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India has announced its support for the largest infrastructure project of Maldives--the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).

India will provide funding of $500 million for the project which that will increase connectivity between the country. The $500 financial package consisting of a grant of $ 100 million and a new Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 400 million.&nbsp;

The announcement came after virtual meet between eternal affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.&nbsp;

The project was a key election promise of the ruling MDP Maldivian Democratic Party and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had personally sought India’s assistance for the project.&nbsp;

The project will connect capital Malé with Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu via bridges and causeways of a total length of 6.695 kilometres. Out of the total length, the bridge-section will be 2.08 kms, 780 m causeway section and 3.87 Km embankment and causeway section.&nbsp;

Villingili is near capital Male, Thilafushi is an artificial island created as a municipal landfill and a new industrial zone and Gulhifalhu will be furthered developed into industrial location.

Indian readout of the meet said,"Once completed, this landmark project will streamline connectivity between the 4 islands, thereby boosting economic activity, generating employment and promoting holistic urban development in the Malé region."

As of now 1.39 km Maldives-China Friendship bridge connecting Malé with Hulhule and Hulhumale to its east has been the most visible infra-project of the country but the new mega Indian financed projected will dwarf it once completed.&nbsp;

In Gulhifahu which is part of Greater Malé Connectivity Project, a port is being developed under India's LoC worth $800 million.

Under Indian line of credit several projects are already in construction including water supply and sewerage systems on 34 Island, Hanimadhoo International Airport Redevelopment, construction of international cricket stadium in Hulhumale, ccancer hospital in Hulhumale spaning the country geographical from the northernmost to the southernmost islands of Maldives.

Other than internal connectivity, plans to connect to India-Maldives are also underway. The cargo ferry service between Cochin to Kulhudhufushi-Malé will be operationalised within the next few months. Ministry of external affairs in its release said,"direct cargo ferry service will commence shortly."

Kulhudhuffushi known as "Heart of the North" is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll and near to the Indian state of Kerala. The ferry service was announced last year during PM Modi's visit to the country.&nbsp;

India has also renewed quotas for supply of essential commodities to Maldives for the year 2020-21. The commodities include food items like potatoes, onions, rice, wheat, flour, sugar, dal and eggs as well as river sand and stone aggregates. The quotas assure food security and the supply of essential construction items in the Maldives.

During COVID-19 pandemic, India had made sure supply lines for essential food and construction materials continue to the Maldives. It also gifted 580 tons of essential food items through Mission SAGAR.

India has announced its support for the largest infrastructure project of Maldives--the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). India will provide funding of $500 million for the project which that will increase connectivity between the country.

India has announced its support for the largest infrastructure project of Maldives--the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). India will provide funding of $500 million for the project which that will increase connectivity between the country. The $500 financial package consisting of a grant of $ 100 million and a new Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 400 million. The announcement came after virtual meet between eternal affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The project was a key election promise of the ruling MDP Maldivian Democratic Party and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had personally sought India’s assistance for the project. The project will connect capital Malé with Villingili, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu via bridges and causeways of a total length of 6.695 kilometres. Out of the total length, the bridge-section will be 2.08 kms, 780 m causeway section and 3.87 Km embankment and causeway section. Villingili is near capital Male, Thilafushi is an artificial island created as a municipal landfill and a new industrial zone and Gulhifalhu will be furthered developed into industrial location. Indian readout of the meet said,"Once completed, this landmark project will streamline connectivity between the 4 islands, thereby boosting economic activity, generating employment and promoting holistic urban development in the Malé region." As of now 1.39 km Maldives-China Friendship bridge connecting Malé with Hulhule and Hulhumale to its east has been the most visible infra-project of the country but the new mega Indian financed projected will dwarf it once completed. In Gulhifahu which is part of Greater Malé Connectivity Project, a port is being developed under India's LoC worth $800 million. Under Indian line of credit several projects are already in construction including water supply and sewerage systems on 34 Island, Hanimadhoo International Airport Redevelopment, construction of international cricket stadium in Hulhumale, ccancer hospital in Hulhumale spaning the country geographical from the northernmost to the southernmost islands of Maldives. Other than internal connectivity, plans to connect to India-Maldives are also underway. The cargo ferry service between Cochin to Kulhudhufushi-Malé will be operationalised within the next few months. Ministry of external affairs in its release said,"direct cargo ferry service will commence shortly." Kulhudhuffushi known as "Heart of the North" is the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll and near to the Indian state of Kerala. The ferry service was announced last year during PM Modi's visit to the country. India has also renewed quotas for supply of essential commodities to Maldives for the year 2020-21. The commodities include food items like potatoes, onions, rice, wheat, flour, sugar, dal and eggs as well as river sand and stone aggregates. The quotas assure food security and the supply of essential construction items in the Maldives. During COVID-19 pandemic, India had made sure supply lines for essential food and construction materials continue to the Maldives. It also gifted 580 tons of essential food items through Mission SAGAR.

India to finance biggest infrastructure project for Maldives

The flight of Sudiksha Bhati's dreams crashed even before taking off, according to her father, who said his 20-year-old daughter wanted to help rural children access education.

He also expressed anguish over no Uttar Pradesh government representative having reached out to the family even two days after the young woman, who was pursuing graduation in a US college, was killed in a road accident here.

"I was hopeful that this government would be concerned, but it is not," said Jitendra Bhati (46), the victim's father.

Sudiksha, who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on Monday in a road crash in adjoining Bulandshahr district when she was riding pillion on a motorcycle with her younger brother, a minor.

Her family has alleged that the accident happened because two motorcycle-borne men were following her two-wheeler and harassing her.

Police, however, had said the woman's brother did not mention anything about harassment at the time of the incident.

Bhati said Sudiksha, the eldest of his six children, paved her own way to the US for higher studies and knew well about the hardships faced by children in villages in terms of access to education.

She wanted to become an enabler for those children, he said.

"She would tell us that there are organisations in the US which work on such issues, and was planning to begin her own organisation from her village to help children access education by helping them with books, stationary, tuitions, career guidance," he told PTI on the phone.

"She wanted to work for others. But the flight of her dreams has crashed even before it could take off," Bhati said.

Sudiksha was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at the Babson College, Massachusetts, US, after qualifying for a Rs 3.80-crore scholarship.

Her family members said she had come to India due to the coronavirus pandemic and was scheduled to go back to the US on August 20.

Bhati said he had an unstable income for the last several years and recalled how Sudiksha would tell him and her mother that their "time to become happy" was about to arrive.

"I worked as a driver till 2006 and did some odd jobs here and there over the next decade. I had opened a dhaba near Dhoom Manikpur village in Greater Noida around three years ago but had to shut it this year at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and the accompanying lockdown," he said.

"I remember she would tell her mother and me: 'Aap logon ke hasne ke din bas aane wale hain' (Your happy days are about to arrive). But I had not imagined that our days to cry and mourn her untimely loss would arrive sooner," he added.

Bhati said his family is now awaiting justice by immediate arrest of the culprits.

"No government representative has reached out to us to even ask how we are doing," he said.

Reacting to a video on social media in which the Bulandshahr district magistrate said Sudiksha's family could not be contacted over phone and personnel have been sent to her home, Bhati said, "How come you could easily reach me on the phone but not anyone from the administration?" He, however, said he got a phone call from Bulandshahr police officials on Wednesday in connection with the probe into the case.

Asked if anyone from the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) or Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to meet him, he replied: "At least some political parties have shown concern but the government has not."

Bhati said he and his family are now getting "stressed" because of the repeat telecast of video bites of police and administration officials in Bulandshahr over his daughter's death.

"They are repeatedly hitting the point about who was riding the motorcycle in their videos. I have said it to the press that my nephew (Sudiksha's cousin brother) was riding it. But nobody is talking about how she died," he remarked.

"I have lost my daughter. Can the officers talk about that?" he said, adding, "The government officials are now giving assurances. In our country, you can give assurance to anybody walking on the road. It is the easiest thing to do."

Earlier on Wednesday, the police said they have questioned the owners of 15-20 Bullet motorcycles in connection with Sudiksha's death, to follow up with her family's claim about harassment by two bike-borne men.

The Bulandshahr Senior Superintendent of Police has constituted a three-member SIT, led by Circle Officer (city) Diksha Singh, to probe the matter.

The district police has filed an FIR against two unidentified people on the basis of a complaint by Sudiksha's father.

