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<p>A fire broke out at a hotel in&nbsp;Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out.</p>

<p>The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survivors-of-kozhikode-air-crash-yet-to-recover-from-shock-319074"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock</strong></a></p>

<p>Initial reports claim the&nbsp;fire broke out at the fourth floor of the hospital due to a short circuit.&nbsp;“The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building,” Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna’s district collector said.</p>

<p>“The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report. But we will have to ascertain,” he added.</p>

<p>Seven people lost their lives to this fire. Other patients are being looked at, at the moment. Thirty people were rescued from the fire till 8am on Sunday.</p>

<p>Amit Shah offered condolences through Twitter, "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1292311170813067264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rescue operations are still underway, and more details are awaited.</p>


A fire broke out at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out. The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment.

A fire broke out at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out. The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment. Also read: Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock Initial reports claim the fire broke out at the fourth floor of the hospital due to a short circuit. “The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building,” Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna’s district collector said. “The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report. But we will have to ascertain,” he added. Seven people lost their lives to this fire. Other patients are being looked at, at the moment. Thirty people were rescued from the fire till 8am on Sunday. Amit Shah offered condolences through Twitter, "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured." Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 9, 2020 × Rescue operations are still underway, and more details are awaited.

COVID-19 facility catches fire in Vijayawada; 7 declared dead, 30 rescued

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<p>As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.</p>

<p>The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew.</p>

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1291797658454163459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter.</p>

<p>Pradeep Gyawali,&nbsp;Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted:&nbsp;Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.</p>
— Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) <a href="https://twitter.com/PradeepgyawaliK/status/1291953695756779520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> at this hour of grief.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a></p>
— MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka/status/1291942049801834497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort.</p>
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1291896001008033792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.</p>
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1291797570050695168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured.</p>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1291798350543511552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kozhikode?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kozhikode</a>. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KozhikodePlaneCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KozhikodePlaneCrash</a></p>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1291949588685889536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My heart bleeds for the air accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> in Kozhikode and landslide in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idukki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idukki</a>. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search &amp; rescue will conclude as quickly as possible.</p>
— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOJinIndia/status/1291954814931226631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm shocked &amp; saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. &amp; People of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families &amp; wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief.</p>
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1291998754174722048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/17-dead-more-than-100-injured-in-the-air-india-plane-crash-at-calicut-airport-on-friday-318976"><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday</strong></a></p>


As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.

As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening. The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted. Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 7, 2020 × India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter. Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted: Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. — Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) August 8, 2020 × We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, #Kerala. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of #India at this hour of grief.#Lk @IndiainSL — MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) August 8, 2020 × Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 8, 2020 × Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more. On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) August 7, 2020 × Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of #AirIndiaExpress aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) August 7, 2020 × Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in #Kozhikode. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 @airindiain #KozhikodePlaneCrash — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) August 8, 2020 × My heart bleeds for the air accident of #AirIndiaExpress in Kozhikode and landslide in #Idukki. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search & rescue will conclude as quickly as possible. — Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) August 8, 2020 × I'm shocked & saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. & People of #SriLanka, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families & wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief. — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) August 8, 2020 × Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission. Also watch: 17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday

Air India plane crash: US, Pakistan, China and others offer condolences

<p>India recorded single-day spike of 64,399 cases and 861 deaths in the last 24 hours on Sunday morning.</p>

<p>The tally increased to 21,53,011 including 6,28,747 active cases, 14,80,885 cured/discharged/migrated and 43,379 deaths. The&nbsp;recovery rate now stands at 68.32 per cent.</p>

<p>Maharashtra recorded its highest single-day spike of 12,822 cases and 275 deaths on Saturday night, crossing the 12,000-mark. The state tally increased to&nbsp;5,03,084, including 1,47,048 active cases and 17,367 deaths.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-facility-catches-fire-in-vijayawada-7-declared-dead-30-rescued-319169"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19 facility catches fire in Vijayawada; 7 declared dead, 30 rescued</strong></a></p>

<p>Mumbai reported 1,304 cases, 1,454 recoveries and 58 deaths on Saturday morning. Total number of cases in the city is now at 1,22,331 including 95,354 recoveries, 19,932 active cases and 6,748 deaths.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India’s total recoveries cross 14.2 lakhs as recovery rate continues to improve, stands at 68.32% today. National case-fatality rate has further dipped to 2.04%: Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare <a href="https://t.co/F7WO4c5hWI">pic.twitter.com/F7WO4c5hWI</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1292077532980719617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>New Delhi recorded&nbsp;1,404 COVID-19 cases, 1,130 recoveries and 16 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases in the national capital now stands at 1,44,127, including 1,29,362 recoveries, 10,667 active cases and 4,098 deaths. The state's health department conducted 5,500 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 19,092 Rapid antigen tests in the last 24 hours. So far, 11,68,295 tests have been conducted in the national capital.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survivors-of-kozhikode-air-crash-yet-to-recover-from-shock-319074"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock</strong></a></p>

<p>Assam reported 2,218 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 57,714 including 38,809 recoveries, 18,762 active cases and 140 deaths. The state conducted&nbsp;54,845 tests in the last 24 hours.</p>

<p>West Bengal recorded&nbsp;2,949 new cases, 2,064 discharged, and 51 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 92,615, including 65,124 discharged, 25,486 active cases and 2,005 deaths.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu's state health department reported 5,883 new positive cases and 118 deaths. Total number of cases now at 2,90,907 including 53,481 active cases, 2,32,618 discharged cases and 4,808 deaths.</p>


India recorded single-day spike of 64,399 cases and 861 deaths in the last 24 hours on Sunday morning. The tally increased to 21,53,011 including 6,28,747 active cases, 14,80,885 cured/discharged/migrated and 43,379 deaths.

