Senior Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has opposed the bid by some party leaders to challenge the Gandhi family leadership in the party, saying this is not the time to raise such an issue.

"The move by these Congress leaders to demand a rehaul of the party at this critical juncture would be detrimental to its interests, and the interests of the nation," he said.

"What the Congress needs is a leadership that is acceptable not just to a few but to the entire party, through its rank and file, and the nation at large," he said, adding that the Gandhis were the right fit for this role.

"Sonia Gandhi should continue to helm the Congress as long as she wants," he said, adding that Rahul Gandhi should thereafter take over as he is fully competent to lead the party.

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore.

Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief".

Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has opposed the bid by some party leaders to challenge the Gandhi family leadership in the party, saying this is not the time to raise such an issue.

Senior Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has opposed the bid by some party leaders to challenge the Gandhi family leadership in the party, saying this is not the time to raise such an issue. "The move by these Congress leaders to demand a rehaul of the party at this critical juncture would be detrimental to its interests, and the interests of the nation," he said. "What the Congress needs is a leadership that is acceptable not just to a few but to the entire party, through its rank and file, and the nation at large," he said, adding that the Gandhis were the right fit for this role. "Sonia Gandhi should continue to helm the Congress as long as she wants," he said, adding that Rahul Gandhi should thereafter take over as he is fully competent to lead the party. Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief". Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh opposes challenge to Gandhi family leadership

Congress's interim chief Sonia Gandhi has told her aides that she would step down from the party's top post, sources said

Sonia Gandhi may step down as interim Congress chief | Indian Political Party | WION

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore.

Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief".

Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow.

Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief.

The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated.

These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up.

The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part."

They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief". Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow. Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm. While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief. The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated. These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up. The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part." They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders. (With inputs from PTI)

Sonia Gandhi to quit Congress President post, final decision at CWC meeting tomorrow: Reports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared yet another video featuring peacocks -- an assortment of shots where he is feeding the birds at his residence during his morning routine of exercises -- on his Instagram.

The post has an accompanying video that has a few glimpses from his daily walk from his home to office in the 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM) complex -- topped with&nbsp;soothing music.

The caption is built by a few Hindi lines dedicated to the fauna of the LKM complex.

At his residence, the prime minister has also placed Chabootras -- tower like structures found in rural India where birds can make their nests.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEONMDnpjAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEONMDnpjAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEONMDnpjAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEONMDnpjAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">भोर भयो, बिन शोर, मन मोर, भयो विभोर, रग-रग है रंगा, नीला भूरा श्याम सुहाना, मनमोहक, मोर निराला। रंग है, पर राग नहीं, विराग का विश्वास यही, न चाह, न वाह, न आह, गूँजे घर-घर आज भी गान, जिये तो मुरली के साथ जाये तो मुरलीधर के ताज। जीवात्मा ही शिवात्मा, अंतर्मन की अनंत धारा मन मंदिर में उजियारा सारा, बिन वाद-विवाद, संवाद बिन सुर-स्वर, संदेश मोर चहकता मौन महकता।</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narendramodi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Narendra Modi</a> (@narendramodi) on <time datetime="2020-08-23T06:37:37+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 22, 2020 at 11:37pm PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The peacocks are often a regular companion during the prime minister's routine of exercises. Before leaving for a visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra on January 17, 2020, PM Modi put up an Instagram story of peacocks at his official residence. “Will see these friends at 7 LKM (Lok Kalyan Marg) after three days," he wrote in the accompanying message.

Also, Instagram stories from PM Modi's handle on January 21 placed him in the “Lush green lawns” and corridors of “7, LKM” on a “Rainy Winter Day”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared yet another video featuring peacocks -- an assortment of shots where he is feeding the birds at his residence during his morning routine of exercises -- on his Instagram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared yet another video featuring peacocks -- an assortment of shots where he is feeding the birds at his residence during his morning routine of exercises -- on his Instagram. The post has an accompanying video that has a few glimpses from his daily walk from his home to office in the 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM) complex -- topped with soothing music. The caption is built by a few Hindi lines dedicated to the fauna of the LKM complex. At his residence, the prime minister has also placed Chabootras -- tower like structures found in rural India where birds can make their nests. View this post on Instagram भोर भयो, बिन शोर, मन मोर, भयो विभोर, रग-रग है रंगा, नीला भूरा श्याम सुहाना, मनमोहक, मोर निराला। रंग है, पर राग नहीं, विराग का विश्वास यही, न चाह, न वाह, न आह, गूँजे घर-घर आज भी गान, जिये तो मुरली के साथ जाये तो मुरलीधर के ताज। जीवात्मा ही शिवात्मा, अंतर्मन की अनंत धारा मन मंदिर में उजियारा सारा, बिन वाद-विवाद, संवाद बिन सुर-स्वर, संदेश मोर चहकता मौन महकता। A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on Aug 22, 2020 at 11:37pm PDT × The peacocks are often a regular companion during the prime minister's routine of exercises. Before leaving for a visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra on January 17, 2020, PM Modi put up an Instagram story of peacocks at his official residence. “Will see these friends at 7 LKM (Lok Kalyan Marg) after three days," he wrote in the accompanying message. Also, Instagram stories from PM Modi's handle on January 21 placed him in the “Lush green lawns” and corridors of “7, LKM” on a “Rainy Winter Day”.

Of poetry and friendship: PM Modi posts another video featuring peacocks

India's COVID-19 tally hurtled past the 30-lakh mark on Saturday night, just 16 days after it crossed 20 lakh.

COVID-19: 69,239 and 912 deaths in last 24 hours in India

Delhi Police nabbed a suspected ISIS agent on Saturday morning with around 2 explosives. This nabbed criminal has been identified as Abu Yusuf Khan.

Delhi Police nabbed suspected ISIS agent on Saturday morning with explosives

Will Coronavirus pandemic change the 'medical world' forever? Will there be a medical resolution? How has the medical fraternity treated it so far? let's get the answers of all such questions in this exclusive interview with Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals.

