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India on Thursday (August 27, 2020) recorded the highest single-day spike of 75,760 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours and the country’s COVID-19 tally crossed 33-lakh mark.

India records highest single-day spike of 75,760 new Coronavirus cases

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-seeks-collaboration-with-india-for-manufacturing-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-sources-323068">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V</a>

The death toll from the pathogen climbed to 59,449 with 1,059 more fatalities. The recovery rate rose to 76.30 per cent with 63,173 more people having recuperated, while the case fatality rate has declined to 1.84 per cent, the ministry said.

There are 7,07,267 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 21.87 per cent of the total 32,34,474 infections, the ministry data stated.

According to the ICMR, 3,76,51,512 tests have been conducted so far, including 8,23,992 samples on Tuesday.

Of the 1,059 more deaths, 329 are from Maharashtra, 148 from Karnataka, 107 from Tamil Nadu, 92 from Andhra Pradesh and 72 from Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-eight people succumbed to the infection in West Bengal, 49 in Punjab, 20 in Gujarat, 19 in Madhya Pradesh, and 17 each in Delhi and Jharkhand.

There were 15 more fatalities in Chhattisgarh, 14 in Jammu and Kashmir and 13 in Rajasthan, while 10 people each died due to the contagion in Telangana, Kerala and Haryana.

Goa and Odisha registered nine deaths each, followed by eight each in Assam and Puducherry, six in Uttarakhand, and five each from Tripura and Bihar. There were three more deaths in Chandigarh, two each in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Manipur, and one each in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Of the total 59,449 deaths, Maharashtra has reported the maximum of 22,794 followed by 6,721 in Tamil Nadu, 4,958 in Karnataka, 4,330 in Delhi, 3,460 in Andhra Pradesh and 3,059 in Uttar Pradesh.

Gujarat registered 2,928 fatalities, followed by 2,909 in West Bengal, 1,265 in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,178 people have died in Punjab, 980 in Rajasthan, 780 in Telangana, 638 in Jammu and Kashmir and 623 in Haryana.

There were 519 coronavirus deaths in Bihar, 428 in Odisha, 347 in Jharkhand, 260 in Assam and 244 in Kerala. Chhattisgarh reported 221 fatalities, followed by 213 in Uttarakhand, 172 in Puducherry, 157 in Goa and 83 in Tripura.

Forty people died from the pathogen in Chandigarh, 37 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 30 in Himachal Pradesh, 24 each in Ladakh and Manipur. Nagaland registered nine deaths, followed by eight in Meghalaya, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Sikkim and two in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said, adding that statewise distribution of figures was subject to further verification and reconciliation. 
&nbsp;

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said. Also Read: Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V The death toll from the pathogen climbed to 59,449 with 1,059 more fatalities. The recovery rate rose to 76.30 per cent with 63,173 more people having recuperated, while the case fatality rate has declined to 1.84 per cent, the ministry said. There are 7,07,267 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 21.87 per cent of the total 32,34,474 infections, the ministry data stated. According to the ICMR, 3,76,51,512 tests have been conducted so far, including 8,23,992 samples on Tuesday. Of the 1,059 more deaths, 329 are from Maharashtra, 148 from Karnataka, 107 from Tamil Nadu, 92 from Andhra Pradesh and 72 from Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-eight people succumbed to the infection in West Bengal, 49 in Punjab, 20 in Gujarat, 19 in Madhya Pradesh, and 17 each in Delhi and Jharkhand. There were 15 more fatalities in Chhattisgarh, 14 in Jammu and Kashmir and 13 in Rajasthan, while 10 people each died due to the contagion in Telangana, Kerala and Haryana. Goa and Odisha registered nine deaths each, followed by eight each in Assam and Puducherry, six in Uttarakhand, and five each from Tripura and Bihar. There were three more deaths in Chandigarh, two each in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Manipur, and one each in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Of the total 59,449 deaths, Maharashtra has reported the maximum of 22,794 followed by 6,721 in Tamil Nadu, 4,958 in Karnataka, 4,330 in Delhi, 3,460 in Andhra Pradesh and 3,059 in Uttar Pradesh. Gujarat registered 2,928 fatalities, followed by 2,909 in West Bengal, 1,265 in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,178 people have died in Punjab, 980 in Rajasthan, 780 in Telangana, 638 in Jammu and Kashmir and 623 in Haryana. There were 519 coronavirus deaths in Bihar, 428 in Odisha, 347 in Jharkhand, 260 in Assam and 244 in Kerala. Chhattisgarh reported 221 fatalities, followed by 213 in Uttarakhand, 172 in Puducherry, 157 in Goa and 83 in Tripura. Forty people died from the pathogen in Chandigarh, 37 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 30 in Himachal Pradesh, 24 each in Ladakh and Manipur. Nagaland registered nine deaths, followed by eight in Meghalaya, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Sikkim and two in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said, adding that statewise distribution of figures was subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449

Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong speaking at the China-India Youth webinar said that China sees India as a "partner instead of a rival and an opportunity instead of a threat."

Watch:

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"We hope to put the boundary question at an appropriate place in bilateral relations," the Chinese ambassador said, adding,"properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, and push bilateral relations back on track at an early date."

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Addressed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> Youth Webinar <a href="https://t.co/nO71E2rRgp">https://t.co/nO71E2rRgp</a> &amp; interacted with youth representatives <a href="https://t.co/fQD5nLuguo">https://t.co/fQD5nLuguo</a> recently. Hope young friends strengthen communications with mutual respect, enhance mutual understanding &amp; build a bridge between our two peoples.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1298464466338635778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Not long ago, an unfortunate incident happened in the border areas that neither China nor India would like to see. Now we are working to handle it properly. It is a brief moment from the perspective of history," the Chinese ambassador said.

Relations between India and China have been tense after Indian troops clashed with PLA soldiers at Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although Chinese troops also suffered casualties but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures.

India and Chinese troops have engaged in disengagement talks ever since the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops pulling back from several areas along Line of Control(LAC), however, there have been reports of slow movement of Chinese troops in some forward sectors along the border.

Weidong asserted that India and China "should live in peace and avoid conflicts."

"No country can be isolated from the rest of the world and seek development on its own. We should not only adhere to self-reliance, but also stick to opening up to the outside world in line with the trend of globalization. Only in this way can we achieve better development," Weidong said.

Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong speaking at the China-India Youth webinar said that China sees India as a "partner instead of a rival and an opportunity instead of a threat.

Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong speaking at the China-India Youth webinar said that China sees India as a "partner instead of a rival and an opportunity instead of a threat." Watch: "We hope to put the boundary question at an appropriate place in bilateral relations," the Chinese ambassador said, adding,"properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, and push bilateral relations back on track at an early date." Addressed #China-#India Youth Webinar https://t.co/nO71E2rRgp & interacted with youth representatives https://t.co/fQD5nLuguo recently. Hope young friends strengthen communications with mutual respect, enhance mutual understanding & build a bridge between our two peoples. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) August 26, 2020 × "Not long ago, an unfortunate incident happened in the border areas that neither China nor India would like to see. Now we are working to handle it properly. It is a brief moment from the perspective of history," the Chinese ambassador said. Relations between India and China have been tense after Indian troops clashed with PLA soldiers at Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although Chinese troops also suffered casualties but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures. India and Chinese troops have engaged in disengagement talks ever since the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops pulling back from several areas along Line of Control(LAC), however, there have been reports of slow movement of Chinese troops in some forward sectors along the border. Weidong asserted that India and China "should live in peace and avoid conflicts." "No country can be isolated from the rest of the world and seek development on its own. We should not only adhere to self-reliance, but also stick to opening up to the outside world in line with the trend of globalization. Only in this way can we achieve better development," Weidong said.