India recorded single-day spike of 64,399 cases and 861 deaths in the last 24 hours on Sunday morning. The tally increased to 21,53,011 including 6,28,747 active cases, 14,80,885 cured/discharged/migrated and 43,379 deaths. The recovery rate now stands at 68.32 per cent. Maharashtra recorded its highest single-day spike of 12,822 cases and 275 deaths on Saturday night, crossing the 12,000-mark. The state tally increased to 5,03,084, including 1,47,048 active cases and 17,367 deaths. Also read: COVID-19 facility catches fire in Vijayawada; 7 declared dead, 30 rescued Mumbai reported 1,304 cases, 1,454 recoveries and 58 deaths on Saturday morning. Total number of cases in the city is now at 1,22,331 including 95,354 recoveries, 19,932 active cases and 6,748 deaths. India’s total recoveries cross 14.2 lakhs as recovery rate continues to improve, stands at 68.32% today. National case-fatality rate has further dipped to 2.04%: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/F7WO4c5hWI — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2020 × New Delhi recorded 1,404 COVID-19 cases, 1,130 recoveries and 16 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases in the national capital now stands at 1,44,127, including 1,29,362 recoveries, 10,667 active cases and 4,098 deaths. The state's health department conducted 5,500 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 19,092 Rapid antigen tests in the last 24 hours. So far, 11,68,295 tests have been conducted in the national capital. Also read: Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock Assam reported 2,218 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 57,714 including 38,809 recoveries, 18,762 active cases and 140 deaths. The state conducted 54,845 tests in the last 24 hours. West Bengal recorded 2,949 new cases, 2,064 discharged, and 51 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 92,615, including 65,124 discharged, 25,486 active cases and 2,005 deaths. Tamil Nadu's state health department reported 5,883 new positive cases and 118 deaths. Total number of cases now at 2,90,907 including 53,481 active cases, 2,32,618 discharged cases and 4,808 deaths.

COVID-19: India's tally crosses 21 lakh mark with 64,399 new cases

<p>The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday.</p>

<p>Eighteen people, including the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight from Dubai lost their lives, when it overshot the tabletop runway at the airport here while landing in heavy rains and fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into two portions on Friday night.</p>

<p>"Till now, 49 people have been discharged from various hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. The condition of 14 people remains critical," Gopalakrishnan told.</p>

<p>The remaining 109 people are under treatment at different hospitals.</p>

<p>Air India Express on Sunday said the mortal remains of 16 passengers, who lost their lives in the plane crash, have been handed over to their families.</p>

<p>The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight, were handed over to their families on Saturday.</p>

<p>The remains of co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were cremated on Sunday with attendance from all family members as well as officials of Air India and Air India Express at Mathura, his hometown, it said.&nbsp;</p>


The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday.

The condition of at least 14 passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight remains critical, Malappuram District Collector K Gopalakrishnan said on Sunday. Eighteen people, including the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight from Dubai lost their lives, when it overshot the tabletop runway at the airport here while landing in heavy rains and fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into two portions on Friday night. "Till now, 49 people have been discharged from various hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. The condition of 14 people remains critical," Gopalakrishnan told. The remaining 109 people are under treatment at different hospitals. Air India Express on Sunday said the mortal remains of 16 passengers, who lost their lives in the plane crash, have been handed over to their families. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot of the AIE flight, were handed over to their families on Saturday. The remains of co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were cremated on Sunday with attendance from all family members as well as officials of Air India and Air India Express at Mathura, his hometown, it said.

Kozhikode plane crash: Condition of 14 passengers critical, says official

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, on Sunday to mark the occasion of 'Balram jayanti', 'Hal Chhath' and 'Dau Janmotsav'.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets in Hindi, he extended greetings, especially to the farming community on the occasion.</p>

<p>Hal chhath is a festival dedicated to Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">सभी देशवासियों को, विशेष रूप से किसान भाई-बहनों को बलराम जयंती की, हलछठ, और दाऊ जन्मोत्सव की शुभकामनाएं। इस खास दिन पर सुबह 11 बजे वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग के जरिए एग्रीकल्चर इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर फंड के तहत एक लाख करोड़ रुपये की वित्तपोषण सुविधा की शुरुआत करूंगा।<a href="https://t.co/3q3tPWk0a4">https://t.co/3q3tPWk0a4</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1292273910524698624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">इस कार्यक्रम में ‘पीएम-किसान योजना’ के अंतर्गत सहायता राशि की छठी किस्त भी जारी की जाएगी। 8.5 करोड़ किसानों के खातों में 17,000 करोड़ रुपये ट्रांसफर किए जाएंगे। कोविड-19 महामारी के दौरान यह योजना किसानों के लिए बहुत मददगार साबित हो रही है।</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1292273914400317444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Sunday, Modi will also release the sixth instalment of funds of Rs 17,000 crore to 8.5 crore farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme.</p>

