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Not a stranger to records in archery, 5-year old Sanjana has successfully completed her most daring, fearsome feat yet! Suspended at a height of 20feet, head-over-heels from a wooden structure, the little girl managed to shoot 111 arrows, onto a target that’s 8 meters away.

Not a stranger to records in archery, 5-year old Sanjana has successfully completed her most daring, fearsome feat yet! Suspended at a height of 20feet, head-over-heels from a wooden structure, the little girl managed to shoot 111 arrows, onto a target that’s 8 meters away. All this, in under 13 minutes and 15 seconds. That’s a whopping 8 arrows per minute! Sanjana undertook this feat amid safety and medical precautions after undergoing intense training for over a year. This is her third major archery feat in three consecutive years. In 2018, she had shot 1,111 arrows continuously in under 3 hrs 30 minutes for a record. Last year she shot 300 arrows on target while being blindfolded. Her training involved performing the Sirasasana (Head-stand) yoga posture to get used to the rapid flow of blood towards the head. Eventually, she was also coached and mentally trained to be able to perform this feat while being suspended 20-feet. “Over one year, we gradually increased the intensity of training and the duration. First it was head-stand, then she was shooting arrows while upside-down and finally she was trying the same while being suspended” Sanjana’s mentor and mind-coach Shihan Hussaini told WION. Since 2018, Sanjana has had the rare distinction of being an archer who trains on three categories of bows- Indian bow, Re-curve and Compound bow. It is said that even professional archers, who compete at the international level don’t train on all three. Making her debut at the Tamil Nadu and National Archery meets, Sanjana had made waves. Participating in the under-9 age category she had struck gold, shooting in all three bows. At the national meet, she won a special recognition by winning the ‘Youngest Achiever Award’. Her father, Premnath, who has a modest job, is elated at the little one’s achievements and adds that she was interested in the bow and arrow from her infancy. “She was gifted a bow and arrow for her birthday and was really obsessed with it. She started basic training when she was 2 years and 9 months old, most others begin only after turning five” he told WION. When asked about the detractors voices and the risks involved, Hussaini said that the there were a few who pointed out the kid’s age and the health concerns, but he adds that safety was paramount and that they had done all they could for extra-safety. “We had adequate practice, there was a doctor on-site monitoring her parameters, and also we had ensured that the wooden structure could handle much more than her body weight. We had even padded the regions where the ropes would hold her, to ensure that she’s comfortable. She didn’t wear a helmet, but that’s because it would obstruct her view” he says. Her father says that she was completely normal and started playing and running around in joy after the feat was completed. So what’s next for the little champ? She’s training for the upcoming national archery event. But whether the event would take place is purely dependent on how the COVID-19 scenario evolves. However, the very reason behind this feat was that “COVID-19 has turned the world upside-down, but the indomitable human spirit can achieve, even in the face of adversity” Hussaini says.

Suspended upside down at 20 feet, 5-year-old performs daring archery feat

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front.

"The LCA Tejas was deployed by the Indian Air Force on the western front close to the Pakistan border to take care of any possible action by the adversary there," government sources told.

The first LCA Tejas squadron, 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based out of Sulur under the Southern Air Command, was deployed in an operational role there, the sources said.

The indigenous Tejas aircraft had been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech where he had stated that the deal to buy the LCA Mark1A version was expected to be completed soon.

While the first squadron of the planes is of the Initial Operational Clearance version, the second 18 Squadron `Flying Bullets` is of the Final Operational Clearance version and was operationalized by the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria at the Sulur airbase on May 27.

The Indian Air Force and the Defence Ministry are expected to finalise the deal for the 83 Mark1A aircraft by the end of this year.

Given the Chinese aggression on the borders, the IAF had deployed its assets all along the borders with both China and Pakistan.The forward airbases of the force have been equipped to take care of situations along the western and northern fronts and have seen extensive flying operations in the recent past, including both daytime and night operations.&nbsp;

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front.

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front. "The LCA Tejas was deployed by the Indian Air Force on the western front close to the Pakistan border to take care of any possible action by the adversary there," government sources told. The first LCA Tejas squadron, 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based out of Sulur under the Southern Air Command, was deployed in an operational role there, the sources said. The indigenous Tejas aircraft had been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech where he had stated that the deal to buy the LCA Mark1A version was expected to be completed soon. While the first squadron of the planes is of the Initial Operational Clearance version, the second 18 Squadron `Flying Bullets` is of the Final Operational Clearance version and was operationalized by the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria at the Sulur airbase on May 27. The Indian Air Force and the Defence Ministry are expected to finalise the deal for the 83 Mark1A aircraft by the end of this year. Given the Chinese aggression on the borders, the IAF had deployed its assets all along the borders with both China and Pakistan.The forward airbases of the force have been equipped to take care of situations along the western and northern fronts and have seen extensive flying operations in the recent past, including both daytime and night operations.

Amid border tensions with China, indigenous fighter LCA Tejas deployed on western front

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. 
 
The death count has also surged to 774,160. 
 
Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). 
 
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. 
 
WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 774,160. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 21 million; death toll at 774,160 

The ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists has entered the second day as gunfire resumed this morning after lull throughout the night and amid a tight cordon around the area.&nbsp;

Yesterday, after terrorists attacked a joint team of J&amp;K police and CRPF and killed one cop and two paramilitary men, an operation was launched to trace the fleeing terrorists with the help of sniffer dogs in Kreeri village of Baramulla district in north Kashmir.&nbsp;

Three terrorists were neutralized till the sunset and operation were halted due to darkness but with the break of dawn, the firefight resumed and is ongoing since then. 
 
An Indian army soldier lost his life while clashing with the hiding terrorists while another is being treated at an army hospital.&nbsp;

Security forces believe that more terrorists are hiding in the area who were traced after they left their clothes and backpack behind following with sniffer dogs were successful in tracing them.&nbsp;

Director-General of J&amp;K police, Dilbag Singh, while addressing a press conference in Srinagar claimed to have achieved a major success by killing a top local Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Sajad Ahmad Mir Alais Haider, a resident of Brath Kalan area of Sopore in Baramulla district.&nbsp; 
“He was the number one terrorist in north Kashmir and among the top 10 in Kashmir valley,” Dilbag said.&nbsp;

Police says Sajad had a history of terror crime starting 2016 when he joins the ranks and was the mastermind behind the killing of a BJP leader and two other members, who were from the same family in Bandipora district last month.

The ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists has entered the second day as gunfire resumed this morning after lull throughout the night and amid a tight cordon around the area.

The ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists has entered the second day as gunfire resumed this morning after lull throughout the night and amid a tight cordon around the area. Yesterday, after terrorists attacked a joint team of J&K police and CRPF and killed one cop and two paramilitary men, an operation was launched to trace the fleeing terrorists with the help of sniffer dogs in Kreeri village of Baramulla district in north Kashmir. Three terrorists were neutralized till the sunset and operation were halted due to darkness but with the break of dawn, the firefight resumed and is ongoing since then. An Indian army soldier lost his life while clashing with the hiding terrorists while another is being treated at an army hospital. Security forces believe that more terrorists are hiding in the area who were traced after they left their clothes and backpack behind following with sniffer dogs were successful in tracing them. Director-General of J&K police, Dilbag Singh, while addressing a press conference in Srinagar claimed to have achieved a major success by killing a top local Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Sajad Ahmad Mir Alais Haider, a resident of Brath Kalan area of Sopore in Baramulla district. “He was the number one terrorist in north Kashmir and among the top 10 in Kashmir valley,” Dilbag said. Police says Sajad had a history of terror crime starting 2016 when he joins the ranks and was the mastermind behind the killing of a BJP leader and two other members, who were from the same family in Bandipora district last month.

Three terrorists, four security force personnel killed as Kashmir encounter enters second day

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. The Court dismissed all the petitions filed by Sterlite, which challenged the Tamil Nadu Government’s and the State Pollution control board’s orders, that asked for the plant to be shut for violating environmental norms.&nbsp;

Sterlite's copper smelter, which is the largest in the country was ordered shut by the Tamil Nadu Government on 28th May 2018. Protests had also been taking place in Tuticorin for nearly 100-days against the Sterlite-plant and its operation. On May 22nd 2018, the protests turned violent and Police firings on those who protested against the plant led to 13 deaths, causing severe backlash across the state. The violent protests that were carried out by anti-Sterlite protestors saw the damaging of public property and vehicles. The Tamil Nadu state Pollution control board had earlier rejected the plant’s application for renewal of Consent to Operate, in April 2018, stating that the plant had violated environmental laws.&nbsp;

Vedanta had taken legal recourse to ensure the re-opening of the plant and partially succeeded when the National green tribunal ruled in favour of the plant. However, the Supreme Court, set aside the NGT order on the grounds that they (NGT) did not have jurisdiction over the issue.&nbsp;

However, the Supreme Court allowed the company to approach the Madras High Court, before which the company’s lawyers filed nearly 10 writ petitions. The hearing of this case is said to have gone on for over 40 days and the verdict was ready by around March 2020, but it had to be deferred owing to the lockdown and the related delays that ensued.&nbsp;

The judges pointed out that at least 70 percent of the 815 page order (which would be released later in the afternoon) had been dictated over telephone or mobile phone given the current scenario that only permits remote working. It was also added that the lawyers had wound up their arguments by January 8th this year and that the final verdict and orders had taken shape by March.&nbsp;

Political reactions from across the spectrum in Tamil Nadu, hailed it as “justice for the victims of the firing”.&nbsp;

On the other hand, it is said that thousands of employees (direct and indirect) have been unemployed following the factory being ordered shut. Reports also state that the closure has led to India becoming a net importer of copper, given that the Sterlite Tuticorin smelter alone contributed to 40% of India’s copper requirement.&nbsp;

Sterlite Copper said the verdict came as an utter shock to the employees of Sterlite Copper and thousands of other small businesses that were dependent on the copper smelter’s operations. The company added that they would be pursuing all available legal remedies in the coming days.&nbsp;

“It is disheartening to note that at a time when our nation is forced to depend on hostile neighbors for copper imports, certain forces are conspiring to stifle our nation’s ability to be an independent copper manufacturer” Pankaj Kumar, CEO, Sterlite Copper said in a statement, that denied the allegations against the plant as false-truths.

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin.

Justices TS Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan of the Madras High Court refused to allow the re-opening of Vedanta-owned, Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. The Court dismissed all the petitions filed by Sterlite, which challenged the Tamil Nadu Government’s and the State Pollution control board’s orders, that asked for the plant to be shut for violating environmental norms. Sterlite's copper smelter, which is the largest in the country was ordered shut by the Tamil Nadu Government on 28th May 2018. Protests had also been taking place in Tuticorin for nearly 100-days against the Sterlite-plant and its operation. On May 22nd 2018, the protests turned violent and Police firings on those who protested against the plant led to 13 deaths, causing severe backlash across the state. The violent protests that were carried out by anti-Sterlite protestors saw the damaging of public property and vehicles. The Tamil Nadu state Pollution control board had earlier rejected the plant’s application for renewal of Consent to Operate, in April 2018, stating that the plant had violated environmental laws. Vedanta had taken legal recourse to ensure the re-opening of the plant and partially succeeded when the National green tribunal ruled in favour of the plant. However, the Supreme Court, set aside the NGT order on the grounds that they (NGT) did not have jurisdiction over the issue. However, the Supreme Court allowed the company to approach the Madras High Court, before which the company’s lawyers filed nearly 10 writ petitions. The hearing of this case is said to have gone on for over 40 days and the verdict was ready by around March 2020, but it had to be deferred owing to the lockdown and the related delays that ensued. The judges pointed out that at least 70 percent of the 815 page order (which would be released later in the afternoon) had been dictated over telephone or mobile phone given the current scenario that only permits remote working. It was also added that the lawyers had wound up their arguments by January 8th this year and that the final verdict and orders had taken shape by March. Political reactions from across the spectrum in Tamil Nadu, hailed it as “justice for the victims of the firing”. On the other hand, it is said that thousands of employees (direct and indirect) have been unemployed following the factory being ordered shut. Reports also state that the closure has led to India becoming a net importer of copper, given that the Sterlite Tuticorin smelter alone contributed to 40% of India’s copper requirement. Sterlite Copper said the verdict came as an utter shock to the employees of Sterlite Copper and thousands of other small businesses that were dependent on the copper smelter’s operations. The company added that they would be pursuing all available legal remedies in the coming days. “It is disheartening to note that at a time when our nation is forced to depend on hostile neighbors for copper imports, certain forces are conspiring to stifle our nation’s ability to be an independent copper manufacturer” Pankaj Kumar, CEO, Sterlite Copper said in a statement, that denied the allegations against the plant as false-truths.

Madras High Court refuses to allow re-opening of Sterlite Copper smelter

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius.&nbsp;

HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). &nbsp;A total of 228 Dhruv Helicopters have been produced by March 2017 including 216 for the Indian Armed Forces. It has been supplied to Nepal Army &amp; Mauritius Police, Maldives.

India has been increasingly focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and just a few weeks ago defence ministry had come out with 101 "negative list" of items that can’t be imported.

