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A plea seeking investigation by multiple agencies in an alleged "franchise racket" has been filed in the Supreme Court.

The petition filed by 38 individuals has alleged they have been cheated and duped by 'Westland Trade Private Limited' which floated bogus companies Hyper Supermarket, Hyper Mart etc.

It has sought an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) &amp; SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) or by a Special Investigation Team to investigate various offences including money laundering and black money hoarding by directors &amp; beneficiaries of the company.

The plea alleged that the company collected franchise fees of Rs three lakh and assured certain payouts and attracted 500 investors.

However, the company defaulted in the payment during the lockdown and sent an email in May saying it was enforcing Force Majure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract) clause listed in the agreement, according to the plea.

"The injury is large because under a well-planned conspiracy, directors, sleeping partners and employees deceived the petitioners by fraudulently and dishonestly inducing them to deliver their hard earned money," the plea alleged.

A man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in August in connection with a 'franchise fraud' in which scores of people have been allegedly duped to the tune of around Rs 30 crore.

According to police, a group of people in the National Capital Region (NCR) had floated a company, "Hypermart", registered in Sector 63 of Noida, and five-six more such firms to target people with offer of giving them a "franchise store" of the firm in their city.

A plea seeking investigation by multiple agencies in an alleged "franchise racket" has been filed in the Supreme Court. The petition filed by 38 individuals has alleged they have been cheated and duped by 'Westland Trade Private Limited' which floated bogus companies Hyper Supermarket, Hyper Mart etc.

A plea seeking investigation by multiple agencies in an alleged "franchise racket" has been filed in the Supreme Court. The petition filed by 38 individuals has alleged they have been cheated and duped by 'Westland Trade Private Limited' which floated bogus companies Hyper Supermarket, Hyper Mart etc. It has sought an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) & SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) or by a Special Investigation Team to investigate various offences including money laundering and black money hoarding by directors & beneficiaries of the company. The plea alleged that the company collected franchise fees of Rs three lakh and assured certain payouts and attracted 500 investors. However, the company defaulted in the payment during the lockdown and sent an email in May saying it was enforcing Force Majure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract) clause listed in the agreement, according to the plea. "The injury is large because under a well-planned conspiracy, directors, sleeping partners and employees deceived the petitioners by fraudulently and dishonestly inducing them to deliver their hard earned money," the plea alleged. A man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in August in connection with a 'franchise fraud' in which scores of people have been allegedly duped to the tune of around Rs 30 crore. According to police, a group of people in the National Capital Region (NCR) had floated a company, "Hypermart", registered in Sector 63 of Noida, and five-six more such firms to target people with offer of giving them a "franchise store" of the firm in their city.

Plea in Supreme Court for investigation in alleged 'franchise racket'

Two years ago on the day, the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, using the words of Goethe and Leonard Cohen, Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to deliver a historic judgment that signalled freedom for millions of people in the LGBTQ+ community.

The 495-page path-breaking verdict, delivered by a five-judge constitutional bench headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, took the help of philosophers and poets to read down parts of an 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalised consensual gay sex.

So be it German writer-philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous words "I am what I am", British poet Lord Alfred Douglas' "The Love that dare not speak its name" or Canadian singer-poet Leonard Cohen's "Democracy is Coming", the document was full of evocative words from the greatest in the world of literature and thought.

The bench, that also comprised Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, delivered its verdict in four separate but concurring judgements.

Former CJI Misra set the ball rolling and started his and Justice Khaniwlkar's judgement by quoting Goethe's "I am what I am, so take me as I am" and German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer's "No one can escape from their individuality".

In a recently launched book, "Sex and the Supreme Court", a collection of essays on how the law is upholding the dignity of Indian citizen, editor of the book Saurabh Kirpal interprets the usage of famous quotes and phrases -- along with other passages -- given by the judges.

"The thrust of the judgement of the Chief Justice was to recognize that a person of alternative sexuality had the right to choose their own partner," Kirpal, who was one of the lawyers for the petitioners in the case, in his essay, 'Pride versus Prejudice: The Struggle against Section 377".

The former CJI's judgement was also peppered with other phrases and quotes of literary greats, including Engish philosopher-economist John Stuart Mill.

William Shakespeare's famous phrase "What's in a name?" was quoted to convey that "what really matters is the essential qualities of the substance and the fundamental characteristics of an entity".

Taking a cue from Justice Misra, Justice Nariman started his judgement with "The love that dare not speak its name", the famous words by Alfred Douglas, the lover of well-known 19th century Irish poet Oscar Wilde.

The phrase, from the 1890s poem "Two Loves", is believed to be mentioned in Wilde's trial for 'gross indecency', a charge which criminalised homosexual people.

"The Love that dare not speak its name" is usually interpreted as a euphemism for homosexuality -- something that Wilde denied. Wilde was put on trial in 1895 after the details of his affair with men were made public. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Homosexuality was a criminal offence in England in the 19th century. It was legalised in England and Wales in 1967, and in Scotland and Ireland in 1980 and 1981, respectively."

According to Kirpal, the poem, even though disavowed by Wilde, "speaks of the ignominy of homosexuality that people dare not even mention its existence".

"The poem captures the essence of the judgement of Justice Nariman -- a judgement with rich historical context but at the same time the one that looks towards the future.

It is a judgement that neatly wraps its value judgements in constitutional theory and practice," he adds.

Justice Chandrachud began his judgement with the moving words of the late Leila Seth, the first woman chief justice of a state high court and mother of poet and gay-rights activist Vikram Seth, "What makes life meaningful is love. The right that makes us human is the right to love. To criminalize the expression of that right is profoundly cruel and inhumane. To acquiesce in such criminalization or, worse, to recriminalize it, is to display the very opposite of compassion."