<p>The scheme has also been instrumental in supporting farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, on Sunday to mark the occasion of 'Balram jayanti', 'Hal Chhath' and 'Dau Janmotsav'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a financing facility of Rs 1 lakh crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, on Sunday to mark the occasion of 'Balram jayanti', 'Hal Chhath' and 'Dau Janmotsav'. In a series of tweets in Hindi, he extended greetings, especially to the farming community on the occasion. Hal chhath is a festival dedicated to Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. सभी देशवासियों को, विशेष रूप से किसान भाई-बहनों को बलराम जयंती की, हलछठ, और दाऊ जन्मोत्सव की शुभकामनाएं। इस खास दिन पर सुबह 11 बजे वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग के जरिए एग्रीकल्चर इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर फंड के तहत एक लाख करोड़ रुपये की वित्तपोषण सुविधा की शुरुआत करूंगा।https://t.co/3q3tPWk0a4 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2020 × इस कार्यक्रम में ‘पीएम-किसान योजना’ के अंतर्गत सहायता राशि की छठी किस्त भी जारी की जाएगी। 8.5 करोड़ किसानों के खातों में 17,000 करोड़ रुपये ट्रांसफर किए जाएंगे। कोविड-19 महामारी के दौरान यह योजना किसानों के लिए बहुत मददगार साबित हो रही है। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2020 × On Sunday, Modi will also release the sixth instalment of funds of Rs 17,000 crore to 8.5 crore farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme. The scheme has also been instrumental in supporting farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.

PM Modi to launch financing facility under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

<p>The death toll in the massive landslide triggered due to torrential rain, that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 43, police said Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/toll-in-kerala-landslides-rises-to-26-search-on-to-locate-missing-persons-319194">Toll in Kerala landslides rises to 26; search on to locate missing persons</a></p>

<p>The landslide took place on Friday, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) from Kerala state's capital Thiruvananthapuram. The on-going rescue efforts have faced major difficulties due to heavy downpours. &nbsp;</p>

<p>An amount of Rs 5 lakh was announced yesterday as emergency assistance for those who lost their lives.</p>

<p>"The government will bear the medical treatment expenses of those injured in the disaster," Vijayan said.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister said 78 people were staying at the spot where the tragedy occurred.</p>

<p>"Two teams of National Disaster Response Force are involved in the rescue operations in addition to the locals, police, fire force and plantation workers. Swamp formation due to the presence of water in the landslide area is posing a big challenge to the rescue operations," Vijayan said.</p>

<p>The monsoon across South Asia is critical to replenishing rivers and groundwater but also causes widespread death and destruction.</p>

<p>Over 300 people have died in floods and landslides in eastern and northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal in recent weeks.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from AFP)</em></p>


The death toll in the massive landslide triggered due to torrential rain, that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 43, police said Sunday.

The death toll in the massive landslide triggered due to torrential rain, that destroyed a row of 20 houses of tea estate workers in the high range Idukki district of Kerala on Saturday climbed to 43, police said Sunday. Also read: Toll in Kerala landslides rises to 26; search on to locate missing persons The landslide took place on Friday, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) from Kerala state's capital Thiruvananthapuram. The on-going rescue efforts have faced major difficulties due to heavy downpours. An amount of Rs 5 lakh was announced yesterday as emergency assistance for those who lost their lives. "The government will bear the medical treatment expenses of those injured in the disaster," Vijayan said. The Chief Minister said 78 people were staying at the spot where the tragedy occurred. "Two teams of National Disaster Response Force are involved in the rescue operations in addition to the locals, police, fire force and plantation workers. Swamp formation due to the presence of water in the landslide area is posing a big challenge to the rescue operations," Vijayan said. The monsoon across South Asia is critical to replenishing rivers and groundwater but also causes widespread death and destruction. Over 300 people have died in floods and landslides in eastern and northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal in recent weeks. (Inputs from AFP)

Kerala: 43 bodies recovered after monsoon-triggered landslide

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<p>Amid the ongoing border tension with&nbsp;China, the armed forces are pushing a case for arming their Heron UAVs with laser-guided bombs, precision-guided munitions and anti-tank missiles for taking out enemy positions and armoured regiments.</p>

<p>The proposal named Project Cheetah has been revived by the armed forces after being pending for a long time and is expected to cost over Rs 3,500 crores to the government.</p>

<p>"Under this project, around 90 Heron drones of the three services would be upgraded to be armed with laser-guided bombs, air to ground and air-launched anti-tank guided missiles," government sources told.</p>