The flight of Sudiksha Bhati's dreams crashed even before taking off, according to her father, who said his 20-year-old daughter wanted to help rural children access education.

The flight of Sudiksha Bhati's dreams crashed even before taking off, according to her father, who said his 20-year-old daughter wanted to help rural children access education. He also expressed anguish over no Uttar Pradesh government representative having reached out to the family even two days after the young woman, who was pursuing graduation in a US college, was killed in a road accident here. "I was hopeful that this government would be concerned, but it is not," said Jitendra Bhati (46), the victim's father. Sudiksha, who hailed from Deri Scanar village in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Dadri, died on Monday in a road crash in adjoining Bulandshahr district when she was riding pillion on a motorcycle with her younger brother, a minor. Her family has alleged that the accident happened because two motorcycle-borne men were following her two-wheeler and harassing her. Police, however, had said the woman's brother did not mention anything about harassment at the time of the incident. Bhati said Sudiksha, the eldest of his six children, paved her own way to the US for higher studies and knew well about the hardships faced by children in villages in terms of access to education. She wanted to become an enabler for those children, he said. "She would tell us that there are organisations in the US which work on such issues, and was planning to begin her own organisation from her village to help children access education by helping them with books, stationary, tuitions, career guidance," he told PTI on the phone. "She wanted to work for others. But the flight of her dreams has crashed even before it could take off," Bhati said. Sudiksha was pursuing a graduation course in entrepreneurship at the Babson College, Massachusetts, US, after qualifying for a Rs 3.80-crore scholarship. Her family members said she had come to India due to the coronavirus pandemic and was scheduled to go back to the US on August 20. Bhati said he had an unstable income for the last several years and recalled how Sudiksha would tell him and her mother that their "time to become happy" was about to arrive. "I worked as a driver till 2006 and did some odd jobs here and there over the next decade. I had opened a dhaba near Dhoom Manikpur village in Greater Noida around three years ago but had to shut it this year at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and the accompanying lockdown," he said. "I remember she would tell her mother and me: 'Aap logon ke hasne ke din bas aane wale hain' (Your happy days are about to arrive). But I had not imagined that our days to cry and mourn her untimely loss would arrive sooner," he added. Bhati said his family is now awaiting justice by immediate arrest of the culprits. "No government representative has reached out to us to even ask how we are doing," he said. Reacting to a video on social media in which the Bulandshahr district magistrate said Sudiksha's family could not be contacted over phone and personnel have been sent to her home, Bhati said, "How come you could easily reach me on the phone but not anyone from the administration?" He, however, said he got a phone call from Bulandshahr police officials on Wednesday in connection with the probe into the case. Asked if anyone from the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) or Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to meet him, he replied: "At least some political parties have shown concern but the government has not." Bhati said he and his family are now getting "stressed" because of the repeat telecast of video bites of police and administration officials in Bulandshahr over his daughter's death. "They are repeatedly hitting the point about who was riding the motorcycle in their videos. I have said it to the press that my nephew (Sudiksha's cousin brother) was riding it. But nobody is talking about how she died," he remarked. "I have lost my daughter. Can the officers talk about that?" he said, adding, "The government officials are now giving assurances. In our country, you can give assurance to anybody walking on the road. It is the easiest thing to do." Earlier on Wednesday, the police said they have questioned the owners of 15-20 Bullet motorcycles in connection with Sudiksha's death, to follow up with her family's claim about harassment by two bike-borne men. The Bulandshahr Senior Superintendent of Police has constituted a three-member SIT, led by Circle Officer (city) Diksha Singh, to probe the matter. The district police has filed an FIR against two unidentified people on the basis of a complaint by Sudiksha's father.

Sudiksha Bhati wanted to help rural children access education, says father of US student killed in mishap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a number of Income Tax reforms to further digitise the tax-paying system and add more transparency.

What is Faceless tax assessment? Everything you need to know

Kashmir Connect: A WION special series that brings to you Voices of Hope from the Valley. Meet the youth who are building a better Kashmir. Today at 8:00 PM.

Kashmir Connect: A WION special series that brings to you Voices of Hope from the Valley

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal.

The Indian embassy in China in its rebuttal said, "Ambassador Haque's misrepresentation, while not surprising, cannot conceal the significant progress that J&amp;K has made in the year following" abrogation of article 370 of the Indian constitution.

Highlighting the progress made, the rebuttal by the Indian mission said,"in the last one year since the historic decision on August 5 2019, several positive and affirmative union laws have been extended to J&amp;K" and "evidence of the change sweeping through J&amp;K can be seen in the creation of new education and health infrastructure and opportunities".&nbsp;

It explained,"50 new educational institutions were established in the region" the largest addition in 70 years with "over half a million Kashmiri students" availing "government scholarship schemes"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"For this year alone, around 200 innocent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmiris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmiris</a> have been killed, around 50 cases of rape and molestation and nearly 1,000 cases of destruction of houses and property have been reported," said Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> to China. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IOJK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IOJK</a> <a href="https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r">https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r</a> <a href="https://t.co/hRkzdloqaF">pic.twitter.com/hRkzdloqaF</a>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1291416263592468481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

On cross-border terror, the mission rebuttal said, "India's concerted efforts to bring peace, stability and progress to J&amp;K stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's strategy, which is little more than a blatant and rapacious campaign of cross border terrorism aimed at debilitating the region".&nbsp;

3,000 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in first seven&nbsp;months of 2020 has provided "support for terrorist infiltration along Line of Control", the Indian mission said, adding,"perhaps ambassador Haque could consider holding up a mirror to his own "regime" and reflect on Pakistan's own actions in the region before making ludicrous characterizations of the Indian government's actions."

India's statement from Beijing also spoke on POK pointing out how Islamabad's "repeatedly effected administrative and demographic changes in territories that it has occupied illegally and forcibly in J&amp;K and Ladakh" and its "obsession with irredentist pursuits has also been laid bare in its latest exercise in political absurdity on August 4 when it made untenable claims to Indian territories in the state of Gujarat and Union territories of J&amp;K and Ladakh". What is significant is the fact India mentioned about POK through which China's mega infrastructure project passes CPEC from Beijing.

In June, it emerged that China's popular app WeChat had removed statement by PM Narendra Modi on Galwan incident. Ministry of external affair's statement has also been taken down from Weibo, the Chinese counterpart of Twitter.

The developments come even as the Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong has been speaking freely to Indian media which many would say is the positive aspects of a democratic country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal.

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal. The Indian embassy in China in its rebuttal said, "Ambassador Haque's misrepresentation, while not surprising, cannot conceal the significant progress that J&K has made in the year following" abrogation of article 370 of the Indian constitution. Highlighting the progress made, the rebuttal by the Indian mission said,"in the last one year since the historic decision on August 5 2019, several positive and affirmative union laws have been extended to J&K" and "evidence of the change sweeping through J&K can be seen in the creation of new education and health infrastructure and opportunities". It explained,"50 new educational institutions were established in the region" the largest addition in 70 years with "over half a million Kashmiri students" availing "government scholarship schemes" "For this year alone, around 200 innocent #Kashmiris have been killed, around 50 cases of rape and molestation and nearly 1,000 cases of destruction of houses and property have been reported," said Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of #Pakistan to China. #IOJK https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r pic.twitter.com/hRkzdloqaF — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 6, 2020 × On cross-border terror, the mission rebuttal said, "India's concerted efforts to bring peace, stability and progress to J&K stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's strategy, which is little more than a blatant and rapacious campaign of cross border terrorism aimed at debilitating the region". 3,000 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in first seven months of 2020 has provided "support for terrorist infiltration along Line of Control", the Indian mission said, adding,"perhaps ambassador Haque could consider holding up a mirror to his own "regime" and reflect on Pakistan's own actions in the region before making ludicrous characterizations of the Indian government's actions." India's statement from Beijing also spoke on POK pointing out how Islamabad's "repeatedly effected administrative and demographic changes in territories that it has occupied illegally and forcibly in J&K and Ladakh" and its "obsession with irredentist pursuits has also been laid bare in its latest exercise in political absurdity on August 4 when it made untenable claims to Indian territories in the state of Gujarat and Union territories of J&K and Ladakh". What is significant is the fact India mentioned about POK through which China's mega infrastructure project passes CPEC from Beijing. In June, it emerged that China's popular app WeChat had removed statement by PM Narendra Modi on Galwan incident. Ministry of external affair's statement has also been taken down from Weibo, the Chinese counterpart of Twitter. The developments come even as the Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong has been speaking freely to Indian media which many would say is the positive aspects of a democratic country.

Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times declines to carry Indian embassy's rebuttal on Pak envoy

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits. But one lesser-known facet beyond the enviable success rate of this rocket, is its second-stage engine - Vikas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/visionary-scientist-industrialist-institution-builder-remembering-dr-vikram-sarabhai-on-his-101st-anniversary-319782">Also Read:&nbsp;Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary</a>

While ‘Vikas’ translates to development or progress in Sanskrit, the scientist, Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan, who led a team to build the engine had secretly kept in mind that this name would be a tribute to ISRO’s founder, visionary scientist and industrialist Dr. Vikram. A. Sarabhai.

It was his way of offering a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai, whom he considers his Guru and biggest influence in his life. August 12th, 2020 also marks the 101st anniversary of the legendary son of the soil - Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai.&nbsp;

In its nascent stage, during the 1960s and 70s, ISRO’s scientists had a difference of opinion on technical grounds - whether to develop solid-fueled engines or liquid-fueled engines.

A vast majority of the then Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) believed in focussing their energies and resources towards solid engines as the technologies linked to it were relatively more achievable. Whereas the pursuit of liquid-fueled engines were considered akin to chasing a chimera.&nbsp;

Technically speaking, liquid-fueled engines are more fuel-efficient as they can be switched on and off, they can lift heavier payloads/satellites. Liquid engines also have lesser vibration and can burn for longer durations when compared to their solid counterparts.

While a solid engine burns out after use, the liquid engine can be tested, re-used after cleaning and re-assembly. Most advanced rockets in the world are primarily dependent on liquid-fueled engines. If and when solids are used, they are only for the initial thrust (using boosters) at lift-off.&nbsp;

Eventually, it was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India), who impressed upon the organization to consider diverting resources to urgently develop liquid fueled engines, given how they were the future of rocketry and how advanced nations were achieving more with these engines.&nbsp;

Sarabhai had not only permitted the deputation of the young Nambi to Princeton while he was working at ISRO, but also ensured that the bureaucratic rigmarole was cleared smoothly before he left.

After Nambi Narayanan completed his course in record-time, when the Americans tried to poach Nambi, by coaxing and showing him the high-end American facilities, it was Sarabhai who advised Nambi. “Leave the nasty guys and take the next flight” Nambi recalls the Father of India’s Space programme having told him.&nbsp;

It was in 1973 that ISRO had launched an experimental rocket(LP-006) using a 600kg thrust liquid engine. The 600kg thrust engine was minuscule compared to the giant 60ton engines(clustered in four to obtain 240ton thrust) that the Americans and Russians were using.

However, the success of this liquid engine in its test flight did steer ISRO in the right direction and led to a deal with the French to co-develop a 60-ton liquid-fuel engine(a 100-time jump when compared to ISRO’s 600kg engine). While the engine was not an all-new model, it was an improvised version of a smaller French engine in the Viking series.&nbsp;

 
The French had named their engine Viking, but the Indian-side, led by Nambi Narayanan, that negotiated the contract had decided on an Indian name - Vikas. Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but Nambi saw an adapted anagram - Vikram A Sarabhai.

This secret was known only to the late TN Seshan, a top bureaucrat who had later served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Nambi kept the real-intended meaning of Vikas a secret, owing to the bureaucratic procedures and approvals that ISRO followed when naming a project or a facility.&nbsp;

 
From 1974 to 1980, a team of 100 Indian scientists(in different batches) had learnt to jointly develop the 60-ton thrust Viking-3 Engine, after which they returned to India. But that was just half the story. While the team had learnt how to make an engine, they didn’t have the approval for one such project.

And the engine alone doesn’t make the rocket what it is! Hence, on their own, the team had to master several other components, sub-components that went into a rocket. It would be 1982, before ISRO developed these engines and later got the approval for incorporating the engine into a project - the PSLV.&nbsp;

During the development of the PSLV in the late 80s, it was decided that the 60-ton thrust engine developed with the French would fit into the second stage. PSLV is a 4-stage rocket that is powered by solid-liquid-solid-liquid configuration.&nbsp;

Finally, it was in 1993 that the PSLV lifted off for the first time, but the mission was a failure, after it encountered an error mid-flight. However, most of the critical systems on-board the rocket were validated despite the failed mission.

However, nearly a year later in October 1994, the PSLV lifted off majestically and had proven the rocket’s capability to lift 1000kgs to orbit.&nbsp;

Since then, the PSLV has flown 50 times. With only 2 missions failing. However, the ‘obstinate Vikas Engine’, which was developed by Nambi Narayanan and his team had flown flawlessly in all 50 flights. A fitting tribute to the great Indian visionary, scientist and industrialist it was named after!&nbsp;

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits.

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, is undoubtedly among the most successful and consistent rockets in the world among the sub-1.5ton payload to Low-earth orbit or polar orbits. But one lesser-known facet beyond the enviable success rate of this rocket, is its second-stage engine - Vikas. Also Read: Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary While ‘Vikas’ translates to development or progress in Sanskrit, the scientist, Padma Bhushan Nambi Narayanan, who led a team to build the engine had secretly kept in mind that this name would be a tribute to ISRO’s founder, visionary scientist and industrialist Dr. Vikram. A. Sarabhai. It was his way of offering a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai, whom he considers his Guru and biggest influence in his life. August 12th, 2020 also marks the 101st anniversary of the legendary son of the soil - Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai. In its nascent stage, during the 1960s and 70s, ISRO’s scientists had a difference of opinion on technical grounds - whether to develop solid-fueled engines or liquid-fueled engines. A vast majority of the then Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) believed in focussing their energies and resources towards solid engines as the technologies linked to it were relatively more achievable. Whereas the pursuit of liquid-fueled engines were considered akin to chasing a chimera. Technically speaking, liquid-fueled engines are more fuel-efficient as they can be switched on and off, they can lift heavier payloads/satellites. Liquid engines also have lesser vibration and can burn for longer durations when compared to their solid counterparts. While a solid engine burns out after use, the liquid engine can be tested, re-used after cleaning and re-assembly. Most advanced rockets in the world are primarily dependent on liquid-fueled engines. If and when solids are used, they are only for the initial thrust (using boosters) at lift-off. Eventually, it was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India), who impressed upon the organization to consider diverting resources to urgently develop liquid fueled engines, given how they were the future of rocketry and how advanced nations were achieving more with these engines. Sarabhai had not only permitted the deputation of the young Nambi to Princeton while he was working at ISRO, but also ensured that the bureaucratic rigmarole was cleared smoothly before he left. After Nambi Narayanan completed his course in record-time, when the Americans tried to poach Nambi, by coaxing and showing him the high-end American facilities, it was Sarabhai who advised Nambi. “Leave the nasty guys and take the next flight” Nambi recalls the Father of India’s Space programme having told him. It was in 1973 that ISRO had launched an experimental rocket(LP-006) using a 600kg thrust liquid engine. The 600kg thrust engine was minuscule compared to the giant 60ton engines(clustered in four to obtain 240ton thrust) that the Americans and Russians were using. However, the success of this liquid engine in its test flight did steer ISRO in the right direction and led to a deal with the French to co-develop a 60-ton liquid-fuel engine(a 100-time jump when compared to ISRO’s 600kg engine). While the engine was not an all-new model, it was an improvised version of a smaller French engine in the Viking series. The French had named their engine Viking, but the Indian-side, led by Nambi Narayanan, that negotiated the contract had decided on an Indian name - Vikas. Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but Nambi saw an adapted anagram - Vikram A Sarabhai. This secret was known only to the late TN Seshan, a top bureaucrat who had later served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Nambi kept the real-intended meaning of Vikas a secret, owing to the bureaucratic procedures and approvals that ISRO followed when naming a project or a facility. From 1974 to 1980, a team of 100 Indian scientists(in different batches) had learnt to jointly develop the 60-ton thrust Viking-3 Engine, after which they returned to India. But that was just half the story. While the team had learnt how to make an engine, they didn’t have the approval for one such project. And the engine alone doesn’t make the rocket what it is! Hence, on their own, the team had to master several other components, sub-components that went into a rocket. It would be 1982, before ISRO developed these engines and later got the approval for incorporating the engine into a project - the PSLV. During the development of the PSLV in the late 80s, it was decided that the 60-ton thrust engine developed with the French would fit into the second stage. PSLV is a 4-stage rocket that is powered by solid-liquid-solid-liquid configuration. Finally, it was in 1993 that the PSLV lifted off for the first time, but the mission was a failure, after it encountered an error mid-flight. However, most of the critical systems on-board the rocket were validated despite the failed mission. However, nearly a year later in October 1994, the PSLV lifted off majestically and had proven the rocket’s capability to lift 1000kgs to orbit. Since then, the PSLV has flown 50 times. With only 2 missions failing. However, the ‘obstinate Vikas Engine’, which was developed by Nambi Narayanan and his team had flown flawlessly in all 50 flights. A fitting tribute to the great Indian visionary, scientist and industrialist it was named after!

