'The attack on journalists, the police and the public on the riot last night was unpredictable. The govt will not tolerate such provocations and rumors. Strict action against perpetrators is certain', says Karnataka CM B. S. Yediyurappa

Bengaluru Mob Attack: Violence triggered by communal FB post | 3 people killed in police firing

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-money-laundering-racket-busted-chinese-firms-raided-by-indian-tax-department-319882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations," the embassy said, adding,"we also require foreign governments and relevant departments to enforce the law impartially to ensure the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-national-with-fake-indian-passport-involved-in-money-laundering-319822">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering</a>

The Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) said during the search it found that Chinese individuals had created 40 bank accounts in dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores.

A Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction goes with the name Luo Sang. He reportedly took a fake identity, Charlie Peng, with Indian passport which he was allegedly able to get from Manipur.&nbsp;

The tax officials have reportedly shared information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities.&nbsp;

"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.

"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.

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens." Watch: "The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations," the embassy said, adding,"we also require foreign governments and relevant departments to enforce the law impartially to ensure the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens. Also Read: Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering The Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) said during the search it found that Chinese individuals had created 40 bank accounts in dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores. A Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction goes with the name Luo Sang. He reportedly took a fake identity, Charlie Peng, with Indian passport which he was allegedly able to get from Manipur. The tax officials have reportedly shared information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities. "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. "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.

Always require overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws, says China over India's CBDT raids on Chinese entities linked to money laundering

The Indian tax department has busted a massive money laundering racket that involves certain Chinese companies based in India. Watch report.

Chinese money laundering racket busted: Chinese firms raided by Indian tax department

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India.&nbsp;

In an order issued on Monday, Secretary-General of MCI, Dr R K Vats said that “This is to inform all concerned that the entire territories of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory,” adding that Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory.”&nbsp;

<img alt="medical council of India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c86472c-37bd-4c7e-a82f-a74c9c83c365" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-08-12%20at%202.09.57%20PM.jpeg" />

The order further reads that “any medical institution in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) requires permission/recognition under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Such permission has not been granted to any medical college in POJKL.”

This order would mean that qualifications obtained from any medical colleges located in these occupied areas of India will not be entitled for grant of registration under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 to practice modern medicine in India.&nbsp;

Talking to WION over the phone, president of Jammu &amp; Kashmir Medical Council president Dr&nbsp;Saleem Ur Rehman said that “we have standard guidelines as per MCI. Anyone coming from any country will have to get his qualifications verified from Ministry of Home affairs. Then we do the registration.” While the Registrar of IMC in J&amp;K, Vijay Gupta, told WION an order has been issued.&nbsp;

Many students from J&amp;K in the past would go to Pakistan to study medicine, several of them on the recommendations of separatist leaders and there would be a special quota for J&amp;K students reserved by the Pakistan government.

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India.

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India. In an order issued on Monday, Secretary-General of MCI, Dr R K Vats said that “This is to inform all concerned that the entire territories of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory,” adding that Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory.” The order further reads that “any medical institution in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) requires permission/recognition under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Such permission has not been granted to any medical college in POJKL.” This order would mean that qualifications obtained from any medical colleges located in these occupied areas of India will not be entitled for grant of registration under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 to practice modern medicine in India. Talking to WION over the phone, president of Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council president Dr Saleem Ur Rehman said that “we have standard guidelines as per MCI. Anyone coming from any country will have to get his qualifications verified from Ministry of Home affairs. Then we do the registration.” While the Registrar of IMC in J&K, Vijay Gupta, told WION an order has been issued. Many students from J&K in the past would go to Pakistan to study medicine, several of them on the recommendations of separatist leaders and there would be a special quota for J&K students reserved by the Pakistan government.

No registration for medical students studying in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir & Ladakh: Medical Council of India 

The daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who is in a critical condition after undergoing brain surgery, prayed for her father saying may God do whatever is best for him.

Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is a Congress leader, said her father has fallen critically ill just a year after he received the 'Bharat Ratna' -- the country's highest civilian award.

"Last year August 8 was one of the happiest day for me as my dad received Bharat Ratna. Exactly a year later on August 10 he fell critically ill.

"May God do whatever is best for him and give me strength to accept both joys and sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all for their concerns,"she said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Last year 8August was 1 of d happiest day 4 me as my dad received Bharat Ratna.Exactly a year later on 10Aug he fell critically ill. May God do whatever is best 4 him &amp; give me strength 2 accept both joys &amp; sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all 4 their concerns🙏
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1293409462758199296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee worsened on Tuesday, doctors attending on him said.

The Army's Research and Referral (R&amp;R) Hospital said he remains on ventilator support and he has not shown signs of improvement, after he underwent a brain surgery on Monday.

The 84-year-old former President was admitted to the military hospital around noon on Monday, and had also tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the surgery.

"Shri Pranab Mukherjee's health condition continues to remain critical at Army Hospital (R&amp;R) Delhi Cantonment. The former president, who underwent lifesaving emergency surgery for brain clot on 10 August 2020, has not shown any improvement and his health status has worsened. He remains on ventilatory support," the hospital said in its bulletin on Tuesday.

Mukherjee was President of India between 2012 and 2017.

The daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who is in a critical condition after undergoing brain surgery, prayed for her father saying may God do whatever is best for him.

The daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who is in a critical condition after undergoing brain surgery, prayed for her father saying may God do whatever is best for him. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is a Congress leader, said her father has fallen critically ill just a year after he received the 'Bharat Ratna' -- the country's highest civilian award. "Last year August 8 was one of the happiest day for me as my dad received Bharat Ratna. Exactly a year later on August 10 he fell critically ill. "May God do whatever is best for him and give me strength to accept both joys and sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all for their concerns,"she said on Twitter. Last year 8August was 1 of d happiest day 4 me as my dad received Bharat Ratna.Exactly a year later on 10Aug he fell critically ill. May God do whatever is best 4 him & give me strength 2 accept both joys & sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all 4 their concerns🙏 — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) August 12, 2020 × The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee worsened on Tuesday, doctors attending on him said. The Army's Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital said he remains on ventilator support and he has not shown signs of improvement, after he underwent a brain surgery on Monday. The 84-year-old former President was admitted to the military hospital around noon on Monday, and had also tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the surgery. "Shri Pranab Mukherjee's health condition continues to remain critical at Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantonment. The former president, who underwent lifesaving emergency surgery for brain clot on 10 August 2020, has not shown any improvement and his health status has worsened. He remains on ventilatory support," the hospital said in its bulletin on Tuesday. Mukherjee was President of India between 2012 and 2017.

May God do whatever is best for him: Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha on his critical condition

Three persons were killed while many others were injured in a police firing after rioters attacked policemen and torched vehicles over an offensive online post in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

110 persons accused of arson, stone-pelting and assault on the police have been arrested in connection with the violence.

"I think it was a planned riot. Within an hour of a post on social media thousands of people gathered &amp; damaged 200-300 vehicles &amp; MLA's residence. We'll take serious action. It was an organised incident. SDPI is behind it," said Karnataka Minister CT Ravi.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has demanded immediate arrest of those who instigated the violence.&nbsp;

"The riots at Kavalabhairasandra last night and the riot that triggered it were both reprehensible. I appeal to both Hindu and Muslim communities to act with restraint and maintain peace," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"Immediate arrest and prosecution of the evildoers who instigated riots and responded with violence. I have informed the Bangalore Police Commissioner. Our party is fully cooperating to the state government's attempt to establish peace," Siddaramaih said in another tweet.&nbsp;

He said that the attack on the police station is reprehensible and the police should act promptly and take action against the guilty.&nbsp;

The police said that accused Naveen has been arrested allegedly for posting derogatory material on social media. Residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasamurthy was also attacked after the violence broke out.

Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Bangalore city while curfew has been imposed in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits.

(With inputs from ANI)

Three persons were killed while many others were injured in a police firing after rioters attacked policemen and torched vehicles over an offensive online post in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Three persons were killed while many others were injured in a police firing after rioters attacked policemen and torched vehicles over an offensive online post in Bengaluru on Wednesday. 110 persons accused of arson, stone-pelting and assault on the police have been arrested in connection with the violence. "I think it was a planned riot. Within an hour of a post on social media thousands of people gathered & damaged 200-300 vehicles & MLA's residence. We'll take serious action. It was an organised incident. SDPI is behind it," said Karnataka Minister CT Ravi. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has demanded immediate arrest of those who instigated the violence. "The riots at Kavalabhairasandra last night and the riot that triggered it were both reprehensible. I appeal to both Hindu and Muslim communities to act with restraint and maintain peace," he tweeted. "Immediate arrest and prosecution of the evildoers who instigated riots and responded with violence. I have informed the Bangalore Police Commissioner. Our party is fully cooperating to the state government's attempt to establish peace," Siddaramaih said in another tweet. He said that the attack on the police station is reprehensible and the police should act promptly and take action against the guilty. The police said that accused Naveen has been arrested allegedly for posting derogatory material on social media. Residence of Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasamurthy was also attacked after the violence broke out. Section 144 has been imposed in the entire Bangalore city while curfew has been imposed in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits. (With inputs from ANI)

Bengaluru violence: Section 144 imposed in the entire city, 110 arrested, 3 dead

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people".&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Sediqqi also spoke on the Afghan peace process saying, "ball is in the court of the Taliban" to begin peace talks and he hoped "it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus".&nbsp;

On Pakistan, the Afghan spokesperson said, "not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace."&nbsp;

His comments come hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree to release the 400 Taliban prisoners as agreed in the Loya Jirga or the Grand Assembly which could soon lead to formal peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban.