<p>The case is going to be considered by a high-level Defence Ministry body including Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, who is now the in-charge of all capital procurements for the three services.In the proposal, the armed forces have proposed to equip the drones with stronger surveillance and reconnaissance payloads for keeping an eye on enemy locations and stations and take them out, if required.</p>

<p>The Indian fleet of medium altitude long endurance drones also known as unmanned aerial vehicles includes mainly Israeli equipment including the Herons.They have been deployed by both the Army and Air Force in the forward locations of Ladakh sector along the China border there.</p>

<p>The drones are also helping in verifying the disengagement by Chinese as well as knowing their troop build up strength in-depth areas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>


Amid the ongoing border tension with China, the armed forces are pushing a case for arming their Heron UAVs with laser-guided bombs, precision-guided munitions and anti-tank missiles for taking out enemy positions and armoured regiments.

Amid the ongoing border tension with China, the armed forces are pushing a case for arming their Heron UAVs with laser-guided bombs, precision-guided munitions and anti-tank missiles for taking out enemy positions and armoured regiments. The proposal named Project Cheetah has been revived by the armed forces after being pending for a long time and is expected to cost over Rs 3,500 crores to the government. "Under this project, around 90 Heron drones of the three services would be upgraded to be armed with laser-guided bombs, air to ground and air-launched anti-tank guided missiles," government sources told. The case is going to be considered by a high-level Defence Ministry body including Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, who is now the in-charge of all capital procurements for the three services.In the proposal, the armed forces have proposed to equip the drones with stronger surveillance and reconnaissance payloads for keeping an eye on enemy locations and stations and take them out, if required. The Indian fleet of medium altitude long endurance drones also known as unmanned aerial vehicles includes mainly Israeli equipment including the Herons.They have been deployed by both the Army and Air Force in the forward locations of Ladakh sector along the China border there. The drones are also helping in verifying the disengagement by Chinese as well as knowing their troop build up strength in-depth areas. (With inputs from ANI)

Armed forces want to arm Israeli drone fleet with laser-guided bombs, missiles

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<p>Indian investigators on Sunday began examining the black box of a Boeing-737 that overshot a runway on its second attempt, killing 18 people in the country's worst aviation accident in a decade.</p>

<p>The Air India Express plane, which was repatriating Indians stranded in Dubai due to the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway of the Calicut International Airport in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday.</p>

<p>The aircraft fell into a valley and broke in half.</p>

<p>In an interview with Reuters partner ANI on Sunday, Arun Kumar, head of India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said the country would open the recovered transcripts to international investigators, as well as manufacturer Boeing.</p>

<p>"Only after conducting a thorough and unbiased probe, can we tell what exactly happened," Kumar said.</p>

<p>The 2,700 metre runway at the airport is known as a "table-top", an aviation term for runways with steep drops at one or both ends.</p>

<p>They leave little room for error should a pilot overshoot the runway, either through human error or mechanical failure.</p>

<p>"The length of the runway in Calicut is around 2,700 metres and the plane touched the ground after crossing 1,000 metres of the length, leaving less room to bring the aircraft to a halt," the official, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters.</p>

<p>"It was windy and rainy and the runway surface was wet. In such instances the weather is dynamic."</p>

<p>"An aircraft typically lands and departs in a headwind as a tailwind increases the plane's speed."</p>

<p>A spokesman for Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has already said it will pay compensation to the families of the deceased.</p>


Indian investigators on Sunday began examining the black box of a Boeing-737 that overshot a runway on its second attempt, killing 18 people in the country's worst aviation accident in a decade.

Indian investigators on Sunday began examining the black box of a Boeing-737 that overshot a runway on its second attempt, killing 18 people in the country's worst aviation accident in a decade. The Air India Express plane, which was repatriating Indians stranded in Dubai due to the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway of the Calicut International Airport in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. The aircraft fell into a valley and broke in half. In an interview with Reuters partner ANI on Sunday, Arun Kumar, head of India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said the country would open the recovered transcripts to international investigators, as well as manufacturer Boeing. "Only after conducting a thorough and unbiased probe, can we tell what exactly happened," Kumar said. The 2,700 metre runway at the airport is known as a "table-top", an aviation term for runways with steep drops at one or both ends. They leave little room for error should a pilot overshoot the runway, either through human error or mechanical failure. "The length of the runway in Calicut is around 2,700 metres and the plane touched the ground after crossing 1,000 metres of the length, leaving less room to bring the aircraft to a halt," the official, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters. "It was windy and rainy and the runway surface was wet. In such instances the weather is dynamic." "An aircraft typically lands and departs in a headwind as a tailwind increases the plane's speed." A spokesman for Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has already said it will pay compensation to the families of the deceased.