India-China standoff: Unfortunate incident happened at the border, it is a brief moment from history's perspective: Chinese ambassador Weidong

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said.

They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019.

The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu.

A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said.

The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.

The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said.

Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said.

The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said.

Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said.

The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year.

The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said.

Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others.

"The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet.

The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives.

He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said.

Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama.

"Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said.

Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said.

The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said.

They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said.

Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged.

Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said.

The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said. They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019. The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu. A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said. The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate. The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said. Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said. The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said. Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said. The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year. The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said. Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others. "The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad. The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet. The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives. He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said. Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama. "Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said. Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said. The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said. They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said. Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged. Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said. The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

NIA confirms money was put in Pakistan bank accounts of Masood Azhar before Pulwama terror attack

A PIL in the Supreme Court has sought directions for nominating central and state government representatives from among Sunni Muslims to the 'Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation' trust for building mosque in Ayodhya.

The apex court on November 9 last year had paved the way for the construction of a Ram Temple by a Trust at the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site at Ayodhya, and directed the Centre to allot an alternative 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in Uttar Pradesh.

In a bid to put an end to the more than a century old dispute that had torn the social fabric of the nation, the top court in a unanimous 5-0 verdict ruled that the 2.77 acres of disputed land where the demolished Babri Masjid once stood will remain with a central government receiver and be handed over to a Trust within three months for the construction of the temple.

The plea, filed by advocates Shishir Chaturvedi and Karunesh Kumar Shukla, said that apart from private individuals and members of state Sunni Board, the presence of central and state government representatives was essential to ensure proper management of the funds.

According to the plea, Sunni Waqf Board on July 29, 2020 declared creating a trust under the title of 'Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation' for building a mosque, cultural and research centre and public utility facilities including a community kitchen, a hospital and a library within 5 acres land allotted to it.

It said there was no provision for nominating any officer of the government, like the trust created by central government.

It is expected that hundreds of people will visit the 'Islamic Trust' site and it will get contributions from within India as also from foreign countries, the plea said, adding that there should be proper management of the funds and the property vested in the trust.

"It is in public interest that the Central Government and the State Government may have all relevant information about the working of the trust to maintain public order and to ensure that no malpractices take place and the funds are not mis-utilised or misappropriated by any trust," the petition said.

It said that government may be directed to create a trust making provision for nomination of the its officers in the same manner that the provision has been made in Ayodhya Teerth Kshetra Trust created by Central Government vide order dated February 5.

"Issue direction in the nature of mandamus directing the Central Government to create a Trust making provision for representation of the nominees of the Central and state government belonging to Sunni Muslims in Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust which may carry out construction work and manage the affairs over 5 Acres land allotted in Dhannipur Village, District Ayodhya, UP to Sunni Central Waqf Board," the plea said.

The disputed site in Ayodhya was occupied by the 16th century Babri mosque which was destroyed by Hindu kar sevaks on December 6, 1992.

The demolition had triggered communal riots.

A PIL in the Supreme Court has sought directions for nominating central and state government representatives from among Sunni Muslims to the 'Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation' trust for building mosque in Ayodhya.

A PIL in the Supreme Court has sought directions for nominating central and state government representatives from among Sunni Muslims to the 'Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation' trust for building mosque in Ayodhya. The apex court on November 9 last year had paved the way for the construction of a Ram Temple by a Trust at the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site at Ayodhya, and directed the Centre to allot an alternative 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in Uttar Pradesh. In a bid to put an end to the more than a century old dispute that had torn the social fabric of the nation, the top court in a unanimous 5-0 verdict ruled that the 2.77 acres of disputed land where the demolished Babri Masjid once stood will remain with a central government receiver and be handed over to a Trust within three months for the construction of the temple. The plea, filed by advocates Shishir Chaturvedi and Karunesh Kumar Shukla, said that apart from private individuals and members of state Sunni Board, the presence of central and state government representatives was essential to ensure proper management of the funds. According to the plea, Sunni Waqf Board on July 29, 2020 declared creating a trust under the title of 'Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation' for building a mosque, cultural and research centre and public utility facilities including a community kitchen, a hospital and a library within 5 acres land allotted to it. It said there was no provision for nominating any officer of the government, like the trust created by central government. It is expected that hundreds of people will visit the 'Islamic Trust' site and it will get contributions from within India as also from foreign countries, the plea said, adding that there should be proper management of the funds and the property vested in the trust. "It is in public interest that the Central Government and the State Government may have all relevant information about the working of the trust to maintain public order and to ensure that no malpractices take place and the funds are not mis-utilised or misappropriated by any trust," the petition said. It said that government may be directed to create a trust making provision for nomination of the its officers in the same manner that the provision has been made in Ayodhya Teerth Kshetra Trust created by Central Government vide order dated February 5. "Issue direction in the nature of mandamus directing the Central Government to create a Trust making provision for representation of the nominees of the Central and state government belonging to Sunni Muslims in Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust which may carry out construction work and manage the affairs over 5 Acres land allotted in Dhannipur Village, District Ayodhya, UP to Sunni Central Waqf Board," the plea said. The disputed site in Ayodhya was occupied by the 16th century Babri mosque which was destroyed by Hindu kar sevaks on December 6, 1992. The demolition had triggered communal riots.

PIL in Supreme Court seeks appointing government nominees in Ayodhya mosque trust

Amid the ongoing debate over the need to conduct National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exams for medical, dental courses at the Undergraduate level, the Tamil Nadu Health Minister has written to the Union Health Minister seeking the cancellation of the exam. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is barely 3000 cases short of the 4 lakh mark, in terms of total recorded Covid-19 cases. The growing chorus against the conduct of the NEET exam is primarily owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has affected over 3 million people and claimed 60,000 lives across India.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Health minister Vijayabaskar has written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minster and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission.&nbsp;

This permission is being sought on the grounds that 12th grade exams have been completed and results have been declared across Tamil Nadu. “The NEET examination may kindly be dispensed with an request you to direct the Ministry to promulgate an Ordinance to keep in abeyance the relevant sections of the Indian Medical council Act, 1956 and Dentist Act, 1948and connected regulations governing the medical and dental college admissions” the letter stated. &nbsp;

The NEET exam is planned to be conducted in the second week of September and over 15 lakh students are said to have registered for taking the test. However, some of the major concerns being raised from the students’ end is the limited options of local public transport, trains and flights. Students have also been depending on online classes since March this year, when educational institutions, coaching centers were shut as a part of the nationwide lockdown. It is also feared that some students who are under quarantine or suffering from Covid-19 would be unable to take the tests, thus leading to the loss of an academic year.&nbsp;

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the tests across the country, said that it has planned several measures to enhance safety - more examination centers, altered seating arrangements, fewer number of candidates per room and also staggered entry and exit.&nbsp;

However, the students point out that, there remain challenges when it comes to NRI students who wish to write the exam. Under normal situations, they would have come down to exam centers in India to take the test, but would not be able to do so under the current scenario where only limited flights are operating (from select destinations).&nbsp;

Several opposition party leaders including those from the TMC, Congress and DMK have been urging the government to ensure that the exams be postponed.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a plea by the students, which sought postponement of the NEET and JEE (Mains) exams, saying that an academic year couldn’t be wasted and that life has to go on.