He borrowed lines from Cohen's 1990s hit-song "Democracy" to make a point -- "It's coming through a hole in the air. It's coming from the feel that this ain't exactly real, or it's real, but it ain't exactly there. From the fires of the homeless From the ashes of the gay: Democracy is coming."

Kirpal, democracy is something that often comes through 'a hole in the air', that is, through the small acts of individuals whose life needs to be changed.

The song, he says in the book, seems to capture the ideas of democracy as a participative concept rather than the majoritarian juggernaut that it is sometimes understood to be.

Recalling his feelings on judgment day, hotelier Keshav Suri, one of the petitioners in the case, says in the book that he was so happy he could have kissed everyone in the court that day.

"The verdict was delivered with such beauty and purity that it made all the struggle worth it. Even British philosopher John Stuart Mill was quoted: 'But society has now fairly got the better of individuality' It made my heart swell with joy. No one could make us ashamed any more. We didn't have to fear the law. The country's highest court was standing with us," Suri writes.

Besides Suri, hotelier Aman Nath, dancer Navtej Jauhar, journalist Sunil Mehra, chef Ritu Dalmia and business executive Ayesha Kapur were among the main petitioners in the case.

In 2016, they successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider its own ruling.

In 2013, the apex court had cancelled a Delhi High Court order that decriminalised homosexuality by overturning the outdated law, enacted in 1860 at the behest of Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay.

The court said it was up to parliament to take a call on scrapping laws.

Two years ago on the day, the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, using the words of Goethe and Leonard Cohen, Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to deliver a historic judgment that signalled freedom for millions of people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Two years ago on the day, the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality, using the words of Goethe and Leonard Cohen, Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to deliver a historic judgment that signalled freedom for millions of people in the LGBTQ+ community. The 495-page path-breaking verdict, delivered by a five-judge constitutional bench headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, took the help of philosophers and poets to read down parts of an 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalised consensual gay sex. So be it German writer-philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous words "I am what I am", British poet Lord Alfred Douglas' "The Love that dare not speak its name" or Canadian singer-poet Leonard Cohen's "Democracy is Coming", the document was full of evocative words from the greatest in the world of literature and thought. The bench, that also comprised Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, delivered its verdict in four separate but concurring judgements. Former CJI Misra set the ball rolling and started his and Justice Khaniwlkar's judgement by quoting Goethe's "I am what I am, so take me as I am" and German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer's "No one can escape from their individuality". In a recently launched book, "Sex and the Supreme Court", a collection of essays on how the law is upholding the dignity of Indian citizen, editor of the book Saurabh Kirpal interprets the usage of famous quotes and phrases -- along with other passages -- given by the judges. "The thrust of the judgement of the Chief Justice was to recognize that a person of alternative sexuality had the right to choose their own partner," Kirpal, who was one of the lawyers for the petitioners in the case, in his essay, 'Pride versus Prejudice: The Struggle against Section 377". The former CJI's judgement was also peppered with other phrases and quotes of literary greats, including Engish philosopher-economist John Stuart Mill. William Shakespeare's famous phrase "What's in a name?" was quoted to convey that "what really matters is the essential qualities of the substance and the fundamental characteristics of an entity". Taking a cue from Justice Misra, Justice Nariman started his judgement with "The love that dare not speak its name", the famous words by Alfred Douglas, the lover of well-known 19th century Irish poet Oscar Wilde. The phrase, from the 1890s poem "Two Loves", is believed to be mentioned in Wilde's trial for 'gross indecency', a charge which criminalised homosexual people. "The Love that dare not speak its name" is usually interpreted as a euphemism for homosexuality -- something that Wilde denied. Wilde was put on trial in 1895 after the details of his affair with men were made public. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Homosexuality was a criminal offence in England in the 19th century. It was legalised in England and Wales in 1967, and in Scotland and Ireland in 1980 and 1981, respectively." According to Kirpal, the poem, even though disavowed by Wilde, "speaks of the ignominy of homosexuality that people dare not even mention its existence". "The poem captures the essence of the judgement of Justice Nariman -- a judgement with rich historical context but at the same time the one that looks towards the future. It is a judgement that neatly wraps its value judgements in constitutional theory and practice," he adds. Justice Chandrachud began his judgement with the moving words of the late Leila Seth, the first woman chief justice of a state high court and mother of poet and gay-rights activist Vikram Seth, "What makes life meaningful is love. The right that makes us human is the right to love. To criminalize the expression of that right is profoundly cruel and inhumane. To acquiesce in such criminalization or, worse, to recriminalize it, is to display the very opposite of compassion." He borrowed lines from Cohen's 1990s hit-song "Democracy" to make a point -- "It's coming through a hole in the air. It's coming from the feel that this ain't exactly real, or it's real, but it ain't exactly there. From the fires of the homeless From the ashes of the gay: Democracy is coming." Kirpal, democracy is something that often comes through 'a hole in the air', that is, through the small acts of individuals whose life needs to be changed. The song, he says in the book, seems to capture the ideas of democracy as a participative concept rather than the majoritarian juggernaut that it is sometimes understood to be. Recalling his feelings on judgment day, hotelier Keshav Suri, one of the petitioners in the case, says in the book that he was so happy he could have kissed everyone in the court that day. "The verdict was delivered with such beauty and purity that it made all the struggle worth it. Even British philosopher John Stuart Mill was quoted: 'But society has now fairly got the better of individuality' It made my heart swell with joy. No one could make us ashamed any more. We didn't have to fear the law. The country's highest court was standing with us," Suri writes. Besides Suri, hotelier Aman Nath, dancer Navtej Jauhar, journalist Sunil Mehra, chef Ritu Dalmia and business executive Ayesha Kapur were among the main petitioners in the case. In 2016, they successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider its own ruling. In 2013, the apex court had cancelled a Delhi High Court order that decriminalised homosexuality by overturning the outdated law, enacted in 1860 at the behest of Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay. The court said it was up to parliament to take a call on scrapping laws.

