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In a coordinated mission that involved air and sea-based assets, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a fishing boat that was attempting to smuggle sea cucumber, an endangered species, into Sri Lanka.

The apprehended fishing boat was carrying 1 ton of sea cucumbers, which are valued at about $683,000&nbsp;USD. The fishing boat along with three crew members have been brought to Tuticorin for further investigation.&nbsp;

The interception of the boat had taken place on Saturday noon and the boat was just about 3.5 miles from the International Maritime Boundary line. The boat was intercepted off the Mandapam coast. The north western tip of the Sri Lanka is easily accessible(in terms of distance) from the areas surrounding Mandapam town in Tamil Nadu. Some parts on the north-western tip of Sri Lanka are less than 100kms or 54 nautical miles away, from certain points on the Tamil Nadu coast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tunnel-under-ib-was-constructed-with-knowledge-hand-of-pak-bsf-ig-323977">Aslo read|&nbsp;Tunnel under IB was constructed with knowledge, 'hand' of Pak: BSF IG</a>

Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the coral ecosystem and are categorized as an ‘endangered species’ with their harvest being banned under the Wildlife Protection Act of 2001. They play an important role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystems. By excreting inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, they enhance the productivity of benthic animals - those living on the ocean floor.&nbsp;

One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reefs. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation.

Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increases alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification. Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduces nutrient recycling and impacts biodiversity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-from-russian-exercises-over-chinese-presence-323948">Also read|&nbsp;India withdraws from Russian exercises over Chinese presence</a>

Much of the sea cucumbers smuggled out of Tamil Nadu are said to be for Sri Lanka and other South-East Asian countries, where they are consumed as food and used to prepare medicines.&nbsp;

In terms of the Coast guard’s areas of responsibility, their aircraft and vessels monitor and secure the 7516km long coastline and India’s Exclusive Economic Zone that is over 2million sq km. The Indian Coast Guard currently operates over 150 surface platforms and more than 60 aircraft. The force deploys 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance, on a daily basis.

In a coordinated mission that involved air and sea-based assets, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a fishing boat that was attempting to smuggle sea cucumber, an endangered species, into Sri Lanka.

In a coordinated mission that involved air and sea-based assets, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a fishing boat that was attempting to smuggle sea cucumber, an endangered species, into Sri Lanka. The apprehended fishing boat was carrying 1 ton of sea cucumbers, which are valued at about $683,000 USD. The fishing boat along with three crew members have been brought to Tuticorin for further investigation. The interception of the boat had taken place on Saturday noon and the boat was just about 3.5 miles from the International Maritime Boundary line. The boat was intercepted off the Mandapam coast. The north western tip of the Sri Lanka is easily accessible(in terms of distance) from the areas surrounding Mandapam town in Tamil Nadu. Some parts on the north-western tip of Sri Lanka are less than 100kms or 54 nautical miles away, from certain points on the Tamil Nadu coast. Aslo read| Tunnel under IB was constructed with knowledge, 'hand' of Pak: BSF IG Sea cucumbers are an important constituent of the coral ecosystem and are categorized as an ‘endangered species’ with their harvest being banned under the Wildlife Protection Act of 2001. They play an important role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystems. By excreting inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, they enhance the productivity of benthic animals - those living on the ocean floor. One of the by-products of the sea cucumber's digestion of sand is calcium carbonate, a key component of coral reefs. To survive, coral reefs must accumulate calcium carbonate, and thus sea cucumbers play a vital role in their preservation. Sea cucumbers also maintain the transparency of seawater by eating sewage. Feeding and excretion by sea cucumbers also increases alkalinity, which counteracts ocean acidification. Illegal harvesting and overexploitation of these animals leads to poorer sediment health, reduces nutrient recycling and impacts biodiversity. Also read| India withdraws from Russian exercises over Chinese presence Much of the sea cucumbers smuggled out of Tamil Nadu are said to be for Sri Lanka and other South-East Asian countries, where they are consumed as food and used to prepare medicines. In terms of the Coast guard’s areas of responsibility, their aircraft and vessels monitor and secure the 7516km long coastline and India’s Exclusive Economic Zone that is over 2million sq km. The Indian Coast Guard currently operates over 150 surface platforms and more than 60 aircraft. The force deploys 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance, on a daily basis.

Indian coast guard thwarts smuggling of sea cucumber into Sri Lanka

India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-had-deployed-t-15-tanks-in-tibet-well-ahead-of-galwan-clash-intelligence-report-319729">Also Read -&nbsp;China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report</a>

"Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners. At Russia's invitation India has been participating in many international events. However, in view of pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangement of logistics, India has decided not to send contingent this year to Kavkaz-2020, the same has been informed to the Russian side," India's defence minister said in a statement.

China and Pakistan will be participating in the exercise. It is taking place from September 15 to 27th.&nbsp;

After the India-China violent face-off on June 15 in Galwan in eastern Ladakh, New Delhi has been taking tough action against Chinese companies including other measures.&nbsp;

Amid India's refusal not to take part in the Russian exercise involving China, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Moscow next wek for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO defence ministers meet.

India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis. Watch: A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry.

India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis. Watch: A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry. Also Read - China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report "Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners. At Russia's invitation India has been participating in many international events. However, in view of pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangement of logistics, India has decided not to send contingent this year to Kavkaz-2020, the same has been informed to the Russian side," India's defence minister said in a statement. China and Pakistan will be participating in the exercise. It is taking place from September 15 to 27th. After the India-China violent face-off on June 15 in Galwan in eastern Ladakh, New Delhi has been taking tough action against Chinese companies including other measures. Amid India's refusal not to take part in the Russian exercise involving China, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Moscow next wek for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO defence ministers meet.

India withdraws from Russian exercises over Chinese presence

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually.

Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu, who recently met Indian envoy D Bala Venkatesh Varma, conveyed to him that he looks forward to meet Rajnath Singh next week in Moscow.&nbsp;

<img alt="Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu with Indian envoy to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd16582d-d681-4546-aee7-695dd6f6a6f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20200828-WA0135.jpg" />

This is the second visit of Singh to Russia. He had visited Moscow earlier this year in June for the Victory Day Parade. An Indian Tri-Service contingent also took part in the parade at Moscow's Red Square.

Russia on September 10 will host SCO Foriegn minister meet and India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is expected to visit Russia for the meet.

While the ministry of external affairs has confirmed that it has received invitation from Russia for the meet, it has not been formally annouced if the EAM will go.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually. Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu, who recently met Indian envoy D Bala Venkatesh Varma, conveyed to him that he looks forward to meet Rajnath Singh next week in Moscow. This is the second visit of Singh to Russia. He had visited Moscow earlier this year in June for the Victory Day Parade. An Indian Tri-Service contingent also took part in the parade at Moscow's Red Square. Russia on September 10 will host SCO Foriegn minister meet and India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is expected to visit Russia for the meet. While the ministry of external affairs has confirmed that it has received invitation from Russia for the meet, it has not been formally annouced if the EAM will go.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Russia next week

India has controlled the spread of crop-threatening migratory pest desert locusts by using advanced technologies, including drones, and ensured there was not much crop damage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

In his address after the virtual inauguration of college and administration buildings of Jhansi-based Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, the prime minister stressed on the need to promote greater use of latest technologies in the farm sector.