Amid the ongoing debate over the need to conduct National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exams for medical, dental courses at the Undergraduate level, the Tamil Nadu Health Minister has written to the Union Health Minister seeking the cancellation of the exam.

Amid the ongoing debate over the need to conduct National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exams for medical, dental courses at the Undergraduate level, the Tamil Nadu Health Minister has written to the Union Health Minister seeking the cancellation of the exam. This comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is barely 3000 cases short of the 4 lakh mark, in terms of total recorded Covid-19 cases. The growing chorus against the conduct of the NEET exam is primarily owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has affected over 3 million people and claimed 60,000 lives across India. Tamil Nadu Health minister Vijayabaskar has written to the Union Health Minister Dr.Harsh Vardhan emphasizing the need to cancel the NEET exam and allow Tamil Nadu to provide medical admissions on the basis of marks secured in the 12th grade board examinations. The letter also touched upon earlier instances where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minster and Health Minister requesting that an ordinance be promulgated, to allow the state to follow its earlier pattern for medical admission. This permission is being sought on the grounds that 12th grade exams have been completed and results have been declared across Tamil Nadu. “The NEET examination may kindly be dispensed with an request you to direct the Ministry to promulgate an Ordinance to keep in abeyance the relevant sections of the Indian Medical council Act, 1956 and Dentist Act, 1948and connected regulations governing the medical and dental college admissions” the letter stated. The NEET exam is planned to be conducted in the second week of September and over 15 lakh students are said to have registered for taking the test. However, some of the major concerns being raised from the students’ end is the limited options of local public transport, trains and flights. Students have also been depending on online classes since March this year, when educational institutions, coaching centers were shut as a part of the nationwide lockdown. It is also feared that some students who are under quarantine or suffering from Covid-19 would be unable to take the tests, thus leading to the loss of an academic year. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the tests across the country, said that it has planned several measures to enhance safety - more examination centers, altered seating arrangements, fewer number of candidates per room and also staggered entry and exit. However, the students point out that, there remain challenges when it comes to NRI students who wish to write the exam. Under normal situations, they would have come down to exam centers in India to take the test, but would not be able to do so under the current scenario where only limited flights are operating (from select destinations). Several opposition party leaders including those from the TMC, Congress and DMK have been urging the government to ensure that the exams be postponed. Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a plea by the students, which sought postponement of the NEET and JEE (Mains) exams, saying that an academic year couldn’t be wasted and that life has to go on.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister writes to Union Minister seeking cancellation of NEET Examination

In a major breakthrough, Kolkata Customs, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) made the biggest seizure of antiques in recent times. The agency seized as many as 25 antique idols valued at Rs 35.3 crore.

On August 23 night, officials of the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal intercepted a truck at South Dinajpur district en route Bangladesh through Kaliyaganj border. Officials found antique idols carefully concealed in paddy and hidden inside the truck.

Of the total 25 seized antique idols, there were seven stone idols of Goddess Parvati, Manasha Devi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya, seven Metallic artefacts made of Bronze and Octo Alloy used for casting metallic idols in Hindu and Jain Temples besides other 11 Terracotta idols. All the seized antiques range from 9th Century AD to 16th Century AD.

Custom officials took help from the experts of Akshaya Kumar Maitreya Heritage Museum under the University of North Bengal, Siliguri for the valuation of the antiques after an examination. The experts confirmed that the seized artefacts are valued at Rs 35.3 crore.

The officers of the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal had earlier also seized seven antique idols having a value of Rs 11 crore in January 2020.&nbsp;

In a major breakthrough, Kolkata Customs, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) made the biggest seizure of antiques in recent times. The agency seized as many as 25 antique idols valued at Rs 35.

In a major breakthrough, Kolkata Customs, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) made the biggest seizure of antiques in recent times. The agency seized as many as 25 antique idols valued at Rs 35.3 crore. On August 23 night, officials of the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal intercepted a truck at South Dinajpur district en route Bangladesh through Kaliyaganj border. Officials found antique idols carefully concealed in paddy and hidden inside the truck. Of the total 25 seized antique idols, there were seven stone idols of Goddess Parvati, Manasha Devi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya, seven Metallic artefacts made of Bronze and Octo Alloy used for casting metallic idols in Hindu and Jain Temples besides other 11 Terracotta idols. All the seized antiques range from 9th Century AD to 16th Century AD. Custom officials took help from the experts of Akshaya Kumar Maitreya Heritage Museum under the University of North Bengal, Siliguri for the valuation of the antiques after an examination. The experts confirmed that the seized artefacts are valued at Rs 35.3 crore. The officers of the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal had earlier also seized seven antique idols having a value of Rs 11 crore in January 2020.

Antique idols worth more than Rs 35 crore seized by Indian customs officials in Kolkata

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers.&nbsp;It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.&nbsp;

The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India.

The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is&nbsp;already active in the northeast and&nbsp;is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such&nbsp;as&nbsp;WhatsApp and YouTube.&nbsp;

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The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland.&nbsp;They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally.&nbsp;

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The group has been described as a radical group.&nbsp;It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China.&nbsp;

According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult.&nbsp;

It is a violent movement, and is&nbsp;also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence.&nbsp;

The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991.&nbsp;Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China.&nbsp;

This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-blocks-chinese-firms-bid-to-buy-major-dairy-firm-322972">Also read|&nbsp;Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm</a>

In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment.&nbsp;Reports suggest&nbsp;they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction.&nbsp;

True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when&nbsp;five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province.&nbsp;When she refused, the group beat her to death.&nbsp;The five accused were caught and tried before a judge.&nbsp;They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail.

Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion&nbsp;because it is officially atheist.&nbsp;The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So,&nbsp;it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and&nbsp;continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam.&nbsp;

Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives&nbsp;behind computer screens.&nbsp;The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman. The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India. The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is already active in the northeast and is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland. They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally. Also read| Economic distancing: Chinese companies face debts in post-pandemic world The group has been described as a radical group. It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China. According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult. It is a violent movement, and is also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence. The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991. Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China. This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith. Also read| Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment. Reports suggest they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction. True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province. When she refused, the group beat her to death. The five accused were caught and tried before a judge. They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail. Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion because it is officially atheist. The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So, it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam. Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives behind computer screens. The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

Radical Chinese Christian cult active in Northeast India: Reports

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges&nbsp;next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid&nbsp;growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections.

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-over-67000-cases-death-toll-rises-to-59449-323152" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449</a>

The Indian government is pushing for a return to normalcy to lessen the economic pain, after having imposed a strict early lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people in March.

"We are very mindful of the safety of our students, we will take full precautions," Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told state radio, adding that the tests had to be held to ensure students did not lose a year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-unfair-greta-thunberg-tweets-in-favour-of-postponing-jee-neet-322993" hreflang="en">'Deeply unfair': Greta Thunberg tweets in favour of postponing JEE, NEET</a>

Already twice postponed this year, the tests will be spread over several days and held at more centres than usual, to ensure there is no crowding.

But many students have to travel long distances and there was a risk of infections, said the All-India Students' Union, a leftist group that represents university students.

It urged students to wear black armbands and join online protests to put pressure on the government to delay the tests until infections fall.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thurnberg also waded into the dispute, urging a postponement.

"It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit national exams during the COVID-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods," Thurnberg said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Parts of eastern India are also struggling with floods caused by annual monsoon rains.

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections.