India begins examination of plane's black box after deadly crash

<p>Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support.</p>

<p>They were handed over by Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Sukirtimaya Rashtradeep General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepal Army. The Nepal Army Chief is honorary General of Indian Army. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the "Honorary rank" to present Nepal Army chief in January 2019.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-tally-crosses-21-lakh-mark-with-64399-new-cases-319173"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: India's tally crosses 21 lakh mark with 64,399 new cases</strong></a></p>

<p>Indian mission in a release said, "The Indian army has a long record of extending support to the Nepali Army as a first responder for humanitarian assistance and relief. The gifting of ventilators is part of this continued humanitarian cooperation between the two Armies."</p>

<p>Adding, "During the handing over, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide all necessary help to the people of Nepal in prevailing over the pandemic."</p>

<p>The ICU can be used for secondary care in hospitals and since they are compact, they are handy in the transportation of patients requiring intensive care.</p>


Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support.

Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support. They were handed over by Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Sukirtimaya Rashtradeep General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepal Army. The Nepal Army Chief is honorary General of Indian Army. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the "Honorary rank" to present Nepal Army chief in January 2019. Also read| COVID-19: India's tally crosses 21 lakh mark with 64,399 new cases Indian mission in a release said, "The Indian army has a long record of extending support to the Nepali Army as a first responder for humanitarian assistance and relief. The gifting of ventilators is part of this continued humanitarian cooperation between the two Armies." Adding, "During the handing over, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide all necessary help to the people of Nepal in prevailing over the pandemic." The ICU can be used for secondary care in hospitals and since they are compact, they are handy in the transportation of patients requiring intensive care.

Indian army gifts 10 ventilators to Nepal army amidst COVID

<p>The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains.</p>

<p>To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times.</p>

<p>"We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times.</p>
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1292161051023118337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people.</p>

<p>India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries.</p>

<p>The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck.</p>

<p>It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated.</p>

<p>India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.</p>


The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday. Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains. To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times. "We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter. We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 8, 2020 × It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people. India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries. The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck. It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated. India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown. The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed sends condolences to 'friend' PM Modi after Air India plane crash

World leaders pour condolences over Calicut plane crash, India's PM & President expresses distress.Watch this video to get more on this.

World leaders pour condolences over Calicut plane crash, India's PM & President expresses distress

On the slippery runway of Calicut International Airport in Kerala, the Air India Express plane crashed, due to heavy rains, fell into the ditch and broke into two parts. At least 17 people died in this accident.

17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday

<p>India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.</p>

<p>Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added.</p>

<p>Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel.</p>

<p>India and Mauritius share close ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's&nbsp;assistance.</p>

<p>In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.</p>


India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny. Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities." "We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added. Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel. India and Mauritius share close ties. On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's assistance. In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.

India exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with oil spill

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the collaboration to attain self-reliance. He addressed a virtual gathering India @75. Watch report.

EAM S Jaishankar speaks on technology, China at India @75 Summit

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<p>India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today there are new parameters and technology is certainly one of them because what they do is they create relationships, in some case dependencies, convergencies...technology has never been politically neutral, how one approaches it. At the end of the day there is so much interpenetration at one level and yet so much divisiveness and how you straddled that," he said.</p>

<p>The statement comes amidst a global backlash by many countries on Chinese tech companies and apps. India in the aftermath of Galwan violent face-off 15th June banned 59 Chinese apps including popular Tik Tok.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Countries are taking a position on Chinese technology firms and just last week US President Donald Trump issued orders banning Tik Tok and WeChat. Globally concerns and actions are being taken by countries like UK, the US, Canada and others on 5G by Chinese company Huawei.</p>

<p>EAM speaking at the CII virtual event said, "We think technology is capability, but it is hugely security"</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the ministry of external affairs ministry announced the establishment of New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division to evaluate decisions on technology.</p>


India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral".

India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral". "Today there are new parameters and technology is certainly one of them because what they do is they create relationships, in some case dependencies, convergencies...technology has never been politically neutral, how one approaches it. At the end of the day there is so much interpenetration at one level and yet so much divisiveness and how you straddled that," he said. The statement comes amidst a global backlash by many countries on Chinese tech companies and apps. India in the aftermath of Galwan violent face-off 15th June banned 59 Chinese apps including popular Tik Tok. Countries are taking a position on Chinese technology firms and just last week US President Donald Trump issued orders banning Tik Tok and WeChat. Globally concerns and actions are being taken by countries like UK, the US, Canada and others on 5G by Chinese company Huawei. EAM speaking at the CII virtual event said, "We think technology is capability, but it is hugely security" Earlier this year, the ministry of external affairs ministry announced the establishment of New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division to evaluate decisions on technology.

