmark achievement" "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," he tweeted. A DRDO official said, with the successful test flight of the HSTDV, India has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the building block for next generation hypersonic vehicles in partnership with domestic defence industry. The HSTDV powers cruise missiles and operates on scramjet engines which can attain the speed of around Mach 6 which is far better than ramjet engines, the officials said.

India successfully test fires hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle

French Defence minister Florence Parly will visit India on September 10 to take part in Rafale fighter jet's induction ceremony at Indian Air Force's airbase in Ambala. 
 
During the visit, other than having a bilateral with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, she will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. India got the first batch of 5 Rafale fighter jets in July.

She will be accompanied by sizeable defence officials and defence industry delegation on a special plane and will have a full day of engagements. This is the French Minister’s first visit abroad after the COVID measures were put in place in France.

This is also the first high profile visit of any foreign dignitary to India amidst Chinese aggressiveness.&nbsp; 
 
After the Galwan incident, the French Defence Minister Florence Parly had written to Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Indian China violent face-off of June.

Calling India as "France's strategic partner in the region", Defence Minister Parly extended "her country's deep solidarity"

The letter said "This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families, and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families."

A number of high-level engagement has happened between the 2 countries, with PM last visiting France in 2019 to take part in the G7 summit at the "special invitation" French President Macron.

French Defence minister Florence Parly will visit India on September 10 to take part in Rafale fighter jet's induction ceremony at Indian Air Force's airbase in Ambala.

French Defence minister Florence Parly will visit India on September 10 to take part in Rafale fighter jet's induction ceremony at Indian Air Force's airbase in Ambala. During the visit, other than having a bilateral with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, she will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. India got the first batch of 5 Rafale fighter jets in July. She will be accompanied by sizeable defence officials and defence industry delegation on a special plane and will have a full day of engagements. This is the French Minister’s first visit abroad after the COVID measures were put in place in France. This is also the first high profile visit of any foreign dignitary to India amidst Chinese aggressiveness. After the Galwan incident, the French Defence Minister Florence Parly had written to Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Indian China violent face-off of June. Calling India as "France's strategic partner in the region", Defence Minister Parly extended "her country's deep solidarity" The letter said "This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families, and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families." A number of high-level engagement has happened between the 2 countries, with PM last visiting France in 2019 to take part in the G7 summit at the "special invitation" French President Macron.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly to visit India to attend Rafale induction ceremony

The metro train services in the capital city of Delhi resumed services on Monday after experiencing a shut down for more than five months imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

India: Metro services resume from today, know SOPs for metro operation

After a gap of more than four months, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has resumed operations in a phased manner in three stages beginning today (i.e. September 7, Monday).

India: Metro rail services resume from today amid rising COVID-19 cases

India's COVID-19 tally rose to over 4.2 million cases, overtaking Brazil as the country with the second-highest recorded cases. The pandemic continued its surge in India, with more than 90,000 fresh infections.

COVID-19 pandemic: India becomes second-worst affected country in the world

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday.

Similarly, trains within the state also resumed services after a break of about two months.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1802-new-coronavirus-cases-telangana-infections-surpass-140000-mark-325658">With 1,802 new coronavirus cases, Telangana infections surpass 140,000-mark</a>

Notably, passenger trains and long distance buses to Chennai city from other parts of Tamil Nadu and services from the state capital began on Monday after they were ceased in March owing to COVID-19.

When the first Metro train departed from the Airport to Washermenpet, at 7 am, Industries Minister M C Sampath was among those who boarded the train and he travelled up to Nandanam station.

Train stoppage time at stations has been increased from 20 seconds to 50 seconds to facilitate passengers to de-board and board by maintaining social distancing and also to ensure fresh air circulation.

Stickers were stuck and markings have been made both in trains and platforms so that passengers could sit on alternate seats to ensure social distancing.

The Metrorail, which has began operations in the Blueline between Airport and Washermanpet via Anna Salai, services in the Greenline from St Thomas Mount to MGR Central Metro would start from September 9.

The authorities had already announced that services will be open till 8 pm and there will be no inter-corridor movement between Central Metro and Airport stations requesting passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.

Long distance buses run by government transport corporations connecting various destinations within Tamil Nadu began operations across the state.

An official told PTI that the passenger turnout was moderate and online reservations "should improve" in the days to come.

Barring Chennai and nearby three districts, inter- zonal (each zone comprises a number of nearby districts) bus transport, that commenced on June 1, was suspended on June 26. Later, as part of relaxations, the government had allowed buses within districts from September 1 and from now on, bus services have been resumed in a full fledged manner.