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections. India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said. Also read: COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449 The Indian government is pushing for a return to normalcy to lessen the economic pain, after having imposed a strict early lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people in March. "We are very mindful of the safety of our students, we will take full precautions," Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told state radio, adding that the tests had to be held to ensure students did not lose a year. Also read: 'Deeply unfair': Greta Thunberg tweets in favour of postponing JEE, NEET Already twice postponed this year, the tests will be spread over several days and held at more centres than usual, to ensure there is no crowding. But many students have to travel long distances and there was a risk of infections, said the All-India Students' Union, a leftist group that represents university students. It urged students to wear black armbands and join online protests to put pressure on the government to delay the tests until infections fall. Swedish climate activist Greta Thurnberg also waded into the dispute, urging a postponement. "It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit national exams during the COVID-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods," Thurnberg said on Twitter on Tuesday. Parts of eastern India are also struggling with floods caused by annual monsoon rains.

India to hold national admission tests for medical and engineering colleges next week

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action.

This is not for the first time Pakistan has made a fake claim at the UN, it has made fake statement in the past as well. In 2017, Pakistan's then envoy to UN Maleeha Lodhi made a fake claim at the UN General Assembly by displaying a picture from Gaza claiming it to be from India's Kashmir.&nbsp;

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On Monday, Pakistani mission to UN tweeted a statement of Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram claiming that it was presented at UNSC. A claim that was fake, given the Security council's session was not open to non-members of the body and Pakistan is not a member of UNSC, and thus cannot&nbsp;make the statement.

The Pakistani Mission to United Nations, in a tweet said, Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram made the statement at the open debate of the security council on the report of the secretary-general on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions." The statement largely was focused on raking up Kashmir and blaming India for "terror" incidents in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/moscow-hopes-agreement-on-igla-missile-new-delhi-to-manufacture-spare-parts-of-russian-equipment-323227">Also read:&nbsp;Moscow hopes agreement on IGLA missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment</a>

Indian mission in the UN was quick to point out that no such statement has been delivered. In a tweet it said, "We have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC"

The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council."

In fact, the German mission to the security council had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. German is a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

India gave a point by point reply to Pakistan's&nbsp;statement, and highlighted how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!"

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action.

India has put on record with UN, Pakistan saying it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council, which turned out to be a fake claim. A note was sent by Indian mission to the UN headquarters over the development and Pakistani action. This is not for the first time Pakistan has made a fake claim at the UN, it has made fake statement in the past as well. In 2017, Pakistan's then envoy to UN Maleeha Lodhi made a fake claim at the UN General Assembly by displaying a picture from Gaza claiming it to be from India's Kashmir. ALso read: Bangladesh and Tripura to be connected through Gumti river from September On Monday, Pakistani mission to UN tweeted a statement of Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram claiming that it was presented at UNSC. A claim that was fake, given the Security council's session was not open to non-members of the body and Pakistan is not a member of UNSC, and thus cannot make the statement. The Pakistani Mission to United Nations, in a tweet said, Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram made the statement at the open debate of the security council on the report of the secretary-general on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions." The statement largely was focused on raking up Kashmir and blaming India for "terror" incidents in the country. Also read: Moscow hopes agreement on IGLA missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment Indian mission in the UN was quick to point out that no such statement has been delivered. In a tweet it said, "We have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC" The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council." In fact, the German mission to the security council had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. German is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. India gave a point by point reply to Pakistan's statement, and highlighted how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!"

India puts on record with UN- Pakistan's fake statement to UNSC

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70 per cent.

"Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," said&nbsp;Indian envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-sale-of-f-35s-can-boost-uaes-military-capabilities-322255">Have a look: How sale of F-35s can boost UAE's military capabilities</a>

India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Oleg Ryazansev, a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian government's Army-2020 Forum.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foriegn countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign agreement for production and supply of IGLA-S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally."

Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the two countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by the end of 2020.

Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of year 2020."

Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment."

India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on IGLA-S anti air missile, while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of the Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat. India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70 per cent. "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," said Indian envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma. Have a look: How sale of F-35s can boost UAE's military capabilities India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Oleg Ryazansev, a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian government's Army-2020 Forum. Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foriegn countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign agreement for production and supply of IGLA-S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally." Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the two countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by the end of 2020. Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of year 2020." Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment." India had signed the contract for the deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5, 2018.

Moscow hopes agreement on IGLA missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat

India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70%.

Indian envoy to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma said, "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward,"

India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian deputy minister for Industry and Trade Oleg Ryazansev a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian govt's Army-2020 Forum.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foreign countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign an agreement for production and supply of Igla S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally"

Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the 2 countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by end of 2020.

Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of the year 2020".

Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment".

India had signed the contract for a single deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5th, 2018.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India.

Continuing the close defence partnership, Moscow has hoped India will soon sign agreement on Igla s anti-air missile while New Delhi has announced it will soon produce spare parts of Russian defence equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat India has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to the manufacturing of spare parts of Russian equipment supplied to India. Indian defence forces have a substantial component of Russian military hardware, some estimates bill it around 70%. Indian envoy to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma said, "Now a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on both sides are in touch with each other; this is a big step forward," India's Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar had a meeting with key Russian defence bodies and Russian deputy minister for Industry and Trade Oleg Ryazansev a few days ago on the sidelines of Russian govt's Army-2020 Forum. Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, the director at Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia's nodal body to export defence products to foreign countries has expressed hope that India will soon sign an agreement for production and supply of Igla S Anti Air Missile "since we have won the tender unconditionally" Both sides are hoping to expedite the production of 7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle- AK203, a joint venture between the 2 countries. The Russians are also hopeful that contracts for 6 Ka 31 helicopters will be signed by end of 2020. Spokesperson of FSMTC Maria Vorobyeva said on the sidelines of army 2020, "We know that due to objective reasons, the Indian leadership decided to accelerate the allocation of funds for the purchase of the specified aircraft. The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on 6 Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of the year 2020". Asked about S400 anti-aircraft missile system, the spokesperson said, "delivery of the first regimental batch is expected by the end of 2021" to India and "further acceleration of the delivery of the first batch from the system is technically impossible, since there are objective, technology-related stages of production, acceptance and transfer of equipment". India had signed the contract for a single deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit on October 5th, 2018.

Moscow hopes agreement on Igla missile, New Delhi to manufacture spare parts of Russian equipment

A trailer for DC Studios' Blue Beetle was released. Starring Xolo Maridueña in the lead role, the Angel Manuel Soto directorial introduces the first Latino superhero in DC's film history. Also, the movie is the first live-action superhero film featuring a Latino in the lead. While 2019's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse featured Afro-Latino Miles Morales, it was an animated feature. The film also stars Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez. Blue Beetle is a DC Comics superhero who has been portrayed by multiple characters throughout the years. Here's everything you need to know about the character.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vS3_72Gb-bI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Who, really, is Blue Beetle?</h2>

Blue Beetle is a beloved DC Comics character known for his inventive gadgets, acrobatic skills, and heroic spirit. He has been a part of the DC Universe for over 80 years in one form or another and remains a fan favourite to this day.

The original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, was created by Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski and first appeared in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939. The character was later revived by Charlton Comics in the 1960s and then acquired by DC Comics in the 1980s.

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The most well-known version of Blue Beetle is Ted Kord, who was created by Steve Ditko and first appeared in Captain Atom #83 in 1966. Ted Kord is a genius-level inventor and an expert in martial arts. He was mentored by the original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, and after Garrett's death, Kord inherited his mantle and became the second Blue Beetle.