WION: How do you see current India-Afghan ties.

Sediq Sediqqi: No doubt the relationship between India and Afghanistan is a very historic relation. It is between the people of both countries. It is between the governments of both countries. It is an all-weather friendship we have enjoyed, especially in the last 20 years when Afghanistan needed a true friend when we started the path of reconstruction and building our democracies.&nbsp;

India was a very strong and proper model in terms of working with us, support us, along with the international community in Afghanistan so that we have a different system and we are a democratic country. I will again say we have a very strong relationship. We are happy to build on that and we are grateful to the great nation of India for so many years.

WION: How have India and &nbsp;Afghanistan been collaborating amid COVID-19:

Sediq Sediqqi: From the start of the pandemic both countries and the leaders of both countries engaged meaningfully. They talk to each other, and there was a summit organised by the Prime Minister of India in which our president presented the strategy on Afghanistan on how to address pandemic in Afghanistan and there is a quiet exchange of experience between the 2 countries, exchange of expertise. We are grateful for the support we have been receiving so far in that area especially 75,000 tonnes of wheat that India promised to Afghanistan, of a big number has arrived in Afghanistan. Besides that, there was medical support, medical assistance to Afghanistan so that we can fight together this pandemic.

WION: On connectivity, Chabahar as become the focal point. Also on Chabahr Zahedan rail project, how has been the progress. India, Iran and Afghanistan working on the project...

Sediq Sediqqi: Afghanistan is pursuing the goal of regional connectivity, which is the expansion of trade and transit. That has been our quest. Chabahar is playing a crucial role in terms of the export of Afghan products to India, reaching out to India via Chabahar is a game-changer and we in the past 6 months were able to export 6000 metric tonnes of Afghani products to India. That plays a very important role. Afghanistan has opened its proposal of furthering and strengthening regional cooperation, and we are now connected with central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Afghanistan just signed a 10-year contract with Uzbekistan to export electricity and energy, so that kind of agenda we are pursuing, we would really rely on the political support of countries like India and central Asia. So we have to connect all these countries together. We are trying to introduce a new Afghanistan with a new agenda which is basically an expansion of trade, transit and mutual cooperation.&nbsp;

WION: Can you update us on the Afghan peace process, the jirga just meet...

Sediq Sediqqi: The Jirga played an important role in terms of naming a new milestone for the peace process. Some 3400 people's representatives came to Kabul in the great assembly, we call it jirga to actually, to give govt a clear instruction in the peace process.&nbsp;

The first recommendation they gave to govt was to release 400 Taliban members and prisoners with the Afghan govt. So Afghan president signed a decree so they are released according to recommendations, or the decisions of the Loya jirga. So we think, that we have to move forward, we will have to see what will be Taliban reaction to this.&nbsp;

The Taliban has to reciprocate the decision that Afghan people took in the jirga. It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready, so we hope very much that we see practical commitments, a clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations.&nbsp;

There are some rumours, some dates moving around but I will not able to tell u what are the exact dates when the talks begin but we hope as the Taliban had said and our allies say to us, within 3 days of prisoners exchange the peace talks will begin. We are all waiting, the Afghan people are waiting to see, what will be the next move by the Taliban because the Afghan govt has taken all those steps so that peace talks can start.

WION: So peace talks can start perhaps within a fortnight?

Sediq Sediqqi: We hope that before that talks will begin. As the President said in the Jirga, after the release of the Taliban, the remaining prisoners-- date, which could be this week, which could be next week but we hope it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus and demands by the Afghan people to start the talks.

WION: Where do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process?

Sediq Sediqqi: The major global consensus that are supporting Afghan govt, a democratic, unified and independent Afghanistan which is the end state of not one the Afghan people, but the global community, so we want a sovereign Afghanistan, peace within itself, peace with the region and with the global community. India has a very principled policy towards Afghanistan. That is what we expect from India as a friend, to stand with the legitimate government of the people.&nbsp;

Many other countries have expressed support for unified and democratic Afghanistan, that is what we demand from our friends because in the past 20 years, we have faced an enormous price to have a democratic and independent country.&nbsp;

Our gains are not reversible, but they are irreversible gains we have made. It is not only the Afghan govt, the people that have made the gains. We have done it with our global partners, regional partners and India has played an important role in our democracy and in our development.&nbsp;

WION: The&nbsp;role of&nbsp;Islamabad in the region, and in Afghanistan, do you see a negative role?

Sediq Sediqqi: Pakistan has to support, a democratic and unified and a sovereign Afghanistan. We really expect the Pakistani govt to stand with the Afghan govt, and Afghan people and in true sense support the peace process in Afghanistan, which is in the good of Pakistanis and also as I said, earlier that our agenda is to improve and strengthen regional cooperation and trade and transit.&nbsp;

So we will have to see that role that is expected from Pakistan, not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace and for the peace of the region and of course for the peace of the globe.&nbsp;

In the past few months, few visits of Pakistani officials to Afghanistan has taken place and they have expressed the willingness, expressed support to the Afghan peace process. We will have to see that materialise and we hope very much that there will be strong positive role by Pakistan as a neighbour to Afghanistan in our peace process.&nbsp;

WION: Minorities in Afghanistan are coming to India..how do you see the development?

Sediq Sediqqi: They are not our minorities. We will not call them minorities. They are our soul mates, they are our Afghan brothers and sisters and we feel so sad because they are leaving. We hope very much they don't leave. They stay in the country, we should work very hard to provide them security and that is the responsibility of the government.&nbsp;

Watching them leave the country, is sad and we all are sad. We never hope to see our brothers and sisters from Sikh and Hindu community to leave us, they are our soul mates, they are flowers of our garden and we will never call them minorities, they are Afghans.&nbsp;

It is sad that Afghans are being targeted by these terrorist groups. It is a threat are not only to them but to all of us. We hope very much that one day they will come back and live in their own country. We will not see that our citizens are forced to leave and that is a pain in our heart and we are forced to carry that.&nbsp;

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people".