Also, trains within Tamil Nadu including the daily Chennai-Coimbatore Intercity, Chennai Egmore Tiruchchirappalli, Chennai Egmore and Coimbatore- Mayiladuthurai-Coimbatore Janshatabdi Special (except Tuesdays) resumed services.

The General Manager, Southern Railway on his twitter handle said: "573 passengers were on board Special Train No. 02636 Madurai - Chennai Egmore special train, the first fully reserved train to leave Madurai as part of #Unlock4 - All the laid down safety protocols were duly adhered - RPF and frontline staff were deployed to guide passengers."

Contactless ticket checking was done at the platform and temperature of passengers was monitored through thermal cameras and trains and platforms were sanitised using disinfectants.

The Southern Railway, following a request of the state government had on June 27 announced cancellation of special trains (including Tiruchirappalli-Chengelpet-Tiruchirappalli Superfast Intercity Express, and Coimbatore-Mayiladuthurai- Coimbatore Janshatabdi) within Tamil Nadu.

The government had requested cancellation of trains in view of an increase in COVID cases. However, such trains did not connect Chennai city to other destinations in Tamil Nadu and vice-versa though special trains that linked Chennai to Delhi were operated. 
&nbsp;

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday.

After a five-month plus hiatus, the Chennai Metro Rail services and long distance buses linking various districts in Tamil Nadu recommenced operations on Monday. Similarly, trains within the state also resumed services after a break of about two months. Also read | With 1,802 new coronavirus cases, Telangana infections surpass 140,000-mark Notably, passenger trains and long distance buses to Chennai city from other parts of Tamil Nadu and services from the state capital began on Monday after they were ceased in March owing to COVID-19. When the first Metro train departed from the Airport to Washermenpet, at 7 am, Industries Minister M C Sampath was among those who boarded the train and he travelled up to Nandanam station. Train stoppage time at stations has been increased from 20 seconds to 50 seconds to facilitate passengers to de-board and board by maintaining social distancing and also to ensure fresh air circulation. Stickers were stuck and markings have been made both in trains and platforms so that passengers could sit on alternate seats to ensure social distancing. The Metrorail, which has began operations in the Blueline between Airport and Washermanpet via Anna Salai, services in the Greenline from St Thomas Mount to MGR Central Metro would start from September 9. The authorities had already announced that services will be open till 8 pm and there will be no inter-corridor movement between Central Metro and Airport stations requesting passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. Long distance buses run by government transport corporations connecting various destinations within Tamil Nadu began operations across the state. An official told PTI that the passenger turnout was moderate and online reservations "should improve" in the days to come. Barring Chennai and nearby three districts, inter- zonal (each zone comprises a number of nearby districts) bus transport, that commenced on June 1, was suspended on June 26. Later, as part of relaxations, the government had allowed buses within districts from September 1 and from now on, bus services have been resumed in a full fledged manner. Also, trains within Tamil Nadu including the daily Chennai-Coimbatore Intercity, Chennai Egmore Tiruchchirappalli, Chennai Egmore and Coimbatore- Mayiladuthurai-Coimbatore Janshatabdi Special (except Tuesdays) resumed services. The General Manager, Southern Railway on his twitter handle said: "573 passengers were on board Special Train No. 02636 Madurai - Chennai Egmore special train, the first fully reserved train to leave Madurai as part of #Unlock4 - All the laid down safety protocols were duly adhered - RPF and frontline staff were deployed to guide passengers." Contactless ticket checking was done at the platform and temperature of passengers was monitored through thermal cameras and trains and platforms were sanitised using disinfectants. The Southern Railway, following a request of the state government had on June 27 announced cancellation of special trains (including Tiruchirappalli-Chengelpet-Tiruchirappalli Superfast Intercity Express, and Coimbatore-Mayiladuthurai- Coimbatore Janshatabdi) within Tamil Nadu. The government had requested cancellation of trains in view of an increase in COVID cases. However, such trains did not connect Chennai city to other destinations in Tamil Nadu and vice-versa though special trains that linked Chennai to Delhi were operated.

Metro Rail, long distance trains; bus services resume in TN

A faux pas in a job advertisement for the position of a dog handler posted by the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi created quite a buzz on social media, prompting the institute to issue a clarification and cancel the recruitment.

On August 26, IIT-Delhi had sought applications for the post of a dog handler, and the notice stated that the eligibility criteria was "B.A/B.Sc/B.Com/B.Tech or any equivalent undergraduate degree". This led to a social media storm.