When it comes to Chetak Helicopters, HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962 by entering in an agreement with Sud Aviation (Presently M/S Airbus). The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965. One of the Chetaks used to clean the Mauritius oil spill was given in 1987.

India yesterday sent equipment and a 10 member team to Mauritius to help the country deal with the crisis which it as declared as an "environmental emergency".

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius. HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A total of 228 Dhruv Helicopters have been produced by March 2017 including 216 for the Indian Armed Forces. It has been supplied to Nepal Army & Mauritius Police, Maldives. India has been increasingly focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and just a few weeks ago defence ministry had come out with 101 "negative list" of items that can’t be imported. When it comes to Chetak Helicopters, HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962 by entering in an agreement with Sud Aviation (Presently M/S Airbus). The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965. One of the Chetaks used to clean the Mauritius oil spill was given in 1987. India yesterday sent equipment and a 10 member team to Mauritius to help the country deal with the crisis which it as declared as an "environmental emergency".

Made in India helicopters help Mauritus in evacuating oil from breached Japanese vessel

The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical and he is on ventilator support, the Army's Research and Referral hospital said on Monday.

Doctors attending on him said that his vital and clinical parameters are stable and he is being closely monitored.

Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated for removal of a clot in the brain.

The 84-year-old has been in a coma and continues to remain critical since then. He has also tested positive for COVID-19.

"The condition of Shri Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical. His vital and clinical parameters are stable. He is on ventilatory support and is being closely monitored," a statement from the hospital said.

According to Mukherjee's family, there has been a slight improvement in his health ever since he was operated upon. 
Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical and he is on ventilator support, the Army's Research and Referral hospital said on Monday.

The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical and he is on ventilator support, the Army's Research and Referral hospital said on Monday. Doctors attending on him said that his vital and clinical parameters are stable and he is being closely monitored. Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated for removal of a clot in the brain. The 84-year-old has been in a coma and continues to remain critical since then. He has also tested positive for COVID-19. "The condition of Shri Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical. His vital and clinical parameters are stable. He is on ventilatory support and is being closely monitored," a statement from the hospital said. According to Mukherjee's family, there has been a slight improvement in his health ever since he was operated upon. Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee continues to be critical, says hospital

‪A J&amp;K police Special Police Officer (SPO) and two CRPF men have been killed in a terror attack on security forces in Kreeri area of Baramulla in north Kashmir. ‬

Following the attack, a joint team of security forces cordoned off the area to look for the terrorists, while the injured&nbsp;succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.

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Confirming that incident, Inspector General of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, told WION that “one SPO of JKP, two CRPF have been martyred.”

Sources told WION that two CRPF men died at a hospital while they were undergoing treatment.

This is the second big attack on the security forces in the valley in just four days. On August 14, terrorists attacked security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar, killing two policemen and injuring one.

‪A J&K police Special Police Officer (SPO) and two CRPF men have been killed in a terror attack on security forces in Kreeri area of Baramulla in north Kashmir. ‬ Following the attack, a joint team of security forces cordoned off the area to look for the terrorists, while the injured succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.

‪A J&K police Special Police Officer (SPO) and two CRPF men have been killed in a terror attack on security forces in Kreeri area of Baramulla in north Kashmir. ‬ Following the attack, a joint team of security forces cordoned off the area to look for the terrorists, while the injured succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Also read: 4G mobile Internet services restored in 2 districts in J&K on trial basis Confirming that incident, Inspector General of police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, told WION that “one SPO of JKP, two CRPF have been martyred.” Sources told WION that two CRPF men died at a hospital while they were undergoing treatment. This is the second big attack on the security forces in the valley in just four days. On August 14, terrorists attacked security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar, killing two policemen and injuring one.

Policeman and two CRPF men killed in Kashmir terror attack

The government has restored high-speed mobile internet services in two districts Udhampur and Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir on a trial basis.

High-speed internet back in 2 districts of Jammu and Kashmir

On August 17, India and Nepal are all set to hold formal talks to review New Delhi's development projects in the country. Watch report.

India-Nepal talks today part of regular interaction: Border row will not be discussed

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has issued directions to ensure full preparedness by the third week of August for the monsoon session of parliament, said the said Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Sunday.

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Various arrangements are being made to ensure compliance with the social distancing norms under the corona virus-induced restrictions.

"The work is in progress at a fast pace for ensuring several additional installations in prescribed time like four large display screens in the chamber of the house. Another six small screens in four galleries of House, audio consoles in galleries, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, special cables connecting two Houses for transmission of audio-visual signals, polycarbonate sheet separating the official gallery from the chamber of the House are being put in place," said Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

"All these arrangements mark the first of its kind session to be held in compliance with the social distancing norm under the corona virus-induced restrictions. Using the chambers and the galleries of both the Houses for holding the session being the major first of its kind in the history of Indian Parliament since 1952," it added.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a meeting on July 17, after detailed examination of options for holding Monsoon Session decided on using chambers and galleries of both Houses for enabling the session under prevailing restrictions. Subsequently, senior officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat held detailed discussions with all concerned agencies and firmed up the special arrangements to be made and they are being worked upon.

As per the arrangements firmed up, Rajya Sabha chamber and galleries and Lok Sabha chamber will be used for seating the members of the House during the monsoon session. This includes 60 members in the chamber and 51 in the galleries of Rajya Sabha (leaving out the first row) as per the social distancing norm and the remaining 132 (including by-polls for two seats) in the chamber of Lok Sabha.

According to Rajya Sabha Secretariat, various parties will be allotted seats in the chamber and galleries of Rajya Sabha based on respective strength and the remaining will be seated in the chamber of Lok Sabha in two blocks meant for ruling parties and the others.

In the Rajya Sabha chamber, seats will be earmarked for the Prime Minister, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and leaders of other parties. Former Prime Ministers and former Leaders of the House Dr Manmohan Singh and H.D.Deve Gowda besides Ramvilas Paswan and Ramdas Atshawale, being Ministers and members of the House will also have earmarked seats in the chamber of the House. Other ministers will be seated in the seats meant for the ruling party.

Four large display screens of 85" size each in the chamber and another six of 40" size each in the four galleries of the House are being installed to enable members to watch the proceedings of the House conveniently.

All the seats in the galleries are being fitted with consoles to enable participation of members in the proceedings of the House from their seats. Placards will indicate the parties accommodated in each gallery of the Rajya Sabha.

Special cables are being laid connecting the two Houses of Parliament for transmitting audio-visual signals of the proceedings both ways without any time lag to enable real-time participation of members seated in the two Houses.

Seating in the Officials Gallery and Press Gallery will also conform with social distancing norm, each accommodating 15.&nbsp;

Only limited number of secretariat officials will be seated at the table of the House and the reporters (for taking verbatim note of proceedings of the House) will be accommodated in the special box meant for foreign dignitaries.