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people". Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Sediqqi also spoke on the Afghan peace process saying, "ball is in the court of the Taliban" to begin peace talks and he hoped "it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus". On Pakistan, the Afghan spokesperson said, "not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace." His comments come hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree to release the 400 Taliban prisoners as agreed in the Loya Jirga or the Grand Assembly which could soon lead to formal peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban. WION: How do you see current India-Afghan ties. Sediq Sediqqi: No doubt the relationship between India and Afghanistan is a very historic relation. It is between the people of both countries. It is between the governments of both countries. It is an all-weather friendship we have enjoyed, especially in the last 20 years when Afghanistan needed a true friend when we started the path of reconstruction and building our democracies. India was a very strong and proper model in terms of working with us, support us, along with the international community in Afghanistan so that we have a different system and we are a democratic country. I will again say we have a very strong relationship. We are happy to build on that and we are grateful to the great nation of India for so many years. WION: How have India and Afghanistan been collaborating amid COVID-19: Sediq Sediqqi: From the start of the pandemic both countries and the leaders of both countries engaged meaningfully. They talk to each other, and there was a summit organised by the Prime Minister of India in which our president presented the strategy on Afghanistan on how to address pandemic in Afghanistan and there is a quiet exchange of experience between the 2 countries, exchange of expertise. We are grateful for the support we have been receiving so far in that area especially 75,000 tonnes of wheat that India promised to Afghanistan, of a big number has arrived in Afghanistan. Besides that, there was medical support, medical assistance to Afghanistan so that we can fight together this pandemic. WION: On connectivity, Chabahar as become the focal point. Also on Chabahr Zahedan rail project, how has been the progress. India, Iran and Afghanistan working on the project... Sediq Sediqqi: Afghanistan is pursuing the goal of regional connectivity, which is the expansion of trade and transit. That has been our quest. Chabahar is playing a crucial role in terms of the export of Afghan products to India, reaching out to India via Chabahar is a game-changer and we in the past 6 months were able to export 6000 metric tonnes of Afghani products to India. That plays a very important role. Afghanistan has opened its proposal of furthering and strengthening regional cooperation, and we are now connected with central Asian countries. Afghanistan just signed a 10-year contract with Uzbekistan to export electricity and energy, so that kind of agenda we are pursuing, we would really rely on the political support of countries like India and central Asia. So we have to connect all these countries together. We are trying to introduce a new Afghanistan with a new agenda which is basically an expansion of trade, transit and mutual cooperation. WION: Can you update us on the Afghan peace process, the jirga just meet... Sediq Sediqqi: The Jirga played an important role in terms of naming a new milestone for the peace process. Some 3400 people's representatives came to Kabul in the great assembly, we call it jirga to actually, to give govt a clear instruction in the peace process. The first recommendation they gave to govt was to release 400 Taliban members and prisoners with the Afghan govt. So Afghan president signed a decree so they are released according to recommendations, or the decisions of the Loya jirga. So we think, that we have to move forward, we will have to see what will be Taliban reaction to this. The Taliban has to reciprocate the decision that Afghan people took in the jirga. It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready, so we hope very much that we see practical commitments, a clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations. There are some rumours, some dates moving around but I will not able to tell u what are the exact dates when the talks begin but we hope as the Taliban had said and our allies say to us, within 3 days of prisoners exchange the peace talks will begin. We are all waiting, the Afghan people are waiting to see, what will be the next move by the Taliban because the Afghan govt has taken all those steps so that peace talks can start. WION: So peace talks can start perhaps within a fortnight? Sediq Sediqqi: We hope that before that talks will begin. As the President said in the Jirga, after the release of the Taliban, the remaining prisoners-- date, which could be this week, which could be next week but we hope it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus and demands by the Afghan people to start the talks. WION: Where do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process? Sediq Sediqqi: The major global consensus that are supporting Afghan govt, a democratic, unified and independent Afghanistan which is the end state of not one the Afghan people, but the global community, so we want a sovereign Afghanistan, peace within itself, peace with the region and with the global community. India has a very principled policy towards Afghanistan. That is what we expect from India as a friend, to stand with the legitimate government of the people. Many other countries have expressed support for unified and democratic Afghanistan, that is what we demand from our friends because in the past 20 years, we have faced an enormous price to have a democratic and independent country. Our gains are not reversible, but they are irreversible gains we have made. It is not only the Afghan govt, the people that have made the gains. We have done it with our global partners, regional partners and India has played an important role in our democracy and in our development. WION: The role of Islamabad in the region, and in Afghanistan, do you see a negative role? Sediq Sediqqi: Pakistan has to support, a democratic and unified and a sovereign Afghanistan. We really expect the Pakistani govt to stand with the Afghan govt, and Afghan people and in true sense support the peace process in Afghanistan, which is in the good of Pakistanis and also as I said, earlier that our agenda is to improve and strengthen regional cooperation and trade and transit. So we will have to see that role that is expected from Pakistan, not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace and for the peace of the region and of course for the peace of the globe. In the past few months, few visits of Pakistani officials to Afghanistan has taken place and they have expressed the willingness, expressed support to the Afghan peace process. We will have to see that materialise and we hope very much that there will be strong positive role by Pakistan as a neighbour to Afghanistan in our peace process. WION: Minorities in Afghanistan are coming to India..how do you see the development? Sediq Sediqqi: They are not our minorities. We will not call them minorities. They are our soul mates, they are our Afghan brothers and sisters and we feel so sad because they are leaving. We hope very much they don't leave. They stay in the country, we should work very hard to provide them security and that is the responsibility of the government. Watching them leave the country, is sad and we all are sad. We never hope to see our brothers and sisters from Sikh and Hindu community to leave us, they are our soul mates, they are flowers of our garden and we will never call them minorities, they are Afghans. It is sad that Afghans are being targeted by these terrorist groups. It is a threat are not only to them but to all of us. We hope very much that one day they will come back and live in their own country. We will not see that our citizens are forced to leave and that is a pain in our heart and we are forced to carry that.

Exclusive: India played an important role in our democracy, says Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson of Afghan president

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday banned the use of wide-body aircraft at the Kozhikode airport during the monsoon season.

"As a means of abundant caution, we have stopped them from coming to Calicut till the Monsoon season," the country`s aviation watchdog said in a statement.

Earlier&nbsp;an Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers including 10 infants had skidded while landing at Karipur airport in Kozhikode on August 7.

As many as 18 people, including the two pilots, had lost their lives following the accident.

According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, 23 passengers, among those hospitalised after the accident, were in a critical condition and three have been put on a ventilator, while 81 others were recovering.

Earlier, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said that an inquiry has been ordered under the Aircraft Act, black boxes of flight IX-1344 have been recovered and added that the findings of this investigation will be made public.&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday banned the use of wide-body aircraft at the Kozhikode airport during the monsoon season. "As a means of abundant caution, we have stopped them from coming to Calicut till the Monsoon season," the country`s aviation watchdog said in a statement.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday banned the use of wide-body aircraft at the Kozhikode airport during the monsoon season. "As a means of abundant caution, we have stopped them from coming to Calicut till the Monsoon season," the country`s aviation watchdog said in a statement. Earlier an Air India Express flight carrying 190 passengers including 10 infants had skidded while landing at Karipur airport in Kozhikode on August 7. As many as 18 people, including the two pilots, had lost their lives following the accident. According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, 23 passengers, among those hospitalised after the accident, were in a critical condition and three have been put on a ventilator, while 81 others were recovering. Earlier, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said that an inquiry has been ordered under the Aircraft Act, black boxes of flight IX-1344 have been recovered and added that the findings of this investigation will be made public.

DGCA bans use of wide-body aircraft at Kozhikode airport during monsoon after crash

India on Tuesday reported single-day spike of 53,601 cases and 871 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 22, 68,676 including 6, 39,929 active cases, 15, 83,490 recovered/discharged/migrated and 45,257 deaths.

India performed 719,364 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tests on August 8, taking the total number of daily testing closer to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) target of one million per day by the end of August.

ICMR is in the process of ramping up Covid-19 testing in the country.

At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.

The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,755 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday reported single-day spike of 53,601 cases and 871 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 22, 68,676 including 6, 39,929 active cases, 15, 83,490 recovered/discharged/migrated and 45,257 deaths.

India on Tuesday reported single-day spike of 53,601 cases and 871 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 22, 68,676 including 6, 39,929 active cases, 15, 83,490 recovered/discharged/migrated and 45,257 deaths. India performed 719,364 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tests on August 8, taking the total number of daily testing closer to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) target of one million per day by the end of August. ICMR is in the process of ramping up Covid-19 testing in the country. At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere. The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,755 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 53,601 fresh cases in last 24-hours, inches towards 22.7 lakh-mark

India's tax department today raided Chinese entities&nbsp;and said that Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were "involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through series of shell entities."

The Central Board of Direct taxes(CBDT) said that search action was mounted at various premises of the Chinese entities, their close confederates and bank employees.

CBDT said that after the search action it found that at the behest of Chinese individuals over 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores.

The tax department asserted that the searches were launched based on credible inputs.

"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.

The department added that evidence of foreign hawala transactions involving Hong Kong and US dollars were also unearthed.

India's tax department today raided Chinese entities and said that Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were "involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through series of shell entities.

India's tax department today raided Chinese entities and said that Chinese individuals and their Indian associates were "involved in money laundering and hawala transactions through series of shell entities." The Central Board of Direct taxes(CBDT) said that search action was mounted at various premises of the Chinese entities, their close confederates and bank employees. CBDT said that after the search action it found that at the behest of Chinese individuals over 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores. The tax department asserted that the searches were launched based on credible inputs. "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. The department added that evidence of foreign hawala transactions involving Hong Kong and US dollars were also unearthed.

India's tax department raids Chinese entities, uncovers money laundering and 'hawala' transactions

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters.&nbsp;

Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement.&nbsp;

The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba."

Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine. The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters. Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement. The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba." Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

Russian COVID-19 vaccine: New Delhi expresses interest as Moscow scouts for mass production in India

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The suspension of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities (viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai &amp; Ahmedabad) will continue till 31st August: West Bengal Government <a href="https://t.co/wWnTc0xQdd">pic.twitter.com/wWnTc0xQdd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1293007553501200384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 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 Monday, West Bengal witnessed the highest single-day discharge of 3,208 COVID-19 patients taking the number of recovered people to 70,328, while 2,905 new coronavirus infections were registered, state health department said.

The department in a bulletin also said that 41 patients succumbed to the disease raising the death toll to 2,100.

The state's caseload has gone up to 98,459 while the active cases stood at 26,031, the bulletin said.

At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.

The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,664 deaths recorded, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally of official sources.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government.