In a statement issued on September 6, the institute said, "In reference to a job advertisement dated 26-08-2020 for a post titled 'Dog Handler' (on purely contract basis), IIT Delhi would like to clarify that the minimum qualification as mentioned in the advertisement got inadvertently copied from another job advertisement."

The qualification intended in the advertisement was 'Bachelor of Veterinary Science', it said, adding that the recruitment process was cancelled after the mistake was brought to the notice of the higher authorities.

"A fresh process in due course will be initiated to hire a Consultant (on purely contract basis) with suitable minimum qualification required for the job profile that involves proper care of a large number of stray dogs on the campus (providing them medical aid like vaccination, medicine, IV drip etc. And food), handling of issues and challenges relating to stray dogs, liaison with campus community- students, employees, construction workers etc., local government bodies and NGO," the statement said.

A faux pas in a job advertisement for the position of a dog handler posted by the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi created quite a buzz on social media, prompting the institute to issue a clarification and cancel the recruitment.

A faux pas in a job advertisement for the position of a dog handler posted by the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi created quite a buzz on social media, prompting the institute to issue a clarification and cancel the recruitment. On August 26, IIT-Delhi had sought applications for the post of a dog handler, and the notice stated that the eligibility criteria was "B.A/B.Sc/B.Com/B.Tech or any equivalent undergraduate degree". This led to a social media storm. In a statement issued on September 6, the institute said, "In reference to a job advertisement dated 26-08-2020 for a post titled 'Dog Handler' (on purely contract basis), IIT Delhi would like to clarify that the minimum qualification as mentioned in the advertisement got inadvertently copied from another job advertisement." The qualification intended in the advertisement was 'Bachelor of Veterinary Science', it said, adding that the recruitment process was cancelled after the mistake was brought to the notice of the higher authorities. "A fresh process in due course will be initiated to hire a Consultant (on purely contract basis) with suitable minimum qualification required for the job profile that involves proper care of a large number of stray dogs on the campus (providing them medical aid like vaccination, medicine, IV drip etc. And food), handling of issues and challenges relating to stray dogs, liaison with campus community- students, employees, construction workers etc., local government bodies and NGO," the statement said.

IIT-Delhi issues clarification after ad for dog handler kicks up row

The Supreme Court on Monday granted another four weeks to states, which have not yet filed affidavits on a plea seeking directions to provide masks and sanitisers to the elderly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to file their responses.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan which had on August 4 directed that all eligible old age persons should be regularly paid pension and states should provide them necessary medicines, masks, sanitisers and other essential goods in wake of the pandemic.

The bench, also comprising Justices R S Reddy and M R Shah, was hearing a plea filed by former union minister and senior advocate Ashwani Kumar who has sought directions with regard to the elderly, saying they need more care and protection in this time of pandemic.

During the hearing conducted through video-conferencing, Kumar told the bench that only some states including Odisha and Punjab have responded to the petition so far.

Priority should be granted to elderly people who are being treated at hospitals, Kumar said.

Referring to an affidavit filed by Manipur, he said that states should be directed to file better affidavits detailing the action taken so far.

The bench, after hearing the submissions, granted four weeks further time to the states to file their responses on the plea.

In its August 4 order, the apex court had said that looking at their vulnerability, the elderly should be given priority in admission in a government hospital and in the event of any complaint made by them, the hospital administration shall take immediate steps to remedy their grievances.

The bench had said that the top court had already issued directions on December 13, 2018, in the matter and those directives were needed to be complied with by all concerned, including the states.

Kumar had earlier told the court that the elderly living alone is "worst sufferers" and they are not able to get medicines, masks, sanitisers and other essential goods.

In its December 2018 verdict, the apex court had said that statutory rights of over 10 crore elderly persons in India must be recognised and implemented.

It had directed the Centre to obtain information from all states and Union Territories about the number of old age homes in each district and had also suggested a relook at the pension for the elderly to make it is more realistic.

Emphasising the social justice aspect, the apex court had said that state is obligated to ensure that right to live with dignity, shelter and health of citizens, including the elderly, are not only protected but also enforced.

The apex court had pronounced the verdict on the pleas by Kumar and one Sanjeeb Panigrahi.