Kord does not have any superhuman powers, but he uses a high-tech suit and gadgets that he created to fight crime. His suit is made of a lightweight, bulletproof material and is equipped with wings that allow him to fly. He also uses a variety of weapons, including grappling guns and energy blasters, to take down his enemies.

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Blue Beetle has been a member of several superhero teams over the years, including the Justice League and the Teen Titans. He has also been involved in several major storylines, including the Infinite Crisis event, where he played a key role in stopping the villainous Superboy-Prime.

In recent years, DC Comics has introduced a new version of Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, which is also the subject of the aforementioned movie. Reyes is a teenager from El Paso, Texas, who discovers an alien scarab that fuses to his spine and gives him superpowers. Reyes' version of the Blue Beetle is more closely tied to the supernatural and mystical elements of the DC Universe, and he has been featured prominently in recent storylines such as Infinite Frontier and Future State.

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A trailer for DC Studios' Blue Beetle was released. Starring Xolo Maridueña in the lead role, the Angel Manuel Soto directorial introduces the first Latino superhero in DC's film history.

A trailer for DC Studios' Blue Beetle was released. Starring Xolo Maridueña in the lead role, the Angel Manuel Soto directorial introduces the first Latino superhero in DC's film history. Also, the movie is the first live-action superhero film featuring a Latino in the lead. While 2019's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse featured Afro-Latino Miles Morales, it was an animated feature. The film also stars Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez. Blue Beetle is a DC Comics superhero who has been portrayed by multiple characters throughout the years. Here's everything you need to know about the character. Who, really, is Blue Beetle? Blue Beetle is a beloved DC Comics character known for his inventive gadgets, acrobatic skills, and heroic spirit. He has been a part of the DC Universe for over 80 years in one form or another and remains a fan favourite to this day. The original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, was created by Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski and first appeared in Mystery Men Comics #1 in 1939. The character was later revived by Charlton Comics in the 1960s and then acquired by DC Comics in the 1980s. The most well-known version of Blue Beetle is Ted Kord, who was created by Steve Ditko and first appeared in Captain Atom #83 in 1966. Ted Kord is a genius-level inventor and an expert in martial arts. He was mentored by the original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, and after Garrett's death, Kord inherited his mantle and became the second Blue Beetle. Kord does not have any superhuman powers, but he uses a high-tech suit and gadgets that he created to fight crime. His suit is made of a lightweight, bulletproof material and is equipped with wings that allow him to fly. He also uses a variety of weapons, including grappling guns and energy blasters, to take down his enemies. Blue Beetle has been a member of several superhero teams over the years, including the Justice League and the Teen Titans. He has also been involved in several major storylines, including the Infinite Crisis event, where he played a key role in stopping the villainous Superboy-Prime. In recent years, DC Comics has introduced a new version of Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, which is also the subject of the aforementioned movie. Reyes is a teenager from El Paso, Texas, who discovers an alien scarab that fuses to his spine and gives him superpowers. Reyes' version of the Blue Beetle is more closely tied to the supernatural and mystical elements of the DC Universe, and he has been featured prominently in recent storylines such as Infinite Frontier and Future State. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bangladesh and Tripura to be connected through Gumti river from September

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi has tested positive for coronavirus.

"I have been tested Covid 19 positive yesterday. People who came in contact with me during Last few days they should go for Covid test immediately," Gogoi tweeted.

Several leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, MoS for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, DK Shivakumar and PC Sharma have tested positive for the virus.

India`s COVID-19 tally crossed the 32-lakh mark with 67,151 new cases and 1,059 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW).

The overall coronavirus count reached 32,34,475 including 7,07,267 active cases, 24,67,759 cured/discharged/migrated and 59,449 deaths.

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi has tested positive for coronavirus. "I have been tested Covid 19 positive yesterday. People who came in contact with me during Last few days they should go for Covid test immediately," Gogoi tweeted.

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi has tested positive for coronavirus. "I have been tested Covid 19 positive yesterday. People who came in contact with me during Last few days they should go for Covid test immediately," Gogoi tweeted. Several leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, MoS for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, DK Shivakumar and PC Sharma have tested positive for the virus. India`s COVID-19 tally crossed the 32-lakh mark with 67,151 new cases and 1,059 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). The overall coronavirus count reached 32,34,475 including 7,07,267 active cases, 24,67,759 cured/discharged/migrated and 59,449 deaths.

Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi tests positive for COVID-19

Two members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's family have questioned the "credibility" of the Justice Mukherjee Commission's report, stating that it pronounced the icon of the freedom struggle dead without offering any information on the cause and circumstances.

In an open letter, his grand-nephew Surya Bose and grand-niece Madhuri Bose said Justice Manoj Kumar Mukherjee concluded in his report of November 8, 2005 that Netaji did not die in the plane crash as alleged, and the ashes in the Renkoji temple in Tokyo temple are not of Netaji.

But the Commission, which was set up in 1999, could not offer any information on whether Bose died in any other manner at any other place, or when and how, the letter, dated August 24, said.

"He (Justice Mukherjee) simply concluded that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is dead! The so-called evidence and key arguments advanced by Justice Mukherjee in support of his conclusion of no air crash in Taiwan and therefore no death of Netaji, are not credible," it added.

The two members of Bose's family said 75 years have passed since he was officially reported by the government of Japan to have died in an air crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945 but the question of what actually happened to him remains alive and unanswered in the minds of many.

They sought DNA testing of the remains at the Renkoji temple in Tokyo and said this was raised by experts during the hearings of the Justice Mukherjee Commission, but was not acted upon.

The authorities of the Renkoji temple were ready to extend full cooperation but Justice Mukherjee decided not to proceed with the DNA testing, or even with a prior examination of the remains to determine if a DNA test would be possible, they claimed.

"Particularly with advances in science over the 15 years since, there may actually be a better chance now than before for a successful procedure," they said, seeking DNA examination of the ashes.

The report was tabled in Parliament on May 17, 2006.

At least ten investigations, both national and international, have taken place over the years concerning the disappearance of Netaji after the Taihoku air crash and all but one confirmed and supported the official position of Japan on the matter, it said.

"The exception was the Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry (JMCI) of 2005, the third such inquiry instituted by the independent Government of India, and following in the wake of the Shah Nawaz Committee of Inquiry of 1956 and the Khosla Commission of 1974.

"The latter two (Nawaz and Khosla commissions) concluded that Netaji had died in a military hospital in Taihoku, Taiwan on August 18, 1945, as a result of the crash on take-off of a Japanese military aircraft in which he was travelling and that mortal remains held at Renkoji Temple in Tokyo Japan were his," the letter said.

In 2017, the Centre told Parliament that Bose died in the air crash in 1945.

However, the controversy about the circumstances over his disappearance continues as also brought to home by a film -- 'Gumnaami', which was contested by several members of the family, including Sugata Bose, Krishna Bose and Chandra Bose.

On June 1, 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in reply to an RTI that the government had come to this conclusion after considering the reports of various committees that probed the disappearance of Bose.

The Centre and the West Bengal government have declassified over a hundred files relating to Bose in the last few years.

Two members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's family have questioned the "credibility" of the Justice Mukherjee Commission's report, stating that it pronounced the icon of the freedom struggle dead without offering any information on the cause and circumstances.