More than 10 states, including Uttar Pradesh, faced locust problem in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said adding that the Bundelkhand region faced the locust attack after 30 years.

Sharing how modern technologies are helpful in addressing the challenges faced by the farm sector, Modi said the speed at which locust swarms were spreading in the country, it was not possible to control them in traditional ways.

"In May, the Bundelkhand region had faced locust problem. ...I was told the region faced the locust attack after 30 years. Not only Uttar Pradesh, more than 10 states faced the locust problem," the prime minister said.

"India has controlled this problem in a scientific way," he said.

"If there was no coronavirus, a week long positive media debate would have been carried on this. A big success has been achieved," he added.

Asserting that the central government worked on a "war footing" to save crops from this pest, Modi said a dozen control rooms, including one in Jhansi, were set up and authorities procured special spray machines and distributed in the affected areas.

"Be it tractors or chemicals, all machineries were put in place to ensure farmers face less crop damage. To save tall trees, drones and helicopters were used for spraying. Following these measures, India has been able to save farmers from incurring huge losses," he said.

Emphasising the importance of modern farm technologies, the prime minister exhorted young researchers and agri-scientists to work on 'One life, One mission' to promote technologies like drone or artificial intelligence across the country.

For the last six few years, the government has been making efforts to take farm research directly to fields and make available scientific advise to even small farmers, he said.

"From college campus to field, there is a need to further strengthen the ecosystem for experts. For which, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University will also play an important role," he added.

India faced the menace of locust problem in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar.

However, the problem now has been controlled to a large extent after timely measures were taken by both the Centre and state governments in about 5.66 lakh hectare area in affected states, as per official data.

Even the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had in its August 24 update said the risk of swarm migration to the Indo-Pakistan summer breeding area has nearly subsided.

India has controlled the spread of crop-threatening migratory pest desert locusts by using advanced technologies, including drones, and ensured there was not much crop damage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

India has controlled the spread of crop-threatening migratory pest desert locusts by using advanced technologies, including drones, and ensured there was not much crop damage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. In his address after the virtual inauguration of college and administration buildings of Jhansi-based Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, the prime minister stressed on the need to promote greater use of latest technologies in the farm sector. More than 10 states, including Uttar Pradesh, faced locust problem in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said adding that the Bundelkhand region faced the locust attack after 30 years. Sharing how modern technologies are helpful in addressing the challenges faced by the farm sector, Modi said the speed at which locust swarms were spreading in the country, it was not possible to control them in traditional ways. "In May, the Bundelkhand region had faced locust problem. ...I was told the region faced the locust attack after 30 years. Not only Uttar Pradesh, more than 10 states faced the locust problem," the prime minister said. "India has controlled this problem in a scientific way," he said. "If there was no coronavirus, a week long positive media debate would have been carried on this. A big success has been achieved," he added. Asserting that the central government worked on a "war footing" to save crops from this pest, Modi said a dozen control rooms, including one in Jhansi, were set up and authorities procured special spray machines and distributed in the affected areas. "Be it tractors or chemicals, all machineries were put in place to ensure farmers face less crop damage. To save tall trees, drones and helicopters were used for spraying. Following these measures, India has been able to save farmers from incurring huge losses," he said. Emphasising the importance of modern farm technologies, the prime minister exhorted young researchers and agri-scientists to work on 'One life, One mission' to promote technologies like drone or artificial intelligence across the country. For the last six few years, the government has been making efforts to take farm research directly to fields and make available scientific advise to even small farmers, he said. "From college campus to field, there is a need to further strengthen the ecosystem for experts. For which, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University will also play an important role," he added. India faced the menace of locust problem in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar. However, the problem now has been controlled to a large extent after timely measures were taken by both the Centre and state governments in about 5.66 lakh hectare area in affected states, as per official data. Even the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had in its August 24 update said the risk of swarm migration to the Indo-Pakistan summer breeding area has nearly subsided.

India controlled locust problem in a scientific way, says PM Modi

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation.

The remarks of BSF Inspector General (Jammu frontier) N S Jamwal came after the Border Security Force (BSF) detected a tunnel just beneath the Indo-Pak international border fence in Galar area of Samba.

He lauded the force personnel for their alertness in detecting the tunnel and said, "We were getting information that a tunnel was dug out from the Pakistan side in Samba. We were working on the information when one of our teams managed to locate it on Friday evening."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-children-and-unemployed-turn-to-opium-for-quick-cash-323907">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan children and unemployed turn to opium for quick cash</a>

Jamwal, who rushed to inspect the tunnel on Saturday morning, told reporters that it was dug out from Pakistan side and was over 150 metres inside the Indian territory.

The tunnel's opening was properly reinforced with sandbags carrying markings of 'Karachi and Shakargarh', clearly indicating that it was dug out from Pakistan side and ended here, he said.

The IG said the preliminary investigation revealed that it was a freshly dug tunnel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-to-restore-internet-in-rohingya-refugee-settlement-323924">Also read:&nbsp;Bangladesh to restore internet in Rohingya refugee settlement</a>

"There is a hand and knowledge of Pakistan establishment in such kind of construction," Jamwal said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the BSF said the tunnel was unearthed in a special anti-tunnelling drive which was launched all along the IB in Jammu region in view of the prevailing security scenario in the recent times.

"A vigilant BSF patrol party, while carrying out in-depth scanning, detected a tunnel with a depth of approximately 25 feet and about 3-4 feet in diameter near border fencing in Galar area," it said.

The BSF said Pakistan-made sand bags carrying markings of 'Shakargarh' and 'Karachi' factories were found hiding the mouth of the tunnel.

"The opening of the tunnel is around 170 metres from the IB in the Indian territory in the field of a local farmer," it said, adding that the alert BSF troops foiled the nefarious design of Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into the Indian territory.

"The tunnel's origin is in Pakistan close to the IB. The efforts of alert BSF troops deployed in our multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid once again resulted in neutralizing the evil designs of terrorists in deep connivance with Pakistan establishment," the statement said.

The BSF said there have been regular inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pakistan border villages desperately looking to infiltrate into Indian territory but the troops foiled all attempts by the anti-national elements.

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation.