The court had noted in its 2018 order that the Centre had in 2007 fixed monthly pension of Rs 200 for persons between the age of 60 and 79 years and Rs 500 for those aged above 80.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted another four weeks to states, which have not yet filed affidavits on a plea seeking directions to provide masks and sanitisers to the elderly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to file their responses.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted another four weeks to states, which have not yet filed affidavits on a plea seeking directions to provide masks and sanitisers to the elderly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to file their responses. The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan which had on August 4 directed that all eligible old age persons should be regularly paid pension and states should provide them necessary medicines, masks, sanitisers and other essential goods in wake of the pandemic. The bench, also comprising Justices R S Reddy and M R Shah, was hearing a plea filed by former union minister and senior advocate Ashwani Kumar who has sought directions with regard to the elderly, saying they need more care and protection in this time of pandemic. During the hearing conducted through video-conferencing, Kumar told the bench that only some states including Odisha and Punjab have responded to the petition so far. Priority should be granted to elderly people who are being treated at hospitals, Kumar said. Referring to an affidavit filed by Manipur, he said that states should be directed to file better affidavits detailing the action taken so far. The bench, after hearing the submissions, granted four weeks further time to the states to file their responses on the plea. In its August 4 order, the apex court had said that looking at their vulnerability, the elderly should be given priority in admission in a government hospital and in the event of any complaint made by them, the hospital administration shall take immediate steps to remedy their grievances. The bench had said that the top court had already issued directions on December 13, 2018, in the matter and those directives were needed to be complied with by all concerned, including the states. Kumar had earlier told the court that the elderly living alone is "worst sufferers" and they are not able to get medicines, masks, sanitisers and other essential goods. In its December 2018 verdict, the apex court had said that statutory rights of over 10 crore elderly persons in India must be recognised and implemented. It had directed the Centre to obtain information from all states and Union Territories about the number of old age homes in each district and had also suggested a relook at the pension for the elderly to make it is more realistic. Emphasising the social justice aspect, the apex court had said that state is obligated to ensure that right to live with dignity, shelter and health of citizens, including the elderly, are not only protected but also enforced. The apex court had pronounced the verdict on the pleas by Kumar and one Sanjeeb Panigrahi. The court had noted in its 2018 order that the Centre had in 2007 fixed monthly pension of Rs 200 for persons between the age of 60 and 79 years and Rs 500 for those aged above 80.

Plea for care of elderly during pandemic: Supreme Court grants four weeks to states to file affidavits

After a gap of more than four months, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have resumed operations in a phased manner in three stages beginning today (i.e. September 7, Monday).

India: Metro services resume in graded manner

The largest democracy in the world completed 73 years of Independence today. On August 15, 1947 India transitioned from bondage to freedom. How did this transition come about? Why did it happen at the stroke of midnight? On #GravitasPlus Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you some untold stories.

Gravitas Plus: The secret stories of India's Independence

WION's Palki shares her notes to self as India enters its 74th year of Independence.

Gravitas Plus: Is India truly free of the British?

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said that that Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched in early 2021 instead of the second half of 2020.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-new-education-policy-focuses-on-learning-than-studying-pm-modi-325703">India's new education policy focuses on 'learning' than 'studying': PM Modi</a>

The Union Minister made this announcement adding that the latest mission to Moon will include a rover and lander. However, it will not have an orbiter like the previous Chandrayaan missions.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had mentioned the plans of launching Chandrayaan-3 by the end of 2020, but coronavirus pandemic has delayed the launch of the mission.&nbsp;

On July 22, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 was launched aimed at the Moon's South Pole and on September 7, the Vikram hard landed on Moon's surface. Despite the setback, the orbiter is in working condition and can transmit data back to Earth.

According to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) for Department of Space, Chandrayaan-1 has transmitted images suggesting Moon may be rusting along the poles.

"The sign of this finding is that even though the surface of the Moon is known to have iron-rich rocks, it is not known for the presence of water and oxygen, which are the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust," Jitendra Singh said.

This could also be a sign that the Earth's atmosphere is sheltering the moon as well, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said. They further added, "Thus, the Chandrayaan-1 Moon data indicates that the Moon's poles are home to water, this is what the scientists are trying to decipher."

India is even gearing up for its first-ever Human Space mission Gaganyaan for which training processes and other procedures are currently underway.

Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Constraints due to the COVID pandemic led to some disruptions in the plan for Gaganyaan but efforts are going on to stick to the timeline of around 2022."