Two members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's family have questioned the "credibility" of the Justice Mukherjee Commission's report, stating that it pronounced the icon of the freedom struggle dead without offering any information on the cause and circumstances. In an open letter, his grand-nephew Surya Bose and grand-niece Madhuri Bose said Justice Manoj Kumar Mukherjee concluded in his report of November 8, 2005 that Netaji did not die in the plane crash as alleged, and the ashes in the Renkoji temple in Tokyo temple are not of Netaji. But the Commission, which was set up in 1999, could not offer any information on whether Bose died in any other manner at any other place, or when and how, the letter, dated August 24, said. "He (Justice Mukherjee) simply concluded that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is dead! The so-called evidence and key arguments advanced by Justice Mukherjee in support of his conclusion of no air crash in Taiwan and therefore no death of Netaji, are not credible," it added. The two members of Bose's family said 75 years have passed since he was officially reported by the government of Japan to have died in an air crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945 but the question of what actually happened to him remains alive and unanswered in the minds of many. They sought DNA testing of the remains at the Renkoji temple in Tokyo and said this was raised by experts during the hearings of the Justice Mukherjee Commission, but was not acted upon. The authorities of the Renkoji temple were ready to extend full cooperation but Justice Mukherjee decided not to proceed with the DNA testing, or even with a prior examination of the remains to determine if a DNA test would be possible, they claimed. "Particularly with advances in science over the 15 years since, there may actually be a better chance now than before for a successful procedure," they said, seeking DNA examination of the ashes. The report was tabled in Parliament on May 17, 2006. At least ten investigations, both national and international, have taken place over the years concerning the disappearance of Netaji after the Taihoku air crash and all but one confirmed and supported the official position of Japan on the matter, it said. "The exception was the Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry (JMCI) of 2005, the third such inquiry instituted by the independent Government of India, and following in the wake of the Shah Nawaz Committee of Inquiry of 1956 and the Khosla Commission of 1974. "The latter two (Nawaz and Khosla commissions) concluded that Netaji had died in a military hospital in Taihoku, Taiwan on August 18, 1945, as a result of the crash on take-off of a Japanese military aircraft in which he was travelling and that mortal remains held at Renkoji Temple in Tokyo Japan were his," the letter said. In 2017, the Centre told Parliament that Bose died in the air crash in 1945. However, the controversy about the circumstances over his disappearance continues as also brought to home by a film -- 'Gumnaami', which was contested by several members of the family, including Sugata Bose, Krishna Bose and Chandra Bose. On June 1, 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in reply to an RTI that the government had come to this conclusion after considering the reports of various committees that probed the disappearance of Bose. The Centre and the West Bengal government have declassified over a hundred files relating to Bose in the last few years.

Family members of Subhash Chandra Bose question 'credibility' of Mukherjee Commission report

The impact of the pandemic could cause a structural downshift in the potential output of Indian economy, the RBI said on Tuesday in its 2019-20 annual report.

Economic recovery post COVID-19 will be different from that of 2008

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said.

The authorities called off the rescue operation around 11.30 am on Wednesday as all the 19&nbsp;missing persons,&nbsp;15 deceased and two rescued, were traced, the official said.

At least nine others, who suffered injuries in the incident, are undergoing treatment in a hospital, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-expresses-distress-over-raigad-building-collapse-322947" hreflang="en">President Kovind expresses distress over Raigad building collapse</a>

The five-storey building near Tareq Garden in Mahad town, around 170 kms from Mumbai, collapsed on Monday evening.

"The bodies of a 70-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday. This took the death toll in the incident to 15," Superintendent of Police, Raigad, Anil Paraskar told PTI.

The teams comprising the personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police, local disaster management team, trekkers and local residents, were engaged in the rescue operation.

"As all the 19&nbsp;persons who had gone missing after the incident, including 15 victims, were traced, the rescue operation was called off," Paraskar said.

Taking to Twitter, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) SN Pradhan informed that 19 people are missing as per the district administration.

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ʀᴀɪɢᴀᴅ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟʟᴀᴘsᴇ Update 26/8/20 
🔶 𝟷𝟿 ᴍɪssɪɴɢ (as per dist Adm) 
🔶 ᴀʟʟ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀ NOW 
🔶Last Body (63/F) 
🔶Recovered at 09:14 hrs today 
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🔶Ops to ensure COMPLETION <a href="https://twitter.com/ndrf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRF</a> @ WORK 24x7x365<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBMumbai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7JypQ4vnF">pic.twitter.com/k7JypQ4vnF</a>
— ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyaprad1/status/1298477897921904640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of each person killed in the Raigad building collapse incident.

Till late Tuesday night, bodies of 13 victims had been recovered.

On Tuesday, a four-year-old boy was pulled out alive from under the rubble 19 hours after the incident. A 60-year- old woman was also rescued 26 hours after the building collapse.

"Both of them are safe and undergoing treatment at hospital," the official said.

Police had on Tuesday registered an offence against five persons, including the builder and architect of Tareq Garden in connection with the incident.

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said.

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said. The authorities called off the rescue operation around 11.30 am on Wednesday as all the 19 missing persons, 15 deceased and two rescued, were traced, the official said. At least nine others, who suffered injuries in the incident, are undergoing treatment in a hospital, he said. Also read: President Kovind expresses distress over Raigad building collapse The five-storey building near Tareq Garden in Mahad town, around 170 kms from Mumbai, collapsed on Monday evening. "The bodies of a 70-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday. This took the death toll in the incident to 15," Superintendent of Police, Raigad, Anil Paraskar told PTI. The teams comprising the personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police, local disaster management team, trekkers and local residents, were engaged in the rescue operation. "As all the 19 persons who had gone missing after the incident, including 15 victims, were traced, the rescue operation was called off," Paraskar said. Taking to Twitter, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) SN Pradhan informed that 19 people are missing as per the district administration. ʀᴀɪɢᴀᴅ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟʟᴀᴘsᴇ Update 26/8/20 🔶 𝟷𝟿 ᴍɪssɪɴɢ (as per dist Adm) 🔶 ᴀʟʟ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀ NOW 🔶Last Body (63/F) 🔶Recovered at 09:14 hrs today 🔶teams on site 🔶Ops to ensure COMPLETION @NDRF @ WORK 24x7x365@HMOIndia @PIBHomeAffairs @ANI @PIBMumbai pic.twitter.com/k7JypQ4vnF — ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) August 26, 2020 × Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of each person killed in the Raigad building collapse incident. Till late Tuesday night, bodies of 13 victims had been recovered. On Tuesday, a four-year-old boy was pulled out alive from under the rubble 19 hours after the incident. A 60-year- old woman was also rescued 26 hours after the building collapse. "Both of them are safe and undergoing treatment at hospital," the official said. Police had on Tuesday registered an offence against five persons, including the builder and architect of Tareq Garden in connection with the incident.

Raigad building collapse: Death toll rises to 15, rescue ops called off

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said the high court had already taken suo motu cognizance of multiple media reports about the non payment of salary.

"In light of the suo motu proceedings being taken up by the Delhi High Court, we dispose of the plea with liberty to petitioner to raise issues, if any before the Delhi High Court," the bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah, said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-over-67000-cases-death-toll-rises-to-59449-323152" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449</a>

The top court also noted that the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started paying salary to doctors.

Senior Advocate K V Vishwanathan, appearing for the petitioner, raised the issue of ASHA Workers who have not been paid salaries. 
The court, however, said the issue does not fall within the purview of the petition before it.

The bench was hearing a plea of Arushi Jain, a private doctor, questioning the Centre's May 15 decision that 14-day quarantine was not mandatory for doctors.