A top BSF official said on Saturday that a major underground tunnel that was found in Samba, originating from Pakistan, was constructed with the knowledge and "hand" of the neighbouring nation. The remarks of BSF Inspector General (Jammu frontier) N S Jamwal came after the Border Security Force (BSF) detected a tunnel just beneath the Indo-Pak international border fence in Galar area of Samba. He lauded the force personnel for their alertness in detecting the tunnel and said, "We were getting information that a tunnel was dug out from the Pakistan side in Samba. We were working on the information when one of our teams managed to locate it on Friday evening." Also read: Afghan children and unemployed turn to opium for quick cash Jamwal, who rushed to inspect the tunnel on Saturday morning, told reporters that it was dug out from Pakistan side and was over 150 metres inside the Indian territory. The tunnel's opening was properly reinforced with sandbags carrying markings of 'Karachi and Shakargarh', clearly indicating that it was dug out from Pakistan side and ended here, he said. The IG said the preliminary investigation revealed that it was a freshly dug tunnel. Also read: Bangladesh to restore internet in Rohingya refugee settlement "There is a hand and knowledge of Pakistan establishment in such kind of construction," Jamwal said. Meanwhile, in a statement, the BSF said the tunnel was unearthed in a special anti-tunnelling drive which was launched all along the IB in Jammu region in view of the prevailing security scenario in the recent times. "A vigilant BSF patrol party, while carrying out in-depth scanning, detected a tunnel with a depth of approximately 25 feet and about 3-4 feet in diameter near border fencing in Galar area," it said. The BSF said Pakistan-made sand bags carrying markings of 'Shakargarh' and 'Karachi' factories were found hiding the mouth of the tunnel. "The opening of the tunnel is around 170 metres from the IB in the Indian territory in the field of a local farmer," it said, adding that the alert BSF troops foiled the nefarious design of Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into the Indian territory. "The tunnel's origin is in Pakistan close to the IB. The efforts of alert BSF troops deployed in our multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid once again resulted in neutralizing the evil designs of terrorists in deep connivance with Pakistan establishment," the statement said. The BSF said there have been regular inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pakistan border villages desperately looking to infiltrate into Indian territory but the troops foiled all attempts by the anti-national elements.

Tunnel under IB was constructed with knowledge, 'hand' of Pak: BSF IG

Delhi recorded 1,954 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the city's highest single-day spike in August till date, authorities said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-goes-past-34-million-with-single-day-spike-of-76472-cases-323863">Also Read:&nbsp;India's COVID-19 tally goes past 3.4 million with single-day spike of 76,472 cases</a>

With these fresh cases, the tally in the city has increased to 1,71,366. The death toll due to the disease has mounted to 4,404, they said.

Fifteen fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. The city had recorded its previous highest spike of 1,840 fresh cases on August 26.

On Friday, 20 deaths were reported and the daily case count was 1,808. The active cases tally on Saturday rose to 14040 from 13,208 the previous day.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, West Bengal government reported that 3,312 patients recovered from COVID-19, outnumbering new cases that stood at 3,012, according to an official bulletin.

So far, 1,27,644 people have recovered in the state, taking the discharge rate to 81.42 per cent, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said. The state's tally of COVID-19 cases was at 1,56,766, it said.

The toll rose to 3,126 after 53 people died in the last 24 hours, the bulletin said. There are 25,996 active cases in the state at present, it said.

Since Friday, 43,232 samples have been tested in the state for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Delhi recorded 1,954 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the city's highest single-day spike in August till date, authorities said. Also Read: India's COVID-19 tally goes past 3.

Delhi recorded 1,954 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, the city's highest single-day spike in August till date, authorities said. Also Read: India's COVID-19 tally goes past 3.4 million with single-day spike of 76,472 cases With these fresh cases, the tally in the city has increased to 1,71,366. The death toll due to the disease has mounted to 4,404, they said. Fifteen fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. The city had recorded its previous highest spike of 1,840 fresh cases on August 26. On Friday, 20 deaths were reported and the daily case count was 1,808. The active cases tally on Saturday rose to 14040 from 13,208 the previous day. Meanwhile, West Bengal government reported that 3,312 patients recovered from COVID-19, outnumbering new cases that stood at 3,012, according to an official bulletin. So far, 1,27,644 people have recovered in the state, taking the discharge rate to 81.42 per cent, the bulletin issued by the Health Department said. The state's tally of COVID-19 cases was at 1,56,766, it said. The toll rose to 3,126 after 53 people died in the last 24 hours, the bulletin said. There are 25,996 active cases in the state at present, it said. Since Friday, 43,232 samples have been tested in the state for COVID-19.

COVID-19: Delhi records highest single-day cases in August; death toll rises to over 4,400

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) today issued new guidelines for Unlock 4.0 allowing Metro rail services to restart operations&nbsp;from September 7 in a "graded manner".

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It also allowed social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions and other congregations with a "ceiling of 100 persons" from September 21. "The 'limited gathering' can be held with the mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer", it said.

"Open-air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from September 21," it stated. There is also "no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement".

However, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity upto September 30.

"Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged," it said.&nbsp;However, cinemas halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks will remain closed and international air travel of passengers will continue to be barred except as permitted by the MHA.

The press release said states and Union Territories will permit up to 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching and tele-counselling including related work.

Also, students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit schools in areas outside the containment zones.&nbsp;

The ministry further allowed higher education institutions only for research scholars and post-graduate students of technical and professional programmes requiring laboratory and experimental work.&nbsp;

The ministry asserted that lockdown shall be continued to be implemented strictly in containment zones till September 30th. The ministry also directed states not to impose any local lockdown outside containment zones. 
&nbsp;

The ministry further allowed&nbsp;

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) today issued new guidelines for Unlock 4.0 allowing Metro rail services to restart operations from September 7 in a "graded manner".

India's Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) today issued new guidelines for Unlock 4.0 allowing Metro rail services to restart operations from September 7 in a "graded manner". Also Read: India's COVID-19 tally goes past 3.4 million with single-day spike of 76,472 cases It also allowed social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions and other congregations with a "ceiling of 100 persons" from September 21. "The 'limited gathering' can be held with the mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer", it said. "Open-air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from September 21," it stated. There is also "no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement". However, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity upto September 30. "Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged," it said. However, cinemas halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks will remain closed and international air travel of passengers will continue to be barred except as permitted by the MHA. The press release said states and Union Territories will permit up to 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching and tele-counselling including related work. Also, students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit schools in areas outside the containment zones. The ministry further allowed higher education institutions only for research scholars and post-graduate students of technical and professional programmes requiring laboratory and experimental work. The ministry asserted that lockdown shall be continued to be implemented strictly in containment zones till September 30th. The ministry also directed states not to impose any local lockdown outside containment zones. The ministry further allowed

India Unlock 4.0: Metro rail services to restart from September 7; schools, universities to remain closed

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.

The minister, who chaired 20th meeting of Group of Ministers on COVID-19, said health infrastructure in the country has been amply strengthened. According to the Health Ministry, India has reported 26,48,998 total COIVD-19 cases and 62,550 deaths.