(Inputs from PTI) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said that that Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched in early 2021 instead of the second half of 2020. Also read: India's new education policy focuses on 'learning' than 'studying': PM Modi The Union Minister made this announcement adding that the latest mission to Moon will include a rover and lander.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said that that Chandrayaan-3 is likely to be launched in early 2021 instead of the second half of 2020. Also read: India's new education policy focuses on 'learning' than 'studying': PM Modi The Union Minister made this announcement adding that the latest mission to Moon will include a rover and lander. However, it will not have an orbiter like the previous Chandrayaan missions. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had mentioned the plans of launching Chandrayaan-3 by the end of 2020, but coronavirus pandemic has delayed the launch of the mission. On July 22, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 was launched aimed at the Moon's South Pole and on September 7, the Vikram hard landed on Moon's surface. Despite the setback, the orbiter is in working condition and can transmit data back to Earth. According to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) for Department of Space, Chandrayaan-1 has transmitted images suggesting Moon may be rusting along the poles. "The sign of this finding is that even though the surface of the Moon is known to have iron-rich rocks, it is not known for the presence of water and oxygen, which are the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust," Jitendra Singh said. This could also be a sign that the Earth's atmosphere is sheltering the moon as well, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said. They further added, "Thus, the Chandrayaan-1 Moon data indicates that the Moon's poles are home to water, this is what the scientists are trying to decipher." India is even gearing up for its first-ever Human Space mission Gaganyaan for which training processes and other procedures are currently underway. Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Constraints due to the COVID pandemic led to some disruptions in the plan for Gaganyaan but efforts are going on to stick to the timeline of around 2022." (Inputs from PTI)

Chandrayaan-3 to be launched in 2021 instead of late 2020: Government

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that nation's new education policy focuses on practical learning, acquiring skills and making India a "knowledge economy" in the 21st century.&nbsp;

"Our youth will now be able to learn according to their interests," Modi said, in his virtual inaugural address to the 'Governors' conference on the Role of NEP in Transforming Higher Education'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-new-education-policy-2020-320527">The new Education Policy, 2020</a>

India's National Education Policy (NEP) was approved in July and replaces the 34-year-old policy framed in 1986.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that earlier students used to choose a stream that was beyond their aptitude, but with the new changes in the policy, these issues have been addressed.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-education-policy-focusses-on-how-to-think-pm-modi-318796">New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi</a>

He also said the NEP will promote vocational exposure from a very early age, which will make youth better prepared for life and their employability in India and globally will improve.&nbsp;

Modi further added that to address "brain drain", "the NEP has paved the way for opening campuses of best international institutions in the country to bring them within reach of youth from simple families."&nbsp;

The NEP targets "learning instead of studying" and is based on "critical thinking rather than curriculum" with special attention on "passion, practicality, and performance", he said.&nbsp;

Asserting that India has been an ancient centre of learning, the prime minister said his government is working to make it a hub of "knowledge economy" in the 21st century.&nbsp;

"It is our collective responsibility that the policy is implemented in letter and spirit. The more teachers, parents, students are associated with education policy, the more relevant and broadbased it will be," Modi said.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that nation's new education policy focuses on practical learning, acquiring skills and making India a "knowledge economy" in the 21st century.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that nation's new education policy focuses on practical learning, acquiring skills and making India a "knowledge economy" in the 21st century. "Our youth will now be able to learn according to their interests," Modi said, in his virtual inaugural address to the 'Governors' conference on the Role of NEP in Transforming Higher Education'. Also read | The new Education Policy, 2020 India's National Education Policy (NEP) was approved in July and replaces the 34-year-old policy framed in 1986. The prime minister said that earlier students used to choose a stream that was beyond their aptitude, but with the new changes in the policy, these issues have been addressed. Also read | New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi He also said the NEP will promote vocational exposure from a very early age, which will make youth better prepared for life and their employability in India and globally will improve. Modi further added that to address "brain drain", "the NEP has paved the way for opening campuses of best international institutions in the country to bring them within reach of youth from simple families." The NEP targets "learning instead of studying" and is based on "critical thinking rather than curriculum" with special attention on "passion, practicality, and performance", he said. Asserting that India has been an ancient centre of learning, the prime minister said his government is working to make it a hub of "knowledge economy" in the 21st century. "It is our collective responsibility that the policy is implemented in letter and spirit. The more teachers, parents, students are associated with education policy, the more relevant and broadbased it will be," Modi said.

India's new education policy focuses on 'learning' than 'studying': PM Modi

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday.

The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said.

According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent.

Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent.

These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said.

"On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement.

In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915.

Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively.

Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said.

"These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said.

It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing.

"Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said.

It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases.

India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data.

The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday. The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said. According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent. Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent. These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said. "On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement. In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915. Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively. Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said. "These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said. It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing. "Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said. It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases. India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data. The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recoveries in India cross 32 lakh, fatality rate drops to 1.7 per cent: Centre

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said.&nbsp;

According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June.

"On August 1, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state was 4, 31,719, which jumped to 8, 08,306 on September 1. This is probably the fastest growth of cases in the state since January," the health official said. One of the reasons for the growth in number of positive cases is the increased number of tests, he said, adding that last month, the state carried out 20,16,809 tests.