WION Exclusive: Will Coronavirus pandemic change the 'medical world' forever?

India reported&nbsp;highest single-day spike of 69,878 new coronavirus cases and 945 deaths in last 24 hours on Saturday morning, pushing the tally close to 3 million in less than 16 days.&nbsp;

The total coronavirus cases in the South Asian country has increased to&nbsp;2,975,702 including 697,330 active cases, 22,22,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 55,794 deaths.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) tested&nbsp;1,023,836 samples in the last 24 hours, and the total number of tests conducted has increased to&nbsp;34,491,073.&nbsp;This is the first time the ICMR has reported more than 1 million tests in a single day.

India's recovery rate has also improved&nbsp;to 74.69 per cent on Saturday, i.e. August 22.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-of-india-issues-covid-19-guidelines-for-conduct-of-bihar-polls-322202">Also read:&nbsp;Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls</a>

India stands at the third position in the list of worst-affected countries by the novel coronavirus, with the US and Brazil in the first two spots respectively.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) barring gathering of more than four people in the state, with the exception of marriage and 'bhog' functions.

Rajasthan, on Saturday morning, reported&nbsp;612 new COVID-19 positive cases and five deaths, taking the total cases to 68,566 including 938 deaths, 52,721 recoveries and 14,907 active cases.

Odisha recorded 2,819 new cases and 1,927 patients recovered, taking the toll to 75,537, which includes 50,503 recovered patients, 24,582 active cases and 399 deaths — out of which&nbsp;five were reported on Saturday morning.

&nbsp;

India reported highest single-day spike of 69,878 new coronavirus cases and 945 deaths in last 24 hours on Saturday morning, pushing the tally close to 3 million in less than 16 days.

India reported highest single-day spike of 69,878 new coronavirus cases and 945 deaths in last 24 hours on Saturday morning, pushing the tally close to 3 million in less than 16 days. The total coronavirus cases in the South Asian country has increased to 2,975,702 including 697,330 active cases, 22,22,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 55,794 deaths. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) tested 1,023,836 samples in the last 24 hours, and the total number of tests conducted has increased to 34,491,073. This is the first time the ICMR has reported more than 1 million tests in a single day. India's recovery rate has also improved to 74.69 per cent on Saturday, i.e. August 22. Also read: Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls India stands at the third position in the list of worst-affected countries by the novel coronavirus, with the US and Brazil in the first two spots respectively. Meanwhile, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) barring gathering of more than four people in the state, with the exception of marriage and 'bhog' functions. Rajasthan, on Saturday morning, reported 612 new COVID-19 positive cases and five deaths, taking the total cases to 68,566 including 938 deaths, 52,721 recoveries and 14,907 active cases. Odisha recorded 2,819 new cases and 1,927 patients recovered, taking the toll to 75,537, which includes 50,503 recovered patients, 24,582 active cases and 399 deaths — out of which five were reported on Saturday morning.

COVID-19: India records highest single-day spike of 69,878 and 1 million tests

The Chinese military is not serious about resolution of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh and it is faced with an "unanticipated" consequence for its "misadventure" due to a strong response by the Indian Army, government sources said on Friday.

The sources said there has been a stalemate in the military talks as the Indian Army was strongly insisting that the Chinese PLA must restore status quo ante of April this year to resolve the over three-month-old border standoff.

The Indian Army has clearly stated to China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) that "shifting" of the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is not acceptable to it, the sources said, adding the Chinese military is now desperately attempting to give "ex post facto strategic meaning" to its actions in eastern Ladakh.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-look-rafale-fighter-jets-receive-water-salute-at-indian-air-force-base-in-ambala-316752">First look: Rafale fighter jets receive 'water salute' at Indian Air Force base in Ambala</a>

"Due to the strong response of Indian Army, the PLA is faced with unanticipated and unintended consequences of its misadventure," said a source, adding it is looking for a "face-saving exit strategy".

Another source said the Chinese side is resorting to a strategy of "back and forth" and not showing any interest in finding a solution to the border standoff.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-rafale-fighter-jets-will-be-stationed-just-200-km-from-pakistan-china-border-at-ambala-air-base-316311">Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border at Ambala air base</a>

India and China on Thursday agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the two sides held a fresh round of diplomatic talks to resolve the border row in eastern Ladakh.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-india-china-agreed-to-work-towards-complete-disengagement-along-lac-at-wmcc-meet-mea-321980" hreflang="en">India, China agreed to work towards disengagement along LAC: MEA</a> 
On Thursday, the two sides held another round of diplomatic talks following which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they had agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols. 
However, sources said the meeting could not produce any significant outcome.

The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July.

The PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas, sources said.

In the five rounds of Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April.

The Chinese military is not serious about resolution of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh and it is faced with an "unanticipated" consequence for its "misadventure" due to a strong response by the Indian Army, government sources said on Friday.

The Chinese military is not serious about resolution of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh and it is faced with an "unanticipated" consequence for its "misadventure" due to a strong response by the Indian Army, government sources said on Friday. The sources said there has been a stalemate in the military talks as the Indian Army was strongly insisting that the Chinese PLA must restore status quo ante of April this year to resolve the over three-month-old border standoff. The Indian Army has clearly stated to China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) that "shifting" of the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is not acceptable to it, the sources said, adding the Chinese military is now desperately attempting to give "ex post facto strategic meaning" to its actions in eastern Ladakh. Also see: First look: Rafale fighter jets receive 'water salute' at Indian Air Force base in Ambala "Due to the strong response of Indian Army, the PLA is faced with unanticipated and unintended consequences of its misadventure," said a source, adding it is looking for a "face-saving exit strategy". Another source said the Chinese side is resorting to a strategy of "back and forth" and not showing any interest in finding a solution to the border standoff. Also see: Why Rafale fighter jets will be stationed just 200 km from Pakistan, China border at Ambala air base India and China on Thursday agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the two sides held a fresh round of diplomatic talks to resolve the border row in eastern Ladakh. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh. Also read: India, China agreed to work towards disengagement along LAC: MEA On Thursday, the two sides held another round of diplomatic talks following which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they had agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols. However, sources said the meeting could not produce any significant outcome. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July. The PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas, sources said. In the five rounds of Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April.