Dr Vardhan informed the GOM that country`s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is at its lowest at 1.81 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed to 76.47 per cent.

"As of now, only 0.29 per cent of cases are on ventilators, 1.93 per cent on ICU and only 2.88 per cent of cases are on oxygen," he said.

The GoM was briefed on the current status of COVID-19 in India. The global comparison clearly depicted that India has one of the lowest cases per million (2424) and deaths per million (44) compared to the global average of 3,161 and 107.2 respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-unlock-40-metro-rail-services-to-restart-from-september-7-schools-universities-to-remain-closed-323961">Also read|&nbsp;India Unlock 4.0: Metro rail services to restart from September 7; schools, universities to remain closed</a>

Dr Vardhan also informed the GoM that more than 338 lakh N-95 masks, nearly 135 lakh PPEs and about 27,000 ventilators have been provided by the Centre to the States and Union Territories (UTs).

According to the Health Ministry, eight States (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana) have contributed to around 73 per cent of the active caseload as of Saturday.

Seven states (Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) account for 81 per cent of total deaths.

Dr Vinod K Paul, Chairperson of the Empowered Group-1 on medical emergency management plan, apprised the GoM of the process of COVID vaccine development in India and around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-has-recovered-after-covid-19-care-to-be-discharged-soon-aiims-323944">Also read|&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah has recovered after COVID-19 care, to be discharged soon: AIIMS</a>

"About 29 candidates, including two Indian ones, are in clinical trials out of which 6 are in Phase III. In India, Bharat Biotech`s vaccine candidate based on inactivated virus procured by ICMR is in phase II trial along with Zydus Cadila`s candidate which is based on viral DNA," he said.

"The Oxford vaccine candidate developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) is already in phase III trial in Maharashtra and some other states," he added.

He informed the GoM of the progress made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan elaborated the efforts made towards mental health during the pandemic. He said the government is in direct communication with the states that were reporting a surge in cases and those with higher mortality rates.&nbsp;

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday. The minister, who chaired 20th meeting of Group of Ministers on COVID-19, said health infrastructure in the country has been amply strengthened. According to the Health Ministry, India has reported 26,48,998 total COIVD-19 cases and 62,550 deaths. Dr Vardhan informed the GOM that country`s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is at its lowest at 1.81 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed to 76.47 per cent. "As of now, only 0.29 per cent of cases are on ventilators, 1.93 per cent on ICU and only 2.88 per cent of cases are on oxygen," he said. The GoM was briefed on the current status of COVID-19 in India. The global comparison clearly depicted that India has one of the lowest cases per million (2424) and deaths per million (44) compared to the global average of 3,161 and 107.2 respectively. Also read| India Unlock 4.0: Metro rail services to restart from September 7; schools, universities to remain closed Dr Vardhan also informed the GoM that more than 338 lakh N-95 masks, nearly 135 lakh PPEs and about 27,000 ventilators have been provided by the Centre to the States and Union Territories (UTs). According to the Health Ministry, eight States (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana) have contributed to around 73 per cent of the active caseload as of Saturday. Seven states (Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) account for 81 per cent of total deaths. Dr Vinod K Paul, Chairperson of the Empowered Group-1 on medical emergency management plan, apprised the GoM of the process of COVID vaccine development in India and around the world. Also read| Home Minister Amit Shah has recovered after COVID-19 care, to be discharged soon: AIIMS "About 29 candidates, including two Indian ones, are in clinical trials out of which 6 are in Phase III. In India, Bharat Biotech`s vaccine candidate based on inactivated virus procured by ICMR is in phase II trial along with Zydus Cadila`s candidate which is based on viral DNA," he said. "The Oxford vaccine candidate developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) is already in phase III trial in Maharashtra and some other states," he added. He informed the GoM of the progress made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan elaborated the efforts made towards mental health during the pandemic. He said the government is in direct communication with the states that were reporting a surge in cases and those with higher mortality rates.

India has one of lowest global COVID-19 fatality rates, 0.29% cases on ventilators: Harsh Vardhan

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Saturday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had "recovred" after "post-COVID-19&nbsp;care". AIIMS added that he will be discharged in a short time. He was admitted to AIIMS hospital on August 18.

"Amit Shah, Hon'ble Home Minister is admitted at AIIMS, New Delhi for post-COVID-19 care. He has recovered and is likely to be discharged in a short time," said AIIMS in its statement.

Amit Shah was admitted to AIIMS after he had complained of fatigue and body ache.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/number-of-coronavirus-tests-crosses-40-million-mark-in-india-323892">Number of coronavirus tests crosses 40-million mark in India</a>

The Union Home Minister was admitted to Medanta Hospital previously, after&nbsp;he was found positive for Covid-19 infection.

On August 2, Shah, 55, had said on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He had undergone treatment for the coronavirus infection at Medanta Hospital and was discharged after he tested negative for the disease.

He was admitted to AIIMS just days after his discharge from Medanta.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Saturday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had "recovred" after "post-COVID-19 care". AIIMS added that he will be discharged in a short time.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Saturday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had "recovred" after "post-COVID-19 care". AIIMS added that he will be discharged in a short time. He was admitted to AIIMS hospital on August 18. "Amit Shah, Hon'ble Home Minister is admitted at AIIMS, New Delhi for post-COVID-19 care. He has recovered and is likely to be discharged in a short time," said AIIMS in its statement. Amit Shah was admitted to AIIMS after he had complained of fatigue and body ache. Also Read: Number of coronavirus tests crosses 40-million mark in India The Union Home Minister was admitted to Medanta Hospital previously, after he was found positive for Covid-19 infection. On August 2, Shah, 55, had said on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He had undergone treatment for the coronavirus infection at Medanta Hospital and was discharged after he tested negative for the disease. He was admitted to AIIMS just days after his discharge from Medanta. (With inputs from PTI)

Home Minister Amit Shah has recovered after COVID-19 care, to be discharged soon: AIIMS

As many as 151 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 and five others have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, according to the state police department on Saturday.According to the Maharashtra Police, so far a total number of 14,792 cops have tested positive for COVID-19 and while 11,867 have recovered after treatment, 153 others lost their lives due to the virus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 2,772 cops are active COVID-19 patients in the state.Police have registered as many as 2,43,934 offences under Section 188 (disobedience or order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Also, 340 incidents of assualt on police have been reported in the state.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/no-bjp-leader-took-aaditya-thackerays-name-in-sushant-case-says-ex-maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-323725">No BJP leader took Aaditya Thackeray's name in Sushant case, says Ex-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis</a> 
 
Moreover, the Maharashtra Police has arrested 34,017 people for flouting COVID-19 guidelines and fined a total amount of Rs 23,36,44,394.&nbsp;

As per the police, 72 incidents of attack on health professionals have been reported and 829 people have been found violating quarantine measures in the state.According to official data, there are a total number of 1,81,050 active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, while 5,43,170 people have recovered after treatment and 23,775 others have lost their lives due to the virus.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as 151 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 and five others have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, according to the state police department on Saturday.