PSLV's Vikas engine - An unfailing tribute to Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai

India is considering offering young Kashmiri militants an escape from a life of violence by temporarily resettling them in more peaceful parts of the country, according to the top military commander in the Kashmir Valley.

Kashmir rehabilitation plan: Resettlement outside J&K a possibility, says Indian Army

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble.&nbsp;

This is expected to help in the movement of people from both sides for employment, tourism, medical emergencies etc.

The announcement was made after the video meet between India's External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid.

During the virtual meet, Maldives FM thanked the Indian government for "including the Maldives among the first countries with which India has established an Air Bubble" and emphasised the "importance of easing travel, especially for Maldivians seeking to visit India for urgently required medical treatment, as well as Indian tourists wishing to visit the Maldives "

India already has Transport Air Bubbles with US, France, UK and Germany. Amidst coronavirus pandemic, international air travel has been hit hard and countries like India have been focussing on creation of air bubbles for safer travel and before normal air travel resumes.

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble.

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble. This is expected to help in the movement of people from both sides for employment, tourism, medical emergencies etc. The announcement was made after the video meet between India's External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid. During the virtual meet, Maldives FM thanked the Indian government for "including the Maldives among the first countries with which India has established an Air Bubble" and emphasised the "importance of easing travel, especially for Maldivians seeking to visit India for urgently required medical treatment, as well as Indian tourists wishing to visit the Maldives " India already has Transport Air Bubbles with US, France, UK and Germany. Amidst coronavirus pandemic, international air travel has been hit hard and countries like India have been focussing on creation of air bubbles for safer travel and before normal air travel resumes.

India, Maldives announce air travel bubble -- first in the neighbourhood

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The assistance will shore up liquidity, ease exchange rate fluctuations and provide the needed budgetary support to the government of Maldives to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

Last month, New Delhi said it would soon annouce "substantial financial assistance package" for Maldivian economy which will help the country in post-COVID economic recovery. &nbsp;

The was stated during a message from the Indian high commission in the Maldives on the occasion Maldivian Independence Day that will be celebrated on July 26. The message from the Indian mission said, "Ours is an all-weather friendship steeped in history and with a glorious future" and "India first policy of Maldives and Neighbourhood first policy of India has set the foundation of the growing relationship"

India has already extended an assistance of $400 million through extended currency swap arrangement that will help the Indian ocean Island country tide over liquidity crisis.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also provided 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines under Operation Sanjeevani and 600 tonnes of essential food items to the country amid the pandemic.

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The assistance will shore up liquidity, ease exchange rate fluctuations and provide the needed budgetary support to the government of Maldives to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Last month, New Delhi said it would soon annouce "substantial financial assistance package" for Maldivian economy which will help the country in post-COVID economic recovery. The was stated during a message from the Indian high commission in the Maldives on the occasion Maldivian Independence Day that will be celebrated on July 26. The message from the Indian mission said, "Ours is an all-weather friendship steeped in history and with a glorious future" and "India first policy of Maldives and Neighbourhood first policy of India has set the foundation of the growing relationship" India has already extended an assistance of $400 million through extended currency swap arrangement that will help the Indian ocean Island country tide over liquidity crisis. New Delhi has also provided 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines under Operation Sanjeevani and 600 tonnes of essential food items to the country amid the pandemic.

India announces $250 million support for Maldives

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July.

He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported.

Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant.

After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected.

A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states.

Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks.

The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths.

Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported. The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July. He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported. Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant. After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected. A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states. Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks. The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths. Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

Malaysia jails Indian man linked to fresh coronavirus outbreak

Private entities have to pay heavy penalties in case the trains they operate are delayed or reach the destination early, according to a draft key performance indicators for private operators released by the Railways.

The draft document released on Wednesday states that private train operators have to maintain 95 per cent punctuality through the year.

Private operators also have to pay penalties for misreporting their revenue or in case of train cancellations for reasons attributable to them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombardier-alstom-gmr-attended-meeting-on-running-private-trains-railways-319988#:~:text=As%20many%20as%20twenty%2Dthree,first%20step%2C%20the%20Railways%20said.&amp;text=The%20project%20would%20entail%20private%20sector%20investment%20of%20about%20Rs%2030%2C000%20crore.,-The%20private%20entities">Bombardier, Alstom, GMR attended meeting on running private trains: Railways</a>

According to the draft, if the arrival of a train at its destination is delayed by over 15 minutes it will be deemed to have lost punctuality.

In this case, the private operator has to pay the Railways extra haulage charge worth 200 km for every one per cent "reduction in punctuality" compared to the guaranteed punctuality, the document states.

The Railways has said the haulage charge -- the fee that private operators will pay to use Railways' infrastructure -- will be Rs 512 per km.

If a private train reaches destination at least 10 minutes in advance, the operator will have to pay the Railways penalty in the form of haulage charge for 10 kilometres.

Officials said these measures are to ensure that private trains maintain punctuality.

The draft document also states that if a train doesn't reach its destination on time because of the Railways, the private operator will be paid for every one per cent reduction of punctuality compared to guaranteed punctuality by the private entity in the form of haulage charge for 50 km.

In the event of cancellation of a train service due to the reasons attributable to the operator, it will pay the Railways one-fourth of the haulage charge for such train service as damages.

However, if a train is cancelled because of the national transporter, it will pay the private operator the same amount, the document said.

But, if the loss of punctuality of a train is attributable to both the Railways and the private entity, it shall be treated on account of the entity having more than 70 per cent contribution in the total loss of punctuality of that train.

In case the punctuality of a train is affected because of reasons such as bad weather, cattle run over, human run over, law and order, public agitation, miscreant activity, accident, heavy traffic at level crossing gates, and operation of passenger alarm system, neither will be liable to pay damages.

The document also states that since the Railways will share revenue with the private entity to ensure that it was reporting gross revenue honestly and faithfully, the national transporter will depute its representatives to the project and offices of the private operator.

"If verification of revenues pursuant to this demonstrates that the Gross Revenue is more than the amount reported by the concessionaire by more than 1 per cent thereof, the difference between such amount reported by the Concessionaire and the gross revenue shall be multiplied by 10 and the product thereof shall be paid as damages by the concessionaire to the government,"&nbsp;it said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Private entities have to pay heavy penalties in case the trains they operate are delayed or reach the destination early, according to a draft key performance indicators for private operators released by the Railways.

Private entities have to pay heavy penalties in case the trains they operate are delayed or reach the destination early, according to a draft key performance indicators for private operators released by the Railways. The draft document released on Wednesday states that private train operators have to maintain 95 per cent punctuality through the year. Private operators also have to pay penalties for misreporting their revenue or in case of train cancellations for reasons attributable to them. Also read | Bombardier, Alstom, GMR attended meeting on running private trains: Railways According to the draft, if the arrival of a train at its destination is delayed by over 15 minutes it will be deemed to have lost punctuality. In this case, the private operator has to pay the Railways extra haulage charge worth 200 km for every one per cent "reduction in punctuality" compared to the guaranteed punctuality, the document states. The Railways has said the haulage charge -- the fee that private operators will pay to use Railways' infrastructure -- will be Rs 512 per km. If a private train reaches destination at least 10 minutes in advance, the operator will have to pay the Railways penalty in the form of haulage charge for 10 kilometres. Officials said these measures are to ensure that private trains maintain punctuality. The draft document also states that if a train doesn't reach its destination on time because of the Railways, the private operator will be paid for every one per cent reduction of punctuality compared to guaranteed punctuality by the private entity in the form of haulage charge for 50 km. In the event of cancellation of a train service due to the reasons attributable to the operator, it will pay the Railways one-fourth of the haulage charge for such train service as damages. However, if a train is cancelled because of the national transporter, it will pay the private operator the same amount, the document said. But, if the loss of punctuality of a train is attributable to both the Railways and the private entity, it shall be treated on account of the entity having more than 70 per cent contribution in the total loss of punctuality of that train. In case the punctuality of a train is affected because of reasons such as bad weather, cattle run over, human run over, law and order, public agitation, miscreant activity, accident, heavy traffic at level crossing gates, and operation of passenger alarm system, neither will be liable to pay damages. The document also states that since the Railways will share revenue with the private entity to ensure that it was reporting gross revenue honestly and faithfully, the national transporter will depute its representatives to the project and offices of the private operator. "If verification of revenues pursuant to this demonstrates that the Gross Revenue is more than the amount reported by the concessionaire by more than 1 per cent thereof, the difference between such amount reported by the Concessionaire and the gross revenue shall be multiplied by 10 and the product thereof shall be paid as damages by the concessionaire to the government," it said.