The ban of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad will continue till 31st August, said the Bengal government. The suspension of flights to Kolkata from high COVID-19 prevalence cities (viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai & Ahmedabad) will continue till 31st August: West Bengal Government pic.twitter.com/wWnTc0xQdd — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2020 × On Monday, West Bengal witnessed the highest single-day discharge of 3,208 COVID-19 patients taking the number of recovered people to 70,328, while 2,905 new coronavirus infections were registered, state health department said. The department in a bulletin also said that 41 patients succumbed to the disease raising the death toll to 2,100. The state's caseload has gone up to 98,459 while the active cases stood at 26,031, the bulletin said. At the global front, the coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere. The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,664 deaths recorded, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally of official sources. (With inputs from agencies)

Ban on flights to Kolkata from 6 corona 'hotspots' extended till August 31

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s. This was during the initial phases of discussion about the budget of the Indian Space Programme. The statement was reportedly in response to a professor who asked Sarabhai about why he was spending taxpayers money on space science, which was barely known in India. This was as a time when hardly a decade had passed since the country’s independence. Such an incident was recalled in a commemorative webinar hosted by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, which Sarabhai had founded in his youth. &nbsp;

Ahead of the 101st Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai (Aug 12th, 1919), PRL held a virtual webinar that saw the participation of Former ISRO Chairmen and the senior staff of PRL, besides Environmentalist Kartikeya Sarabhai(Vikram’s son). 
&nbsp; 
Known as the ‘Cradle of Space Sciences’ in India, PRL was said to be envisioned, conceptualized by Sarabhai when he was a student, in the UK, aged 23. Eventually, the PRL was set up in 1947, when Sarabhai was 28 years of age. PRL is one among the 35 institutes/entities that Sarabhai set up in his lifetime spanning a little over five decades. Today, As a unit of Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in selected areas of Physics, Space &amp; Atmospheric Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics &amp; Solar Physics, and Planetary &amp; Geo-Sciences. ISRO, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design among others were some of the enduring institutions he built.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO mentioned about the ISRO founder’s ability to build institutions that spanned across domains such as science and technology, management, among others. He urged everyone to remember the contributions of the great son of the soil and requested the scientific community to re-dedicate themselves towards the cause of taking India to great heights.&nbsp;

In his address, Former ISRO Chairman Dr Kasturirangan fondly recalled his interaction with the ISRO founder, reminiscing about how he had been interviewed by Dr.Vikram himself, for a job at PRL and how he finally ended up working there and later at ISRO. “Dr. Sarabhai had a way of testing people’s resolve by asking specific questions and not glossing over the subject. After he understood the candidate, he would spell out his vision and explain his ideas. He would make even those who are very junior to him feel at ease by establishing a personal connect” Kasturirangan said.&nbsp;

It was discussed that Vikram always envisioned about the future that lay far ahead, while also making plans for attaining certain long term goals, that seemed impossible at first. Vikram used to be in touch with the top talent in the diverse fields of science and technology during his annual visits to universities in the US and Europe. He used to often urge Indian talent to return to the country and work on exciting new projects at home, some of which included ISRO, some centres at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research among others.&nbsp;

On one instance, Vikram had persuaded a young U.R. Rao (later to be ISRO Chairman) to reject an offer from Berkeley University and stay in India to work for ISRO, by telling him that “there are many things we can do in this country and that there was nothing like being a pioneer in India”. Vikram’s persuasive, scientific arguments backed by his vision are what led to several young scientists having joined ISRO, during its nascent stages. Vikram had even arranged for various batches of young ISRO scientists to be trained at foreign space facilities, to ensure that they could return home and replicate similar systems here and build India’s space programme from scratch.&nbsp;

 
“When Dr. Sarabhai was the Chairman of ISRO and AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) he had laid the foundation for what premier science agencies must do in the coming years. When it came to Atomic energy he gave direction to projects such as Heavy water reactor, fast breeder reactor, Variable energy cyclotron. For ISRO which was still developing, he envisioned navigation, remote sensing and communication satellites” Dr Kasturirangan recalled.&nbsp;

Vikram Sarabhai’s son, Environmental Educator Kartikeya Sarabhai expressed gratitude and happiness on being to listen to so many eminent persons about their interactions with and fond memories of Vikram Sarabhai. Touching upon how his grandparents had home-schooled his father, uncles and aunts, Kartikeya spoke of how their family believed in every child is like a unique seed with its potential. “The parents and teachers are like gardeners, they can nature and support the growth,” he says.&nbsp;

Reminiscing about a photograph in which Vikram is seen explaining the contents of a book to his two children, Kartikeya said that their father was trying to instil interest in them by explaining planetary science from a science journal. Referring to PRL as their father’s first ‘Karmabhoomi’, Kartikeya talks about his father’s style of institution-building - dream big, create the basic DNA, people and the organization grows. He also makes a mention of Vikram’s management style which involved Horizontal control systems that focussed on team building and individual building, over vertical control systems.&nbsp;

“If I finally did retire, I would prefer to teach science to children” Kartikeya quoted his father as having said.&nbsp;

Born in a family of wealthy industrialists, Vikram was the sixth among eight children and was inclined towards science and the arts from a very young age. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the decades that led to India’s independence, Vikram Sarabhai and his family were deeply influenced by the freedom movement and also had the Who’s Who of the country paying regular, friendly visits to their 21-acre palatial residence. &nbsp;

After completing his undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics from Cambridge, he worked on his postgraduate research and PhD thesis on cosmic rays under Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. He was also a regular at the leading scientific institutions, seminars in the world, where he kept abreast of the cutting-edge developments in the diverse fields of his interest.&nbsp;

Vikram Sarabhai lived a busy life, often flying to multiple cities in a day and multiple countries in a week, holding meetings with scientists, government officials, and the biggest names in the respective domains, with the aim of institution-building, which would eventually lead to India’s progress in space technology, among other fields.&nbsp;

The ISRO founder who lived an extremely active lifestyle died a mysterious death at the age of 52(on December 30th 1971), during his overnight stay at a hotel, in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, where he stayed regularly during visits. It is said that despite the hotel staff having made repeated attempts to ring the bell, the routine early-riser had not responded, and appeared to be asleep. That’s when the room was opened with a spare key and the Doctor who had arrived declared that Vikram had probably died a few hours ago. Vikram had meetings until 10 pm the previous night and was expected to be up at 6 am for a swim at the beach.&nbsp;

Describing Vikram’s death as ‘heroic’, his friend and Japanese Space technologist had written that ‘his ability went beyond his living power’. &nbsp;

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s.

“I pay more than Rs.4 crore in taxes, you can assume that my money, paid as tax, is being used for the space programme” Dr Vikram Sarabhai, among India’s top scientists, institution-builders and industrialists had reportedly said, half-jokingly in the 1960s. This was during the initial phases of discussion about the budget of the Indian Space Programme. The statement was reportedly in response to a professor who asked Sarabhai about why he was spending taxpayers money on space science, which was barely known in India. This was as a time when hardly a decade had passed since the country’s independence. Such an incident was recalled in a commemorative webinar hosted by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, which Sarabhai had founded in his youth. Ahead of the 101st Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai (Aug 12th, 1919), PRL held a virtual webinar that saw the participation of Former ISRO Chairmen and the senior staff of PRL, besides Environmentalist Kartikeya Sarabhai(Vikram’s son). Known as the ‘Cradle of Space Sciences’ in India, PRL was said to be envisioned, conceptualized by Sarabhai when he was a student, in the UK, aged 23. Eventually, the PRL was set up in 1947, when Sarabhai was 28 years of age. PRL is one among the 35 institutes/entities that Sarabhai set up in his lifetime spanning a little over five decades. Today, As a unit of Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in selected areas of Physics, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics & Solar Physics, and Planetary & Geo-Sciences. ISRO, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design among others were some of the enduring institutions he built. Speaking at the event, Dr A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO mentioned about the ISRO founder’s ability to build institutions that spanned across domains such as science and technology, management, among others. He urged everyone to remember the contributions of the great son of the soil and requested the scientific community to re-dedicate themselves towards the cause of taking India to great heights. In his address, Former ISRO Chairman Dr Kasturirangan fondly recalled his interaction with the ISRO founder, reminiscing about how he had been interviewed by Dr.Vikram himself, for a job at PRL and how he finally ended up working there and later at ISRO. “Dr. Sarabhai had a way of testing people’s resolve by asking specific questions and not glossing over the subject. After he understood the candidate, he would spell out his vision and explain his ideas. He would make even those who are very junior to him feel at ease by establishing a personal connect” Kasturirangan said. It was discussed that Vikram always envisioned about the future that lay far ahead, while also making plans for attaining certain long term goals, that seemed impossible at first. Vikram used to be in touch with the top talent in the diverse fields of science and technology during his annual visits to universities in the US and Europe. He used to often urge Indian talent to return to the country and work on exciting new projects at home, some of which included ISRO, some centres at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research among others. On one instance, Vikram had persuaded a young U.R. Rao (later to be ISRO Chairman) to reject an offer from Berkeley University and stay in India to work for ISRO, by telling him that “there are many things we can do in this country and that there was nothing like being a pioneer in India”. Vikram’s persuasive, scientific arguments backed by his vision are what led to several young scientists having joined ISRO, during its nascent stages. Vikram had even arranged for various batches of young ISRO scientists to be trained at foreign space facilities, to ensure that they could return home and replicate similar systems here and build India’s space programme from scratch. “When Dr. Sarabhai was the Chairman of ISRO and AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) he had laid the foundation for what premier science agencies must do in the coming years. When it came to Atomic energy he gave direction to projects such as Heavy water reactor, fast breeder reactor, Variable energy cyclotron. For ISRO which was still developing, he envisioned navigation, remote sensing and communication satellites” Dr Kasturirangan recalled. Vikram Sarabhai’s son, Environmental Educator Kartikeya Sarabhai expressed gratitude and happiness on being to listen to so many eminent persons about their interactions with and fond memories of Vikram Sarabhai. Touching upon how his grandparents had home-schooled his father, uncles and aunts, Kartikeya spoke of how their family believed in every child is like a unique seed with its potential. “The parents and teachers are like gardeners, they can nature and support the growth,” he says. Reminiscing about a photograph in which Vikram is seen explaining the contents of a book to his two children, Kartikeya said that their father was trying to instil interest in them by explaining planetary science from a science journal. Referring to PRL as their father’s first ‘Karmabhoomi’, Kartikeya talks about his father’s style of institution-building - dream big, create the basic DNA, people and the organization grows. He also makes a mention of Vikram’s management style which involved Horizontal control systems that focussed on team building and individual building, over vertical control systems. “If I finally did retire, I would prefer to teach science to children” Kartikeya quoted his father as having said. Born in a family of wealthy industrialists, Vikram was the sixth among eight children and was inclined towards science and the arts from a very young age. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the decades that led to India’s independence, Vikram Sarabhai and his family were deeply influenced by the freedom movement and also had the Who’s Who of the country paying regular, friendly visits to their 21-acre palatial residence. After completing his undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics from Cambridge, he worked on his postgraduate research and PhD thesis on cosmic rays under Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. He was also a regular at the leading scientific institutions, seminars in the world, where he kept abreast of the cutting-edge developments in the diverse fields of his interest. Vikram Sarabhai lived a busy life, often flying to multiple cities in a day and multiple countries in a week, holding meetings with scientists, government officials, and the biggest names in the respective domains, with the aim of institution-building, which would eventually lead to India’s progress in space technology, among other fields. The ISRO founder who lived an extremely active lifestyle died a mysterious death at the age of 52(on December 30th 1971), during his overnight stay at a hotel, in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram, where he stayed regularly during visits. It is said that despite the hotel staff having made repeated attempts to ring the bell, the routine early-riser had not responded, and appeared to be asleep. That’s when the room was opened with a spare key and the Doctor who had arrived declared that Vikram had probably died a few hours ago. Vikram had meetings until 10 pm the previous night and was expected to be up at 6 am for a swim at the beach. Describing Vikram’s death as ‘heroic’, his friend and Japanese Space technologist had written that ‘his ability went beyond his living power’.