As many as 151 Maharashtra Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 and five others have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, according to the state police department on Saturday.According to the Maharashtra Police, so far a total number of 14,792 cops have tested positive for COVID-19 and while 11,867 have recovered after treatment, 153 others lost their lives due to the virus. Meanwhile, 2,772 cops are active COVID-19 patients in the state.Police have registered as many as 2,43,934 offences under Section 188 (disobedience or order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Also, 340 incidents of assualt on police have been reported in the state. Also Read: No BJP leader took Aaditya Thackeray's name in Sushant case, says Ex-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Moreover, the Maharashtra Police has arrested 34,017 people for flouting COVID-19 guidelines and fined a total amount of Rs 23,36,44,394. As per the police, 72 incidents of attack on health professionals have been reported and 829 people have been found violating quarantine measures in the state.According to official data, there are a total number of 1,81,050 active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, while 5,43,170 people have recovered after treatment and 23,775 others have lost their lives due to the virus.

Maharashtra Police reports 151 new COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths in 24 hours

With more than 9&nbsp;lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India.

Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country.

With the focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts led by the Centre and implemented by the states and Union territories, the country has set a new landmark of testing 4,04,06,609 people for COVID-19 so far, the ministry said.

The number of daily tests has also seen an upsurge. Already having achieved the testing capacity of 10 lakh per day, 9,28,761 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Friday.

"This has boosted the Tests Per Million (TPM) with a sharp increase to 29,280. As is seen in many states and Union territories that have increased the testing, the positivity rate will eventually fall with higher levels of testing. The national positivity rate has remained low at 8.57 per cent and is constantly falling," the ministry highlighted.

The number of tests for detection of COVID-19 had crossed the three-crore mark in the country on August 17.

India has come a long way from conducting the first COVID-19 test in January in a laboratory in Pune to crossing the milestone of conducting four crore such tests.

The country is following the strategic approach of "test, track and treat", where testing forms the initial and crucial pillar of COVID response and management.

It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases are identified at an early stage, their close contacts promptly tracked and isolated, and a timely and effective treatment is ensured for those in home isolation or in hospitals, the ministry underlined.

Expanding the network of diagnostic laboratories and facilitating easy testing across the country through several policy measures have given a substantial boost to this upsurge in the national testing rates.

Currently, there are 1,576 laboratories in the country -- 1,002 in the government sector and 574 private ones -- where COVID-19 tests can be performed, the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 tally rose to 34,63,972 with a single-day spike of 76,472 cases, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 62,550 with 1,021 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

At the same time, the number of recoveries surged to 26,48,998, pushing the recovery rate to 76.47 per cent, according to the data.&nbsp;

With more than 9 lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India. Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country.

With more than 9 lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India. Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country. With the focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts led by the Centre and implemented by the states and Union territories, the country has set a new landmark of testing 4,04,06,609 people for COVID-19 so far, the ministry said. The number of daily tests has also seen an upsurge. Already having achieved the testing capacity of 10 lakh per day, 9,28,761 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Friday. "This has boosted the Tests Per Million (TPM) with a sharp increase to 29,280. As is seen in many states and Union territories that have increased the testing, the positivity rate will eventually fall with higher levels of testing. The national positivity rate has remained low at 8.57 per cent and is constantly falling," the ministry highlighted. The number of tests for detection of COVID-19 had crossed the three-crore mark in the country on August 17. India has come a long way from conducting the first COVID-19 test in January in a laboratory in Pune to crossing the milestone of conducting four crore such tests. The country is following the strategic approach of "test, track and treat", where testing forms the initial and crucial pillar of COVID response and management. It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases are identified at an early stage, their close contacts promptly tracked and isolated, and a timely and effective treatment is ensured for those in home isolation or in hospitals, the ministry underlined. Expanding the network of diagnostic laboratories and facilitating easy testing across the country through several policy measures have given a substantial boost to this upsurge in the national testing rates. Currently, there are 1,576 laboratories in the country -- 1,002 in the government sector and 574 private ones -- where COVID-19 tests can be performed, the ministry said. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 34,63,972 with a single-day spike of 76,472 cases, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 62,550 with 1,021 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. At the same time, the number of recoveries surged to 26,48,998, pushing the recovery rate to 76.47 per cent, according to the data.

Number of coronavirus tests crosses 40-million mark in India

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan international border fence in Jammu, officials said on Saturday.

The force has launched a major search operation in the area to look for other such hidden structures that aid infiltration even as it is analysing the spotted structure, they said.

BSF Director General Rakesh Asthana has directed his frontier commanders to ensure that the anti-infiltration grid is intact and there are no gaps along this front, they added.

The tunnel, about 50 metres from the border fence on the Indian side, was located by a BSF patrol on Thursday in the Samba sector of Jammu.

The force later examined the tunnel and found plastic sandbags on its mouth that had "Pakistani markings" on them, officials told PTI.

The tunnel, as per sources, has a depth of about 25 feet at the opening and the border force has launched a mega search operation along the IB in this area to detect any other such clandestine structure that can aid infiltrators to cross over from the Pakistan side and also help in smuggling of arms and narcotics.

About 8-10 plastic sandbags that have 'Karachi and Shakargarh' written on them have been recovered from the opening of the tunnel and the bags have a manufacturing and expiry date embossed on them indicating they were manufactured recently, officials said.

The nearest Pakistani border post is about 400 meters from the tunnel, they said.

The force has been conducting a mega 'anti-tunnel drive' in the IB areas of Jammu and other places after five armed infiltrators were recently killed by it along this front in Punjab.

The entire BSF formation deployed across the 3,300 km International Border that runs along Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat is on extra alert as there are multiple intelligence inputs of terrorists trying to breach the IB and infiltrate into India, officials said.

The border force is also looking at deploying ground penetrating radars to detect tunnels along this sensitive front which is prone to infiltration by terrorists from Pakistan and cross-border smuggling of arms and narcotics.