China must restore status quo ante in eastern Ladakh to resolve border standoff: Sources

WION's Johan Castell travels to Kashmir to meet a social media singing sensation, experience the floating vegetable market, and indulge in some online retail therapy.

Kashmir Connect: A WION special series

India should tap the huge potential in the digital gaming arena by developing games that are inspired from its culture and folk tales, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, asserting that focus should be on use of technology and innovation besides manufacturing products that meet global standards.

At a meeting to discuss ways to boost toy manufacturing in the country, Modi said toys can be an excellent medium to further the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat", a statement said.

The prime minister tweeted after the meeting, "Had an extensive meeting on ways to boost toy manufacturing in India. Our focus would be to support the sector and create toys that ensure physical fitness and holistic personality development."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had an extensive meeting on ways to boost toy manufacturing in India. Our focus would be to support the sector and create toys that ensure physical fitness and holistic personality development. <a href="https://t.co/5yvLU8Zx22">https://t.co/5yvLU8Zx22</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1297197981070843906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The statement quoted Modi as saying that toys aligned with Indian culture and ethos should be used as pedagogical tools across all anganwadi centres and schools for all-round development of children.

He also stressed on the need to organise hackathons for innovations in toy technology and design.

Laying emphasis on the fast-growing digital gaming arena, Modi said India should tap the huge potential in this area and lead the international digital gaming sector by developing games that are inspired from Indian culture and folk tales.&nbsp;

India should tap the huge potential in the digital gaming arena by developing games that are inspired from its culture and folk tales, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, asserting that focus should be on use of technology and innovation besides manufacturing products that meet global standards.

India should tap the huge potential in the digital gaming arena by developing games that are inspired from its culture and folk tales, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, asserting that focus should be on use of technology and innovation besides manufacturing products that meet global standards. At a meeting to discuss ways to boost toy manufacturing in the country, Modi said toys can be an excellent medium to further the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat", a statement said. The prime minister tweeted after the meeting, "Had an extensive meeting on ways to boost toy manufacturing in India. Our focus would be to support the sector and create toys that ensure physical fitness and holistic personality development." Had an extensive meeting on ways to boost toy manufacturing in India. Our focus would be to support the sector and create toys that ensure physical fitness and holistic personality development. https://t.co/5yvLU8Zx22 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2020 × The statement quoted Modi as saying that toys aligned with Indian culture and ethos should be used as pedagogical tools across all anganwadi centres and schools for all-round development of children. He also stressed on the need to organise hackathons for innovations in toy technology and design. Laying emphasis on the fast-growing digital gaming arena, Modi said India should tap the huge potential in this area and lead the international digital gaming sector by developing games that are inspired from Indian culture and folk tales.

India should develop games inspired from its culture, folk tales: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jammu city will soon get a new landmark that will put in focus and highlight Dogra rule in the region. The mega mulitmedia project worth Rs 10 crore is set to be established by September end.&nbsp;

Chamandeep, engineer from Tourism Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, who is executing the project told WION, "The history of Dogra rule will be the focus in the light and sound video show."

As many as 400 people can watch the show the show -- to be broadcast in Hindi at the Bagh E Bahu, near the historic Bahu fort that over looks the city of Jammu. It will last for 30 minutes.

Legend has it that the Bahu fort is located at the spot from where Raja Jambulochan of Agnigarbha Sooryvanshi Dynasty founded his kingdom. Jammu is named after him and his son Raja Bahulochan who expanded his father's legacy built the Bahu fort and Bagh-e-Bahu.

The fort has a famous temple -- Babe wali mata ka Mandir. In 8th century, an idol of Kali was brought from Ayodhya and sanctified in the temple.

Since the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into two union territories, the focus has been to increase development in the regions that were neglected.

Infact just last month, the then Lt Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, inaugurated Jammu ropeway project section II,&nbsp;connecting Bahu to Mahamaya --&nbsp;two key locations of the city.

The project, however, is still not open to public due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Rakesh Bhat of Jammu Ropeway project told WION, "Local tourism will get a filip and the project connects three important and ancient temples of Jammu." He expects 4,000 tourists per day to use the ropeway project. 
&nbsp;

Jammu city will soon get a new landmark that will put in focus and highlight Dogra rule in the region. The mega mulitmedia project worth Rs 10 crore is set to be established by September end.

Jammu city will soon get a new landmark that will put in focus and highlight Dogra rule in the region. The mega mulitmedia project worth Rs 10 crore is set to be established by September end. Chamandeep, engineer from Tourism Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, who is executing the project told WION, "The history of Dogra rule will be the focus in the light and sound video show." As many as 400 people can watch the show the show -- to be broadcast in Hindi at the Bagh E Bahu, near the historic Bahu fort that over looks the city of Jammu. It will last for 30 minutes. Legend has it that the Bahu fort is located at the spot from where Raja Jambulochan of Agnigarbha Sooryvanshi Dynasty founded his kingdom. Jammu is named after him and his son Raja Bahulochan who expanded his father's legacy built the Bahu fort and Bagh-e-Bahu. The fort has a famous temple -- Babe wali mata ka Mandir. In 8th century, an idol of Kali was brought from Ayodhya and sanctified in the temple. Since the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation into two union territories, the focus has been to increase development in the regions that were neglected. Infact just last month, the then Lt Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, inaugurated Jammu ropeway project section II, connecting Bahu to Mahamaya -- two key locations of the city. The project, however, is still not open to public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rakesh Bhat of Jammu Ropeway project told WION, "Local tourism will get a filip and the project connects three important and ancient temples of Jammu." He expects 4,000 tourists per day to use the ropeway project.