The three interpretation booths of Rajya Sabha will be integrated with audio systems for simultaneous interpretation for the benefit of the members seated in both the Houses.RSTV and LSTV, through their existing arrangements in both the Houses, will enable live telecast of the proceedings of the two Houses besides displaying the proceedings of each of the Houses on the screens in the other House.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha Chairman M.Venkaiah Naidu also directed the secretariat officials to minimize the need for the members to physically handle various papers by ensuring necessary arrangements. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 and continued till February 11. After the break, it commenced on March 2 for its second leg and was scheduled to end on April 3. However, it was adjourned sine die on March 23 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Monsoon session of Parliament has already been delayed.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has issued directions to ensure full preparedness by the third week of August for the monsoon session of parliament, said the said Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Sunday.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has issued directions to ensure full preparedness by the third week of August for the monsoon session of parliament, said the said Rajya Sabha Secretariat on Sunday. Also read: Defence minister approves proposal to expand NCC in 173 border, coastal districts Various arrangements are being made to ensure compliance with the social distancing norms under the corona virus-induced restrictions. "The work is in progress at a fast pace for ensuring several additional installations in prescribed time like four large display screens in the chamber of the house. Another six small screens in four galleries of House, audio consoles in galleries, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, special cables connecting two Houses for transmission of audio-visual signals, polycarbonate sheet separating the official gallery from the chamber of the House are being put in place," said Rajya Sabha Secretariat. "All these arrangements mark the first of its kind session to be held in compliance with the social distancing norm under the corona virus-induced restrictions. Using the chambers and the galleries of both the Houses for holding the session being the major first of its kind in the history of Indian Parliament since 1952," it added. Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a meeting on July 17, after detailed examination of options for holding Monsoon Session decided on using chambers and galleries of both Houses for enabling the session under prevailing restrictions. Subsequently, senior officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat held detailed discussions with all concerned agencies and firmed up the special arrangements to be made and they are being worked upon. As per the arrangements firmed up, Rajya Sabha chamber and galleries and Lok Sabha chamber will be used for seating the members of the House during the monsoon session. This includes 60 members in the chamber and 51 in the galleries of Rajya Sabha (leaving out the first row) as per the social distancing norm and the remaining 132 (including by-polls for two seats) in the chamber of Lok Sabha. According to Rajya Sabha Secretariat, various parties will be allotted seats in the chamber and galleries of Rajya Sabha based on respective strength and the remaining will be seated in the chamber of Lok Sabha in two blocks meant for ruling parties and the others. In the Rajya Sabha chamber, seats will be earmarked for the Prime Minister, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and leaders of other parties. Former Prime Ministers and former Leaders of the House Dr Manmohan Singh and H.D.Deve Gowda besides Ramvilas Paswan and Ramdas Atshawale, being Ministers and members of the House will also have earmarked seats in the chamber of the House. Other ministers will be seated in the seats meant for the ruling party. Four large display screens of 85" size each in the chamber and another six of 40" size each in the four galleries of the House are being installed to enable members to watch the proceedings of the House conveniently. All the seats in the galleries are being fitted with consoles to enable participation of members in the proceedings of the House from their seats. Placards will indicate the parties accommodated in each gallery of the Rajya Sabha. Special cables are being laid connecting the two Houses of Parliament for transmitting audio-visual signals of the proceedings both ways without any time lag to enable real-time participation of members seated in the two Houses. Seating in the Officials Gallery and Press Gallery will also conform with social distancing norm, each accommodating 15. Only limited number of secretariat officials will be seated at the table of the House and the reporters (for taking verbatim note of proceedings of the House) will be accommodated in the special box meant for foreign dignitaries. The three interpretation booths of Rajya Sabha will be integrated with audio systems for simultaneous interpretation for the benefit of the members seated in both the Houses.RSTV and LSTV, through their existing arrangements in both the Houses, will enable live telecast of the proceedings of the two Houses besides displaying the proceedings of each of the Houses on the screens in the other House. Rajya Sabha Chairman M.Venkaiah Naidu also directed the secretariat officials to minimize the need for the members to physically handle various papers by ensuring necessary arrangements. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31 and continued till February 11. After the break, it commenced on March 2 for its second leg and was scheduled to end on April 3. However, it was adjourned sine die on March 23 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Monsoon session of Parliament has already been delayed.

From virus killing devices to multiple screens: Parliament to see several firsts during Monsoon Session

Nepal-India talks today: First normal engagement since border row

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Parliament Annexe Building in New Delhi on Monday.

Five fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. No injuries have been reported so far.

More details are awaited.

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Parliament Annexe Building in New Delhi on Monday. Five fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. No injuries have been reported so far.

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Parliament Annexe Building in New Delhi on Monday. Five fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. No injuries have been reported so far. More details are awaited.

Fire on 6th floor of Parliament Annexe Building, 5 fire engines at spot

As India celebrated its 74th Independence day of August 15, Bollywood stars took to social media to wish their fans on a special day. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan too shared warm wishes for his countrymen but it was a tweet about one Robinhood Army that stood out. 
 
Bachchan gave a shout out Robinhood Army,&nbsp; a civic, no-profit organization that has been tirelessly working to feed the millions of homeless across the world since 2014. Comprising of young professionals, the organization which began in Delhi in 2014 has people volunteering to provide food to the underprivileged during their free time. 
 
On August 15, Bachchan mentioned RHA's founder Neel Ghose, and tweeted, "Wishing Neel and his ROBIN HOOD ARMY ( RHA ) my best wishes for their incredible work in feeding the hungry .. It was a delight to have you on KBC and now my very best for .. CoVid Fightback - #Mission30M"

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T 3628 - Wishing Neel and his ROBIN HOOD ARMY ( RHA ) my best wishes for their incredible work in feeding the hungry .. It was a delight to have you on KBC and now my very best for .. CoVid Fightback - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mission30M?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mission30M</a> .. ❤️🌹🤗 <a href="https://t.co/V0qlWNp8qK">pic.twitter.com/V0qlWNp8qK</a>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/1294575207559004161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What is #Mission 30M 
 
Like every year, on India's independence day RHA had taken upon themselves the herculean task of feeding 30 million from mid- July to August 15 i.e India's Independence day. 
 
The mission is the largest food relief effort that any civic organization has ever put together. 
 
The task on hand was not an easy one. Spread across 182 cities and 10 countries including India, Bahrain, Nepal, Sri Lanka,Kenya, Malaysia, Botswana, Philippines and Pakistan, the campaign had to involve 50,000 volunteers who took out time from their schedules, coordinated with corporate giants for food supply and made Missio 30M a dream project. The project saw its completion on August 15th. 
 