Technology is never politically neutral, says Jaishankar

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India and China have "huge premium" in reaching "understanding" and given the size of both countries, "the world has a lot riding on".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a virtual event called 'India at 75&nbsp;summit' organised by industry body CII, Jaishankar said,"we are neighbours, at least as the modern state we are neighbours...What it does is, its a huge premium in reaching some kind of equilibrium or understanding between the two, not just in my interest but in their interest too and how to do that is one of the big challenges we face and someone at their&nbsp;&nbsp;end will be saying something."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-iaf-to-maintain-very-high-level-of-alertness-along-lac-sources-318927" hreflang="en">Indian Army, IAF to maintain very high-level of alertness along LAC: Sources</a></strong></p>

<p>''The world has a lot riding on us, giving our size and impact.. there are problems, problems are laid out and very central to our foreign policy calculations," he added.</p>

<p>India-China ties suffered a blow after the Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh of&nbsp;June 15 when forces from both sides were involved in a violent clash. India lost 20 of its soldiers, while China accepted it suffered casualties never came out with a number.</p>

<p>Drawing parallels between India and China, EAM explained, &nbsp;"We are a neighbour of China, China is already the second largest economy of the world and we will one day be the third largest economy. We are demographically unique countries--in the billion-plus category. We happen to be neighbours, the period of our difficulties was similar... the period of our re-emergence in international politics is also not that far apart. We are seeing a parallel but the differential rise of two&nbsp;countries."</p>

<p>On current global dynamics,&nbsp;Jaishankar called for "issue-based" criteria for partnership given "nature of the world is of overlapping interest".<br />
&nbsp;</p>


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India and China have "huge premium" in reaching "understanding" and given the size of both countries, "the world has a lot riding on".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India and China have "huge premium" in reaching "understanding" and given the size of both countries, "the world has a lot riding on". Speaking at a virtual event called 'India at 75 summit' organised by industry body CII, Jaishankar said,"we are neighbours, at least as the modern state we are neighbours...What it does is, its a huge premium in reaching some kind of equilibrium or understanding between the two, not just in my interest but in their interest too and how to do that is one of the big challenges we face and someone at their end will be saying something." Also read: Indian Army, IAF to maintain very high-level of alertness along LAC: Sources ''The world has a lot riding on us, giving our size and impact.. there are problems, problems are laid out and very central to our foreign policy calculations," he added. India-China ties suffered a blow after the Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh of June 15 when forces from both sides were involved in a violent clash. India lost 20 of its soldiers, while China accepted it suffered casualties never came out with a number. Drawing parallels between India and China, EAM explained, "We are a neighbour of China, China is already the second largest economy of the world and we will one day be the third largest economy. We are demographically unique countries--in the billion-plus category. We happen to be neighbours, the period of our difficulties was similar... the period of our re-emergence in international politics is also not that far apart. We are seeing a parallel but the differential rise of two countries." On current global dynamics, Jaishankar called for "issue-based" criteria for partnership given "nature of the world is of overlapping interest".

India-China ties: Huge premium in reaching an understanding, says Jaishankar

<p>India recorded a single-day spike of&nbsp;61,537 cases and 933 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 20,88,612 on Saturday morning.</p>

<p>The tally includes&nbsp;&nbsp;6,19,088&nbsp;active cases, 14,27,006 cured/discharged/migrated and 42,518 deaths, as reported by Ministry of Health.</p>

<p>Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also reported testing 5,98,778 samples in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tested samples to&nbsp;2,33,87,171 till August 07.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-records-more-850-coronavirus-cases-318951"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mumbai records more 850 coronavirus cases</strong></a></p>

<p>Maharashtra recorded&nbsp;10,483 new COVID-19 cases and 300 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,90,262, including 1,45,582 active cases, 3,27,281 recovered and 17,092 deaths.</p>

<p>India's national capital, New Delhi, reported&nbsp;1,192 new cases, 1,108 recoveries and 23 deaths. Total number of cases in the national capital now stands at 1,42,723, including 1,28,232 recoveries, 10,409 active cases and 4,082 deaths.&nbsp;The state health department also reported that the state conducted 5,612 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 17,773 rapid antigen tests in the last 24 hours. A total of 11,43,703 tests have been conducted so far.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-to-get-150-million-from-gates-foundation-for-covid-19-vaccine-318947"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine</strong></a></p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh reported 10,171 new cases, 89 deaths and 7,594 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Total cases rise to 2,06,960 including 1,20,464 recoveries and 1,842 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 84,654.</p>

<p>On Friday, S Jaishankar and Mike Pompeo also had a telephonic call to discuss coordinated ways to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases in the two countries.</p>


India recorded a single-day spike of 61,537 cases and 933 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 20,88,612 on Saturday morning. The tally includes 6,19,088 active cases, 14,27,006 cured/discharged/migrated and 42,518 deaths, as reported by Ministry of Health.

India recorded a single-day spike of 61,537 cases and 933 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 20,88,612 on Saturday morning. The tally includes 6,19,088 active cases, 14,27,006 cured/discharged/migrated and 42,518 deaths, as reported by Ministry of Health. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also reported testing 5,98,778 samples in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tested samples to 2,33,87,171 till August 07. Also read: Mumbai records more 850 coronavirus cases Maharashtra recorded 10,483 new COVID-19 cases and 300 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,90,262, including 1,45,582 active cases, 3,27,281 recovered and 17,092 deaths. India's national capital, New Delhi, reported 1,192 new cases, 1,108 recoveries and 23 deaths. Total number of cases in the national capital now stands at 1,42,723, including 1,28,232 recoveries, 10,409 active cases and 4,082 deaths. The state health department also reported that the state conducted 5,612 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 17,773 rapid antigen tests in the last 24 hours. A total of 11,43,703 tests have been conducted so far. Also read: Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine Andhra Pradesh reported 10,171 new cases, 89 deaths and 7,594 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Total cases rise to 2,06,960 including 1,20,464 recoveries and 1,842 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 84,654. On Friday, S Jaishankar and Mike Pompeo also had a telephonic call to discuss coordinated ways to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases in the two countries.