Two years after Section 377: Judgement that said it with poetry and words from literature

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Shahpur, Kirni and Degwar sectors in Poonch district here on Saturday morning.

The ceasefire violation began at 9:15 am by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the Line of Control.Indian Army is retaliating befittingly. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Shahpur, Kirni and Degwar sectors in Poonch district here on Saturday morning. The ceasefire violation began at 9:15 am by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the Line of Control.

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Shahpur, Kirni and Degwar sectors in Poonch district here on Saturday morning. The ceasefire violation began at 9:15 am by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the Line of Control.Indian Army is retaliating befittingly. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir

China's ministry of defence said today that responsibility of the current tension "lies entirely with India" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-chief-general-mm-naravane-talks-can-resolve-border-row-with-china-325160/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The cause and truth of the current tension on the border between China and India are very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with India," Wei Fenghe, State Councillor and minister of defence, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-holds-talks-with-chinese-counterpart-in-moscow-amid-lac-row-325283">Also Read:&nbsp;India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row</a>

Fenghe has been participating in the joint meeting of ministers of defence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) in Moscow. Fenghe had held a meeting with India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.

Meanwhile, India's defence ministry said that "the actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops and their aggressive behaviour including attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo was in violation of the bilateral agreements."

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Raksha Mantri conveyed that the two sides should continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC at the earliest.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1302133698343518208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The defence ministry said that India "categorically" conveyed to the Chinese side the country's position on developments along the LAC in the last few months including the Galwan Valley in the western sector of the India-China border.

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RM advised that it was important therefore that Chinese side should work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements &amp; protocols
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1302133475814846465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RM further said that the current situation should be handled responsibly and that neither side should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1302133608367271936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Fenghe said both sides should "earnestly implement the important consensus reached by Jinping and PM Modi" and insist on solving problems through "dialogue and consultation".

"China's territory cannot be lost, and the Chinese military is fully determined, capable and confident to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," China's defence minister&nbsp;said.

"It is hoped the Indian side will strictly abide by the series of agreements reached by the two sides and refrain from provocation in the current Line of Actual Control," he said.

"Refraining from any actions that may cause the situation to heat up and refraining from deliberately hyping and spreading negative information," the Chinese defence minister said.

Fenghe said the two sides should "focus on the overall situation of Sino-Indian relations and regional peace and stability" and "work together and meet each other halfway".

China's ministry of defence said today that responsibility of the current tension "lies entirely with India" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: "The cause and truth of the current tension on the border between China and India are very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with India," Wei Fenghe, State Councillor and minister of defence, said.

China's ministry of defence said today that responsibility of the current tension "lies entirely with India" along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: "The cause and truth of the current tension on the border between China and India are very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with India," Wei Fenghe, State Councillor and minister of defence, said. Also Read: India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row Fenghe has been participating in the joint meeting of ministers of defence at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) in Moscow. Fenghe had held a meeting with India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. Meanwhile, India's defence ministry said that "the actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops and their aggressive behaviour including attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo was in violation of the bilateral agreements." Raksha Mantri conveyed that the two sides should continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC at the earliest. — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 5, 2020 × The defence ministry said that India "categorically" conveyed to the Chinese side the country's position on developments along the LAC in the last few months including the Galwan Valley in the western sector of the India-China border. RM advised that it was important therefore that Chinese side should work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements & protocols — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 5, 2020 × RM further said that the current situation should be handled responsibly and that neither side should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas. — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 5, 2020 × However, Fenghe said both sides should "earnestly implement the important consensus reached by Jinping and PM Modi" and insist on solving problems through "dialogue and consultation". "China's territory cannot be lost, and the Chinese military is fully determined, capable and confident to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," China's defence minister said. "It is hoped the Indian side will strictly abide by the series of agreements reached by the two sides and refrain from provocation in the current Line of Actual Control," he said. "Refraining from any actions that may cause the situation to heat up and refraining from deliberately hyping and spreading negative information," the Chinese defence minister said. Fenghe said the two sides should "focus on the overall situation of Sino-Indian relations and regional peace and stability" and "work together and meet each other halfway".

Responsibility lies entirely with India, claims China on LAC standoff

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh.

The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.

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The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1301949065450549248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day.

India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row.&nbsp;

Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, &nbsp;and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting.

What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it&nbsp;is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh.

Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row.

India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC.

India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts.

Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet. China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 × Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row. Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting. What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.

India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row

An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 on the Richter Scale occurred 98 km north of Mumbai at 6:36 am on Saturday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

"Earthquake of Magnitude: 2.7, Occurred on 05-09-2020, 06:36:31 IST, Lat: 19.96 &amp; Long: 72.83, Depth: 5 Km, Location: 98km N of Mumbai, Maharashtra," NCS tweeted.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:2.7, Occurred on 05-09-2020, 06:36:31 IST, Lat: 19.96 &amp; Long: 72.83, Depth: 5 Km ,Location: 98km N of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India for more information <a href="https://t.co/exCZ4pApT0">https://t.co/exCZ4pApT0</a> <a href="https://t.co/6E4mWxKbJr">pic.twitter.com/6E4mWxKbJr</a>
— National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1302053241358704645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is the third earthquake that has hit Maharashtra in the last 24 hours.

Earlier on Friday at 10:33 am, 2.8 magnitude quake occurred at 91 km North of Mumbai.Later at 11:41 pm on the same day, tremors of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale hit 98 km west of Nashik in Maharashtra.