Since its inception, RHA has aimed to be a zero-fund organisation that ties up with local NGOs, volunteers and big corporates to serve the underprivileged. 
 
RHA's unique model has even been picked up by the prestigious Harvard Business School as a case study in November 2018. 
 
As pandemic led to an economic slump, several people were left without jobs. Mission 30M also aimed to serve those who had lost their livelihood due to the pandemic. 
 
Considering the extent of the project was mobilising volunteers and tuning up with corporates outside of India a difficult task. "It differed from city to city. Pakistan alone took care of 20 percent of the entire number. 5 million people were fed in Pakistan alone with volunteers tying up with big corporates. In other countries, it was hyper-local. Like in Malaysia, the residents tied up with local bodies to feed the underprivileged in their areas," said Neel Ghose while speaking to WION. 
"In Pakistan, Botswana- our volunteers went to rural heartlands to feed the hungry while in Philippines, RHA was led by industrialist who used their network to reach out to people in need," added Ghose. 
 
While every city has a different way of operating, there are certain guidelines that RHA insists on following. Volunteers are typically trained on how to mobilise and also how to reach out to the underprivileged and what safety guidelines each volunteer had to follow/ Because of pandemic, the volunteers were provided with masks and had to sign a safety consent form that gave detailed instructions on safety guidelines they would adhere to while working field. "They had to sign and declare that they were not living with any senior citizen at home," Neel added. 
 
For food, RHA collaborated with big corporates like Nestle and Godrej who provided food for half a million of people. 
 
They used their network to flood-hit areas of Assam, Bihar. Local partners- including restaurants and small industrialists provided grains and other food items in various cities. Ghose also says that volunteers too took charged and mobilised food at hyper-local level. 
 
Ghose reveals that they reached out to more people through media which not only helped them create awareness about their Mission but also called for more volunteers. 
 
Robins, as the volunteers of RHA are typically called, also did a ground-level research to identify areas that needed help. "A village 30 km away from Mumbai has people dying of starvation. Our Robins would scout such areas for maximum spread of the mission," recalled Neel.

The hurdles faced 
 
"The easiest for some people is to write a cheque for us which we are completely against. In the process, we leave a lot of food on the table, but that's our policy. We don't take financial assistance, we rather have people providing food items," said Neel. 
 
Considering the scale, did they ever think of tying up with state governments to reach out to a large number of people? "In some cities, we have collaborated with the state government. We leave that call to local cities. But we are also an apolitical organisation. We ask volunteers to keep their political ideologies aside while serving the needy," said Neel.

As India celebrated its 74th Independence day of August 15, Bollywood stars took to social media to wish their fans on a special day. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan too shared warm wishes for his countrymen but it was a tweet about one Robinhood Army that stood out.

As India celebrated its 74th Independence day of August 15, Bollywood stars took to social media to wish their fans on a special day. Superstar Amitabh Bachchan too shared warm wishes for his countrymen but it was a tweet about one Robinhood Army that stood out. Bachchan gave a shout out Robinhood Army, a civic, no-profit organization that has been tirelessly working to feed the millions of homeless across the world since 2014. Comprising of young professionals, the organization which began in Delhi in 2014 has people volunteering to provide food to the underprivileged during their free time. On August 15, Bachchan mentioned RHA's founder Neel Ghose, and tweeted, "Wishing Neel and his ROBIN HOOD ARMY ( RHA ) my best wishes for their incredible work in feeding the hungry .. It was a delight to have you on KBC and now my very best for .. CoVid Fightback - #Mission30M" T 3628 - Wishing Neel and his ROBIN HOOD ARMY ( RHA ) my best wishes for their incredible work in feeding the hungry .. It was a delight to have you on KBC and now my very best for .. CoVid Fightback - #Mission30M .. ❤️🌹🤗 pic.twitter.com/V0qlWNp8qK — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 15, 2020 × What is #Mission 30M Like every year, on India's independence day RHA had taken upon themselves the herculean task of feeding 30 million from mid- July to August 15 i.e India's Independence day. The mission is the largest food relief effort that any civic organization has ever put together. The task on hand was not an easy one. Spread across 182 cities and 10 countries including India, Bahrain, Nepal, Sri Lanka,Kenya, Malaysia, Botswana, Philippines and Pakistan, the campaign had to involve 50,000 volunteers who took out time from their schedules, coordinated with corporate giants for food supply and made Missio 30M a dream project. The project saw its completion on August 15th. Since its inception, RHA has aimed to be a zero-fund organisation that ties up with local NGOs, volunteers and big corporates to serve the underprivileged. RHA's unique model has even been picked up by the prestigious Harvard Business School as a case study in November 2018. As pandemic led to an economic slump, several people were left without jobs. Mission 30M also aimed to serve those who had lost their livelihood due to the pandemic. Considering the extent of the project was mobilising volunteers and tuning up with corporates outside of India a difficult task. "It differed from city to city. Pakistan alone took care of 20 percent of the entire number. 5 million people were fed in Pakistan alone with volunteers tying up with big corporates. In other countries, it was hyper-local. Like in Malaysia, the residents tied up with local bodies to feed the underprivileged in their areas," said Neel Ghose while speaking to WION. "In Pakistan, Botswana- our volunteers went to rural heartlands to feed the hungry while in Philippines, RHA was led by industrialist who used their network to reach out to people in need," added Ghose. While every city has a different way of operating, there are certain guidelines that RHA insists on following. Volunteers are typically trained on how to mobilise and also how to reach out to the underprivileged and what safety guidelines each volunteer had to follow/ Because of pandemic, the volunteers were provided with masks and had to sign a safety consent form that gave detailed instructions on safety guidelines they would adhere to while working field. "They had to sign and declare that they were not living with any senior citizen at home," Neel added. For food, RHA collaborated with big corporates like Nestle and Godrej who provided food for half a million of people. They used their network to flood-hit areas of Assam, Bihar. Local partners- including restaurants and small industrialists provided grains and other food items in various cities. Ghose also says that volunteers too took charged and mobilised food at hyper-local level. Ghose reveals that they reached out to more people through media which not only helped them create awareness about their Mission but also called for more volunteers. Robins, as the volunteers of RHA are typically called, also did a ground-level research to identify areas that needed help. "A village 30 km away from Mumbai has people dying of starvation. Our Robins would scout such areas for maximum spread of the mission," recalled Neel. The hurdles faced "The easiest for some people is to write a cheque for us which we are completely against. In the process, we leave a lot of food on the table, but that's our policy. We don't take financial assistance, we rather have people providing food items," said Neel. Considering the scale, did they ever think of tying up with state governments to reach out to a large number of people? "In some cities, we have collaborated with the state government. We leave that call to local cities. But we are also an apolitical organisation. We ask volunteers to keep their political ideologies aside while serving the needy," said Neel.