India records 61,537 new COVID-19 cases; death toll crosses 42,000

<p>The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.</p>

<p>Speaking at a news conference,&nbsp;Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash.</p>

<p>The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-air-india-plane-crash-rises-to-at-least-18-relief-work-underway-318970">Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway</a></strong></p>

<p>The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up.</p>

<p>"Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said.</p>

<p>Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said.</p>

<p>Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end.</p>

<p>Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.</p>


The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday. Speaking at a news conference, Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash. The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra. The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday. Also read: Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up. "Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said. Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said. Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end. Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.

Black boxes of crashed Air India plane recovered, says Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

India has once again raised the issue of cross-border terrorism at the UNSC. New Delhi described itself as "a victim of terrorism" sponsored from across the Pakistani border. Watch report.

India at UNSC | "We are a victim of terror" | Calls out Pak for harbouring terrorists

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), a Swachh Bharat Mission interactive experience centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inauguration also coincided with the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi`s Champaran Satyagraha.</p>

<p>The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra is situated at Raj Ghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.</p>

<p>Modi subsequently watched a short video on `Swachh Bharat Mission` at the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra.</p>

<p>"The installations at RSK will introduce future generations to the successful journey of the world`s largest behaviour change campaign, the Swachh Bharat Mission, " a statement issued by the PMO said.</p>

<p>"A balanced mix of digital and outdoor installations in the RSK will impart information, awareness and education on Swachhata and related aspects. The interplay of processes will be presented through assimilative learning, success stories and thematic messages in an interactive format," the PMO added.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), a Swachh Bharat Mission interactive experience centre. The inauguration also coincided with the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi`s Champaran Satyagraha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), a Swachh Bharat Mission interactive experience centre. The inauguration also coincided with the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi`s Champaran Satyagraha. The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra is situated at Raj Ghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Modi subsequently watched a short video on `Swachh Bharat Mission` at the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra. "The installations at RSK will introduce future generations to the successful journey of the world`s largest behaviour change campaign, the Swachh Bharat Mission, " a statement issued by the PMO said. "A balanced mix of digital and outdoor installations in the RSK will impart information, awareness and education on Swachhata and related aspects. The interplay of processes will be presented through assimilative learning, success stories and thematic messages in an interactive format," the PMO added.

PM Modi inaugurates Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra in Delhi

<p>With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday.</p>

<p>According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Mudasir Farooq Bhat, Tauqil Ahmad Bhat, Asif Bhat, Khalid Latif Bhat, Gazi Iqbal and Tariq Hussain Mir.</p>

<p>Singh told a press conference, "We got information that a terror financing network is operating in Jammu. Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, called up Mudasir Farooq Bhat, resident of Doda, for interrogation and subsequently arrested him after his confession about links with Lashkar-e-Toiba financing network."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/collective-action-against-lashkar-jaish-terror-groups-will-serve-humankind-well-says-india-at-unsc-318898" hreflang="en">Collective action against Lashkar, Jaish terror groups will serve humankind well, says India at UNSC</a></strong></p>

<p>"On July 19, police seized a tiffin box containing Rs 1.5 lakh. On further interrogation, he disclosed other details on the basis of which, we arrested five more people having links with LeT. A case has been registered under section 38 (Membership of LeT) and 40 (Financing and other support activities) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," said Singh.</p>

<p>He said that all these accused were working for Haroon Ilias Khubeb (Mohammad Naveen Bhat), resident of Doda. Haroon was trained with the LeT in Pakistan in 1997.</p>

<p>"Haroon came back to Doda and was involved in LeT activities. He then went back to Pakistan in 2006. Since then he has been working for the organisation and is active there," Singh said.</p>

<p>"Haroon has created this network in Jammu which had been taking part in LeT activities for the last two-three years. A man named Abid Ahmad Bhat was recruited and was killed in an encounter in 2018. Another person named Jamaldin was recruited and had been arrested in 2019 and is in jail at present," said the Inspector General.</p>

<p>They were being paid for performing terror activities and a total of Rs 12.5 lakh has been transferred to them through Attari Border and other channels.</p>

<p>Hawala transactions were made through Mumbai and some of the money was transferred through electronic mode.Singh said they were planning something bigger in future.</p>

<p>"We don`t have specific information regarding any activity that they were planning on August 5 or 15, but yes the attempt was to reactivate and probably, they were planning something bigger in future," Mukesh Singh said.</p>


With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday.