"The number of tests conducted till August 1 was 21, 94,943, which rose to 42, 11,752 on September 1. The state is aggressively testing which is helping in detection of the infected people," the official said.

The official informed that the number COVID-19 cases and deaths is continuously going up in the state. Between August 1 and 5, the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 36,546, and between September 1 and 5, the number went up by 75,556, the official said.

Besides, the state reported 15,316 deaths due to the disease till August 1 and the number went up to 24,903 on September 1, as per the data. "Between August 1 and 5, 1,160 people died due to COVID-19 and between September 1 and 5, 1,373 people died," the official said. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has said the state needs to conduct more tests.

"Out of the daily tests, a sizable number is of the antigen tests which are not completely reliable. The RT-PCR tests, which are more reliable, should be done on a large scale, which will be able to tell the ground reality about the coronavirus," he said.

However, the health official said the antigen tests are comparatively cheaper than the RT-PCR tests and hence, conducted more as a precautionary measure.

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said. According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June.

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said. According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June. "On August 1, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state was 4, 31,719, which jumped to 8, 08,306 on September 1. This is probably the fastest growth of cases in the state since January," the health official said. One of the reasons for the growth in number of positive cases is the increased number of tests, he said, adding that last month, the state carried out 20,16,809 tests. "The number of tests conducted till August 1 was 21, 94,943, which rose to 42, 11,752 on September 1. The state is aggressively testing which is helping in detection of the infected people," the official said. The official informed that the number COVID-19 cases and deaths is continuously going up in the state. Between August 1 and 5, the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 36,546, and between September 1 and 5, the number went up by 75,556, the official said. Besides, the state reported 15,316 deaths due to the disease till August 1 and the number went up to 24,903 on September 1, as per the data. "Between August 1 and 5, 1,160 people died due to COVID-19 and between September 1 and 5, 1,373 people died," the official said. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has said the state needs to conduct more tests. "Out of the daily tests, a sizable number is of the antigen tests which are not completely reliable. The RT-PCR tests, which are more reliable, should be done on a large scale, which will be able to tell the ground reality about the coronavirus," he said. However, the health official said the antigen tests are comparatively cheaper than the RT-PCR tests and hence, conducted more as a precautionary measure.

August sees the fastest growth of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries.

"Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet.

A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect.

"We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states.

Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.

Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy.

Iran has observer status in the SCO, which 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.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect. Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries. "Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect. "We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states. Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy. Iran has observer status in the SCO, which 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.

India's defence minister lands in Iran, will discuss bilateral ties

Afghanistan and other regional security issues were the top focus during India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh short stopover in Iran's Captial Tehran. Rajnath singh had over one hour 20 minutes’ meeting on Saturday night with Iran's defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami.

The meeting has been described as "cordial" with both the "leaders emphasized upon the age-old cultural, linguistic and civilizational ties between India and Iran", a statement from Indian Defence minister's office said.

Statement said, "Both the Defence Ministers discussed ways to take forward bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath singh's bilateral meeting with Iran's Defence minister in Tehran was at the latter’s request. Rajnath Singh was on a transit halt in Tehran enroute from Moscow to New Delhi.

He was in Moscow for the Shanghai cooperation organization defence ministers meeting. The eventful visit to Moscow saw a meeting between Indian and Chinese defence ministers amidst the Line of actual control or LAC row.&nbsp;

Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India's considering the country as part of its extended neighbourhood and also key to connectivity projects. The Chabahar port project where India has berths provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

This is the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by Americans earlier this year.

Afghanistan and other regional security issues were the top focus during India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh short stopover in Iran's Captial Tehran. Rajnath singh had over one hour 20 minutes’ meeting on Saturday night with Iran's defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami.

Afghanistan and other regional security issues were the top focus during India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh short stopover in Iran's Captial Tehran. Rajnath singh had over one hour 20 minutes’ meeting on Saturday night with Iran's defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami. The meeting has been described as "cordial" with both the "leaders emphasized upon the age-old cultural, linguistic and civilizational ties between India and Iran", a statement from Indian Defence minister's office said. Statement said, "Both the Defence Ministers discussed ways to take forward bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan." Defence Minister Rajnath singh's bilateral meeting with Iran's Defence minister in Tehran was at the latter’s request. Rajnath Singh was on a transit halt in Tehran enroute from Moscow to New Delhi. He was in Moscow for the Shanghai cooperation organization defence ministers meeting. The eventful visit to Moscow saw a meeting between Indian and Chinese defence ministers amidst the Line of actual control or LAC row. Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India's considering the country as part of its extended neighbourhood and also key to connectivity projects. The Chabahar port project where India has berths provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. This is the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by Americans earlier this year.