Meet new age Robins: This India based civic body is feeding millions of homeless across the globe

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas.

The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha.&nbsp;

The Indian coast guard immediately responded to the request for medical assistance and evacuated him to a hospital in Visakhapatnam for treatment.

Initial diagnosis at Queen’s NRI Hospital, Visakhapatnam pointed out that he suffered from “Hypoxic Ischemic Encehalopthy” and was further recommended his treatment to continue in the hospital. &nbsp;

His condition has now stabilized&nbsp;and he left for Pakistan on Monday via Attari Wagah Border.

Captain Hasnain’s daughter has appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the Indian government and efforts of doctors at the hospital to provide him with medical treatment.&nbsp;

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas. The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha.

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas. The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha. The Indian coast guard immediately responded to the request for medical assistance and evacuated him to a hospital in Visakhapatnam for treatment. Initial diagnosis at Queen’s NRI Hospital, Visakhapatnam pointed out that he suffered from “Hypoxic Ischemic Encehalopthy” and was further recommended his treatment to continue in the hospital. His condition has now stabilized and he left for Pakistan on Monday via Attari Wagah Border. Captain Hasnain’s daughter has appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the Indian government and efforts of doctors at the hospital to provide him with medical treatment.

Indian Coast Guard comes to the aid of Pakistani national who suffered heart attack on high seas

Condoling the death of Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his demise has left a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere.

One of India's greatest music legends, Pandit Jasraj died on Monday following a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, his daughter Durga Jasraj said. He was 90.

"The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide. Om Shanti," the prime minister tweeted.

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The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide. Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/6bIgIoTOYB">pic.twitter.com/6bIgIoTOYB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1295350526939283458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Along with the tweet, Modi also posted old pictures of him felicitating the maestro.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Condoling the death of Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his demise has left a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere.

Condoling the death of Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his demise has left a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. One of India's greatest music legends, Pandit Jasraj died on Monday following a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, his daughter Durga Jasraj said. He was 90. "The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide. Om Shanti," the prime minister tweeted. The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/6bIgIoTOYB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2020 × Along with the tweet, Modi also posted old pictures of him felicitating the maestro.

Pandit Jasraj's death has left a deep void in Indian cultural sphere: PM Modi

India and Nepal have concluded bilateral talks. The first official engagement between the two sides since the border dispute. Talks focused on India's developmental projects in Nepal. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: India and Nepal look to reboot ties; Conclude bilateral talks

India's electricity generation in the first 15 days of August rose for the first time since early March, provisional government data showed, as the country opened up industries and lifted restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus.

Power generation rose 2.6% in the first 15 days of August compared with the same period of last year, a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed, compared with a 1.8% fall in July.

In the second half of last month, electricity generation declined 3.1%.

Power use has picked up from previous months when India was under a strict lockdown, mainly because of higher demand in the northern states and rising consumption in the highly industrialized western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Industry and offices account for more than half of India's annual power use. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been citing electricity consumption to show there are "green shoots" in the economy.

Seasonal factors including hot weather could have fuelled higher power demand.

Despite surging coronavirus cases and a rise in deaths to as many as 50,000 on Monday, most states have resumed nearly all industrial activity and removed tight restrictions on movement of people and goods.

Rajasthan, India's largest state by area, saw a 15.7% growth in electricity use. Other states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh also saw an uptick in power demand.

Renewable energy generation, which fell by nearly a fifth in July, rose 2.3% in the first half of August. Solar-powered electricity production grew 19.3%, while wind-powered generation fell over 10%.

Power generation from coal - India's primary source of electricity - rose 4.2% in the first fifteen days of August, the data showed.

India's electricity generation in the first 15 days of August rose for the first time since early March, provisional government data showed, as the country opened up industries and lifted restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus.

India's electricity generation in the first 15 days of August rose for the first time since early March, provisional government data showed, as the country opened up industries and lifted restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus. Power generation rose 2.6% in the first 15 days of August compared with the same period of last year, a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed, compared with a 1.8% fall in July. In the second half of last month, electricity generation declined 3.1%. Power use has picked up from previous months when India was under a strict lockdown, mainly because of higher demand in the northern states and rising consumption in the highly industrialized western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Industry and offices account for more than half of India's annual power use. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been citing electricity consumption to show there are "green shoots" in the economy. Seasonal factors including hot weather could have fuelled higher power demand. Despite surging coronavirus cases and a rise in deaths to as many as 50,000 on Monday, most states have resumed nearly all industrial activity and removed tight restrictions on movement of people and goods. Rajasthan, India's largest state by area, saw a 15.7% growth in electricity use. Other states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh also saw an uptick in power demand. Renewable energy generation, which fell by nearly a fifth in July, rose 2.3% in the first half of August. Solar-powered electricity production grew 19.3%, while wind-powered generation fell over 10%. Power generation from coal - India's primary source of electricity - rose 4.2% in the first fifteen days of August, the data showed.

India's power output rises for first time in five months in early August

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US&nbsp;social network company allegedly favoured the BJP.

Ankhi Das, Facebook's top public-policy executive in India, in her complaint to Delhi police said some individuals online had "intentionally vilified" her due to their political affiliations and were engaging in abuse, Indian media reported.

Das has said the threats followed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report last week that said she opposed applying Facebook's hate-speech rules to a member of the BJP&nbsp;and some other individuals and groups "flagged internally for promoting or participating in violence".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138" hreflang="en">Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

"I am extremely disturbed by the relentless harassment meted out to me," Das said in her complaint, according to India's Hindu newspaper.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the Delhi Police did not respond to calls and text messages from Reuters.

Das and Facebook did not respond to a request for comment on the police complaint. Facebook on Monday referred Reuters to a weekend statement that said it prohibited hate speech irrespective of one's political position but acknowledged, "there is more to do".

The WSJ article has sparked a political storm in India and raised questions about Facebook's content regulation practices.

Das had told staff that punishing violations by politicians from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "would damage the company's business prospects in the country", the WSJ article said.

For Facebook, which has over 300 million users in India, the controversy comes months after it invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of India's Reliance Industries.

The company was also seen close to receiving permission to launch a payments service on WhatsApp, which also counts India as its biggest market with more than 400 million users.

POLITICIANS TRADING BARBS

India's main opposition Congress has seized on the WSJ story to seek a parliamentary investigation of Facebook employees' alleged ties with&nbsp;BJP.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Congress said on Twitter, "Millions of Indians are controlled and manipulated by BJP through Facebook," and WhatsApp.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/facebook-begins-merging-instagram-messenger-chats-says-report-320748" hreflang="en">Facebook begins merging Instagram, Messenger chats, says report</a>

BJP lawmakers in turn accused Facebook of censoring voices, with lawmaker and former minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in a column in the Indian Express newspaper on Monday accused Facebook of being a "Left-Congress-leaning platform."