History of Dogra to be highlighted in a mega multimedia show overlooking Jammu city

What's coming in between India's Wuhan Virus fight? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you 5 videos and 5 numbers that will get you thinking.

Gravitas: COVID-19: 5 videos and 5 numbers from India

The number of COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi has risen from 539 on August 1 to 591 on August 21, with officials attributing the rise to smaller areas being contained now.

According to data, the number of containment zones had decreased to 496 in the national capital on August 2 and had witnessed a marginal increase to 499 on August 4.

The following days, the number declined to 481 and 466. On August 12, the number of containment zones went past 500.

In July, the number of such areas was more than 700 in Delhi, but it gradually declined in August owing to the government allowing the "red" zones to be denotifified 14 days after the discharge of the last confirmed case, instead of the earlier norm of 28 days.

The number of containment zones was 591 in Delhi on Friday, according to a list available on the Revenue department's website. The maximum of 137 active containment zones is in Southwest district, followed by West (63), South (55) and North (50).

All the other districts have less than 50 active containment zones with New Delhi and Northwest districts having 17 such areas each.

The total number of active containment zones in the national capital is 466 while 125 zones are in the process of scaling down towards decontainment.

Officials said the containment zone plan is now more specific and with smaller zones being contained, people are also not feeling inconvenienced.

East District Magistrate Arun Kumar Mishra said carving out the containment zones is an important tool in containing the spread of COVID-19.

"We keep a regular watch on the situation and do the needful. The containment zones in East Delhi are smaller in size. There are presently 24 such zones in the district," he added.

"If we increase the number of containment zones, we can contain the virus better. The number of days after which an area can be denotifified has also been reduced now," an official from West district said.

The district always had smaller containment zones and once or twice, when the size of such areas was increased, problems were witnessed, he said, adding that smaller containment zones mean better monitoring and people do not suffer as well.

"Sometimes, when we increase the size of such zones, they never end up being decontained. We are doing micro containment so that the virus does not spread," the official said.

The number of COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi has risen from 539 on August 1 to 591 on August 21, with officials attributing the rise to smaller areas being contained now.

The number of COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi has risen from 539 on August 1 to 591 on August 21, with officials attributing the rise to smaller areas being contained now. According to data, the number of containment zones had decreased to 496 in the national capital on August 2 and had witnessed a marginal increase to 499 on August 4. The following days, the number declined to 481 and 466. On August 12, the number of containment zones went past 500. In July, the number of such areas was more than 700 in Delhi, but it gradually declined in August owing to the government allowing the "red" zones to be denotifified 14 days after the discharge of the last confirmed case, instead of the earlier norm of 28 days. The number of containment zones was 591 in Delhi on Friday, according to a list available on the Revenue department's website. The maximum of 137 active containment zones is in Southwest district, followed by West (63), South (55) and North (50). All the other districts have less than 50 active containment zones with New Delhi and Northwest districts having 17 such areas each. The total number of active containment zones in the national capital is 466 while 125 zones are in the process of scaling down towards decontainment. Officials said the containment zone plan is now more specific and with smaller zones being contained, people are also not feeling inconvenienced. East District Magistrate Arun Kumar Mishra said carving out the containment zones is an important tool in containing the spread of COVID-19. "We keep a regular watch on the situation and do the needful. The containment zones in East Delhi are smaller in size. There are presently 24 such zones in the district," he added. "If we increase the number of containment zones, we can contain the virus better. The number of days after which an area can be denotifified has also been reduced now," an official from West district said. The district always had smaller containment zones and once or twice, when the size of such areas was increased, problems were witnessed, he said, adding that smaller containment zones mean better monitoring and people do not suffer as well. "Sometimes, when we increase the size of such zones, they never end up being decontained. We are doing micro containment so that the virus does not spread," the official said.

COVID-19 containment zones in Delhi rises in August

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the overall security scenario in eastern Ladakh amid the ongoing talks between India and China on the disengagement process in the high-altitude region, people familiar with the developments said.

The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

The sources said all important aspects of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh were discussed in great detail.

The meeting also deliberated on the future course of approach in dealing with the situation, they added.

The analysis comes in the wake of the assessment by the Army that the Chinese military is not serious about the resolution of the border conflict in eastern Ladakh. There has been a stalemate in the military talks as the Indian Army was strongly insisting that the Chinese side must restore the status quo ante of April this year to resolve the over three-month-old row.

The Indian Army has clearly stated to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) that "shifting" of the Line of Actual Control is not acceptable to it, the sources said adding Chinese military is now desperately attempting to give "ex post facto strategic meaning" to its actions in eastern Ladakh.

"Due to the strong response of the Indian Army, the PLA is faced with unanticipated and unintended consequences of his misadventure," said a source, adding it is looking for a "face-saving exit strategy".

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made in resolution of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

On Thursday, the two sides held another round of diplomatic talks following which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they had agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols.

However, the sources said the meeting could not produce any significant outcome. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July.

The Chinese military has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas, sources said.

In the five rounds of corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April.

Even as both sides have been engaged in diplomatic and military talks, the Indian Army is making elaborate preparation to maintain its current strength of troops in all key areas in eastern Ladakh in the harsh winter months.

Army Chief Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army, overseeing operation of the frontline formations along the LAC, to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", the sources said.

The Army is also in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops, they added. The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degrees Celsius in the winter months.