'Visionary, scientist, industrialist, institution builder': Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 101st anniversary

Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally jumped to&nbsp;2,44,549 on Tuesday as 9,024 fresh cases were added to the tally, while 87 more deaths pushed the overall toll to 2,203.

According to the latest bulletin 9,113 patients were discharged from hospitals in the state after recovering from the disease.

More positive cases were detected in rapid antigen tests as compared to RT-PCR, TruNat and other tests in the last 24 hours in the state.

In all, 30,908 rapid antigen tests were conducted, of which 5,132 turned positive, according to the bulletin.

The other 27,407 tests turned out 3,892 positive cases.

The infection positivity rate rose further to 9.43 per cent after a total of 25,92,619 tests were completed till date, the bulletin said.

Andhra Pradesh now has 87,597 active COVID-19 cases after 1,54,749 people recovered.

East Godavari and Kurnool districts contributed to the bulk of the new cases with 1,372 and 1,138 respectively. 
Anantapuramu was behind with 959.

Anantapuramu reported 13 deaths, Chittoor 12, Guntur nine and Prakasam and Visakhapatnam seven each in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally jumped to 2,44,549 on Tuesday as 9,024 fresh cases were added to the tally, while 87 more deaths pushed the overall toll to 2,203.

Andhra Pradesh's COVID-19 tally jumped to 2,44,549 on Tuesday as 9,024 fresh cases were added to the tally, while 87 more deaths pushed the overall toll to 2,203. According to the latest bulletin 9,113 patients were discharged from hospitals in the state after recovering from the disease. More positive cases were detected in rapid antigen tests as compared to RT-PCR, TruNat and other tests in the last 24 hours in the state. In all, 30,908 rapid antigen tests were conducted, of which 5,132 turned positive, according to the bulletin. The other 27,407 tests turned out 3,892 positive cases. The infection positivity rate rose further to 9.43 per cent after a total of 25,92,619 tests were completed till date, the bulletin said. Andhra Pradesh now has 87,597 active COVID-19 cases after 1,54,749 people recovered. East Godavari and Kurnool districts contributed to the bulk of the new cases with 1,372 and 1,138 respectively. Anantapuramu was behind with 959. Anantapuramu reported 13 deaths, Chittoor 12, Guntur nine and Prakasam and Visakhapatnam seven each in the last 24 hours.

9,024 fresh COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh, 87 deaths

The Railways has stated that all regular passenger train services will remain suspended till further notice, but 230 special trains will continue to be in service.

"This is to bring to the notice of all concerned that as decided and informed earlier as well, regular passenger and suburban train services will continue to remain suspended till further notice," a statement from the Railways said.

"It may be noted that 230 special trains, which are running at present, will continue to operate. Local trains in Mumbai which are presently being run on limited basis only on the requisition of state government, will also continue to run," it said.

The occupancy of special trains is being monitored on a regular basis and additional special trains may be run based on the requirement, the national carrier said.

However, all other regular trains and suburban trains run before the lockdown will remain suspended for the time being, it said.

Also, all special trains 12 pairs running on the Rajdhani routes since May 12 and 100 pairs operating since June 1 will continue.

The limited special suburban services which began recently in Mumbai to ferry essential services personnel identified by the local authorities will also continue to run, officials said.&nbsp;Earlier, the national transporter had suspended all services till August 12.

With the suspension of passenger trains indefinitely, Indian Railways has estimated a loss of around Rs 40,000 crore in its passenger business for this fiscal.

The extension of the suspension comes at a time when active COVID-19 cases in India stand at 6,39,929, while 15,83,489 people have recovered, according to the Union Health Ministry.

On Tuesday, a single day spike of 53,601 COVID-19 cases pushed India's virus caseload to 22,68,675 with the death toll climbing to 45,257.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Railways has stated that all regular passenger train services will remain suspended till further notice, but 230 special trains will continue to be in service.

The Railways has stated that all regular passenger train services will remain suspended till further notice, but 230 special trains will continue to be in service. "This is to bring to the notice of all concerned that as decided and informed earlier as well, regular passenger and suburban train services will continue to remain suspended till further notice," a statement from the Railways said. "It may be noted that 230 special trains, which are running at present, will continue to operate. Local trains in Mumbai which are presently being run on limited basis only on the requisition of state government, will also continue to run," it said. The occupancy of special trains is being monitored on a regular basis and additional special trains may be run based on the requirement, the national carrier said. However, all other regular trains and suburban trains run before the lockdown will remain suspended for the time being, it said. Also, all special trains 12 pairs running on the Rajdhani routes since May 12 and 100 pairs operating since June 1 will continue. The limited special suburban services which began recently in Mumbai to ferry essential services personnel identified by the local authorities will also continue to run, officials said. Earlier, the national transporter had suspended all services till August 12. With the suspension of passenger trains indefinitely, Indian Railways has estimated a loss of around Rs 40,000 crore in its passenger business for this fiscal. The extension of the suspension comes at a time when active COVID-19 cases in India stand at 6,39,929, while 15,83,489 people have recovered, according to the Union Health Ministry. On Tuesday, a single day spike of 53,601 COVID-19 cases pushed India's virus caseload to 22,68,675 with the death toll climbing to 45,257.

Regular passenger train services to remain suspended, special trains to continue: Railways

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that India is at second place when it comes to coronavirus COVID-19 testing while the US leading the world.

"We have tested close to 65 million people and no country is even close to that number. India would be second at 11 million (tests) and they have 1.5 billion people. We have the number one testing in the world by far and also the highest quality tests," Donald Trump told reporters.

"I feel strongly that we will have a vaccine by the end of the year and it will be put into service as soon as we get it," he added.

"Nationwide we continue to see encouraging signs in the last seven days as in the last seven days we continue to see a decline in cases by 14 per cent, hospitalisations decrease by 7 per cent and fatalities decrease by 9 per cent," he said further.

As per Johns Hopkins University, the US has a total of 5,089,416 COVID-19 cases and India has a total of 2,215,074 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

India performed 719,364 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tests on August 8, taking the total number of daily testing closer to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) target of one million per day by the end of August.