Afghanistan, regional security top focus as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Governors' Conference on the National Education Policy on Monday through video conference.

Modi said in a tweet, "At 10:30 am tomorrow, September 7, I will join a conference with Rashtrapati Ji, Governors and VCs of universities on the National Education Policy 2020 and its transformational impact. Deliberations from this conference will strengthen our efforts to make India a knowledge hub."

The conference titled 'Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education' is being organised by the Ministry of Education.

The Governors' Conference is also being attended by education ministers of all states, vice-chancellors of state universities and other senior officials, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

The statement noted that the NEP-2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century which was announced after 34 years of the previous National Policy on Education in 1986.

The NEP-2020 is directed towards major reforms in both school and higher education levels.

"The new National Education Policy strives for making India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. It envisions an India-centred education system that contributes directly to transforming India into a global superpower," the statement said.

It added that the comprehensive transformation the NEP aims will bring about a paradigm shift in the country's education system and create an enabling and reinvigorated educational ecosystem for a new 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' as envisaged by the prime minister.

Various webinars, virtual conferences, and conclaves on many aspects of the National Education Policy 2020 are being organised across the country.

The Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission had earlier organised a 'Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy-2020', which was addressed by Modi.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Governors' Conference on the National Education Policy on Monday through video conference.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Governors' Conference on the National Education Policy on Monday through video conference. Modi said in a tweet, "At 10:30 am tomorrow, September 7, I will join a conference with Rashtrapati Ji, Governors and VCs of universities on the National Education Policy 2020 and its transformational impact. Deliberations from this conference will strengthen our efforts to make India a knowledge hub." The conference titled 'Role of NEP-2020 in Transforming Higher Education' is being organised by the Ministry of Education. The Governors' Conference is also being attended by education ministers of all states, vice-chancellors of state universities and other senior officials, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. The statement noted that the NEP-2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century which was announced after 34 years of the previous National Policy on Education in 1986. The NEP-2020 is directed towards major reforms in both school and higher education levels. "The new National Education Policy strives for making India into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society. It envisions an India-centred education system that contributes directly to transforming India into a global superpower," the statement said. It added that the comprehensive transformation the NEP aims will bring about a paradigm shift in the country's education system and create an enabling and reinvigorated educational ecosystem for a new 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' as envisaged by the prime minister. Various webinars, virtual conferences, and conclaves on many aspects of the National Education Policy 2020 are being organised across the country. The Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission had earlier organised a 'Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy-2020', which was addressed by Modi.

President Kovind, PM Modi to address Governors' Conference on NEP on Monday

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday.

The commander of the Army unit deployed in the area sent hotline messages to the PLA unit concerned about the reported abduction, the sources said.

The reports of abduction of the five men came at a time Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control in view of the border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh.

A senior official of the Arunachal Pradesh government said on Saturday that the local police has launched a probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday.

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday. The commander of the Army unit deployed in the area sent hotline messages to the PLA unit concerned about the reported abduction, the sources said. The reports of abduction of the five men came at a time Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control in view of the border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. A senior official of the Arunachal Pradesh government said on Saturday that the local police has launched a probe into the matter.

Indian Army takes up with PLA reported abduction of five people in Arunachal by Chinese troops

India recorded the highest single-day spike of 90,632&nbsp;coronavirus (COVID-19) cases taking the total tally to 41,13,812 cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.

With this rise of over 80,000 cases for fourth consecutive day, coronavirus tally in the country now stands at &nbsp;41,13,812 including 8,62,320 active cases, 31,80,866 cured/discharged/migrated and 70,626 death.

India took just 14 days to go from 30 lakh to 41 lakh and is the third worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the US and Brazil in terms of cases. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded the highest single-day spike of 90,632 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases taking the total tally to 41,13,812 cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.

India recorded the highest single-day spike of 90,632 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases taking the total tally to 41,13,812 cases, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. With this rise of over 80,000 cases for fourth consecutive day, coronavirus tally in the country now stands at 41,13,812 including 8,62,320 active cases, 31,80,866 cured/discharged/migrated and 70,626 death. India took just 14 days to go from 30 lakh to 41 lakh and is the third worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the US and Brazil in terms of cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India records biggest single-day spike of 90,632 coronavirus cases

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said.

The nearly four-hour brigade commander-level interaction near Chushul could not produce any tangible outcome, they said.

The sources said the Indian Army has been on a very high level of alert and is ready to deal with any eventuality in the area.