The tension between the two sides escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. Following the Galwan Valley incident, the government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizeable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the overall security scenario in eastern Ladakh amid the ongoing talks between India and China on the disengagement process in the high-altitude region, people familiar with the developments said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the overall security scenario in eastern Ladakh amid the ongoing talks between India and China on the disengagement process in the high-altitude region, people familiar with the developments said. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. The sources said all important aspects of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh were discussed in great detail. The meeting also deliberated on the future course of approach in dealing with the situation, they added. The analysis comes in the wake of the assessment by the Army that the Chinese military is not serious about the resolution of the border conflict in eastern Ladakh. There has been a stalemate in the military talks as the Indian Army was strongly insisting that the Chinese side must restore the status quo ante of April this year to resolve the over three-month-old row. The Indian Army has clearly stated to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) that "shifting" of the Line of Actual Control is not acceptable to it, the sources said adding Chinese military is now desperately attempting to give "ex post facto strategic meaning" to its actions in eastern Ladakh. "Due to the strong response of the Indian Army, the PLA is faced with unanticipated and unintended consequences of his misadventure," said a source, adding it is looking for a "face-saving exit strategy". India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made in resolution of the border row in eastern Ladakh. On Thursday, the two sides held another round of diplomatic talks following which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they had agreed to resolve outstanding issues in an "expeditious manner" and in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols. However, the sources said the meeting could not produce any significant outcome. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July. The Chinese military has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas, sources said. In the five rounds of corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April. Even as both sides have been engaged in diplomatic and military talks, the Indian Army is making elaborate preparation to maintain its current strength of troops in all key areas in eastern Ladakh in the harsh winter months. Army Chief Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army, overseeing operation of the frontline formations along the LAC, to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", the sources said. The Army is also in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops, they added. The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degrees Celsius in the winter months. The tension between the two sides escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. Following the Galwan Valley incident, the government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizeable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh reviews security in eastern Ladakh with defence chiefs

Based on specific intelligence, Chennai Air Customs seized 1.45 kg gold (in foils) worth Rs.78.4 lakhs from a passenger’s personal goods. While the passenger had arrived earlier from Dubai, his personal belongings arrived later at the Unaccompanied Baggage Terminal.&nbsp;

Four carton boxes carrying his personal belongings had arrived at the airport via an Indigo airlines flight as unaccompanied baggage.&nbsp;

The carton consented toy boxes and bedspreads among other items. Officials said that the bedspread was wrapped around a cardboard sheet, which appeared to be unusually heavy. On tearing open the cardboard sheet, gold foil wrapped in carbon paper was found concealed in between its two layers. Similarly, cardboard sheets were found in all toy boxes as well. On tearing open the sheets, gold foils wrapped in carbon paper were found concealed inside two cardboard sheets.

“This is the first seizure of gold foil from unaccompanied baggage, it used to be smuggled in by passengers earlier. But this isn’t a very common method. The way in which the foil was packed was also hard to detect, we were able to nab this due to specific intelligence” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs, told WION.&nbsp;

Total of 3 bedspreads and 7 toy boxes were recovered from the carton boxes. 10 gold foils weighing 1.45 kg valued at Rs.78.4 lakhs were recovered and seized under Customs Act, 1962. The passenger hailed from Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu and was working as an electrician in Dubai. He had returned recently lost his job following the COVID-19 outbreak. He was arrested by authorities.

Based on specific intelligence, Chennai Air Customs seized 1.45 kg gold (in foils) worth Rs.78.4 lakhs from a passenger’s personal goods. While the passenger had arrived earlier from Dubai, his personal belongings arrived later at the Unaccompanied Baggage Terminal.

Based on specific intelligence, Chennai Air Customs seized 1.45 kg gold (in foils) worth Rs.78.4 lakhs from a passenger’s personal goods. While the passenger had arrived earlier from Dubai, his personal belongings arrived later at the Unaccompanied Baggage Terminal. Four carton boxes carrying his personal belongings had arrived at the airport via an Indigo airlines flight as unaccompanied baggage. The carton consented toy boxes and bedspreads among other items. Officials said that the bedspread was wrapped around a cardboard sheet, which appeared to be unusually heavy. On tearing open the cardboard sheet, gold foil wrapped in carbon paper was found concealed in between its two layers. Similarly, cardboard sheets were found in all toy boxes as well. On tearing open the sheets, gold foils wrapped in carbon paper were found concealed inside two cardboard sheets. “This is the first seizure of gold foil from unaccompanied baggage, it used to be smuggled in by passengers earlier. But this isn’t a very common method. The way in which the foil was packed was also hard to detect, we were able to nab this due to specific intelligence” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs, told WION. Total of 3 bedspreads and 7 toy boxes were recovered from the carton boxes. 10 gold foils weighing 1.45 kg valued at Rs.78.4 lakhs were recovered and seized under Customs Act, 1962. The passenger hailed from Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu and was working as an electrician in Dubai. He had returned recently lost his job following the COVID-19 outbreak. He was arrested by authorities.

Hidden in cardboard sheets, gold foil seized at Chennai airport

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday.

The 10 days of prayers and family gatherings for Ganesh Chaturthi started under a pandemic cloud with the country closing on three million infections and 56,000 deaths.

Most major cities have ordered that effigies of the popular elephant-headed god Ganesha, which can draw thousands of Hindu devotees onto the streets, be shrunk back.

Traditionally, the idols can tower 30 feet&nbsp;high or more and need dozens of people to carry them but this year authorities said they can be no more than 1.1 metres tall in a bid to cut crowds.

<img alt="G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="684353f5-78d4-4842-a8ac-4e707bd98b09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_22.jpg" />

An artisan applies finishing touches to an idol of Hindu elephant god&nbsp;Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, at a workshop

In New Delhi, no Ganesha idols will be shown in public while hard-hit Mumbai has cut back access to the seafront to immerse Ganesha figures, usually the highlight of the festival.

Tens of thousands traditionally flock to the beaches on the final day of the festival to immerse elaborately decorated figurines of the deity in the Arabian Sea.

This year, authorities in India's financial capital have constructed hundreds of artificial immersion ponds across the city to stop hordes crowding the waterfront.

Devotees will also be able to leave their elephant idols at collection centres and volunteers will immerse them in the sea.