An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 on the Richter Scale occurred 98 km north of Mumbai at 6:36 am on Saturday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 on the Richter Scale occurred 98 km north of Mumbai at 6:36 am on Saturday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). "Earthquake of Magnitude: 2.7, Occurred on 05-09-2020, 06:36:31 IST, Lat: 19.96 & Long: 72.83, Depth: 5 Km, Location: 98km N of Mumbai, Maharashtra," NCS tweeted. Earthquake of Magnitude:2.7, Occurred on 05-09-2020, 06:36:31 IST, Lat: 19.96 & Long: 72.83, Depth: 5 Km ,Location: 98km N of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India for more information https://t.co/exCZ4pApT0 pic.twitter.com/6E4mWxKbJr — National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) September 5, 2020 × This is the third earthquake that has hit Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. Earlier on Friday at 10:33 am, 2.8 magnitude quake occurred at 91 km North of Mumbai.Later at 11:41 pm on the same day, tremors of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale hit 98 km west of Nashik in Maharashtra.

Minor earthquake in Mumbai, third in Maharashtra in last 24 hours

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday.

Watch:

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The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases.

The ministry informed the death toll due to the virus has risen to 69,561&nbsp;with the number of patients discharged from hospital at 31,07,223.

In Telangana,&nbsp;there were 2,511 new coronavirus cases with 11 deaths taking the total number of cases to 1,38,395 with 32,915 active cases.

Assam reported 2,891 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,21,224 including 345 deaths, state health minister Biswa Sarma said.

In Jharkhand, there were 1,537 new COVID-19 cases with the number of cases rising to 48,039 with 15,549 active cases. The death toll in the state has risen to 447.

In Uttarakhand, there were 831 new coronavirus cases with 23,011 active cases. There have been 312 deaths including 7,187 active cases in the state. 
&nbsp;

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday. Watch: The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases.

India recorded 86,432 new coronavirus cases and 1,089 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Saturday. Watch: The total coronavirus cases in the country have risen to 40,23,179 including 8,46,395 active cases. The ministry informed the death toll due to the virus has risen to 69,561 with the number of patients discharged from hospital at 31,07,223. In Telangana, there were 2,511 new coronavirus cases with 11 deaths taking the total number of cases to 1,38,395 with 32,915 active cases. Assam reported 2,891 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 1,21,224 including 345 deaths, state health minister Biswa Sarma said. In Jharkhand, there were 1,537 new COVID-19 cases with the number of cases rising to 48,039 with 15,549 active cases. The death toll in the state has risen to 447. In Uttarakhand, there were 831 new coronavirus cases with 23,011 active cases. There have been 312 deaths including 7,187 active cases in the state.

COVID-19: India records over 86,000 cases in 24 hours; over 4 million infected in the country

The Indian and Russian navies on Saturday carried out a range of complex maritime operations as part of a mega military exercise in the Bay of Bengal to further enhance their operational convergence, officials said.

The exercise comes at a time India is significantly expanding deployment of its warships in the Indian Ocean region in the wake of the festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country's strategic interests.

The officials said a wide spectrum of drills including surface and anti-aircraft drills, helicopter operations, maneuvers and cross-deck flying was carried out for the second consecutive day as part of the 11th edition of the biennial Indo-Russian exercise Indra Navy.

"The exercise epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

The assets deployed in the exercise by the Russian Navy include destroyer Admiral Vinogradov, destroyer Admiral Tributs and fleet tanker Boris Butoma of the Pacific Fleet which are normally based at Vladivostok.

The Indian Navy is represented by guided missile destroyer Ranvijay and fleet tanker Shakti, along with their integral helicopters.

In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship.

In the exercise with the US Navy, four frontline warships of the Indian Navy participated. The US carrier strike group was transiting through the Indian Ocean Region on its way from the South China Sea.

The US Navy carrier strike group comprises USS Nimitz, Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson.

The Indian Navy carried out a similar exercises with the Japanese navy in June.

The Indian Navy has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean region, deploying a plethora of warships and submarines following the border row to send across a message to Beijing. The maritime space around the Malacca Strait is very critical for China's supply chain through sea routes. 
&nbsp;

The Indian and Russian navies on Saturday carried out a range of complex maritime operations as part of a mega military exercise in the Bay of Bengal to further enhance their operational convergence, officials said.

The Indian and Russian navies on Saturday carried out a range of complex maritime operations as part of a mega military exercise in the Bay of Bengal to further enhance their operational convergence, officials said. The exercise comes at a time India is significantly expanding deployment of its warships in the Indian Ocean region in the wake of the festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh. The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country's strategic interests. The officials said a wide spectrum of drills including surface and anti-aircraft drills, helicopter operations, maneuvers and cross-deck flying was carried out for the second consecutive day as part of the 11th edition of the biennial Indo-Russian exercise Indra Navy. "The exercise epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. The assets deployed in the exercise by the Russian Navy include destroyer Admiral Vinogradov, destroyer Admiral Tributs and fleet tanker Boris Butoma of the Pacific Fleet which are normally based at Vladivostok. The Indian Navy is represented by guided missile destroyer Ranvijay and fleet tanker Shakti, along with their integral helicopters. In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship. In the exercise with the US Navy, four frontline warships of the Indian Navy participated. The US carrier strike group was transiting through the Indian Ocean Region on its way from the South China Sea. The US Navy carrier strike group comprises USS Nimitz, Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson. The Indian Navy carried out a similar exercises with the Japanese navy in June. The Indian Navy has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean region, deploying a plethora of warships and submarines following the border row to send across a message to Beijing. The maritime space around the Malacca Strait is very critical for China's supply chain through sea routes.

Indian Navy holds naval drill with Russia in Bay of Bengal for second day

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.23 per cent, the health ministry said on Saturday, while underlining that the "test, track and treat" strategy is showing tangible results.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.73 per cent, it added.