Tunnels have been detected by the BSF along the Jammu border front earlier too.&nbsp;

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan international border fence in Jammu, officials said on Saturday. The force has launched a major search operation in the area to look for other such hidden structures that aid infiltration even as it is analysing the spotted structure, they said.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan international border fence in Jammu, officials said on Saturday. The force has launched a major search operation in the area to look for other such hidden structures that aid infiltration even as it is analysing the spotted structure, they said. BSF Director General Rakesh Asthana has directed his frontier commanders to ensure that the anti-infiltration grid is intact and there are no gaps along this front, they added. The tunnel, about 50 metres from the border fence on the Indian side, was located by a BSF patrol on Thursday in the Samba sector of Jammu. The force later examined the tunnel and found plastic sandbags on its mouth that had "Pakistani markings" on them, officials told PTI. The tunnel, as per sources, has a depth of about 25 feet at the opening and the border force has launched a mega search operation along the IB in this area to detect any other such clandestine structure that can aid infiltrators to cross over from the Pakistan side and also help in smuggling of arms and narcotics. About 8-10 plastic sandbags that have 'Karachi and Shakargarh' written on them have been recovered from the opening of the tunnel and the bags have a manufacturing and expiry date embossed on them indicating they were manufactured recently, officials said. The nearest Pakistani border post is about 400 meters from the tunnel, they said. The force has been conducting a mega 'anti-tunnel drive' in the IB areas of Jammu and other places after five armed infiltrators were recently killed by it along this front in Punjab. The entire BSF formation deployed across the 3,300 km International Border that runs along Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat is on extra alert as there are multiple intelligence inputs of terrorists trying to breach the IB and infiltrate into India, officials said. The border force is also looking at deploying ground penetrating radars to detect tunnels along this sensitive front which is prone to infiltration by terrorists from Pakistan and cross-border smuggling of arms and narcotics. Tunnels have been detected by the BSF along the Jammu border front earlier too.

BSF detects tunnel along India-Pak border in Jammu

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II.

Kotnis, who hailed from Sholapur in Maharashtra came to China in 1938 as part of a five-member team of doctors sent by the Indian National Congress to help the Chinese during World War II. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1942 and died the same year at the age of 32.

The bronze statue of Kotnis, known in China as Ke Dihua, would be formally unveiled at the medical school at Shijiazhuang in September, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Kotnis' medical assistance during the difficult days of the Chinese revolution was praised by Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His status and memorials were also set in some of the Chinese cities in recognition of his services. 
He is married to Chinese national Guo Qinglan, who died in 2012.

Apart from the school named after him as the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, there are memorials of Kotnis in both Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, and Tangxian county where he once worked.

Late Chinese leader Mao Zedong was deeply affected by his death, the report said.

Mao wrote in his eulogy that "the army has lost a helping hand, the nation has lost a friend. Let us always bear in mind his internationalist spirit".

According to Liu Wenzhu, an official of the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, since the founding of the school in 1992 more than 45,000 medical professionals have graduated from it.

Each of the new students and staff must swear in front of a stone statue of Kotnis that they would work like him, he said.

Liu hopes that Kotnis will be remembered not only as a symbol inspiring medical students to work hard, but also an eternal bond between the people of China and India.

"We are the world's two most populous countries. We should always be friends, coexisting peacefully," he told Xinhua.&nbsp;

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II.

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II. Kotnis, who hailed from Sholapur in Maharashtra came to China in 1938 as part of a five-member team of doctors sent by the Indian National Congress to help the Chinese during World War II. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1942 and died the same year at the age of 32. The bronze statue of Kotnis, known in China as Ke Dihua, would be formally unveiled at the medical school at Shijiazhuang in September, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. Kotnis' medical assistance during the difficult days of the Chinese revolution was praised by Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His status and memorials were also set in some of the Chinese cities in recognition of his services. He is married to Chinese national Guo Qinglan, who died in 2012. Apart from the school named after him as the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, there are memorials of Kotnis in both Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, and Tangxian county where he once worked. Late Chinese leader Mao Zedong was deeply affected by his death, the report said. Mao wrote in his eulogy that "the army has lost a helping hand, the nation has lost a friend. Let us always bear in mind his internationalist spirit". According to Liu Wenzhu, an official of the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, since the founding of the school in 1992 more than 45,000 medical professionals have graduated from it. Each of the new students and staff must swear in front of a stone statue of Kotnis that they would work like him, he said. Liu hopes that Kotnis will be remembered not only as a symbol inspiring medical students to work hard, but also an eternal bond between the people of China and India. "We are the world's two most populous countries. We should always be friends, coexisting peacefully," he told Xinhua.

China to unveil bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-hold-elections-for-the-post-of-president-ahmed-patel-323064">Also Read:&nbsp;Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel</a>

Azad was one of the 23 leaders who had demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president which was described as a "letter not dissent" and criticised by party leader Rahul Gandhi who had questioned the timing the of the letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Gulam Nabi pitched for elections to be held within the party, adding that it would be better if an elected body represents the party otherwise the "Congress will continue to sit in the Opposition for the next 50 years."

"When you contest the election at least 51 per cent is with you and you contest the election against only 2 to 3 people within the party. A person who will get 51 per cent of votes will be elected. Others will get 10 or 15 per cent votes. The person who wins and get charge of the post of party president, it means that 51 per cent people are with him. The election has the benefit that when you fight elections, at least your party is 51 per cent behind you. Right now, the person who becomes president might not even have one per cent support. If members are elected then they cannot be removed. So what is the problem," Azad told ANI.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal who had hit out against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly questioning his loyalty backed Azad saying that the party needs 24x7 leadership since the Congress was at a historic low.

After the Congress meeting, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till a "proper procedure" is implemented in "not too distant future" to elect a party chief.

Sonia Gandhi had reportedly offered to quit but was requested by the CWC members to stay on.

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support.

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support." Also Read: Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel Azad was one of the 23 leaders who had demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president which was described as a "letter not dissent" and criticised by party leader Rahul Gandhi who had questioned the timing the of the letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Gulam Nabi pitched for elections to be held within the party, adding that it would be better if an elected body represents the party otherwise the "Congress will continue to sit in the Opposition for the next 50 years." "When you contest the election at least 51 per cent is with you and you contest the election against only 2 to 3 people within the party. A person who will get 51 per cent of votes will be elected. Others will get 10 or 15 per cent votes. The person who wins and get charge of the post of party president, it means that 51 per cent people are with him. The election has the benefit that when you fight elections, at least your party is 51 per cent behind you. Right now, the person who becomes president might not even have one per cent support. If members are elected then they cannot be removed. So what is the problem," Azad told ANI. Congress leader Kapil Sibal who had hit out against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly questioning his loyalty backed Azad saying that the party needs 24x7 leadership since the Congress was at a historic low. After the Congress meeting, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till a "proper procedure" is implemented in "not too distant future" to elect a party chief. Sonia Gandhi had reportedly offered to quit but was requested by the CWC members to stay on.

Person who becomes Congress president might not even have 1% support: Ghulam Nabi Azad

On August 28, 1965, a&nbsp;group of Indian soldiers led by Major Ranjit Singh Dayal captured the strategic Haji Pir pass that Pakistan had been using to infiltrate the Kashmir valley. They called it operation Gibraltar. However, the Indian army decided to put a stop to that.

In the run-up to the 1965 India-Pakistan war,&nbsp;India registered the first win after a 37-hour battle in hostile terrain. Thirteen days later, India sealed the victory. It captured Kahuta on September 10 ending Pakistani resistance.