ICMR is in the process of ramping up Covid-19 testing in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that India is at second place when it comes to coronavirus COVID-19 testing while the US leading the world. "We have tested close to 65 million people and no country is even close to that number.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that India is at second place when it comes to coronavirus COVID-19 testing while the US leading the world. "We have tested close to 65 million people and no country is even close to that number. India would be second at 11 million (tests) and they have 1.5 billion people. We have the number one testing in the world by far and also the highest quality tests," Donald Trump told reporters. "I feel strongly that we will have a vaccine by the end of the year and it will be put into service as soon as we get it," he added. "Nationwide we continue to see encouraging signs in the last seven days as in the last seven days we continue to see a decline in cases by 14 per cent, hospitalisations decrease by 7 per cent and fatalities decrease by 9 per cent," he said further. As per Johns Hopkins University, the US has a total of 5,089,416 COVID-19 cases and India has a total of 2,215,074 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. India performed 719,364 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tests on August 8, taking the total number of daily testing closer to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) target of one million per day by the end of August. ICMR is in the process of ramping up Covid-19 testing in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

India has conducted most coronavirus tests after US: Donald Trump

Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who returned to Jaipur today, was greeted by his enthusiastic supporters with chants of "I love you" and `Sachin Pilot zindabad` as he returned to the state after a month-long political crisis in Rajasthan.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who returned to Jaipur today, was greeted by his enthusiastic supporters with chants of "I love you" and `Sachin Pilot zindabad` as he returned to the state after a month-long political crisis in Rajasthan. Pilot, walked amidst the throng of his supporters with folded hands, bowed and waved to them as he reached his residence in Jaipur, driving down from Delhi this afternoon. The former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan, Pilot had met Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi yesterday. I have not made any demands with the party. I am an MLA and a Congress worker, I will do whatever party asks me to do: Sachin Pilot on the possibility of getting Deputy CM post again https://t.co/LPzczDPflP — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2020 × A three-member committee formed for redressal of the issues raised by him and some MLAs of the party against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot led government. Earlier he said that he has not demanded any post and had only raised issues related to governance, functioning, and respect of party workers. "I am sad the way sedition notice was given and was withdrawn 25 days later. We went to court. Several cases were registered. These actions could have been avoided. I raised my issues. There should not be vendetta politics. I have not placed any demand for any post. I am ready to fulfill responsibilities given by the party," Pilot told reporters. "We never said anything against our party leadership, party, its ideology, and government. We raised our points on functioning and governance and I think we have full right to raise these issues," he said. "We have cleared our stand that we will remain in Congress. My politics is based on truth and principles. Even today I have no greed for any post. Posts come and go," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Back in Jaipur, Pilot greeted with chants of 'I love you' by supporters

A leading diaspora group in the US will hoist India’s National Flag at the Times Square this week, the first time the Indian tricolour will be unfurled at the iconic New York City destination.

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said in a statement that it “will be creating history" on August 15, 2020 by “hosting the first ever flag hoisting ceremony at Times Square" to commemorate India’s Independence Day.

“It will be the first time ever that India’s tricolour will be unfurled at the iconic venue in all its glory," the organisation said, adding that Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal will be the Guest of Honour at the event.

The FIA said this year’s Independence Day celebrations will include the flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square and the annual tradition of illuminating the Empire State Building in hues of the tricolour - orange, white and green.

The Empire State lighting ceremony will be held on August 14.

“The Times Square flag hoisting ceremony is a testament to the Indian-American community’s growing patriotism and is a fitting tribute to the FIA which is celebrating its golden jubilee year," the organisation said.

Established in 1970, the FIA is among the largest umbrella diaspora organisations.

In July, Ankur Vaidya was appointed the FIA Chairman, succeeding prominent Indian-American community leader Ramesh Patel who passed away due to complications from coronavirus.

Vaidya, 40, has been long associated with the FIA and was the President of the umbrella diaspora organisation for the year 2014. He is the youngest member of the Board and the youngest to be chosen as its chairman.

The Consulate General of India in New York will host a virtual Independence Day celebration on August 15 in which it has invited "members of the Indian community and friends of India" for the commemoration that will be live streamed.

The FIA annually organises its flagship event - the India Day Parade to mark India’s Independence Day in August.

Top US political leaders, lawmakers as well as prominent members of the Indian-American community and celebrities from India have participated in the annual parade that draws a crowd of thousands in the heart of Manhattan each year.

This year, however, the parade will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A leading diaspora group in the US will hoist India’s National Flag at the Times Square this week, the first time the Indian tricolour will be unfurled at the iconic New York City destination.

A leading diaspora group in the US will hoist India’s National Flag at the Times Square this week, the first time the Indian tricolour will be unfurled at the iconic New York City destination. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said in a statement that it “will be creating history" on August 15, 2020 by “hosting the first ever flag hoisting ceremony at Times Square" to commemorate India’s Independence Day. “It will be the first time ever that India’s tricolour will be unfurled at the iconic venue in all its glory," the organisation said, adding that Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal will be the Guest of Honour at the event. The FIA said this year’s Independence Day celebrations will include the flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square and the annual tradition of illuminating the Empire State Building in hues of the tricolour - orange, white and green. The Empire State lighting ceremony will be held on August 14. “The Times Square flag hoisting ceremony is a testament to the Indian-American community’s growing patriotism and is a fitting tribute to the FIA which is celebrating its golden jubilee year," the organisation said. Established in 1970, the FIA is among the largest umbrella diaspora organisations. In July, Ankur Vaidya was appointed the FIA Chairman, succeeding prominent Indian-American community leader Ramesh Patel who passed away due to complications from coronavirus. Vaidya, 40, has been long associated with the FIA and was the President of the umbrella diaspora organisation for the year 2014. He is the youngest member of the Board and the youngest to be chosen as its chairman. The Consulate General of India in New York will host a virtual Independence Day celebration on August 15 in which it has invited "members of the Indian community and friends of India" for the commemoration that will be live streamed. The FIA annually organises its flagship event - the India Day Parade to mark India’s Independence Day in August. Top US political leaders, lawmakers as well as prominent members of the Indian-American community and celebrities from India have participated in the annual parade that draws a crowd of thousands in the heart of Manhattan each year. This year, however, the parade will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a first, Indian tricolour to be hoisted at iconic Times Square in New York

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division.

He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months.

The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration).

High speed internet service in J&amp;K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

On August 7, the top court had asked the J&amp;K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15. A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division. He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months. The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration). High speed internet service in J&K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. On August 7, the top court had asked the J&K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&K districts after August 15

Former President Pranab Mukherjee's health continues to remain critical, the Army Hospital in Delhi said on Tuesday. He tested positive for coronavirus when he went to the hospital yesterday for another procedure.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee's health continues to remain critical, the Army Hospital in Delhi said on Tuesday. He tested positive for coronavirus when he went to the hospital yesterday for another procedure. Later, he underwent a brain surgery for the removal of a clot. "The former President who underwent lifesaving emergency surgery for brain clot on 10 August 2020 has not shown any improvement and his health status has worsened. He remains on ventilatory support," the army hospital said in a statement this evening. The former President yesterday tweeted before the surgery, asking all who came in contact with him to self-isolate and get a coronavirus test. "On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for COVID19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19," his tweet read.

Pranab Mukherjee continues to remain critical, says Army's R&R hospital

Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday came out with the list of 101 items that will not be imported from any other countries now onwards. The list includes several small and big items which now GOI feels that those can be manufactured by the domestic manufactures to fulfill the requirement of armed forces.

Minister said the embargo on imports would be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024 and "Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realize the goal of indigenization".

This step is being seen to boost the Domestic manufacturers and save crores of money which the country spent in purchasing arms and ammunition. India does share its borders with the nasty neighbors hence proper modernization of armed forces can't be ignored. Going the GOI data India's total this year's defense budget was 4,71,378 crore (US$ 66.9 billion) out of which more than 55% to 60% of its budget assigned is spent on its import which is close to US$ 47billion and rests 40% to 45% on items produced in-country.

Going by the Defense minister statement It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years and Of these, items worth almost Rs 1, 30,000 crore each are likely to be procured for the Army and the Air Force, while the figure for the Navy is almost Rs 1, 40,000 crore.

There is also a state of confusion in the domestic players as Items that are mentioned in the negative list of Defence Ministry show that many of the items are already manufactured in India and have not been imported for a long time including a number of naval vessels and systems. Therefore many manufactures are waiting for the final details to come out so that they can get the idea of how India’s new procurement process will work.

India defence import:

In the past five years, India became the world’s top-ranking purchaser of major arms by volume with its neighbour Pakistan ranking 11th. “As in previous years, in 2019 India and Pakistan—which are nuclear-armed states—attacked each other using an array of imported major arms,” said Siemon T. Wezeman, Senior Researcher at SIPRI.

70% of India’s arms purchases over the past five years were from Russia, which has traditionally been India’s top arms provider. Another 12% of India’s arms imports came from the United States and 7% from Israel.

The United States is pushing hard to make more sales to India.

India Defence export:

India has set its targets to export $5 billion worth of military hardware in next 5 years, which cannot be achieved unless the country becomes self-reliant in the defense manufacturing sector. Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha in year February, informed that India exports defense pieces of equipment to 42 countries to those who are big names in the export market like the US, Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, South Africa, and Sweden.