Five states account for 60 per cent of the recoveries. Maharashtra accounts for almost 21 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.63 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (11.91 per cent), Karnataka (8.82 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.14 per cent), the ministry said.

"The highest ever single-day recoveries of 70,072 were recorded in 24 hours. With this high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation, the recovery rate is now 77.23 per cent. This has also led to the declining case fatality rate, which stands at a new low of?1.73 per cent as on date," it said.

Early identification through testing has led to a higher daily number being reported, but surveillance and contact-tracing, along with a focus on a timely and appropriate clinical treatment of patients, have ensured a speedy recovery, the ministry said.

"The higher number of recoveries and the declining fatality rate have shown that India's graded strategy has worked," it underscored.

A total of 4,77,38,491 samples were tested for COVID-19 up to September 4, including 10,59,346 on Friday, the ministry said.

The country has posted more than 22.6 lakh recoveries than the number of active coronavirus cases currently, it pointed out.

There are 8,46,395 active COVID-19 cases in the country currently, which account for 21.04 per cent of its total caseload, the ministry's data updated at 8 am stated.

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 40,23,179 with a record?86,432 cases reported in a day, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 69,561 with 1,089 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the data showed.

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.23 per cent, the health ministry said on Saturday, while underlining that the "test, track and treat" strategy is showing tangible results. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.73 per cent, it added. Five states account for 60 per cent of the recoveries. Maharashtra accounts for almost 21 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.63 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (11.91 per cent), Karnataka (8.82 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.14 per cent), the ministry said. "The highest ever single-day recoveries of 70,072 were recorded in 24 hours. With this high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation, the recovery rate is now 77.23 per cent. This has also led to the declining case fatality rate, which stands at a new low of?1.73 per cent as on date," it said. Early identification through testing has led to a higher daily number being reported, but surveillance and contact-tracing, along with a focus on a timely and appropriate clinical treatment of patients, have ensured a speedy recovery, the ministry said. "The higher number of recoveries and the declining fatality rate have shown that India's graded strategy has worked," it underscored. A total of 4,77,38,491 samples were tested for COVID-19 up to September 4, including 10,59,346 on Friday, the ministry said. The country has posted more than 22.6 lakh recoveries than the number of active coronavirus cases currently, it pointed out. There are 8,46,395 active COVID-19 cases in the country currently, which account for 21.04 per cent of its total caseload, the ministry's data updated at 8 am stated. India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 40,23,179 with a record?86,432 cases reported in a day, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 69,561 with 1,089 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the data showed.

No of COVID-19 recoveries crosses 31 lakh in India, case fatality rate drops to 1.73%

US President Donald Trump had praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he called him his "friend" and opined that the Modi was "doing a very good job". Trump added that PM Modi was a "Great leader" and a "great person. The US President was speaking with media in Washington.

"Prime Minister Modi is a friend of mine and he is doing a very good job. It's nothing easy but he is doing a very good job. You have got a great leader and you have got a great person," said Donald Trump.

Trump reflected on his two-day visit to India in February and 'Howdy Modi' the event organised to receive Narendra Modi in Houston.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-would-love-to-get-involved-says-trump-on-india-china-standoff-at-lac-325315">We would love to get involved, says Trump on India-China standoff at LAC</a> 
 
"We had an incredible time and what we saw that the people are so incredible. It's an incredible place and country, and it's definitely big." said Trump.

"...I think Indian people would be voting for Trump," he added. He was quoted by ANI.

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&nbsp;

Indian diaspora in the USA forms a considerable chunk of voters in many urban centres there. Statistics suggest that Indian-Americans are well-educated and financially well-off. There appears to be a contest between Democratic and Republican parties to win over these voters. Democratic party nominee Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris is an Indian American. 
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US President Donald Trump had praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he called him his "friend" and opined that the Modi was "doing a very good job". Trump added that PM Modi was a "Great leader" and a "great person.

US President Donald Trump had praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he called him his "friend" and opined that the Modi was "doing a very good job". Trump added that PM Modi was a "Great leader" and a "great person. The US President was speaking with media in Washington. "Prime Minister Modi is a friend of mine and he is doing a very good job. It's nothing easy but he is doing a very good job. You have got a great leader and you have got a great person," said Donald Trump. Trump reflected on his two-day visit to India in February and 'Howdy Modi' the event organised to receive Narendra Modi in Houston. Also Read: We would love to get involved, says Trump on India-China standoff at LAC "We had an incredible time and what we saw that the people are so incredible. It's an incredible place and country, and it's definitely big." said Trump. "...I think Indian people would be voting for Trump," he added. He was quoted by ANI. × Indian diaspora in the USA forms a considerable chunk of voters in many urban centres there. Statistics suggest that Indian-Americans are well-educated and financially well-off. There appears to be a contest between Democratic and Republican parties to win over these voters. Democratic party nominee Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris is an Indian American.

Modi is a friend of mine, doing very good job: Donald Trump

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say&nbsp;the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days.

"The Chinese defence minister had requested for the meeting with the Indian defence minister thrice in last 80 days," sources say.

"The Chinese minister had even chosen to come down to the Indian defence minister's hotel for the dialogue."

The request for a meeting was also submitted to India when Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow for the victory day parade in June. That time India had denied the request.&nbsp;

That visit came after the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 soldiers in the clashes, and while China also suffered casualties it did not come up with any figure.

It's believed that one of the main causes of Chinese insistence this time was India taking swift action and getting an upper hand by taking up positions in higher reaches at the southern bank of Pangong lake.