'Pvt train operators must maintain 95% punctuality; penalty for delay, early arrival'

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.2 mm rainfall, the maximum in the city, during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. The Palam and Ridge weather stations gauged 93.6 mm and 84.6 mm precipitation respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-14-killed-57-missing-in-landslide-as-monsoon-rains-pound-kerala-318887#:~:text=At%20least%2014%20people%20were,Friday%2C%20police%20and%20officials%20said.">At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala</a>

The Safdarjung observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 68 mm rainfall, according to the IMD.

Rainfall recorded below 15 mm is considered light, between 15 and 64.5 mm is moderate and above 64.5 mm is heavy.

Vehicles moved bumper to bumper during the morning rush hours, as the downpour led to heavy waterlogging at key road stretches.

The Delhi Traffic Police reported an incident of a tree being uprooted near the high court, which led to traffic snarls. The Raja Garden and Mayapuri flyovers also witnessed heavy waterlogging.

The incessant rains damaged a drain near the Khaira village T-point on the Dhansa road, where metro construction work is going on, the traffic police said.

The affected 200-metre stretch of the road has been closed for traffic. 
 
Pictures and videos of vehicles and people wading through waist-deep water were widely shared on social media platforms.

The downpour also brought down the rain deficiency in the national capital.

Till Wednesday evening, the Safdarjung observatory had recorded 72 per cent less rainfall than normal in August, the lowest in 10 years, according to the IMD. The shortage reduced to 14 per cent by Thursday morning.

Overall, Delhi has recorded seven per cent more rains than normal in the monsoon season so far.

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said the city witnessed "continuous rains overnight" and more rainfall is expected during the day.

"The axis of monsoon remains close to Delhi-NCR. Also, there is a cyclonic circulation over southwest Uttar Pradesh. Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal also fed moisture," he said.

Light rains will continue over the next two to three days, Srivastava said.

Earlier, the IMD had predicted one or two spells of heavy rains between Tuesday and Thursday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.

Delhi witnessed the heaviest spell of rains this monsoon season on Thursday, which inundated low-lying areas and threw traffic out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Ayanagar weather station recorded 99.2 mm rainfall, the maximum in the city, during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. The Palam and Ridge weather stations gauged 93.6 mm and 84.6 mm precipitation respectively. Also read | At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala The Safdarjung observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded 68 mm rainfall, according to the IMD. Rainfall recorded below 15 mm is considered light, between 15 and 64.5 mm is moderate and above 64.5 mm is heavy. Vehicles moved bumper to bumper during the morning rush hours, as the downpour led to heavy waterlogging at key road stretches. The Delhi Traffic Police reported an incident of a tree being uprooted near the high court, which led to traffic snarls. The Raja Garden and Mayapuri flyovers also witnessed heavy waterlogging. The incessant rains damaged a drain near the Khaira village T-point on the Dhansa road, where metro construction work is going on, the traffic police said. The affected 200-metre stretch of the road has been closed for traffic. Pictures and videos of vehicles and people wading through waist-deep water were widely shared on social media platforms. The downpour also brought down the rain deficiency in the national capital. Till Wednesday evening, the Safdarjung observatory had recorded 72 per cent less rainfall than normal in August, the lowest in 10 years, according to the IMD. The shortage reduced to 14 per cent by Thursday morning. Overall, Delhi has recorded seven per cent more rains than normal in the monsoon season so far. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, said the city witnessed "continuous rains overnight" and more rainfall is expected during the day. "The axis of monsoon remains close to Delhi-NCR. Also, there is a cyclonic circulation over southwest Uttar Pradesh. Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal also fed moisture," he said. Light rains will continue over the next two to three days, Srivastava said. Earlier, the IMD had predicted one or two spells of heavy rains between Tuesday and Thursday.

Delhi rains: Heaviest spell this monsoon season so far; capital city grapples with waterlogging woes 

The Indian government will start to issue e-passports embedded with electronic microprocessor chip from next year, a report on Thursday claimed.&nbsp;

According to the report by the Economic Times, the government had completed the trial of issuing 20,000 e-passports and now will issue such passports with the help of an agency that will be responsible for setting up IT infrastructure and providing solution regarding the project.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-national-with-fake-indian-passport-involved-in-money-laundering-319822#:~:text=India's%20tax%20department%20conducted%20searches,Chinese%20involvement%20in%20money%20laundering.&amp;text=While%20his%20actual%20name%20is,able%20to%20get%20from%20Manipur.">Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering</a>

Currently, passports are issued on booklets and with the latest advancement, immigration formalities could be done in a rapid manner and will hit the business of fake passports.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-Instagram-apologises-to-Bella-Hadid-after-removing-post-of-her-fathers-passport-312013">Instagram apologises to Bella Hadid after removing post of her father's passport</a>

A dedicated unit will be set up with systems in Delhi and Chennai for issuing 10,000-20,000 passports per hour.

The National Informatics Centre, which is working with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the project has sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Wednesday for selection of an agency for setting up an IT infrastructure. &nbsp;

"It will require a completely dedicated set-up and processes for e-passport document issuance. The e-passport has international ramifications because of its usage as credible identity document issued by any sovereign country, it is absolutely necessary to keep track of any security and quality issues," the report added quoting RFP.

The Indian government will start to issue e-passports embedded with electronic microprocessor chip from next year, a report on Thursday claimed. According to the report by the Economic Times, the government had completed the trial of issuing 20,000 e-passports and now will issue such passports with the help of an agency that will be responsible for setting up IT infrastructure and providing solution regarding the project.

The Indian government will start to issue e-passports embedded with electronic microprocessor chip from next year, a report on Thursday claimed. According to the report by the Economic Times, the government had completed the trial of issuing 20,000 e-passports and now will issue such passports with the help of an agency that will be responsible for setting up IT infrastructure and providing solution regarding the project. Also read | Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering Currently, passports are issued on booklets and with the latest advancement, immigration formalities could be done in a rapid manner and will hit the business of fake passports. Also read | Instagram apologises to Bella Hadid after removing post of her father's passport A dedicated unit will be set up with systems in Delhi and Chennai for issuing 10,000-20,000 passports per hour. The National Informatics Centre, which is working with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the project has sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Wednesday for selection of an agency for setting up an IT infrastructure. "It will require a completely dedicated set-up and processes for e-passport document issuance. The e-passport has international ramifications because of its usage as credible identity document issued by any sovereign country, it is absolutely necessary to keep track of any security and quality issues," the report added quoting RFP.

Indian govt to issue e-passports from next year: Report

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi.

On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes.&nbsp;

Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public.&nbsp;

However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat.&nbsp;

Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television.&nbsp;

In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals.&nbsp;

Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic. The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi. On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes. Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public. However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat. Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television. In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals. Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

Tamil Nadu: Low-key celebrations for Independence Day, Ganesh Chathurthi amid Covid-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched 'Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest' platform. He said it will strengthen efforts of "reforming and simplifying India's tax system".&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/faceless-assessment-taxpayer-charter-has-come-into-force-from-today-pm-modi-320130">Also read: Faceless assessment, taxpayer charter has come into force from today, says PM Modi</a> 
 
The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws. 
 
"Our tax system should be seamless, painless and faceless. Seamless means that the tax administration should work to solve the problem instead of confusing taxpayers," PM said.