"This storm in a teacup is merely an exercise to browbeat Facebook for 'allowing' certain opinions to even exist," Rathore wrote.&nbsp;

"There are examples of current and former Facebook executives with links to the former government and opposition parties, and some of them have been openly critical of the prime minister as well. To accuse them of being pro-BJP is laughable."

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US social network company allegedly favoured the BJP.

A top Facebook executive in India has filed a police complaint in New Delhi saying she is receiving death threats following a media report that said she and the US social network company allegedly favoured the BJP. Ankhi Das, Facebook's top public-policy executive in India, in her complaint to Delhi police said some individuals online had "intentionally vilified" her due to their political affiliations and were engaging in abuse, Indian media reported. Das has said the threats followed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report last week that said she opposed applying Facebook's hate-speech rules to a member of the BJP and some other individuals and groups "flagged internally for promoting or participating in violence". Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP "I am extremely disturbed by the relentless harassment meted out to me," Das said in her complaint, according to India's Hindu newspaper. A spokesman for the Delhi Police did not respond to calls and text messages from Reuters. Das and Facebook did not respond to a request for comment on the police complaint. Facebook on Monday referred Reuters to a weekend statement that said it prohibited hate speech irrespective of one's political position but acknowledged, "there is more to do". The WSJ article has sparked a political storm in India and raised questions about Facebook's content regulation practices. Das had told staff that punishing violations by politicians from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "would damage the company's business prospects in the country", the WSJ article said. For Facebook, which has over 300 million users in India, the controversy comes months after it invested $5.7 billion in the digital unit of India's Reliance Industries. The company was also seen close to receiving permission to launch a payments service on WhatsApp, which also counts India as its biggest market with more than 400 million users. POLITICIANS TRADING BARBS India's main opposition Congress has seized on the WSJ story to seek a parliamentary investigation of Facebook employees' alleged ties with BJP. On Sunday, Congress said on Twitter, "Millions of Indians are controlled and manipulated by BJP through Facebook," and WhatsApp. Also read: Facebook begins merging Instagram, Messenger chats, says report BJP lawmakers in turn accused Facebook of censoring voices, with lawmaker and former minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in a column in the Indian Express newspaper on Monday accused Facebook of being a "Left-Congress-leaning platform." "This storm in a teacup is merely an exercise to browbeat Facebook for 'allowing' certain opinions to even exist," Rathore wrote. "There are examples of current and former Facebook executives with links to the former government and opposition parties, and some of them have been openly critical of the prime minister as well. To accuse them of being pro-BJP is laughable."

Facebook executive in India files police complaint after being accused of favouring BJP

The Karnataka government on Monday said that it has decided to recover the costs of damage from the culprits in Bengaluru violence, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said.

The government will approach the high court for appointment of claim commissioner as per Supreme Court order, he added.

"Our govt has decided to assess the damage caused to public and private property in violent incidents in KG Halli and DG Halli and recover the costs from the culprits. We will approach Hon`ble High Court for appointment of Claim Commissioner as per Hon`ble Supreme Court order," Yediyurappa tweeted.

Yediyurappa said that a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial in the cases.

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Our Govt has decided to assess the damages caused to public &amp; private property in the violent incidents in KG Halli &amp; DG Halli &amp; recover the costs from the culprits. We will approach Hon'ble High Court for appointment of Claim Commissioner as per Hon'ble Supreme Court order (1/3)
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP/status/1295274377676636160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Stringent action has been initiated against the culprits of DJ Halli and KG Halli violent incidents including invoking of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act-- UAPA Act," he tweeted.

"A Special Investigation Team has already been formed to conduct a detailed investigation in the matter and a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial of the cases. SIT will consider invoking Goonda Act if warranted," he added in a series of tweets.

Earlier in the day, one more accused was arrested in connection with violence, said police.

A total of 35 accused were arrested on Sunday in connection with Bengaluru violence, taking the total number of arrests in the cases to 340, informed the police.

The Karnataka government on Monday said that it has decided to recover the costs of damage from the culprits in Bengaluru violence, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said.

The Karnataka government on Monday said that it has decided to recover the costs of damage from the culprits in Bengaluru violence, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said. The government will approach the high court for appointment of claim commissioner as per Supreme Court order, he added. "Our govt has decided to assess the damage caused to public and private property in violent incidents in KG Halli and DG Halli and recover the costs from the culprits. We will approach Hon`ble High Court for appointment of Claim Commissioner as per Hon`ble Supreme Court order," Yediyurappa tweeted. Yediyurappa said that a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial in the cases. Our Govt has decided to assess the damages caused to public & private property in the violent incidents in KG Halli & DG Halli & recover the costs from the culprits. We will approach Hon'ble High Court for appointment of Claim Commissioner as per Hon'ble Supreme Court order (1/3) — B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) August 17, 2020 × "Stringent action has been initiated against the culprits of DJ Halli and KG Halli violent incidents including invoking of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act-- UAPA Act," he tweeted. "A Special Investigation Team has already been formed to conduct a detailed investigation in the matter and a team of three special prosecutors will be appointed for speedy trial of the cases. SIT will consider invoking Goonda Act if warranted," he added in a series of tweets. Earlier in the day, one more accused was arrested in connection with violence, said police. A total of 35 accused were arrested on Sunday in connection with Bengaluru violence, taking the total number of arrests in the cases to 340, informed the police.

Will recover cost of damage from culprits: Karnataka CM on Bengaluru violence

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi.

During the talks, the status of implementation of the on-going projects was discussed including the Ramayana circuit.&nbsp;

Development of Terai roads, cross-border railways, Arun-III hydropower project, Pancheshwar multipurpose project, irrigation, power and transmission lines, construction of Nepal Police Academy, motorable bridges over Mahakali River are some of the other projects discussed during the OSM.

Both sides also discussed the reconstruction of 46,301 earthquakes affected houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the operationalization of Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar.&nbsp;

Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline is the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nepal-vow-to-expeditiously-implement-bilateral-projects-during-high-level-talks-321126">&nbsp;India, Nepal vow to 'expeditiously' implement bilateral projects during high-level talks</a>

The Indian government's readout on the meet said, "Nepal also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related assistance, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal by India."

The Nepali foreign ministry said, "Both sides underlined the need for the expeditious implementation of the bilateral projects" and "In that connection, they agreed to undertake necessary measures to timely address problems and obstacles in the course of implementation."