This was the first in-person political engagement between the two sides.&nbsp;

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days. "The Chinese defence minister had requested for the meeting with the Indian defence minister thrice in last 80 days," sources say. "The Chinese minister had even chosen to come down to the Indian defence minister's hotel for the dialogue." The request for a meeting was also submitted to India when Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow for the victory day parade in June. That time India had denied the request. That visit came after the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 soldiers in the clashes, and while China also suffered casualties it did not come up with any figure. It's believed that one of the main causes of Chinese insistence this time was India taking swift action and getting an upper hand by taking up positions in higher reaches at the southern bank of Pangong lake. This was the first in-person political engagement between the two sides.

Chinese defence minister had requested meeting with Indian side thrice in 80 days: Sources

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.&nbsp;

A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost".

All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference.

The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost". All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference. The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."

Not even an inch will be ceded: India's defence minister told Chinese counterpart in Moscow meet

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister.

In a tweet, Rajnath said, "Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami."

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Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1302176477387972608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh is currently in Russia for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) 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. The meet came at the request of the Chinese side.

Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India 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 also the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by American earlier this year.&nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Iran en-route his return from Russia. The brief stopover is scheduled tonight (September 5, 2020). Rajnath Singh is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Iran's defence minister. In a tweet, Rajnath said, "Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami." Leaving Moscow for Tehran. I shall be meeting the Defence Minister of Iran, Brigadier General Amir Hatami. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 5, 2020 × Rajnath Singh is currently in Russia for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) 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. The meet came at the request of the Chinese side. Iran is an observer country of the SCO grouping. The visit to Iran is significant in view of India 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 also the first visit to Iran by any Indian minister since the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Qasem Soleimani by American earlier this year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Iran

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said on Friday that New Delhi is engaging with Beijing at the diplomatic and military level to resolve the border crisis in Ladakh.

Naravane is currently in Ladakh on a two-day visit to review Indian forces operational preparedness.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-army-chief-naravane-begins-two-day-ladakh-visit-324899">India-China standoff: Army chief Naravane begins two-day Ladakh visit</a>

"Situation has been little tensed for the last two to three months. We have been continuously engaging with China both at the military and diplomatic level. These engagements are ongoing and will continue in the future as well. We are very sure that through this medium of talks, whatever differences we have, will be resolved and we will ensure that status quo is not changed and we are able to safeguard our interests," said Naravane, as quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

He also said that there has been some deployment of troops for safeguarding Indian's security and safety.&nbsp;

"Keeping in view of the situation, we had undertaken some precautionary deployment for our own safety and security. These deployments we undertook along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) so that our security and integrity remains safeguarded," he said.&nbsp;

He also said the morale of Indian forces is high and "they are ready to deal with all challenges.&nbsp;

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said on Friday that New Delhi is engaging with Beijing at the diplomatic and military level to resolve the border crisis in Ladakh.

Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said on Friday that New Delhi is engaging with Beijing at the diplomatic and military level to resolve the border crisis in Ladakh. Naravane is currently in Ladakh on a two-day visit to review Indian forces operational preparedness. Also read | India-China standoff: Army chief Naravane begins two-day Ladakh visit "Situation has been little tensed for the last two to three months. We have been continuously engaging with China both at the military and diplomatic level. These engagements are ongoing and will continue in the future as well. We are very sure that through this medium of talks, whatever differences we have, will be resolved and we will ensure that status quo is not changed and we are able to safeguard our interests," said Naravane, as quoted by news agency ANI. He also said that there has been some deployment of troops for safeguarding Indian's security and safety. "Keeping in view of the situation, we had undertaken some precautionary deployment for our own safety and security. These deployments we undertook along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) so that our security and integrity remains safeguarded," he said. He also said the morale of Indian forces is high and "they are ready to deal with all challenges.

India, China engaging at diplomatic, military levels: Army chief Naravane

Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday.&nbsp;

New Delhi has so far not commented on the Chinese gesture and it has to be seen whether Singh meets Wei on Friday during a meet among SCO defence ministers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-reaches-russia-to-attend-sco-meet-324875">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Russia to attend SCO meet</a>

For about four months, Indian and Chinese forces are engaged in a standoff in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

News agency PTI reported that the Indian mission has been informed by Beijing over its keenness to have a meeting with both the defence ministers on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Moscow. But, so far, there has not been any official confirmation.&nbsp;

A few days ago, tensions escalated in the eastern side after China unsuccessfully tried to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong when both the sides were participating in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border crisis.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Thursday said the standoff in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese unilateral actions directed towards changing the status quo.

It also said that negotiations are the only way forward to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday.

Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday. New Delhi has so far not commented on the Chinese gesture and it has to be seen whether Singh meets Wei on Friday during a meet among SCO defence ministers. Also read | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Russia to attend SCO meet For about four months, Indian and Chinese forces are engaged in a standoff in eastern Ladakh. News agency PTI reported that the Indian mission has been informed by Beijing over its keenness to have a meeting with both the defence ministers on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Moscow. But, so far, there has not been any official confirmation. A few days ago, tensions escalated in the eastern side after China unsuccessfully tried to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong when both the sides were participating in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border crisis. New Delhi on Thursday said the standoff in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese unilateral actions directed towards changing the status quo. It also said that negotiations are the only way forward to resolve the issue.

Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request?

Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe has requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet on Friday.&nbsp;

Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened.&nbsp;

While it’s not confirmed that if India will agree to China's request, the development comes amidst heightened tensions between the 2 countries at the Line of Actual Control.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo"

Last 4 months saw Galwan incident on 15th June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number.

Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe has requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet on Friday.

Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe has requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet on Friday. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened. While it’s not confirmed that if India will agree to China's request, the development comes amidst heightened tensions between the 2 countries at the Line of Actual Control. Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo" Last 4 months saw Galwan incident on 15th June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number.

China requests meeting with Indian Defence Minister on sidelines of SCO

India recorded&nbsp;83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to&nbsp;ally to 39,36,747.