According to the Department of defence production, About 50 Indian companies in the private sector have contributed to defence exports. Some of the major export destinations for defence products have been Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Israel, Egypt, UAE, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Poland, Spain and Chile etc.&nbsp;

India does Manufactures some of the big and small equipments which are already in service and are properly used by our armed forces. The major defence items being manufactured and exported are Personal Protective items, Offshore Patrol Vessels, ALH Helicopter, SU Avionics, Bharati Radio, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Kavach MoD II Launcher and FCS, Spares for Radar, Electronic System and Light Engineering Mechanical Parts etc

Going by the report released in April this year by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) India was the third-biggest military spender in the world last year after the United States and China and second-biggest arms importer followed by Saudi Arabia.

The negative tag of the biggest arms importer can also be seen as misleading because no other country with such large military size imports in the way India does. United States, Russia, France, Germany and China are the largest arms exporter which have similar armed force.

Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday came out with the list of 101 items that will not be imported from any other countries now onwards. The list includes several small and big items which now GOI feels that those can be manufactured by the domestic manufactures to fulfill the requirement of armed forces.

Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday came out with the list of 101 items that will not be imported from any other countries now onwards. The list includes several small and big items which now GOI feels that those can be manufactured by the domestic manufactures to fulfill the requirement of armed forces. Minister said the embargo on imports would be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024 and "Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realize the goal of indigenization". This step is being seen to boost the Domestic manufacturers and save crores of money which the country spent in purchasing arms and ammunition. India does share its borders with the nasty neighbors hence proper modernization of armed forces can't be ignored. Going the GOI data India's total this year's defense budget was 4,71,378 crore (US$ 66.9 billion) out of which more than 55% to 60% of its budget assigned is spent on its import which is close to US$ 47billion and rests 40% to 45% on items produced in-country. Going by the Defense minister statement It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years and Of these, items worth almost Rs 1, 30,000 crore each are likely to be procured for the Army and the Air Force, while the figure for the Navy is almost Rs 1, 40,000 crore. There is also a state of confusion in the domestic players as Items that are mentioned in the negative list of Defence Ministry show that many of the items are already manufactured in India and have not been imported for a long time including a number of naval vessels and systems. Therefore many manufactures are waiting for the final details to come out so that they can get the idea of how India’s new procurement process will work. India defence import: In the past five years, India became the world’s top-ranking purchaser of major arms by volume with its neighbour Pakistan ranking 11th. “As in previous years, in 2019 India and Pakistan—which are nuclear-armed states—attacked each other using an array of imported major arms,” said Siemon T. Wezeman, Senior Researcher at SIPRI. 70% of India’s arms purchases over the past five years were from Russia, which has traditionally been India’s top arms provider. Another 12% of India’s arms imports came from the United States and 7% from Israel. The United States is pushing hard to make more sales to India. India Defence export: India has set its targets to export $5 billion worth of military hardware in next 5 years, which cannot be achieved unless the country becomes self-reliant in the defense manufacturing sector. Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha in year February, informed that India exports defense pieces of equipment to 42 countries to those who are big names in the export market like the US, Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, South Africa, and Sweden. According to the Department of defence production, About 50 Indian companies in the private sector have contributed to defence exports. Some of the major export destinations for defence products have been Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Israel, Egypt, UAE, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Poland, Spain and Chile etc. India does Manufactures some of the big and small equipments which are already in service and are properly used by our armed forces. The major defence items being manufactured and exported are Personal Protective items, Offshore Patrol Vessels, ALH Helicopter, SU Avionics, Bharati Radio, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Kavach MoD II Launcher and FCS, Spares for Radar, Electronic System and Light Engineering Mechanical Parts etc Going by the report released in April this year by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) India was the third-biggest military spender in the world last year after the United States and China and second-biggest arms importer followed by Saudi Arabia. The negative tag of the biggest arms importer can also be seen as misleading because no other country with such large military size imports in the way India does. United States, Russia, France, Germany and China are the largest arms exporter which have similar armed force.

Ban on import of 101 defence items a ray of hope for Indian manufacturers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic.

At a video conference with chief ministers and representatives of these 10 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Modi said the recovery rate has gone up which, he added, meant that government efforts have proved to be effective.

The Centre and states have been able to work as a team in the fight against COVID-19, he said.

"Our experience so far is that containment, contact tracing and surveillance are the most effective weapons against the pandemic, with experts of the view that if cases are identified within 72 hours of onset, then infection slows down to great extent," the prime minister said.

He emphasised on the need to trace and test all those who come in contact with an infected person within 72 hours. This should be followed like a "mantra", with the same earnestness as washing hands, maintaining social distance and wearing masks, he said according to an official statement.

The prime minister pointed out that the number of active cases in the country stands at over six lakh, and most of them have been reported from the 10 states.

Today, 80 per cent active cases are in these ten states. Hence the role of all these states is very big in the fight against coronavirus, he said.

He told the participants that such meetings and discussions are necessary as new situations are emerging amid the pandemic.

"Pressure on hospitals, pressure on our health workers, lack of continuity in everyday work. They bring a new challenge every day" Modi elaborated.

He said there was a need for the ten states to sit together, review and discuss. "... From this discussion, we also leant a lot from each other's experiences, best practices" he said.

Modi said it was a matter of satisfaction that the average fatality rate in India has been going down and noted that it has been very low compared to the world average.

He noted that the number of daily tests has reached almost 7 lakh and is increasing continuously, which has helped in early identification and containment. The average fatality rate in the country is amongst the lowest and is continuously going down.

The percentage of active cases is reducing, while the recovery rate is increasing, he said. He noted that these steps have boosted the confidence of people, and said that the target of bringing down the fatality rate below one per cent can be achieved soon.

States where testing rate is low and where the positivity rate is high, the need to increase testing has come to the fore. Especially in states like Bihar, Gujarat, UP, West Bengal and Telangana, he said.

Modi noted that people have become aware and are ably assisting these efforts, as a result of which the country has been successful in using home quarantine so effectively, the statement said.

He said at one point of time, cases in certain districts of UP and Haryana, and Delhi became a matter of concern.

He also referred to statement of the Delhi government about COVID-19 cases and recounted the experience of Home Minister Amit Shah in preparing a roadmap for tackling the pandemic together with Delhi and nearby states.

According the statement, he said the main pillars of this strategy were segregation of containment zones and focus on screening, especially of those in high risk category.

The results of these steps are there for all to see, he said, adding that steps like better management in hospitals and increasing ICU beds also proved very helpful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic. At a video conference with chief ministers and representatives of these 10 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Modi said the recovery rate has gone up which, he added, meant that government efforts have proved to be effective. The Centre and states have been able to work as a team in the fight against COVID-19, he said. "Our experience so far is that containment, contact tracing and surveillance are the most effective weapons against the pandemic, with experts of the view that if cases are identified within 72 hours of onset, then infection slows down to great extent," the prime minister said. He emphasised on the need to trace and test all those who come in contact with an infected person within 72 hours. This should be followed like a "mantra", with the same earnestness as washing hands, maintaining social distance and wearing masks, he said according to an official statement. The prime minister pointed out that the number of active cases in the country stands at over six lakh, and most of them have been reported from the 10 states. Today, 80 per cent active cases are in these ten states. Hence the role of all these states is very big in the fight against coronavirus, he said. He told the participants that such meetings and discussions are necessary as new situations are emerging amid the pandemic. "Pressure on hospitals, pressure on our health workers, lack of continuity in everyday work. They bring a new challenge every day" Modi elaborated. He said there was a need for the ten states to sit together, review and discuss. "... From this discussion, we also leant a lot from each other's experiences, best practices" he said. Modi said it was a matter of satisfaction that the average fatality rate in India has been going down and noted that it has been very low compared to the world average. He noted that the number of daily tests has reached almost 7 lakh and is increasing continuously, which has helped in early identification and containment. The average fatality rate in the country is amongst the lowest and is continuously going down. The percentage of active cases is reducing, while the recovery rate is increasing, he said. He noted that these steps have boosted the confidence of people, and said that the target of bringing down the fatality rate below one per cent can be achieved soon. States where testing rate is low and where the positivity rate is high, the need to increase testing has come to the fore. Especially in states like Bihar, Gujarat, UP, West Bengal and Telangana, he said. Modi noted that people have become aware and are ably assisting these efforts, as a result of which the country has been successful in using home quarantine so effectively, the statement said. He said at one point of time, cases in certain districts of UP and Haryana, and Delhi became a matter of concern. He also referred to statement of the Delhi government about COVID-19 cases and recounted the experience of Home Minister Amit Shah in preparing a roadmap for tackling the pandemic together with Delhi and nearby states. According the statement, he said the main pillars of this strategy were segregation of containment zones and focus on screening, especially of those in high risk category. The results of these steps are there for all to see, he said, adding that steps like better management in hospitals and increasing ICU beds also proved very helpful.

All those who came in contact with infected person should be traced and tested within 72 hours: PM Modi

Experience the kaleidoscope of Kashmir's rich culture and tradition, this week on WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle: Experience the kaleidoscope of Kashmir's rich culture and tradition

China and India jointly safeguarding peace and security along the borders and the two countries together maintaining sound development of bilateral ties is one of Beijing's future diplomatic priorities, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

Asked about China's diplomatic priorities in future as the international landscape is undergoing changes unseen in a century due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian outlined Beijing's plans to enhance bilateral ties with the US, Russia, the European Union, Japan and India.