Jain had also alleged in her plea that front line healthcare workers engaged in the fight against COVID-19 are not being paid salaries or their wages are being cut or delayed.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said the high court had already taken suo motu cognizance of multiple media reports about the non payment of salary. "In light of the suo motu proceedings being taken up by the Delhi High Court, we dispose of the plea with liberty to petitioner to raise issues, if any before the Delhi High Court," the bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah, said. Also read: COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449 The top court also noted that the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started paying salary to doctors. Senior Advocate K V Vishwanathan, appearing for the petitioner, raised the issue of ASHA Workers who have not been paid salaries. The court, however, said the issue does not fall within the purview of the petition before it. The bench was hearing a plea of Arushi Jain, a private doctor, questioning the Centre's May 15 decision that 14-day quarantine was not mandatory for doctors. Jain had also alleged in her plea that front line healthcare workers engaged in the fight against COVID-19 are not being paid salaries or their wages are being cut or delayed.

SC disposes of plea seeking payment of salary to doctors, healthcare workers

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more.

Amidst strict COVID-19 protocol, only 2,000 pilgrims can go to the holy place in Reasi district of the Union Territory, of these 1900 are from within the Union Territory and only 100 people can be outside.

Ramesh Kumar Jangid, CEO of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir told WION, "We have kept outsider capacity at 100. This will be reviewed this week. This is expected to be increased. The maximum limit can be 500 till September if allowed."

The shrine board has come up with protocols for the pilgrimage for outsiders which includes carrying a COVID0-19 negative report which is not more than 48 hours old and only online registered yatris will&nbsp;be allowed. They can register by going to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

In accordance with the home ministry guidelines, children below 10 years, above 60, persons with comorbidity, pregnant women won't be allowed at the shrine.

At entry point, yatris will be checked by thermal scanning and all along the route and even at the holy caves, strict COVID-19 rules of social distancing will be implemented.

Yatris without mask or face cover are not allowed at the shrine and at every location sanitizers have been kept.

The pilgrimage resumed earlier this month on August 16. Helicopter services till the shrine has also started but due to lack of pilgrims no chopper has flown yet. The shrine board is mulling putting helicopter services as an option during the online registration.

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more.

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more. Amidst strict COVID-19 protocol, only 2,000 pilgrims can go to the holy place in Reasi district of the Union Territory, of these 1900 are from within the Union Territory and only 100 people can be outside. Ramesh Kumar Jangid, CEO of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir told WION, "We have kept outsider capacity at 100. This will be reviewed this week. This is expected to be increased. The maximum limit can be 500 till September if allowed." The shrine board has come up with protocols for the pilgrimage for outsiders which includes carrying a COVID0-19 negative report which is not more than 48 hours old and only online registered yatris will be allowed. They can register by going to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. In accordance with the home ministry guidelines, children below 10 years, above 60, persons with comorbidity, pregnant women won't be allowed at the shrine. At entry point, yatris will be checked by thermal scanning and all along the route and even at the holy caves, strict COVID-19 rules of social distancing will be implemented. Yatris without mask or face cover are not allowed at the shrine and at every location sanitizers have been kept. The pilgrimage resumed earlier this month on August 16. Helicopter services till the shrine has also started but due to lack of pilgrims no chopper has flown yet. The shrine board is mulling putting helicopter services as an option during the online registration.

At Vaishno Devi shrine, more pilgrims from outside J&K to be allowed soon

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.

The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI.

The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each.

The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs.

The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge.

It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time.

It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization.

A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic.

According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings.

The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday.

The monsoon session of the Parliament will commence on September 14 and conclude on October 1 and will be held by observing precautions related to COVID-19, sources said on Tuesday. The decision on the dates of the session was taken in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told ANI. The sources said provision has not been kept for holidays or weekly offs during the 18-day session but a final decision on "no-leaves during the entire session" will be taken at the all-party meeting. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 18 sittings each. The sources said that the opposition parties are ready for 18 sittings but they want the session to be extended by a week so that there are weekly offs. The government thinks that the conducting monsoon session during the coronavirus pandemic in itself is a big challenge. It is looking to change the timings of both the Houses to prevent any overcrowding in the Parliament premises at any point of time. It is also looking to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing and sanitization. A proposal for changing the rules for entry of journalists in the Parliament premises is also being considered owing to COVID-19 pandemic. According to it, less than 30 media passes will be issued for covering the Lok Sabha proceedings while around 20 passes will be issued for covering Rajya Sabha proceedings. The much-awaited session, for which the government has a heavy legislative agenda, has been delayed due to conditions created by COVID-19 pandemic.

Monsoon session of Parliament to be held from September 14 to October 1

Pakistan on Monday claimed that it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) but the problem with the claim is that the Security Council's session was not open to non-members of the body. Pakistan is not a member of UNSC and thus it can't make the statement.

Watch:

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The Pakistani Mission to United Nations in a tweet said Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram had made the statement at the open debate of the Security Council on the report of the Secretary-General on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions."

In fact, the German mission to the UN had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. Germany is a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

Indian mission in UN was quick to point the development and said, "we have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC."

The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council."

The statement by Pakistani envoy was on expected lines, slamming India, raking up Kashmir and even mentioning Kulbhushan Jhadav as "proof" of New Delhi's role in perpetrating "terrorism in Pakistan".

The Indian mission gave point-by-point reply in a tweet to Pakistan mission statement highlighting how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!"

"Pakistan is home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the united nations" and "many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," the Indian mission explained

The Indian mission recalled the statement made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in which he "admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019, the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorist inside Pakistan" and referred to Al Qaeda's Osama bin Laden as a "martyr" inside Pakistani Parliament.

Calling the deteriorating situation of minorities as "systemic cleansing", the Indian mission took the Pakistani mission to the task, reminding how the population of minorities has fallen from 1947 to just 3% currently in the country.

Pakistan on Monday claimed that it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) but the problem with the claim is that the Security Council's session was not open to non-members of the body.

Pakistan on Monday claimed that it made a statement at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) but the problem with the claim is that the Security Council's session was not open to non-members of the body. Pakistan is not a member of UNSC and thus it can't make the statement. Watch: The Pakistani Mission to United Nations in a tweet said Pakistani envoy to UN Munir Akram had made the statement at the open debate of the Security Council on the report of the Secretary-General on the "threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism actions." In fact, the German mission to the UN had put out a picture of the meet and Pakistani envoy was absent at the meet. Germany is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. Indian mission in UN was quick to point the development and said, "we have seen a statement put out by the Pakistani mission to the UN, claiming that these remarks were made by the Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UNSC." The mission asked, "We failed to comprehend where exactly did the permanent representative of Pakistan make his statement since the security council session today was not open to non-members of the security council." The statement by Pakistani envoy was on expected lines, slamming India, raking up Kashmir and even mentioning Kulbhushan Jhadav as "proof" of New Delhi's role in perpetrating "terrorism in Pakistan". The Indian mission gave point-by-point reply in a tweet to Pakistan mission statement highlighting how Pakistan is the "biggest sponsor of cross border terrorism against India" and now "masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism by India!" "Pakistan is home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the united nations" and "many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," the Indian mission explained The Indian mission recalled the statement made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in which he "admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019, the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorist inside Pakistan" and referred to Al Qaeda's Osama bin Laden as a "martyr" inside Pakistani Parliament. Calling the deteriorating situation of minorities as "systemic cleansing", the Indian mission took the Pakistani mission to the task, reminding how the population of minorities has fallen from 1947 to just 3% currently in the country.

Pakistan falsely claimed it made statement at UNSC: India

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said.

According to government sources, the matter was discussed by the national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 in its last meeting held on August 22.

Sputnik V has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology along with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

The vaccine has not been tested in phase 3 or larger clinical trials.