According to the&nbsp;Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated.

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India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tally crosses 39-lakh mark with single-day spike of 83,341 new cases &amp; 1,096 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. 
 
The total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 68,472 deaths: Ministry of Health <a href="https://t.co/YjinTx57DJ">pic.twitter.com/YjinTx57DJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1301736034342899712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-donation-to-various-causes-exceed-usd-14-million-sources-324993" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi donation to various causes exceed USD 14 million: Sources</a>

The death toll surged&nbsp;to 68,472 after&nbsp;single-day spike of 1,096 new fatalities were recorded on Thursday.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.74 per cent in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-taking-advantage-of-covid-19-outbreak-india-one-such-example-us-diplomat-324867" hreflang="en">China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat</a>

There are 8,31,124 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 21.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 4,66,79,145 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country as on September 3, including 11,69,765 on Thursday.

&nbsp;

India recorded 83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to ally to 39,36,747. According to the Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated.

India recorded 83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to ally to 39,36,747. According to the Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated. India's #COVID19 tally crosses 39-lakh mark with single-day spike of 83,341 new cases & 1,096 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated & 68,472 deaths: Ministry of Health pic.twitter.com/YjinTx57DJ — ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 × Also read: PM Narendra Modi donation to various causes exceed USD 14 million: Sources The death toll surged to 68,472 after single-day spike of 1,096 new fatalities were recorded on Thursday. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.74 per cent in the country. Also read: China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat There are 8,31,124 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 21.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 4,66,79,145 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country as on September 3, including 11,69,765 on Thursday.

India reports 83,341 new COVID-19 cases; tally crosses 39-lakh mark

In an update on drug case being explored in relation with suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, the Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested Rhea Chakraborty’s brother, Showik Chakraborty and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda.

Both Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda have been arrested under the NDPS Act. It is being reported that Showik will presented before the court tomorrow.&nbsp;

The team had conducted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-NCB-raides-Rhea-Chakrabortys-home-takes-her-brother-Showik-and-Samuel-Miranda-for-questioning-325167"> extensive searches at Rhea Chakraborty and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda's residences</a> in Mumbai. The NCB had reportedly seized their mobile phones, laptops and some other documents.&nbsp;

The NCB started investigating Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case after the CBI ruled out murder.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra flat here on June 14. As the scope of the probe keeps increasing every day since the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and the NCB joined in -- the drug angle has thrown up a number of leads.

In an update on drug case being explored in relation with suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, the Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested Rhea Chakraborty’s brother, Showik Chakraborty and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda.

In an update on drug case being explored in relation with suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, the Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested Rhea Chakraborty’s brother, Showik Chakraborty and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda. Both Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda have been arrested under the NDPS Act. It is being reported that Showik will presented before the court tomorrow. The team had conducted extensive searches at Rhea Chakraborty and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda's residences in Mumbai. The NCB had reportedly seized their mobile phones, laptops and some other documents. The NCB started investigating Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case after the CBI ruled out murder. Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra flat here on June 14. As the scope of the probe keeps increasing every day since the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and the NCB joined in -- the drug angle has thrown up a number of leads.

Rhea Chakraborty's brother Showik and Sushant's house manager Samuel Miranda arrested by Narcotics Bureau

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports.

US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hong-kong-bars-air-india-flights-after-passengers-test-positive-for-covid-19-321637">Hong Kong bars Air India flights after passengers test positive for COVID-19</a>

The Department and other US government agencies have continued to work with the government of India towards satisfactory resolution of this matter. In that connection, recent positive developments have led the department to tentatively determine that the public interest now calls for removal of the permit condition we had imposed in order 2019-7-9, said the order issued by Joel Szabat, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs.

"We therefore have tentatively decided to amend Air India's permit to remove that condition,"&nbsp;the Department of Transportation said.

Stakeholders and public have 21 days to respond to this proposal, before it can be finalised and enforced.

The order comes a day after the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had a conversation with the Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

"India and the US have partnered in Aviation sector during these difficult times,"&nbsp;the ambassador tweeted.

The order also relieves Air India of any further reporting requirement regarding its ground handling arrangements.&nbsp;

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports. US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports.

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports. US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports. Also read | Hong Kong bars Air India flights after passengers test positive for COVID-19 The Department and other US government agencies have continued to work with the government of India towards satisfactory resolution of this matter. In that connection, recent positive developments have led the department to tentatively determine that the public interest now calls for removal of the permit condition we had imposed in order 2019-7-9, said the order issued by Joel Szabat, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs. "We therefore have tentatively decided to amend Air India's permit to remove that condition," the Department of Transportation said. Stakeholders and public have 21 days to respond to this proposal, before it can be finalised and enforced. The order comes a day after the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had a conversation with the Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. "India and the US have partnered in Aviation sector during these difficult times," the ambassador tweeted. The order also relieves Air India of any further reporting requirement regarding its ground handling arrangements.

US to allow Air India conduct ground handling at airports: Official

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.&nbsp;

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-rajnath-singh-meet-chinese-defence-minister-following-beijings-request-325136">Also read:&nbsp;Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request?</a>

Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo."

Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet. Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet. Also read: Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request? Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened. Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo." Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

LAC tensions: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow shortly

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground.

Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China.

"This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar.

He highlighted that India is engaged with China at military and diplomatic levels and is "firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through dialogue" but "as far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"The pandemic has not stopped us from engaging. We have used the digital means, we have used the telephone, we have used direct diplomatic contact between New Delhi and Beijing and we have been talking to each other on this issue.

"We remain firmly committed to making sure that we preserve our territorial integrity and our sovereignty and we will not yield on that ground, we will remain firm and resolute. At the same time, we are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," the foreign secretary said.

On the challenges being faced by India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Ladakh.