The overall situation in the region continued to be delicate, they said.

Tension escalated in the region after Indian troops foiled attempts by Chinese military to occupy Indian territories in the southern bank of Pangong lake area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

Following the confrontation, India occupied a number of strategic heights in the Chushul sector overlooking crucial bases of the Chinese military. Since then, China has deployed additional troops, tanks and anti-tank guided missiles in the area.

India too has strengthened its combat capabilities following reinforcements by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The two sides held extensive talks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each lasting over six hours, but no concrete result emerged from the negotiations.

In talks with his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe on Friday in Moscow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed that China's actions like amassing a large number of troops, its aggressive behaviour and attempts to alter the status quo in Ladakh were in violation of bilateral pacts.

He also told Wei that China must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control(LAC) and not make attempts to unilaterally change its status quo.

Sources said that Singh told Wei firmly that India will not "cede an inch of land" and is determined to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country at "all cost".

On Monday, the Indian Army said the Chinese military carried out "provocative military movements" to "unilaterally" change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops.

The two sides were earlier engaged in a confrontation on the northern bank of Pangong lake but it was for the first time such an incident occurred on its southern bank.

There have been reports that China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in strategically located Hotan airbase which is around 310 kms from eastern Ladakh.

In the last three months, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC.

The fresh attempt by China to change the status quo in the Pangong lake area is the first major incident in the area after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

China also suffered casualties but is yet to make the details public. According to an American intelligence report, it was 35.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said.

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said. The nearly four-hour brigade commander-level interaction near Chushul could not produce any tangible outcome, they said. The sources said the Indian Army has been on a very high level of alert and is ready to deal with any eventuality in the area. The overall situation in the region continued to be delicate, they said. Tension escalated in the region after Indian troops foiled attempts by Chinese military to occupy Indian territories in the southern bank of Pangong lake area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30. Following the confrontation, India occupied a number of strategic heights in the Chushul sector overlooking crucial bases of the Chinese military. Since then, China has deployed additional troops, tanks and anti-tank guided missiles in the area. India too has strengthened its combat capabilities following reinforcements by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The two sides held extensive talks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each lasting over six hours, but no concrete result emerged from the negotiations. In talks with his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe on Friday in Moscow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed that China's actions like amassing a large number of troops, its aggressive behaviour and attempts to alter the status quo in Ladakh were in violation of bilateral pacts. He also told Wei that China must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control(LAC) and not make attempts to unilaterally change its status quo. Sources said that Singh told Wei firmly that India will not "cede an inch of land" and is determined to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country at "all cost". On Monday, the Indian Army said the Chinese military carried out "provocative military movements" to "unilaterally" change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops. The two sides were earlier engaged in a confrontation on the northern bank of Pangong lake but it was for the first time such an incident occurred on its southern bank. There have been reports that China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in strategically located Hotan airbase which is around 310 kms from eastern Ladakh. In the last three months, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC. The fresh attempt by China to change the status quo in the Pangong lake area is the first major incident in the area after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. China also suffered casualties but is yet to make the details public. According to an American intelligence report, it was 35. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.

Indian, Chinese militaries hold Brigade Commander-level interaction in eastern Ladakh

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab.

A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

A raid was conducted at the restaurant after police received an initial tip-off, said Verma.

Police also seized alcohol from the venue.

To this end, an FIR under sections 188, 269, and 61 of IPC has been registered.

India is on track to become the country with the second highest number of coronavirus cases. Brazil reported 4,123,000 total cases on Saturday -- just 9,189 more than India.

Punjab reported 1,515 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday taking the total number of cases to 61,527 in the state.

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab. A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab. A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said. A raid was conducted at the restaurant after police received an initial tip-off, said Verma. Police also seized alcohol from the venue. To this end, an FIR under sections 188, 269, and 61 of IPC has been registered. India is on track to become the country with the second highest number of coronavirus cases. Brazil reported 4,123,000 total cases on Saturday -- just 9,189 more than India. Punjab reported 1,515 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday taking the total number of cases to 61,527 in the state.

Over 50 arrested in India for attending a pool party during Covid-19 restrictions

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday.

Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'.

It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death'&nbsp;against Modi.

Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments.

Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December.

The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking'&nbsp;(LoUs).

The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions.

Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice.

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, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard.

At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay.

"We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said.

From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday. The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday. Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'. It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death' against Modi. Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments. Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December. The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking' (LoUs). The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice. 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, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard. At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay. "We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said. From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.

Nirav Modi extradition trial to resume in UK court on September 7

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