This operation was the Indian army's most successful military action during the entire war of 1965, but within months, India gave up the prize.

In the Tashkent agreement of 1966, India returned the Haji Pir pass to Pakistan. Later on January 10,&nbsp;1966, right after signing the Tashkent declaration with President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, India's then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died. Had the pass been held by India, the distance from Jammu to Srinagar through Poonch and Uri would have been reduced by over 200 kms.

Once Pakistan got it back, it resumed infiltration into Jammu.

Lal Bahadur Shastri returned the Haji Pir to save Akhnoor in the bargain. Shastri bartered for Pakistan's withdrawal from the Chamb sector. Pakistan was already stationed in the sector 4, kilometeres away from Akhnoor and was all set to wrest control of the Jammu-Srinagar highway via Akhnoor.

On August 28, 1965, a group of Indian soldiers led by Major Ranjit Singh Dayal captured the strategic Haji Pir pass that Pakistan had been using to infiltrate the Kashmir valley.

On August 28, 1965, a group of Indian soldiers led by Major Ranjit Singh Dayal captured the strategic Haji Pir pass that Pakistan had been using to infiltrate the Kashmir valley. They called it operation Gibraltar. However, the Indian army decided to put a stop to that. In the run-up to the 1965 India-Pakistan war, India registered the first win after a 37-hour battle in hostile terrain. Thirteen days later, India sealed the victory. It captured Kahuta on September 10 ending Pakistani resistance. This operation was the Indian army's most successful military action during the entire war of 1965, but within months, India gave up the prize. In the Tashkent agreement of 1966, India returned the Haji Pir pass to Pakistan. Later on January 10, 1966, right after signing the Tashkent declaration with President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, India's then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died. Had the pass been held by India, the distance from Jammu to Srinagar through Poonch and Uri would have been reduced by over 200 kms. Once Pakistan got it back, it resumed infiltration into Jammu. Lal Bahadur Shastri returned the Haji Pir to save Akhnoor in the bargain. Shastri bartered for Pakistan's withdrawal from the Chamb sector. Pakistan was already stationed in the sector 4, kilometeres away from Akhnoor and was all set to wrest control of the Jammu-Srinagar highway via Akhnoor.

Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations".

Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation".

The statement further said, "in line with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our tenure in the Security Council beginning 2021, India will continue to push for greater involvement of women in all areas".

The resolution has been voted on and the results will be announced at 4 am IST on Saturday or 6.30 pm New York time. The resolution asked UN member states to provide "access to training for uniformed women personnel" and develop a "national database of trained women personnel interested" in deployment.

According to 2019 figures, only 6% of UN peacekeepers are women. In all, of the 86,687 peacekeepers, 5,243 are female.

The resolution explicitly mentions that a "gender-sensitive working environments for women in peacekeeping operations" should be developed and any "threats and violence against them" should be addressed.

It also "requested" the UN Secretary-General to strengthen efforts to "prevent and address sexual harassment" within peacekeeping operations

New Delhi has been sending women peacekeepers almost since the beginning, for instance, as early as 1960 it sent women in the Armed Forces Medical Services to Congo.

In 2007, India was the first country to send an all-women UN Peacekeeping mission to the West African country of Liberia.

Earlier this year, Indian Women peacekeeper Major Suman Gawani won the UN Military Gender Advocate award. She served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

India is one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping force.

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations". Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation".

India has co-sponsored Indonesian resolution on women peacekeepers that calls for increasing the "deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping operations". Indian mission to United Nations in a statement said, "We are proud to co-sponsor the UN Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping that calls for full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operation". The statement further said, "in line with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our tenure in the Security Council beginning 2021, India will continue to push for greater involvement of women in all areas". The resolution has been voted on and the results will be announced at 4 am IST on Saturday or 6.30 pm New York time. The resolution asked UN member states to provide "access to training for uniformed women personnel" and develop a "national database of trained women personnel interested" in deployment. According to 2019 figures, only 6% of UN peacekeepers are women. In all, of the 86,687 peacekeepers, 5,243 are female. The resolution explicitly mentions that a "gender-sensitive working environments for women in peacekeeping operations" should be developed and any "threats and violence against them" should be addressed. It also "requested" the UN Secretary-General to strengthen efforts to "prevent and address sexual harassment" within peacekeeping operations New Delhi has been sending women peacekeepers almost since the beginning, for instance, as early as 1960 it sent women in the Armed Forces Medical Services to Congo. In 2007, India was the first country to send an all-women UN Peacekeeping mission to the West African country of Liberia. Earlier this year, Indian Women peacekeeper Major Suman Gawani won the UN Military Gender Advocate award. She served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. India is one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping force.

‘Proud’ India co-sponsors UNSC resolution on women peacekeepers

Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

The unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by firing with small arms and shelling mortars in the area. The Indian Army retaliated to the ceasefire.

At least one civilian was injured in the firing. The firing took place in Mendhar sector of the district.

At about 5.45 pm, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along LoC in the district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by firing with small arms and shelling mortars in the area.

Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by firing with small arms and shelling mortars in the area. The Indian Army retaliated to the ceasefire. At least one civilian was injured in the firing. The firing took place in Mendhar sector of the district. At about 5.45 pm, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along LoC in the district. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K’s Poonch, heavy shelling in Mendhar

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. 
 
The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection. He passed away at 6:56pm on Friday, after his condition deteriorated due to Covid complications.&nbsp;

The hospital statement said that he was being treated in the critical care unit for Covid pneumonia. But his condition gradually deteriorated, despite all active medical measures.&nbsp;

He was the working president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and had been an MLA from the Nanguneri assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. It was after resigning his MLA post that he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kanyakumari. He had defeated incumbent and lone-BJP MP Pon Radhakrishnan.&nbsp;

Starting his career as a salesman, he went on to found Vasanth &amp; Co a popular retail chain of home appliances and electronics. His brand had once been synonymous with home appliances retail.&nbsp;

Vasanthakumar was the younger brother of former TNCC President Kumari Anandan and his niece Tamilisai Soundararajan is the Governor of Telangana state.

Condolences for the late leader have poured in from across the political spectrum.

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection.

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection. He passed away at 6:56pm on Friday, after his condition deteriorated due to Covid complications. The hospital statement said that he was being treated in the critical care unit for Covid pneumonia. But his condition gradually deteriorated, despite all active medical measures. He was the working president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and had been an MLA from the Nanguneri assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. It was after resigning his MLA post that he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kanyakumari. He had defeated incumbent and lone-BJP MP Pon Radhakrishnan. Starting his career as a salesman, he went on to found Vasanth & Co a popular retail chain of home appliances and electronics. His brand had once been synonymous with home appliances retail. Vasanthakumar was the younger brother of former TNCC President Kumari Anandan and his niece Tamilisai Soundararajan is the Governor of Telangana state. Condolences for the late leader have poured in from across the political spectrum.