Speaking about the tax reforms announced by the Centre, PM said, "Taxes have also been reduced in the country along with the complexities of procedures. Tax is now zero on income of up to 5 lakh rupees. The tax has also been reduced in the remaining slabs. We are one of the lowest tax consuming countries in the world in terms of corporate tax."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FacelessAsssessment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FacelessAsssessment</a> has benefits like making tax assessment fair,transparent,ensuring ease of compliance &amp; improved quality of assessment. No more physical interface. No more visits to IT office.Reply to be filed online. Expeditious &amp; efficient disposal.(5/7)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HonoringTheHonest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HonoringTheHonest</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVo4De8V5Q">pic.twitter.com/zVo4De8V5Q</a>
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The facility of faceless appeal will be available for citizens across the country from September 25. Today as the tax system is becoming faceless, it is giving more confidence to the taxpayer of fairness and fearlessness.&nbsp; 
 
"The trend of structural reforms in the country has reached a new stage today. Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest, this new system of the 21st-century tax system has been launched today," he said.&nbsp;

Several initiatives have been taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to bring efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the Income Tax (IT) department, according to officials.

The Prime Minister will also unveil the next phase of direct tax reforms aimed at easing compliance and rewarding honest taxpayers in a bid to rebuild Indian economy, which has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched 'Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest' platform. He said it will strengthen efforts of "reforming and simplifying India's tax system".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched 'Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest' platform. He said it will strengthen efforts of "reforming and simplifying India's tax system". Also read: Faceless assessment, taxpayer charter has come into force from today, says PM Modi The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws. "Our tax system should be seamless, painless and faceless. Seamless means that the tax administration should work to solve the problem instead of confusing taxpayers," PM said. Speaking about the tax reforms announced by the Centre, PM said, "Taxes have also been reduced in the country along with the complexities of procedures. Tax is now zero on income of up to 5 lakh rupees. The tax has also been reduced in the remaining slabs. We are one of the lowest tax consuming countries in the world in terms of corporate tax." #FacelessAsssessment has benefits like making tax assessment fair,transparent,ensuring ease of compliance & improved quality of assessment. No more physical interface. No more visits to IT office.Reply to be filed online. Expeditious & efficient disposal.(5/7)#HonoringTheHonest pic.twitter.com/zVo4De8V5Q — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) August 13, 2020 × The facility of faceless appeal will be available for citizens across the country from September 25. Today as the tax system is becoming faceless, it is giving more confidence to the taxpayer of fairness and fearlessness. "The trend of structural reforms in the country has reached a new stage today. Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest, this new system of the 21st-century tax system has been launched today," he said. Several initiatives have been taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to bring efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the Income Tax (IT) department, according to officials. The Prime Minister will also unveil the next phase of direct tax reforms aimed at easing compliance and rewarding honest taxpayers in a bid to rebuild Indian economy, which has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi unveils 'fundamental reforms' for taxpayers; faceless appeals to start from September 25

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.77 per cent in the country, according to the Union health ministry.

The death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 47,033 with 942 people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, health ministry data updated at 8 am showed.

On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases.

The case fatality rate in the country has declined to 1.96 per cent.

There are 6, 53,622 active COVID-19 cases in the country presently, which account for 27.27 per cent of its total caseload.

At the global front, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally reached 20,807,726 on Thursday, according to Worldometer. However, this number represents only the status of infection as captured through testing, as only lab-confirmed infections are counted as confirmed cases. This implies the true extent of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread could only be gauged by testing a lot.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 23, 96,637 on Thursday with a record single-day increase of 66,999 cases, while the number of patients who have recovered from the disease surged to 16,95,982, pushing the recovery rate to 70.77 per cent in the country, according to the Union health ministry. The death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 47,033 with 942 people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, health ministry data updated at 8 am showed. On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases. The case fatality rate in the country has declined to 1.96 per cent. There are 6, 53,622 active COVID-19 cases in the country presently, which account for 27.27 per cent of its total caseload. At the global front, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally reached 20,807,726 on Thursday, according to Worldometer. However, this number represents only the status of infection as captured through testing, as only lab-confirmed infections are counted as confirmed cases. This implies the true extent of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread could only be gauged by testing a lot. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally nears 24-lakh mark with record spike of 66,999 cases; over eight lakh tests carried out in last 24 hours

In a development that will bound to raise eyebrows, Chinese nationals have been found to be&nbsp;involved in money laundering and hawala transactions in India.&nbsp;

India's tax department conducted searches in 21 locations in Delhi, Ghaziabad and&nbsp;Gurugram after getting "credible information" of the Chinese involvement in money laundering.

The Central Board of direct taxes or CBDT in a statement said, these individuals "were involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through series of shell entities, a search action was mounted at various premises of these Chinese entities, their close confederates and couple of bank employees."

According to the CBDT, the Chinese nationals created more than 40 bank accounts and credited more than Rs. 1000 crores.

The statement explained "A subsidiary of Chinese company and its related concerns have taken over Rs. 100 crores bogus advances from shell entities for opening businesses of retail showrooms in India."

Incriminating documents related to hawala transactions and money laundering with "active involvement of bank employees and Chartered accountants" have also surfaced.

While investigations are under progress, foreign hawala transactions have also emerged.&nbsp;

One name of Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction has emerged. While his actual name is Luo Sang, he took a fake identity Charlie Peng with Indian passport he was able to get from Manipur.&nbsp;

He was using 8-10 bank accounts and represented fake Chinese companies in Hawala operations worth Rs 300 crore.

The development comes even as India has tightened scrutiny over Chinese investments in the country, and banned 59 Chinese apps after the Galwan incident on June 15. India lost 20 Indian soldiers in the incident while China also suffered casualties but declined to come up with a number.

In a development that will bound to raise eyebrows, Chinese nationals have been found to be involved in money laundering and hawala transactions in India. India's tax department conducted searches in 21 locations in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram after getting "credible information" of the Chinese involvement in money laundering.

In a development that will bound to raise eyebrows, Chinese nationals have been found to be involved in money laundering and hawala transactions in India. India's tax department conducted searches in 21 locations in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram after getting "credible information" of the Chinese involvement in money laundering. The Central Board of direct taxes or CBDT in a statement said, these individuals "were involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through series of shell entities, a search action was mounted at various premises of these Chinese entities, their close confederates and couple of bank employees." According to the CBDT, the Chinese nationals created more than 40 bank accounts and credited more than Rs. 1000 crores. The statement explained "A subsidiary of Chinese company and its related concerns have taken over Rs. 100 crores bogus advances from shell entities for opening businesses of retail showrooms in India." Incriminating documents related to hawala transactions and money laundering with "active involvement of bank employees and Chartered accountants" have also surfaced. While investigations are under progress, foreign hawala transactions have also emerged. One name of Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction has emerged. While his actual name is Luo Sang, he took a fake identity Charlie Peng with Indian passport he was able to get from Manipur. He was using 8-10 bank accounts and represented fake Chinese companies in Hawala operations worth Rs 300 crore. The development comes even as India has tightened scrutiny over Chinese investments in the country, and banned 59 Chinese apps after the Galwan incident on June 15. India lost 20 Indian soldiers in the incident while China also suffered casualties but declined to come up with a number.

Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering

The Income Tax Department has conducted raids against some Chinese individuals and their local associates for allegedly running an estimated Rs 1,000 crore worth money laundering racket using shell or dubious firms, the CBDT said Tuesday.

The department raided at least two dozen premises in Delhi, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad as part of the action under which it covered the Chinese, some of their Indian associates and bank officials, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said in a statement issued here late night.

The CBDT is the policy-making body for the tax department.

It said the “subsidiary of Chinese company and its related concerns have taken over Rs 100 crore bogus advances from shell entities for opening businesses of retail showrooms in India”.

The CBDT said the searches were launched based on “credible inputs that a few Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through a series of shell entities.”

A Chinese man, who allegedly holds a fake Indian passport, is alleged to be the kingpin of the racket apart from few other nationals of that country.

They said the Chinese man had got prepared the fake Indian passport from Manipur and has been detained by the department as searches are continuing.

The tax officials have shared the information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities who are expected to book him for violation of the Passport Act.

The police many later arrest him and even the Enforcement Directorate may take over the case for investigation under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, they said.

“Search action revealed that at the behest of Chinese individuals, more than 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities, entering into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crore over the period,” the CBDT said in a statement without identifying the entities involved.

“Incriminating documents of hawala transactions and money laundering with active involvement of bank employees and Chartered Accountants have been found as a result of the search action,” it said.

Evidences of foreign hawala transactions involving Hong Kong and US dollars have also been unearthed, the CBDT said.

India recently banned 59 Chinese apps (Internet-based mobile applications) in the aftermath of a continuing standoff between the militaries of the two countries in Ladakh.