Authorities want devotees to mark the festival at home, dampening enthusiasm among pandemic-weary locals. Even the idols worshipped at home must be no more than 13 inches.

In a sign of the times one of the rare Ganesha elephants on display sprays sanitizer onto the hands of devotees who come to pray.

Worshippers are barred from making public offerings to the deity and organisers have been ordered to sanitise outdoor marquees several times a day.

Some cities which have seen a surge in coronavirus cases had proposed a complete ban on Ganesha gatherings in public.

But in Bangalore, authorities relented following protests by religious groups. Public displays of the elephant figures will still be restricted with socially distanced followers having to wear masks.

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday.

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday. The 10 days of prayers and family gatherings for Ganesh Chaturthi started under a pandemic cloud with the country closing on three million infections and 56,000 deaths. Most major cities have ordered that effigies of the popular elephant-headed god Ganesha, which can draw thousands of Hindu devotees onto the streets, be shrunk back. Traditionally, the idols can tower 30 feet high or more and need dozens of people to carry them but this year authorities said they can be no more than 1.1 metres tall in a bid to cut crowds. An artisan applies finishing touches to an idol of Hindu elephant god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, at a workshop In New Delhi, no Ganesha idols will be shown in public while hard-hit Mumbai has cut back access to the seafront to immerse Ganesha figures, usually the highlight of the festival. Tens of thousands traditionally flock to the beaches on the final day of the festival to immerse elaborately decorated figurines of the deity in the Arabian Sea. This year, authorities in India's financial capital have constructed hundreds of artificial immersion ponds across the city to stop hordes crowding the waterfront. Devotees will also be able to leave their elephant idols at collection centres and volunteers will immerse them in the sea. Authorities want devotees to mark the festival at home, dampening enthusiasm among pandemic-weary locals. Even the idols worshipped at home must be no more than 13 inches. In a sign of the times one of the rare Ganesha elephants on display sprays sanitizer onto the hands of devotees who come to pray. Worshippers are barred from making public offerings to the deity and organisers have been ordered to sanitise outdoor marquees several times a day. Some cities which have seen a surge in coronavirus cases had proposed a complete ban on Ganesha gatherings in public. But in Bangalore, authorities relented following protests by religious groups. Public displays of the elephant figures will still be restricted with socially distanced followers having to wear masks.

COVID-19 curbs see elephant idols shrunk for Ganesh Chaturthi

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives.

The Delhi Police arrested the alleged ISIS operative with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from central Delhi's Ridge Road area. The accused was arrested on Friday night following a brief exchange of fire.

To this end, vehicles and passengers moving to and fro Delhi are being checked at the border, while Gautam Buddh Nagar district is also on alert mode, Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh S said.

Senior police officers also assessed security checks in the district bordering Delhi.

The accused was arrested following a brief exchange of fire in central Delhi's Ridge Road area, the officer said.

Additionally, Uttar Pradesh DGP Hitesh Chandra Awasthi has sounded an alert in the state.

The DGP has asked all police officers, especially those in field posting, to remain alert in view of the arrest and take necessary precautions, a senior official said.

(with inputs from agencies)

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives.

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives. The Delhi Police arrested the alleged ISIS operative with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from central Delhi's Ridge Road area. The accused was arrested on Friday night following a brief exchange of fire. To this end, vehicles and passengers moving to and fro Delhi are being checked at the border, while Gautam Buddh Nagar district is also on alert mode, Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh S said. Senior police officers also assessed security checks in the district bordering Delhi. The accused was arrested following a brief exchange of fire in central Delhi's Ridge Road area, the officer said. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh DGP Hitesh Chandra Awasthi has sounded an alert in the state. The DGP has asked all police officers, especially those in field posting, to remain alert in view of the arrest and take necessary precautions, a senior official said. (with inputs from agencies)

Security checks intensified in Delhi-NCR after ISIS operative held; UP DGP sounds alert

The COVID-19 pandemic is set to reach a more serious milestone, with India on the verge of becoming the third country in the world to record 3 million cases.

India expected to surpass 3 Million COVID-19 cases by Saturday

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a&nbsp;complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday.

The woman, who was divorced within a year of her marriage in 2010, has also said in the complaint that apart from them, some family members of her former husband sexually harassed her, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-spike-of-68898-cases-983-deaths-reported-in-india-in-the-last-24-hours-322060">Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours</a>

Following the complaint, a case under relevant IPC sections and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered on Thursday and the FIR runs into 42 pages.

The woman was sent for a medical examination.

"Following the complaint, we have registered a case and are further investigating," a police official attached to Punjagutta police station said.

According to the woman, she was threatened and sexually abused and exploited by 139 people over the past several years at different places.

She further said due to fear and panic and threats from the accused, there was delay in filing the police complaint, police added. 
&nbsp;

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday.

A 25-year-old woman has lodged a complaint here alleging that she was sexually assaulted by as many as 139 people over the past several years following which a case has been registered, police said on Friday. The woman, who was divorced within a year of her marriage in 2010, has also said in the complaint that apart from them, some family members of her former husband sexually harassed her, they said. Also read | Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours Following the complaint, a case under relevant IPC sections and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was registered on Thursday and the FIR runs into 42 pages. The woman was sent for a medical examination. "Following the complaint, we have registered a case and are further investigating," a police official attached to Punjagutta police station said. According to the woman, she was threatened and sexually abused and exploited by 139 people over the past several years at different places. She further said due to fear and panic and threats from the accused, there was delay in filing the police complaint, police added.

Hyderabad: Woman files complaint over sexual assault by 139 people

Retired bureaucrat Rajiv Kumar was on Friday appointed as election commissioner in place of Ashok Lavasa who resigned.