Kanyakumari MP, Congress leader H Vasanthakumar succumbs to Covid-19

In the race to find a cure for the coronavirus infection, Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of a safe, effective and affordable vaccine.

According to BCM, Hyderabad-headquartered BE has licenced the recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed at Baylor.

The company engaged in licence negotiations with the BCM Ventures team after initial discussions on Baylor's technology and how it could possibly inform a vaccine to address the current global pandemic.

The company will leverage its past experience for the further development and commercialisation of the vaccine candidate, which is currently produced using a proven yeast-based expression technology, the Texas-based BCM said.

"Recent information that India has become the third-leading nation in terms of COVID-19 cases has sparked concern that COVID-19 will become widespread and a serious and deadly infection across the crowded urban areas of South Asia," said Dr Peter Hotez, professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, at a webinar organised by the Consul General of India in Houston, Aseem Mahajan, last week.

India has recorded 33, 87,500 coronavirus cases and 61,529 fatalities due to the disease, while the US is leading the chart with over 5,869,000 cases and 180,800 deaths.

"The healthcare sector is predicted to grow steadily in India and the US. Given the complementarities, companies in both the countries have a great opportunity to build synergies including to partner together for global supply chains, joint research and manufacturing," Mahajan told PTI.

Hotez and his colleagues have already been making SARs and MERS vaccines. "Then, when we got word about COVID-19, we saw that the sequence for the new virus was similar to some of the viruses that we were already making vaccines for," said Hotez, who is also the co-director of Texas Children's Centre for Vaccine Development.

Hotez and his team were able to quickly move on to creating a COVID-19 vaccine, which resulted in the collaboration with a large vaccine producer in India.

"They have the capacity to make a billion doses of the vaccine that we've developed at Baylor College of Medicine."

"We're very worried that a lot of the low and middle income countries will be kind of pushed aside if we only rely on the Operation Warp Speed vaccines so we think what we do at Texas Children's and Baylor should fill that critically important gap," he said.

The vaccine is still in trials in India with the hope that it will be able to roll out sometime next year.

"For the past two decades, our vaccine centre has been advancing global health vaccines to prevent neglected and emerging diseases," said associate dean Dr Maria Elena Bottazzi.

"We are therefore well suited to embark on this important collaboration with BE and look forward to facilitating the technology transfer for the COVID-19 vaccine to India and for the world. The current focus is on transfer of the technology for BE to initiate scale-up of the manufacturing process and undertake further development of the vaccine candidate," she said.

Meanwhile, the BE in a statement said the partnership with Baylor would help accelerate the development of an affordable vaccine, especially for India and other low- and middle-income nations.

"If the vaccine development is successful, we expect to make several hundred million doses of the vaccine available annually," said Narnder Dev Mantena, director of BioE Holdings Inc, who heads BE's novel vaccine initiative.

In the race to find a cure for the coronavirus infection, Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of a safe, effective and affordable vaccine.

In the race to find a cure for the coronavirus infection, Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of a safe, effective and affordable vaccine. According to BCM, Hyderabad-headquartered BE has licenced the recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed at Baylor. The company engaged in licence negotiations with the BCM Ventures team after initial discussions on Baylor's technology and how it could possibly inform a vaccine to address the current global pandemic. The company will leverage its past experience for the further development and commercialisation of the vaccine candidate, which is currently produced using a proven yeast-based expression technology, the Texas-based BCM said. "Recent information that India has become the third-leading nation in terms of COVID-19 cases has sparked concern that COVID-19 will become widespread and a serious and deadly infection across the crowded urban areas of South Asia," said Dr Peter Hotez, professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, at a webinar organised by the Consul General of India in Houston, Aseem Mahajan, last week. India has recorded 33, 87,500 coronavirus cases and 61,529 fatalities due to the disease, while the US is leading the chart with over 5,869,000 cases and 180,800 deaths. "The healthcare sector is predicted to grow steadily in India and the US. Given the complementarities, companies in both the countries have a great opportunity to build synergies including to partner together for global supply chains, joint research and manufacturing," Mahajan told PTI. Hotez and his colleagues have already been making SARs and MERS vaccines. "Then, when we got word about COVID-19, we saw that the sequence for the new virus was similar to some of the viruses that we were already making vaccines for," said Hotez, who is also the co-director of Texas Children's Centre for Vaccine Development. Hotez and his team were able to quickly move on to creating a COVID-19 vaccine, which resulted in the collaboration with a large vaccine producer in India. "They have the capacity to make a billion doses of the vaccine that we've developed at Baylor College of Medicine." "We're very worried that a lot of the low and middle income countries will be kind of pushed aside if we only rely on the Operation Warp Speed vaccines so we think what we do at Texas Children's and Baylor should fill that critically important gap," he said. The vaccine is still in trials in India with the hope that it will be able to roll out sometime next year. "For the past two decades, our vaccine centre has been advancing global health vaccines to prevent neglected and emerging diseases," said associate dean Dr Maria Elena Bottazzi. "We are therefore well suited to embark on this important collaboration with BE and look forward to facilitating the technology transfer for the COVID-19 vaccine to India and for the world. The current focus is on transfer of the technology for BE to initiate scale-up of the manufacturing process and undertake further development of the vaccine candidate," she said. Meanwhile, the BE in a statement said the partnership with Baylor would help accelerate the development of an affordable vaccine, especially for India and other low- and middle-income nations. "If the vaccine development is successful, we expect to make several hundred million doses of the vaccine available annually," said Narnder Dev Mantena, director of BioE Holdings Inc, who heads BE's novel vaccine initiative.

US college ties up with Indian firm for Covid vaccine production 

As schools are shut in around 190 countries due to Coronavirus pandemic, more than 1.6 Billion student have been affected. In this video of session 3 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed that when should schools reopen?

WION Education Summit: When should schools reopen?

In this video of session 3 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed that How high is the risk of COVID-19 transmission among children?

WION Education Summit: How high is the risk of COVID-19 transmission among children?

In this video of session 3 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed that can online learning be a fully substitute to person teaching? It comes with multiple challenges, how can one tackle these?

WION Education Summit: Can online learning be a fully substitute to person teaching?

In this video of session 2 of 'WION Education Summit', we compared digital learning with traditional schooling. Watch this video to know what we get!

WION Education Summit: Comparison of digital learning with traditional schooling

In this video of session 2 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed that How digital learning can be improved with technological advancement?

WION Education Summit: Roles of technological advancement in improvement of digital learning

In this video of session 2 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed possible solutions for difficulties related to virtual learning, specifically in India with our experts.

WION Education Summit: Discussed possible solutions for difficulties related to virtual learning

In this video of session 2 of 'WION Education Summit', we discussed types of security threats and tips for safety during e-learning or online education.

WION Education Summit: Types of security threats and tips for safety during e-learning

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