Zhao was responding to a question by China's official Xinhua news agency at a regular foreign ministry briefing.

"We will continue to improve relations with neighbouring countries," he said.

"For the China-India relationship, the two sides should jointly safeguard peace and security in the border areas and maintain a steady and sound development of bilateral ties," he said.

Zhao's comments came in the backdrop of the border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

He said China will continue to deepen strategic mutual trust and expand shared interests with its neighbours and other developing countries.

"We have actively planned and developed our relations with other major countries, responded rationally to the unreasonable pressure the United States has piled on China, made new progress in advancing China-Russia relations under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and sustained cooperation as the main tone of China-EU relations," he said.

The spokesman also said that China will also undertake cooperation in drug and vaccine research and development, provide assistance to countries in need to the best of its ability and improve global public health governance.

China and India jointly safeguarding peace and security along the borders and the two countries together maintaining sound development of bilateral ties is one of Beijing's future diplomatic priorities, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

China and India jointly safeguarding peace and security along the borders and the two countries together maintaining sound development of bilateral ties is one of Beijing's future diplomatic priorities, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday. Asked about China's diplomatic priorities in future as the international landscape is undergoing changes unseen in a century due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian outlined Beijing's plans to enhance bilateral ties with the US, Russia, the European Union, Japan and India. Zhao was responding to a question by China's official Xinhua news agency at a regular foreign ministry briefing. "We will continue to improve relations with neighbouring countries," he said. "For the China-India relationship, the two sides should jointly safeguard peace and security in the border areas and maintain a steady and sound development of bilateral ties," he said. Zhao's comments came in the backdrop of the border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. He said China will continue to deepen strategic mutual trust and expand shared interests with its neighbours and other developing countries. "We have actively planned and developed our relations with other major countries, responded rationally to the unreasonable pressure the United States has piled on China, made new progress in advancing China-Russia relations under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and sustained cooperation as the main tone of China-EU relations," he said. The spokesman also said that China will also undertake cooperation in drug and vaccine research and development, provide assistance to countries in need to the best of its ability and improve global public health governance.

China, India jointly safeguarding peace at borders, Beijing's future diplomatic priority: Official

Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that daugthers&nbsp;will have equal coparcenary rights in joint Hindu family property even if the father died before the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005.

A three-judge bench of Justices Arun Mishra, S Nazeer and M R Shah said the provisions contained in substituted Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 confer the status of coparcener on the daughter born before or after amendment in the same manner as a son with the same rights and liabilities.

Coparcener is a term used for a person who assumes a legal right in parental property by birth only.

The bench said, "the rights can be claimed by the daughter born earlier with effect from September 9, 2005 with savings as provided in Section 6(1) as to the disposition or alienation, partition or testamentary disposition which had taken place before December 20, 2004.

Since the right in coparcenary is by birth, it is not necessary that father coparcener should be living as on September 9, 2005."

The verdict makes it clear the amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 granting equal rights to daughters to inherit ancestral property would have retrospective effect.

The top&nbsp;court said the appeals on the issue were pending before different High Courts and subordinate courts and the matters have already been delayed due to legal imbroglio caused by conflicting decisions.

"The daughters cannot be deprived of their right of equality conferred upon them by Section 6. Hence, we request that the pending matters be decided, as far as possible, within six months," the bench said.

The apex court's verdict came on the issue whether the amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 granting equal rights to daughters to inherit ancestral property would have retrospective effect.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that daugthers will have equal coparcenary rights in joint Hindu family property even if the father died before the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005.

Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that daugthers will have equal coparcenary rights in joint Hindu family property even if the father died before the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005. A three-judge bench of Justices Arun Mishra, S Nazeer and M R Shah said the provisions contained in substituted Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 confer the status of coparcener on the daughter born before or after amendment in the same manner as a son with the same rights and liabilities. Coparcener is a term used for a person who assumes a legal right in parental property by birth only. The bench said, "the rights can be claimed by the daughter born earlier with effect from September 9, 2005 with savings as provided in Section 6(1) as to the disposition or alienation, partition or testamentary disposition which had taken place before December 20, 2004. Since the right in coparcenary is by birth, it is not necessary that father coparcener should be living as on September 9, 2005." The verdict makes it clear the amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 granting equal rights to daughters to inherit ancestral property would have retrospective effect. The top court said the appeals on the issue were pending before different High Courts and subordinate courts and the matters have already been delayed due to legal imbroglio caused by conflicting decisions. "The daughters cannot be deprived of their right of equality conferred upon them by Section 6. Hence, we request that the pending matters be decided, as far as possible, within six months," the bench said. The apex court's verdict came on the issue whether the amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 granting equal rights to daughters to inherit ancestral property would have retrospective effect. (With inputs from PTI)

Daughters have equal coparcenary rights in joint Hindu family property: Supreme Court

The violent stand-off between border troops in India and China at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh in June this year was not merely a coincidence but was planned well in advance by China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-chinas-dongfeng-military-vehicle-compromise-pla-at-galwan-valley-319547">Also Read:&nbsp;Did China's Dongfeng military vehicle compromise PLA at Galwan Valley?</a>

Separate reports by US intelligence agencies and Indian security agencies show that China made a lot of preparations before infiltrating Finger 4 to Galwan and Hot Spring areas. The neighbouring country had already deployed some modern latest technology equipped weapons in some areas.&nbsp;

Although reports of the deployment of these tanks at Tibet by China were reported by some publications last year. However, China's intention was clear when it started infiltrating the LAC-adjacent Indian areas.

The T-15 (ZTPQ) tank weighs 30 tonnes and has a 105 mm gun, due to which it can be used easily in hilly areas. It is also being claimed that these tanks can also be moved from one place to another by helicopter. However, this report is yet to receive confirmation.

According to security agencies, the Indian Army has already deployed T-90 tanks, considered to be very modern, at the LAC in view of reports of deployment of T-15 tanks by China.

As per security experts, due to its lightweight, Chinese tank T-15 can be easily transported from one place to another. On the other hand, T-90 tanks weigh 45 tonnes compared to T-15.

Meanwhile, the government has asked the Army to be ready at all times to deal with any challenge from the Chinese side and has agreed to purchase lightweight tanks like T-15. It is to be noted that T-72, T-90 and Arjun tanks are already in the Indian Army; However, they are very effective in the plains.

However, it is also not the case that India has no way out of the deployment of T-15 tanks by the Chinese Army along the LAC. Recently, India is deploying M-777 guns from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh. These weapons have been sourced from the United States and were inducted recently into the Army.&nbsp;

India has purchased 145 M-777 guns which are being included in 7 different regiments of the army. A regiment consists of 18 guns. The most important thing about M-777 guns is that it can be moved from one place to another by helicopter.&nbsp;

India has also deployed top-notch heavy-lift Chinook helicopters at the LAC. In such a situation, it can be said that India is fully prepared to respond to Chinese T-15 tanks.

The violent stand-off between border troops in India and China at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh in June this year was not merely a coincidence but was planned well in advance by China.

The violent stand-off between border troops in India and China at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh in June this year was not merely a coincidence but was planned well in advance by China. Also Read: Did China's Dongfeng military vehicle compromise PLA at Galwan Valley? Separate reports by US intelligence agencies and Indian security agencies show that China made a lot of preparations before infiltrating Finger 4 to Galwan and Hot Spring areas. The neighbouring country had already deployed some modern latest technology equipped weapons in some areas. Although reports of the deployment of these tanks at Tibet by China were reported by some publications last year. However, China's intention was clear when it started infiltrating the LAC-adjacent Indian areas. The T-15 (ZTPQ) tank weighs 30 tonnes and has a 105 mm gun, due to which it can be used easily in hilly areas. It is also being claimed that these tanks can also be moved from one place to another by helicopter. However, this report is yet to receive confirmation. According to security agencies, the Indian Army has already deployed T-90 tanks, considered to be very modern, at the LAC in view of reports of deployment of T-15 tanks by China. As per security experts, due to its lightweight, Chinese tank T-15 can be easily transported from one place to another. On the other hand, T-90 tanks weigh 45 tonnes compared to T-15. Meanwhile, the government has asked the Army to be ready at all times to deal with any challenge from the Chinese side and has agreed to purchase lightweight tanks like T-15. It is to be noted that T-72, T-90 and Arjun tanks are already in the Indian Army; However, they are very effective in the plains. However, it is also not the case that India has no way out of the deployment of T-15 tanks by the Chinese Army along the LAC. Recently, India is deploying M-777 guns from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh. These weapons have been sourced from the United States and were inducted recently into the Army. India has purchased 145 M-777 guns which are being included in 7 different regiments of the army. A regiment consists of 18 guns. The most important thing about M-777 guns is that it can be moved from one place to another by helicopter. India has also deployed top-notch heavy-lift Chinook helicopters at the LAC. In such a situation, it can be said that India is fully prepared to respond to Chinese T-15 tanks.

China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report

india-news

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

india news