President Ram Nath Kovind cleared his appointment with effect from the date he assumes office. His appointment is in place of Lavasa who resigned with effect from August 31.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-of-india-issues-covid-19-guidelines-for-conduct-of-bihar-polls-322202">Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls</a>

"In pursuance of clause (2) of article 324 of the Constitution, the president is pleased to appoint Shri Rajiv Kumar, (IAS retired) as the election commissioner with effect from the date he assumes the office&nbsp;vice Shri Ashok Lavasa, election commissioner who has resigned with effect August 31," an official notification of the Ministry of Law and Justice said.

Rajiv Kumar is a retired IAS officer of 1984 batch of Jharkhand cadre.

Retired bureaucrat Rajiv Kumar was on Friday appointed as election commissioner in place of Ashok Lavasa who resigned. President Ram Nath Kovind cleared his appointment with effect from the date he assumes office.

Retired bureaucrat Rajiv Kumar was on Friday appointed as election commissioner in place of Ashok Lavasa who resigned. President Ram Nath Kovind cleared his appointment with effect from the date he assumes office. His appointment is in place of Lavasa who resigned with effect from August 31. Also read | Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls "In pursuance of clause (2) of article 324 of the Constitution, the president is pleased to appoint Shri Rajiv Kumar, (IAS retired) as the election commissioner with effect from the date he assumes the office vice Shri Ashok Lavasa, election commissioner who has resigned with effect August 31," an official notification of the Ministry of Law and Justice said. Rajiv Kumar is a retired IAS officer of 1984 batch of Jharkhand cadre.

Retired bureaucrat Rajiv Kumar appointed EC in place of Ashok Lavasa

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total cases of coronavirus infections mounted to 29, 05,824, while the death toll climbed to 54,849 with 983 new fatalities being reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Testing in India has steeply increased to more than 9 lakh tests per day. This is bolstered with all States/UTs testing more than 140 tests/day/million population as advised by WHO (World Health Organization).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded various steps taken by authorities in Gujarat to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, said a top government official on Thursday.&nbsp;

And to spread awareness about the coronavirus pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday launched a first-of-its-kind, interactive video game and two new promotional videos urging people to adhere to key COVID-19-appropriate behaviours.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India's COVID-19 caseload went past 29 lakh with a single-day spike of 69,652 infections, while the recoveries increased to 21, 58,947 on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total cases of coronavirus infections mounted to 29, 05,824, while the death toll climbed to 54,849 with 983 new fatalities being reported in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. According to the Union Health Ministry, Testing in India has steeply increased to more than 9 lakh tests per day. This is bolstered with all States/UTs testing more than 140 tests/day/million population as advised by WHO (World Health Organization). Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded various steps taken by authorities in Gujarat to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, said a top government official on Thursday. And to spread awareness about the coronavirus pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday launched a first-of-its-kind, interactive video game and two new promotional videos urging people to adhere to key COVID-19-appropriate behaviours. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Spike of 68,898 cases, 983 deaths reported in India, in the last 24 hours

Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar in the family of court musicians.&nbsp;

He almost single-handedly brought ahead of the shahnai as a classical instrument.&nbsp;

He, in fact, brought shehnai to the centre stage of Indian music with his concert in Calcutta in 1937. In India, even today shehnai is synonyms to Bismillah Khan.&nbsp;

He also had the rare honour of performing at Delhi's Red Fort on the eve of India's Independence in 1947.&nbsp;

He also performed at the Red Fort on the eve of India's first Republic Day on January 26, 1950.&nbsp;

His performance would be live broadcasted by Doordarshan every year on August 15 after Prime Minister's speech during the celebrations at Lal Qila.&nbsp;

The shehnai maestro is credited for popularising shehnai, a subcontinental wind instrument.&nbsp;

The shehnai found a global audience when he performed at the Edinburgh Music Festival almost three decades later.&nbsp;

He had won a number of awards including Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Shri (1961), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956) among several others. After MS Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar, he was the third classical musician to be accorded with this award.

Ustad ji started playing at the age of 14 and it was his performance at the All India Music Conference at Kolkata in 1937 that became a career-defining moment for him. Ustad ji who was quite devoted to music would refer his shehnai as his begum (wife). Living a simple life in Varanasi he made the world talk about his works and the shehnai.

He, in fact, brought shehnai to the center stage of Indian music with his concert in Calcutta in 1937. In India, even today shehnai is synonyms to Bismillah Khan.

Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar in the family of court musicians. He almost single-handedly brought ahead of the shahnai as a classical instrument. He, in fact, brought shehnai to the centre stage of Indian music with his concert in Calcutta in 1937. In India, even today shehnai is synonyms to Bismillah Khan. He also had the rare honour of performing at Delhi's Red Fort on the eve of India's Independence in 1947. He also performed at the Red Fort on the eve of India's first Republic Day on January 26, 1950. His performance would be live broadcasted by Doordarshan every year on August 15 after Prime Minister's speech during the celebrations at Lal Qila. The shehnai maestro is credited for popularising shehnai, a subcontinental wind instrument. The shehnai found a global audience when he performed at the Edinburgh Music Festival almost three decades later. He had won a number of awards including Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Shri (1961), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956) among several others. After MS Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar, he was the third classical musician to be accorded with this award. Ustad ji started playing at the age of 14 and it was his performance at the All India Music Conference at Kolkata in 1937 that became a career-defining moment for him. Ustad ji who was quite devoted to music would refer his shehnai as his begum (wife). Living a simple life in Varanasi he made the world talk about his works and the shehnai.

Bismillah Khan: All you need to know about the Bharat Ratna shehnai maestro

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest addition to the list of leaders who perused this no-contact way of greeting are France President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. The two European Union leaders met on Thursday to discuss travel restrictions related to the coronavirus.

Worried that shaking hands, hugging and kissing on the cheek -- an archetypal European way of greeting each other -- might help spread the virus, Macron and Merkel folded hands in Namaste and bent a little to exchange pleasantries.

The video of them adopting the Indian style of greeting has gone viral.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Namaste is Global ! 
 