"This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of," he said.

The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. 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.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground. Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China. "This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. He highlighted that India is engaged with China at military and diplomatic levels and is "firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through dialogue" but "as far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity." "The pandemic has not stopped us from engaging. We have used the digital means, we have used the telephone, we have used direct diplomatic contact between New Delhi and Beijing and we have been talking to each other on this issue. "We remain firmly committed to making sure that we preserve our territorial integrity and our sovereignty and we will not yield on that ground, we will remain firm and resolute. At the same time, we are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," the foreign secretary said. On the challenges being faced by India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Ladakh. "This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of," he said. The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. 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.

India firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity, says FS Harsh Shringla amid border tension with China

Amid the India-China border tension, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty

'China standoff most serious challenge' reacts India's Foreign Secretary

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

India's Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement that the country responded to a request from UN Secretary-General Guterres and mobilised all efforts to assemble two teams of medical specialists to be deployed in hospitals at the UN missions in DR Congo and South Sudan.

"This gesture has been welcomed,"&nbsp;the Indian mission said.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti on Friday tweeted: "Indian peacekeepers rise to the call to combat COVID! In response to request of UN Secretary General, India is rushing two medical teams to Africa to strengthen Indian peacekeeping hospitals - one in Goma, DR Congo and other in Juba, South Sudan."

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, the UN Secretariat has set up a System-Wide Medical Evacuation Task Force to ensure high quality treatment facilities for people serving the United Nations in field locations. 
Guterres has decided to scale-up the Level-2 and Level-3 hospital facilities, managed by the Indian peacekeepers, at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to mitigate and contain the COVID-19 outbreak at these two locations.

Based on a request, India will be deploying two medical teams of 15 medical personnel each at Goma in the DRC and Juba in South Sudan in the second half of September, 2020.

The main hub of command and control centre of MONUSCO is located in Goma, where the hospital by India has been operational since January, 2005 and has 90 Indian nationals including 18 specialists.

Due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the area, the ?Level-3' facility, which is the highest level of medical care provided by a deployed UN unit, will now further be upgraded to a Level-3 Plus facility.

In Juba, the 'Level-2 plus' hospital by India, operational since December, 2016, has 77 Indians, including 12 specialists.

The Indian facility in Juba is presently one of the top-level of medical facilities existing in South Sudan. This facility will now be upgraded from Level-2 plus to a Level-3 facility.

Of the total 16,306 troops deployed with UNMISS, India contributes the largest number of troops at 2,420 personnel.

The country is the second largest contributor of troops to MONUSCO, with 2,030 Indian troops deployed with the UN Mission, which has a total of 15,159 peacekeepers.

India's long-standing contribution to the UN peacekeeping has been widely lauded by the world organisation. Women of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services headed to the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Congo (ONUC) in 1960 to assist with the set-up of a 400-bed hospital.

India currently contributes military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, the DRC, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.

Over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world, the highest from any troop-contributing country.

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. India's Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement that the country responded to a request from UN Secretary-General Guterres and mobilised all efforts to assemble two teams of medical specialists to be deployed in hospitals at the UN missions in DR Congo and South Sudan. "This gesture has been welcomed," the Indian mission said. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti on Friday tweeted: "Indian peacekeepers rise to the call to combat COVID! In response to request of UN Secretary General, India is rushing two medical teams to Africa to strengthen Indian peacekeeping hospitals - one in Goma, DR Congo and other in Juba, South Sudan." As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, the UN Secretariat has set up a System-Wide Medical Evacuation Task Force to ensure high quality treatment facilities for people serving the United Nations in field locations. Guterres has decided to scale-up the Level-2 and Level-3 hospital facilities, managed by the Indian peacekeepers, at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to mitigate and contain the COVID-19 outbreak at these two locations. Based on a request, India will be deploying two medical teams of 15 medical personnel each at Goma in the DRC and Juba in South Sudan in the second half of September, 2020. The main hub of command and control centre of MONUSCO is located in Goma, where the hospital by India has been operational since January, 2005 and has 90 Indian nationals including 18 specialists. Due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the area, the ?Level-3' facility, which is the highest level of medical care provided by a deployed UN unit, will now further be upgraded to a Level-3 Plus facility. In Juba, the 'Level-2 plus' hospital by India, operational since December, 2016, has 77 Indians, including 12 specialists. The Indian facility in Juba is presently one of the top-level of medical facilities existing in South Sudan. This facility will now be upgraded from Level-2 plus to a Level-3 facility. Of the total 16,306 troops deployed with UNMISS, India contributes the largest number of troops at 2,420 personnel. The country is the second largest contributor of troops to MONUSCO, with 2,030 Indian troops deployed with the UN Mission, which has a total of 15,159 peacekeepers. India's long-standing contribution to the UN peacekeeping has been widely lauded by the world organisation. Women of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services headed to the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Congo (ONUC) in 1960 to assist with the set-up of a 400-bed hospital. India currently contributes military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, the DRC, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia. Over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world, the highest from any troop-contributing country.

India to deploy two medical teams in DR Congo, S Sudan to help combat COVID-19

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has requested for a meet with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet on Friday.

WION Dispatch: 'Differences should be resolved by dialogue', says Rajnath Singh

What does the National Education Policy 2020 mean for learners and India's education system? Will NEP 2020 succeed in bringing quality and equity in education? Listen to what Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, Minister of Education, India, has to say.

India's Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Wion Education Summit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country.

In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all.

He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern.

According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm.

Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus.

At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?.

He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states.

The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate.

India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future.

There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan.

India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country. In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all. He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm. Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus. At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?. He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states. The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate. India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future. There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan. India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.

India concerned at Afghan security situation, will continue to support people, govt: Rajnath Singh at SCO

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