There has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the vaccine.

"The Russian government has reached out to the Indian government seeking a collaboration for manufacturing their COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, and conducting its phase 3 trial here, a source in the government said.

"The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with the Department of Health Research has been asked to lead and look into the matter.

They (Russian government officials) have shared some information and data on Sputnik V, while more data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is awaited," the source said.

When asked if the Russian government has placed any formal request for the manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference, "As far as Sputnik V vaccine is concerned, both India and Russia are in communication. Some initial information has been shared while some detailed information is awaited."

According to sources, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has approached the office of Principal Scientific Advisor K VijayRaghavan as well as secretaries of the departments of biotechnology and health research in this regard.

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said.

The Russian government has reached out to India seeking collaboration for manufacturing its COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V' and conducting its phase 3 clinical trial here, sources said. According to government sources, the matter was discussed by the national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 in its last meeting held on August 22. Sputnik V has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology along with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). The vaccine has not been tested in phase 3 or larger clinical trials. There has been scepticism in some quarters about limited data related to the efficacy of the vaccine. "The Russian government has reached out to the Indian government seeking a collaboration for manufacturing their COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, and conducting its phase 3 trial here, a source in the government said. "The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with the Department of Health Research has been asked to lead and look into the matter. They (Russian government officials) have shared some information and data on Sputnik V, while more data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is awaited," the source said. When asked if the Russian government has placed any formal request for the manufacture of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference, "As far as Sputnik V vaccine is concerned, both India and Russia are in communication. Some initial information has been shared while some detailed information is awaited." According to sources, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has approached the office of Principal Scientific Advisor K VijayRaghavan as well as secretaries of the departments of biotechnology and health research in this regard.

Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V: Sources

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections.

The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues.

This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee.

For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s.

This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months.

This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23.

When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom.

Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it.

Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy.

Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them.

The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel.

Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle.

WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues. This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee. For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s. This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months. This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23. When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom. Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it. Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy. Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them. The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel. Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle. WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.&nbsp;

Increasing trade connectivity- maritime transport and Maritime security are among the 7 key pillars of the initiative. Other 5 are-- Maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation.

The invitation was extended during the 17th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Vietnam's foreign minister Pham Binh Minh.&nbsp;

A statement by the ministry of external affairs said, “India and Vietnam agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region."

Invitation to Vietnam comes even as both New Delhi and Hanoi deal with an aggressive China. While Bejing's ties with India deteriorated after Galwan face-off, Vietnam has raised alarm after Chinese intrusion into its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Both sides have increased engagement in the last few years with a high-level visit such as the visit of Vietnam's President to India and Indian PM visit to Vietnam. India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

India has invited Vietnam to part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative or IPOI that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. Increasing trade connectivity- maritime transport and Maritime security are among the 7 key pillars of the initiative. Other 5 are-- Maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation. The invitation was extended during the 17th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Vietnam's foreign minister Pham Binh Minh. A statement by the ministry of external affairs said, “India and Vietnam agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region." Invitation to Vietnam comes even as both New Delhi and Hanoi deal with an aggressive China. While Bejing's ties with India deteriorated after Galwan face-off, Vietnam has raised alarm after Chinese intrusion into its exclusive economic zone. Both sides have increased engagement in the last few years with a high-level visit such as the visit of Vietnam's President to India and Indian PM visit to Vietnam. India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

Amidst Chinese aggressiveness, India invites Vietnam to be part of Indo Pacific Oceans initiative

When we talk about floating markets, we always think about the ones in countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. But do you know that India too has some prominent floating markets, including one in Srinagar? The floating vegetable market on the Dal came into existence as a means of sustenance for communities that were living on or near the famous lake. WION's correspondent Johan Castell visited the scenic market. What's more, he even managed to sell some fresh vegetables. Watch this story for more.

Kashmir Connect: Dal Lake's floating wonders

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit.

With the break of dawn, families gather to pick the fruit and pack them for dispatch to domestic markets. Trees are dropping heavily in apple rich districts but the weather has played a spoilsport, yet hopes are high.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Kashmir apple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="685095ed-cd75-4e00-ab22-8febf959a74c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-08-25%20at%2010.20.43%20PM.jpeg" />

Nazir Ahmad has been an apple farmer for 34 years now. Every day along with his son and other family members, they pack apples. Like other apple farmers, this year doesn't seem to be great as untimely rainfall and other factors have damaged some of his fruit. His son Shahid is now a third-generation apple farmer who hopes for the government's intervention.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmir apple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73a97e8e-3a19-4313-8414-84b6b1e00cdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-08-25%20at%2010.20.44%20PM.jpeg" />

“We have to put in a lot of hard work, mostly in delicious and American varieties. We start working here from November every year till August and now the rates are very low this year,” says Shahid.&nbsp;

3.4 lakh hectares of land is under fruit cultivation of which 48 percent is used to grow apples. It is the primary source of livelihood for about seven lakh families in Kashmir, according to the J&amp;K State’s Economic Survey 2017.&nbsp;

Authorities are expecting a dip of 20 percent in the overall apple generation this year but hope high-density apple trees prove revolutionary.&nbsp;

“Last year, in Mumbai, our fruit was sold at 90 rupees per kilogram which were transported to Dubai. In the international market, the taste of our apple is appreciated. We have formed a buyer-seller group and we are getting a good demand from multinational companies,” says Ajaz Bhat, Director, Horticulture, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The government of India has also been trying to promote Kashmiri apple in the international markets. Last year, tons of apples were shipped out of Kashmir under the market intervention scheme which was aimed at providing optimum price for apple growers in the Kashmir. Nearly 55 percent of India’s Apple export comes from Kashmir valley which is expected to grow in the coming years.

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit.

Apple orchards in the Kashmir valley are abuzz. The world-famous Kashmiri apples are being harvested from orchards of the valley. The crop this year hasn't been that great due to several climatic conditions but farmers are expecting the government's intervention to gain profit. With the break of dawn, families gather to pick the fruit and pack them for dispatch to domestic markets. Trees are dropping heavily in apple rich districts but the weather has played a spoilsport, yet hopes are high. Nazir Ahmad has been an apple farmer for 34 years now. Every day along with his son and other family members, they pack apples. Like other apple farmers, this year doesn't seem to be great as untimely rainfall and other factors have damaged some of his fruit. His son Shahid is now a third-generation apple farmer who hopes for the government's intervention. “We have to put in a lot of hard work, mostly in delicious and American varieties. We start working here from November every year till August and now the rates are very low this year,” says Shahid. 3.4 lakh hectares of land is under fruit cultivation of which 48 percent is used to grow apples. It is the primary source of livelihood for about seven lakh families in Kashmir, according to the J&K State’s Economic Survey 2017. Authorities are expecting a dip of 20 percent in the overall apple generation this year but hope high-density apple trees prove revolutionary. “Last year, in Mumbai, our fruit was sold at 90 rupees per kilogram which were transported to Dubai. In the international market, the taste of our apple is appreciated. We have formed a buyer-seller group and we are getting a good demand from multinational companies,” says Ajaz Bhat, Director, Horticulture, Kashmir. The government of India has also been trying to promote Kashmiri apple in the international markets. Last year, tons of apples were shipped out of Kashmir under the market intervention scheme which was aimed at providing optimum price for apple growers in the Kashmir. Nearly 55 percent of India’s Apple export comes from Kashmir valley which is expected to grow in the coming years.

Orchards dazzle with Apples in J&K: Big boost to rural economy

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