The Income Tax Department has conducted raids against some Chinese individuals and their local associates for allegedly running an estimated Rs 1,000 crore worth money laundering racket using shell or dubious firms, the CBDT said Tuesday.

The Income Tax Department has conducted raids against some Chinese individuals and their local associates for allegedly running an estimated Rs 1,000 crore worth money laundering racket using shell or dubious firms, the CBDT said Tuesday. The department raided at least two dozen premises in Delhi, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad as part of the action under which it covered the Chinese, some of their Indian associates and bank officials, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said in a statement issued here late night. The CBDT is the policy-making body for the tax department. It said the “subsidiary of Chinese company and its related concerns have taken over Rs 100 crore bogus advances from shell entities for opening businesses of retail showrooms in India”. The CBDT said the searches were launched based on “credible inputs that a few Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through a series of shell entities.” A Chinese man, who allegedly holds a fake Indian passport, is alleged to be the kingpin of the racket apart from few other nationals of that country. They said the Chinese man had got prepared the fake Indian passport from Manipur and has been detained by the department as searches are continuing. The tax officials have shared the information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities who are expected to book him for violation of the Passport Act. The police many later arrest him and even the Enforcement Directorate may take over the case for investigation under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, they said. “Search action revealed that at the behest of Chinese individuals, more than 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities, entering into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crore over the period,” the CBDT said in a statement without identifying the entities involved. “Incriminating documents of hawala transactions and money laundering with active involvement of bank employees and Chartered Accountants have been found as a result of the search action,” it said. Evidences of foreign hawala transactions involving Hong Kong and US dollars have also been unearthed, the CBDT said. India recently banned 59 Chinese apps (Internet-based mobile applications) in the aftermath of a continuing standoff between the militaries of the two countries in Ladakh.

Rs 1,000-crore money laundering case: Income Tax department raids Chinese individuals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the platform for "Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest" via video conferencing on August 13, 2020. 
 
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has carried out several major tax reforms in direct taxes in recent years. Last year, the Corporate Tax rates were reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent and for new manufacturing units, the rates were reduced to 15 per cent. 
 
Dividend distribution tax was also abolished.The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws.Several initiatives have been taken by the CBDT for bringing in efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the IT Department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/all-those-who-came-in-contact-with-infected-person-should-be-traced-and-tested-within-72-hours-pm-modi-319756" hreflang="en">All those who came in contact with infected person should be traced and tested within 72 hours: PM Modi</a> 
 
This includes bringing more transparency in official communication through the newly introduced Document Identification Number (DIN) wherein every communication of the Department would carry a computer generated unique document identification number.Similarly, to increase the ease of compliance for taxpayers, IT Department has moved forward with prefilling of income tax returns to make compliance more convenient for individual taxpayers. 
 
Compliance norms for startups have also been simplified.With a view to provide for resolution of pending tax disputes the IT Department also brought out the Direct Tax "Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020" under which declarations for settling disputes are being filed currently. 
 
To effectively reduce taxpayer grievances / litigation, the monetary thresholds for filing of departmental appeals in various appellate Courts have been raised.Several measures have been taken to promote digital transactions and electronic modes of payment. 
 
The IT department is committed to take the initiatives forward and has also made efforts to ease compliances for taxpayers during the Covid times by extending statutory timeliness for filing returns as also releasing refunds expeditiously to increase liquidity in the hands of taxpayers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/covid-19-situation-in-india-pm-modi-holds-meet-with-chief-ministers-of-10-states-319681" hreflang="en">COVID-19 situation in India: PM Modi holds meet with chief ministers of 10 states</a> 
 
The upcoming launch of the platform for " Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest " by the Prime Minister will further carry forward the journey of direct tax reforms. 
 
The event will be witnessed by various Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Chartered Accountants` associations and also eminent taxpayers, apart from the officers and officials of Income Tax Department. 
 
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur will also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the platform for "Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest" via video conferencing on August 13, 2020. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has carried out several major tax reforms in direct taxes in recent years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the platform for "Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest" via video conferencing on August 13, 2020. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has carried out several major tax reforms in direct taxes in recent years. Last year, the Corporate Tax rates were reduced from 30 per cent to 22 per cent and for new manufacturing units, the rates were reduced to 15 per cent. Dividend distribution tax was also abolished.The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws.Several initiatives have been taken by the CBDT for bringing in efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the IT Department. Also read: All those who came in contact with infected person should be traced and tested within 72 hours: PM Modi This includes bringing more transparency in official communication through the newly introduced Document Identification Number (DIN) wherein every communication of the Department would carry a computer generated unique document identification number.Similarly, to increase the ease of compliance for taxpayers, IT Department has moved forward with prefilling of income tax returns to make compliance more convenient for individual taxpayers. Compliance norms for startups have also been simplified.With a view to provide for resolution of pending tax disputes the IT Department also brought out the Direct Tax "Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020" under which declarations for settling disputes are being filed currently. To effectively reduce taxpayer grievances / litigation, the monetary thresholds for filing of departmental appeals in various appellate Courts have been raised.Several measures have been taken to promote digital transactions and electronic modes of payment. The IT department is committed to take the initiatives forward and has also made efforts to ease compliances for taxpayers during the Covid times by extending statutory timeliness for filing returns as also releasing refunds expeditiously to increase liquidity in the hands of taxpayers. Also read: COVID-19 situation in India: PM Modi holds meet with chief ministers of 10 states The upcoming launch of the platform for " Transparent Taxation - Honoring the Honest " by the Prime Minister will further carry forward the journey of direct tax reforms. The event will be witnessed by various Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Chartered Accountants` associations and also eminent taxpayers, apart from the officers and officials of Income Tax Department. Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur will also present on the occasion.

PM Modi to launch platform for 'Transparent Taxation' on August 13

The national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 met for the first time on Wednesday and delved on the procurement mechanisms for the vaccine, according to news agency PTI.

The meeting was chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member Niti Aayog along with Secretary (Ministry of Health) as co-chair. The committee also advised all the states not to chart separate pathways of procurement, according to the health ministry.

The group members discussed on broad parameters guiding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine candidates for the country and sought inputs from the standing Technical sub-committee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). the report added.

The expert group deliberated on "conceptualization and implementation mechanisms for creation of a digital infrastructure for inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine including tracking of vaccination process with particular focus on last mile delivery," the health ministry said.

"The group delved on the procurement mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine, including both indigenous and international manufacturing along with guiding principles for prioritization of population groups for vaccination," the ministry said.

The expert group discussed the financial resources required for procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine and various options of financing the same.

Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure for roll out of COVID-19 vaccination were also taken up.

Further, strategy and follow-up action on all possible scenarios to ensure equitable and transparent delivery of the vaccine was deliberated upon, the ministry said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 met for the first time on Wednesday and delved on the procurement mechanisms for the vaccine, according to news agency PTI.

The national expert group on vaccine administration for COVID-19 met for the first time on Wednesday and delved on the procurement mechanisms for the vaccine, according to news agency PTI. The meeting was chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member Niti Aayog along with Secretary (Ministry of Health) as co-chair. The committee also advised all the states not to chart separate pathways of procurement, according to the health ministry. The group members discussed on broad parameters guiding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine candidates for the country and sought inputs from the standing Technical sub-committee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). the report added. The expert group deliberated on "conceptualization and implementation mechanisms for creation of a digital infrastructure for inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine including tracking of vaccination process with particular focus on last mile delivery," the health ministry said. "The group delved on the procurement mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine, including both indigenous and international manufacturing along with guiding principles for prioritization of population groups for vaccination," the ministry said. The expert group discussed the financial resources required for procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine and various options of financing the same. Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure for roll out of COVID-19 vaccination were also taken up. Further, strategy and follow-up action on all possible scenarios to ensure equitable and transparent delivery of the vaccine was deliberated upon, the ministry said. (With inputs from PTI)

Expert group deliberates on strategy to ensure COVID-19 vaccine availability, delivery mechanism

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district.