📸:When Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany greet each other with Namaste<a href="https://t.co/jHUhW2CfPY">pic.twitter.com/jHUhW2CfPY</a>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1296490566688149505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Macron is not new to this though. He folded his palms in the traditional Indian manner and bowed slightly while greeting Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Elysee Palace in Paris in early March.

The French ambassador to New Delhi, Emmanuel Lenain, had then tweeted, “President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a namaste, a graceful gesture that he has retained from his India visit in 2018.”

"Namaste,” a combination of two Sanskrit words, translates into “bowing to you” and does not involve skin contact and allows people to maintain a distance. &nbsp;

In recent days, images of US President Donald Trump and Prince Charles opting to use the Indian greeting over a handshake have also gone viral. 
&nbsp; 
When Trump was asked by reporters, in March, 2020, how he greeted the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar during their meeting in Washington, both leaders put their hands together to demonstrate what they did.

"I just got back from India. And I did not shake any hands there, and it was very easy because they go like this and Japan goes like this,” Trump said doing a quick demonstration of the Indian namaste and the Japanese ojigi -- bowing.

"They are ahead of the curve,” he said.

<img alt="Namaste by Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b2f41f7-b638-4973-9216-f0ef1769088c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump%20namaste.jpg" />

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also advocated the Indian-style greeting to his country and went on to demonstrate it by folding his hands at a press conference early this year. 
&nbsp; 
Historians are of the opinion that ‘namaste’ might have become familiar in the West thanks to yoga, originating in India but practised by millions all over. It certainly, however, gained a surge in popularity in 2020, all thanks to the pandemic.

In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the country of the benefits of sticking to the traditional greeting.

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest addition to the list of leaders who perused this no-contact way of greeting are France President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. The two European Union leaders met on Thursday to discuss travel restrictions related to the coronavirus. Worried that shaking hands, hugging and kissing on the cheek -- an archetypal European way of greeting each other -- might help spread the virus, Macron and Merkel folded hands in Namaste and bent a little to exchange pleasantries. The video of them adopting the Indian style of greeting has gone viral. Namaste is Global ! 📸:When Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany greet each other with Namastepic.twitter.com/jHUhW2CfPY — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 20, 2020 × Macron is not new to this though. He folded his palms in the traditional Indian manner and bowed slightly while greeting Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Elysee Palace in Paris in early March. The French ambassador to New Delhi, Emmanuel Lenain, had then tweeted, “President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a namaste, a graceful gesture that he has retained from his India visit in 2018.” "Namaste,” a combination of two Sanskrit words, translates into “bowing to you” and does not involve skin contact and allows people to maintain a distance. In recent days, images of US President Donald Trump and Prince Charles opting to use the Indian greeting over a handshake have also gone viral. When Trump was asked by reporters, in March, 2020, how he greeted the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar during their meeting in Washington, both leaders put their hands together to demonstrate what they did. "I just got back from India. And I did not shake any hands there, and it was very easy because they go like this and Japan goes like this,” Trump said doing a quick demonstration of the Indian namaste and the Japanese ojigi -- bowing. "They are ahead of the curve,” he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also advocated the Indian-style greeting to his country and went on to demonstrate it by folding his hands at a press conference early this year. Historians are of the opinion that ‘namaste’ might have become familiar in the West thanks to yoga, originating in India but practised by millions all over. It certainly, however, gained a surge in popularity in 2020, all thanks to the pandemic. In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the country of the benefits of sticking to the traditional greeting.

Indian greeting 'Namaste' is now global: Macron and Merkel's pleasantries go viral

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his condolences to the families who lost their kin in the Srisailam hydroelectric plant fire incident, in which nine people lost their lives.&nbsp;

"Fire at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest," wrote Modi on Twitter.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fire at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1296775051807789057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The fire broke out late on Thursday night at the plant situated on the Telangana-Andhra Pradesh border. Officials said at least 17 people were inside the facility when the incident took place, out of which eight managed to come out.&nbsp;

Earlier, efforts were underway by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue the people trapped inside the Telangana State Generation Corporation (TS Genco) plant. However, later today, officials declared that nine people stranded inside are dead.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind also said in a tweet he was "pained" by the loss of lives in the accident and expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families.&nbsp;

"Pained by the loss of lives in the tragic fire accident at Srisailam hydroelectric plant in Telangana. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured," the president tweeted.

Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has described the tragedy "most unfortunate" and asked officials to carry out probe to ascertain cause that led to the incident.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his condolences to the families who lost their kin in the Srisailam hydroelectric plant fire incident, in which nine people lost their lives.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered his condolences to the families who lost their kin in the Srisailam hydroelectric plant fire incident, in which nine people lost their lives. "Fire at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest," wrote Modi on Twitter. Fire at the Srisailam hydroelectric plant is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover at the earliest. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2020 × The fire broke out late on Thursday night at the plant situated on the Telangana-Andhra Pradesh border. Officials said at least 17 people were inside the facility when the incident took place, out of which eight managed to come out. Earlier, efforts were underway by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue the people trapped inside the Telangana State Generation Corporation (TS Genco) plant. However, later today, officials declared that nine people stranded inside are dead. President Ram Nath Kovind also said in a tweet he was "pained" by the loss of lives in the accident and expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families. "Pained by the loss of lives in the tragic fire accident at Srisailam hydroelectric plant in Telangana. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery for the injured," the president tweeted. Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has described the tragedy "most unfortunate" and asked officials to carry out probe to ascertain cause that led to the incident.

PM Narendra Modi offers condolences on Telangana hydroelectric plant fire

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-targets-nitish-for-not-venturing-out-of-home-sushil-modi-hits-back-314128">Also Read:&nbsp;Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back</a>

The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year.

The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button.

The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting.

According to EC's rule, maximum of &nbsp;1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling.

Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only.

The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29. Also Read: Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year. The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button. The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting. According to EC's rule, maximum of 1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling. Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only. The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news