OSM was set up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Nepal visit in 2016 to oversee the implementation of bilateral projects.&nbsp;

This is the first formal meeting between the two sides amidst a strain in relationship. Nepal government had come up with new Nepal map showing Indian territories as its own territories irking Indian government which ruptured ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

Border issues was not discussed in monday meeting. This was expected, given the mandate of the mechanism is to discuss development projects.

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi.

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. During the talks, the status of implementation of the on-going projects was discussed including the Ramayana circuit. Development of Terai roads, cross-border railways, Arun-III hydropower project, Pancheshwar multipurpose project, irrigation, power and transmission lines, construction of Nepal Police Academy, motorable bridges over Mahakali River are some of the other projects discussed during the OSM. Both sides also discussed the reconstruction of 46,301 earthquakes affected houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the operationalization of Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar. Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline is the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia. Also read: India, Nepal vow to 'expeditiously' implement bilateral projects during high-level talks The Indian government's readout on the meet said, "Nepal also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related assistance, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal by India." The Nepali foreign ministry said, "Both sides underlined the need for the expeditious implementation of the bilateral projects" and "In that connection, they agreed to undertake necessary measures to timely address problems and obstacles in the course of implementation." OSM was set up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Nepal visit in 2016 to oversee the implementation of bilateral projects. This is the first formal meeting between the two sides amidst a strain in relationship. Nepal government had come up with new Nepal map showing Indian territories as its own territories irking Indian government which ruptured ties between the two countries. Border issues was not discussed in monday meeting. This was expected, given the mandate of the mechanism is to discuss development projects.

India, Nepal discuss Ramayana circuit and other development projects during meet

India has dispatched over 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material on board an Indian Air Force (IAF) Aircraft to Mauritius to help the island nation deal with the oil spill. Watch report.

India acts under oil spill disaster contingency plan: Sends help to Mauritius

India-Nepal bilateral talks: Focus on India's developmental projects

Congress on Monday denied suspended party leader Sanjay Jha's claim that about a hundred party leaders had written to interim president Sonia Gandhi for elections to the Congress Working Committee and the party president`s post, according to reports.&nbsp;

Jha, who was sacked as party spokesperson recently tweeted "It is estimated that around 100 Congress leaders (including MPs), distressed at the state of affairs within the party, have written a letter to Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Congress President, asking for a change in political leadership and transparent elections in CWC."

Denying Jha's claim, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said "Special Misinformation Group on Media-TV Debate Guidance" in its what`s app of today directed to run the story of a non-existent letter of Congress leaders to divert attention from Facebook-BJP links."

"Of course, BJP stooges have started acting upon it," he added.

Meanwhile, Party Secretary Pranav Jha said "no such letter has been received" by the party.

Responding to a question, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said that "the party has internal democracy and the party gives liberty to such leaders to write a letter to the party and the CWC is well within the right to elect its leader"

The party alleged that such leaders are acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Congress on Monday denied suspended party leader Sanjay Jha's claim that about a hundred party leaders had written to interim president Sonia Gandhi for elections to the Congress Working Committee and the party president`s post, according to reports.

Congress on Monday denied suspended party leader Sanjay Jha's claim that about a hundred party leaders had written to interim president Sonia Gandhi for elections to the Congress Working Committee and the party president`s post, according to reports. Jha, who was sacked as party spokesperson recently tweeted "It is estimated that around 100 Congress leaders (including MPs), distressed at the state of affairs within the party, have written a letter to Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Congress President, asking for a change in political leadership and transparent elections in CWC." Denying Jha's claim, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said "Special Misinformation Group on Media-TV Debate Guidance" in its what`s app of today directed to run the story of a non-existent letter of Congress leaders to divert attention from Facebook-BJP links." "Of course, BJP stooges have started acting upon it," he added. Meanwhile, Party Secretary Pranav Jha said "no such letter has been received" by the party. Responding to a question, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said that "the party has internal democracy and the party gives liberty to such leaders to write a letter to the party and the CWC is well within the right to elect its leader" The party alleged that such leaders are acting at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Congress denies Sanjay Jha's claim that party leaders wrote to Sonia on CWC polls

India has now recorded more than 50,000 deaths as the total number of cases in the country has now surpassed 2.6 million. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: India records 58,000 cases and more than 900 deaths in last 24 hours

After Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day speech on August 15 said India's sovereignty is supreme &nbsp;and "from LoC (Line of Control) to LAC (Line of Actual Control), whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response, China's foreign ministry in a statement said the country is "willing to continue&nbsp;to work with India to deepen political and mutual trust and&nbsp;properly manage differences."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-narendra-modi-speech-at-indias-74th-independence-day-indian-army-showed-its-might-at-loc-lac-320713/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Modi's speech highlighted India's recent clash with China along the LAC in June in which 20 Indian soldiers had died, although China had suffered casualties as well, however, China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge details.

Although both sides have agreed to disengage ever since the clash with talks taking place both at the diplomatic and military level, tension prevails in the upper Himalayas.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry said that "China-India relations will not only benefit the two countries and two peoples but will also add stability and positive energy."

Although the Indian prime minister did not name any country specifically but said during this speech that "All the leaders of the countries of this region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this huge mass group."

"Where there is harmony in relationships, bonding occurs," referring to recent tensions in the region.

The Chinese foreign reaffirmed that both countries should "stick to mutual respect and mutual support which also confirms to long term interests of both countries. 
&nbsp;

After Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day speech on August 15 said India's sovereignty is supreme and "from LoC (Line of Control) to LAC (Line of Actual Control), whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response, China's foreign ministry in a statement said the country is "willing to continue to work with India to deepen political and mutual trust and properly manage differences.

After Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day speech on August 15 said India's sovereignty is supreme and "from LoC (Line of Control) to LAC (Line of Actual Control), whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response, China's foreign ministry in a statement said the country is "willing to continue to work with India to deepen political and mutual trust and properly manage differences." Watch: PM Modi's speech highlighted India's recent clash with China along the LAC in June in which 20 Indian soldiers had died, although China had suffered casualties as well, however, China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge details. Although both sides have agreed to disengage ever since the clash with talks taking place both at the diplomatic and military level, tension prevails in the upper Himalayas. China's foreign ministry said that "China-India relations will not only benefit the two countries and two peoples but will also add stability and positive energy." Although the Indian prime minister did not name any country specifically but said during this speech that "All the leaders of the countries of this region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this huge mass group." "Where there is harmony in relationships, bonding occurs," referring to recent tensions in the region. The Chinese foreign reaffirmed that both countries should "stick to mutual respect and mutual support which also confirms to long term interests of both countries.

India-China standoff: Willing to deepen political and mutual trust, says China after PM Modi's Independence Day speech

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