Indian army said that an AK rifle with grenades and other material have been recovered from the location. “One soldier laid down his life in the line of duty,” Srinagar based defence PRO said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/centre-allows-4g-internet-services-on-trial-basis-in-two-jk-districts-after-august-15-319673" hreflang="en">Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&amp;K districts after August 15</a>

Meanwhile, Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara have arrested an active Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists after receiving information about the plan of attack.&nbsp;

J&amp;K police said that terrorists were planning an attack and through ground investigation, a joint team of special operations group, Indian army and CRPF arrested a terrorist identified as Aquib Ahmad Rather.&nbsp;

“Incriminating materials including arms and ammunitions were recovered from his&nbsp;&nbsp;possession. Regarding the incident Case FIR No. 77/2020 U/S 7/25 I. A.&nbsp;&nbsp;Act, 13 18, 20 ULA(P)&nbsp;&nbsp;Act registered in Police Station Kralgund and investigation taken up,” police said.&nbsp;

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district.

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district. Indian army said that an AK rifle with grenades and other material have been recovered from the location. “One soldier laid down his life in the line of duty,” Srinagar based defence PRO said. Also read: Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&K districts after August 15 Meanwhile, Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara have arrested an active Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists after receiving information about the plan of attack. J&K police said that terrorists were planning an attack and through ground investigation, a joint team of special operations group, Indian army and CRPF arrested a terrorist identified as Aquib Ahmad Rather. “Incriminating materials including arms and ammunitions were recovered from his possession. Regarding the incident Case FIR No. 77/2020 U/S 7/25 I. A. Act, 13 18, 20 ULA(P) Act registered in Police Station Kralgund and investigation taken up,” police said.

Terrorist killed, one arrested in two operations in Kashmir

With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic.

India in its statement at the United Nations Security Council or UNSC said, "national governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion."

The New Delhi in its statement on the subject “Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace” gave a 10-point suggestion under which UN peacekeeping should adapt as the world faces the COVID pandemic.

Majority of UN peacebuilding work takes place in Africa where New Delhi has a huge interest and the suggestions are largely in that context. &nbsp;

The suggestion included UN Secretariat carrying out "realistic assessment" of contingents in the mission areas with "troop competencies need to be a critical requirement of selection criteria."

It called on troop contributing countries to adhere to "training plans, including pre-deployment and in-mission training" and "peacebuilding, has to....rest on institutions and not on individuals" with "strengthening of national institutions combined with the strengthening of democratic structures (that) should not be compromised in the face of the crisis brought about by the pandemic."

"Institution building", is an area where India's strength lies and has provided support in areas like judicial systems, elections, etc.

Highlighting how "India has been a positive contributor to international peace and security", the statement said, "We area major Troop Contributing Country to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, including through women peacekeepers."

Other suggestions include ensuring other things such as the participation of women and youth, peacebuilders to counter misinformation and combat “infodemic” of false information, &nbsp;increased support for psycho-social and trauma healing programs during the crisis.

Amidst the pandemic, India has deployed additional medical personnel and equipment to the military hospitals in Goma, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo &nbsp;(MONUSCO) and Juba, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic.

With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic. India in its statement at the United Nations Security Council or UNSC said, "national governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion." The New Delhi in its statement on the subject “Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace” gave a 10-point suggestion under which UN peacekeeping should adapt as the world faces the COVID pandemic. Majority of UN peacebuilding work takes place in Africa where New Delhi has a huge interest and the suggestions are largely in that context. The suggestion included UN Secretariat carrying out "realistic assessment" of contingents in the mission areas with "troop competencies need to be a critical requirement of selection criteria." It called on troop contributing countries to adhere to "training plans, including pre-deployment and in-mission training" and "peacebuilding, has to....rest on institutions and not on individuals" with "strengthening of national institutions combined with the strengthening of democratic structures (that) should not be compromised in the face of the crisis brought about by the pandemic." "Institution building", is an area where India's strength lies and has provided support in areas like judicial systems, elections, etc. Highlighting how "India has been a positive contributor to international peace and security", the statement said, "We area major Troop Contributing Country to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, including through women peacekeepers." Other suggestions include ensuring other things such as the participation of women and youth, peacebuilders to counter misinformation and combat “infodemic” of false information, increased support for psycho-social and trauma healing programs during the crisis. Amidst the pandemic, India has deployed additional medical personnel and equipment to the military hospitals in Goma, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Juba, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

With Africa in focus, India says national governments should be part of peacebuilding

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks."

Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional."

New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations"

The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc.&nbsp;

India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding." 
&nbsp;

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks. In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks." Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional." New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations" The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc. India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding."

'Conflict actors' exploiting COVID-19 for misinformation, terror attacks, says India at UNSC

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2, 60, 15,297 samples tested up to 11th August 2020 for COVID19. Of these, 7, 33,449 samples were tested yesterday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to increase coronavirus testing in Gujarat because of the "high positivity rate" prevailing in the state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths.

India on Wednesday reported a single-day spike of 60,963 cases and 834 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 23, 29,639 including 643948 active cases, 1639600 recovered/discharged/migrated and 46091 deaths. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2, 60, 15,297 samples tested up to 11th August 2020 for COVID19. Of these, 7, 33,449 samples were tested yesterday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to increase coronavirus testing in Gujarat because of the "high positivity rate" prevailing in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 60,963 fresh cases in last 24-hours, inches towards 23.3 lakh-mark

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and&nbsp;fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns.

A video released by China's mouthpiece The Global Times says &nbsp;"...Will you divorce me if the India-China relationship becomes more complicated?....Shree asked her Chinese husband as a joke...''

Who's shree? An indian woman married to a Chinese man. Why is she worrying about a divorce?. Partly because of the growing tensions between India and China but mostly because india has banned Chinese apps. A ban which according to the Global Times has turned Shree's life upside down.

This may just be a new low in China's information warfare. The Global Times has truly outdone itself this time. It has used a private matter to push state propaganda.

An indian face to tell China's story. There are people like Shree on both sides of the border. People who are suffering due to China's aggression. People who have suffered for a long time due to China's censorship. Also, the message China is trying to send through this video is not of peace. Its a message of how vulnerable the indian diaspora in China could be --- if tensions still persist.

This is not the first time that China has dragged foreign citizens into its quarrels with other countries. Not too long ago, it was the Canadian diaspora in China which was on target.

In December 2018, the Canadian government arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei technologies executive on charges of fraud. She was detained upon her arrival in Vancouver. In retaliation, China arrested two Canadians -- Michael Covrig and Micheal Apavor -- on unproven charges of espionage.

The two men continue to be in a Chinese prison and China is now putting the same playbook to use in its fight with India. Now, China is dragging the Indian diaspora to send a message to New Delhi. So far, it hasn't targeted or arrested Indians living in China but the precedents the Chinese regime has set makes us all worry.

India's ban on Chinese apps is hurting Beijing's economic interests and Chinese state media is now dragging Indian citizens into its narrative which only reveals China's frustration.

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns.

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns. A video released by China's mouthpiece The Global Times says "...Will you divorce me if the India-China relationship becomes more complicated?....Shree asked her Chinese husband as a joke...'' Who's shree? An indian woman married to a Chinese man. Why is she worrying about a divorce?. Partly because of the growing tensions between India and China but mostly because india has banned Chinese apps. A ban which according to the Global Times has turned Shree's life upside down. This may just be a new low in China's information warfare. The Global Times has truly outdone itself this time. It has used a private matter to push state propaganda. An indian face to tell China's story. There are people like Shree on both sides of the border. People who are suffering due to China's aggression. People who have suffered for a long time due to China's censorship. Also, the message China is trying to send through this video is not of peace. Its a message of how vulnerable the indian diaspora in China could be --- if tensions still persist. This is not the first time that China has dragged foreign citizens into its quarrels with other countries. Not too long ago, it was the Canadian diaspora in China which was on target. In December 2018, the Canadian government arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei technologies executive on charges of fraud. She was detained upon her arrival in Vancouver. In retaliation, China arrested two Canadians -- Michael Covrig and Micheal Apavor -- on unproven charges of espionage. The two men continue to be in a Chinese prison and China is now putting the same playbook to use in its fight with India. Now, China is dragging the Indian diaspora to send a message to New Delhi. So far, it hasn't targeted or arrested Indians living in China but the precedents the Chinese regime has set makes us all worry. India's ban on Chinese apps is hurting Beijing's economic interests and Chinese state media is now dragging Indian citizens into its narrative which only reveals China's frustration.

China targets Indian diaspora in mainland after ban on Chinese apps

India's COVID-19 tally reached 23,29,639 today, with 60,963 cases being reported in a day. Recoveries rose to 15,83,490 according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India's COVID-19 tally rises to 2,329,639 | Over 56k patients cured in a day

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