With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday. According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Mudasir Farooq Bhat, Tauqil Ahmad Bhat, Asif Bhat, Khalid Latif Bhat, Gazi Iqbal and Tariq Hussain Mir. Singh told a press conference, "We got information that a terror financing network is operating in Jammu. Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, called up Mudasir Farooq Bhat, resident of Doda, for interrogation and subsequently arrested him after his confession about links with Lashkar-e-Toiba financing network." Also read: Collective action against Lashkar, Jaish terror groups will serve humankind well, says India at UNSC "On July 19, police seized a tiffin box containing Rs 1.5 lakh. On further interrogation, he disclosed other details on the basis of which, we arrested five more people having links with LeT. A case has been registered under section 38 (Membership of LeT) and 40 (Financing and other support activities) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," said Singh. He said that all these accused were working for Haroon Ilias Khubeb (Mohammad Naveen Bhat), resident of Doda. Haroon was trained with the LeT in Pakistan in 1997. "Haroon came back to Doda and was involved in LeT activities. He then went back to Pakistan in 2006. Since then he has been working for the organisation and is active there," Singh said. "Haroon has created this network in Jammu which had been taking part in LeT activities for the last two-three years. A man named Abid Ahmad Bhat was recruited and was killed in an encounter in 2018. Another person named Jamaldin was recruited and had been arrested in 2019 and is in jail at present," said the Inspector General. They were being paid for performing terror activities and a total of Rs 12.5 lakh has been transferred to them through Attari Border and other channels. Hawala transactions were made through Mumbai and some of the money was transferred through electronic mode.Singh said they were planning something bigger in future. "We don`t have specific information regarding any activity that they were planning on August 5 or 15, but yes the attempt was to reactivate and probably, they were planning something bigger in future," Mukesh Singh said.

Lashkar-e-Toiba terror financing network busted in Jammu, 6 held

<p>The death toll in a landslide caused by torrential rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 18 on Saturday (August 8) and rescue workers searching for 50&nbsp;others thought to be trapped under soil and debris, officials said.</p>

<p>The incident occurred in the late hours of Friday as the a huge portion of a mound fell on houses in the area due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. The area is mainly populated with plantation workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-14-killed-57-missing-in-landslide-as-monsoon-rains-pound-kerala-318887" hreflang="en">At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the deceased, there were two children, five women and ten men, as per the initial reports.&nbsp;Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also reported that almost 15 people have been recused from under the debris.</p>

<p>The state government has put together a special rescue team with a designated leader.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences for those affected by the landslides. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291694152799809541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The PM’s Office said in a tweet that an ex gratia of $2,665 (INR 2 lakh) each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of those killed in the landslide. A sum of $666 (INR 50,000) each would be given to the injured.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister has also announced&nbsp;initial solatium of $ 6663 (INR&nbsp;5 lakh) each for the kin of the dead. Treatment expenses for the injured would be borne by the government, he said.</p>

<p>Rescue operations are under way with the help of&nbsp;National Disaster Response Force and an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department sounded a red alert for Idukki.</p>


The death toll in a landslide caused by torrential rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 18 on Saturday (August 8) and rescue workers searching for 50 others thought to be trapped under soil and debris, officials said.

The death toll in a landslide caused by torrential rains in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 18 on Saturday (August 8) and rescue workers searching for 50 others thought to be trapped under soil and debris, officials said. The incident occurred in the late hours of Friday as the a huge portion of a mound fell on houses in the area due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. The area is mainly populated with plantation workers. Also read: At least 14 killed, 57 missing in landslide as monsoon rains pound Kerala Among the deceased, there were two children, five women and ten men, as per the initial reports. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also reported that almost 15 people have been recused from under the debris. The state government has put together a special rescue team with a designated leader. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences for those affected by the landslides. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected," he tweeted. Pained by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Rajamalai, Idukki. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. NDRF and the administration are working on the ground, providing assistance to the affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2020 × The PM’s Office said in a tweet that an ex gratia of $2,665 (INR 2 lakh) each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of those killed in the landslide. A sum of $666 (INR 50,000) each would be given to the injured. The Chief Minister has also announced initial solatium of $ 6663 (INR 5 lakh) each for the kin of the dead. Treatment expenses for the injured would be borne by the government, he said. Rescue operations are under way with the help of National Disaster Response Force and an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department sounded a red alert for Idukki.

Kerala landslides: 18 people declared dead, 50 trapped; PM offers condolences

<p>Several injured passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight from Dubai which overshot the runway and crashed at the airport here are yet to get over the horror moments that took them close to death.</p>

<p>It was a black Friday for all the 184 passengers who after a long wait managed to get tickets in the repatriation flight from Dubai as part of the Centre's Vande Bharat Mission to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronovirus pandemic.</p>

<p>"We did not realise what really happened other than the flight was shaking," said Ramshad, who was injured as the aircraft dived into the valley and broke into two portions on Friday night after landing amid rains.</p>

<p>Though he was injured, Ramshad's wife Sufaira and four- year old daughter Saidasherin escaped without any serious wounds.</p>

<p>Similar is the experience of Ashraf, a native of east Kozhikode, now under treatment at the Medical College Hospital here, who said he was yet to recover from the shock.</p>

<p>"As soon the flight crashed, the emergency door was opened and people jumped out to safety, another survivor said.</p>

<p>Ashik, undergoing treatment at a hospital here, said the fire force personnel reached immediately and shifted the injured to hospital soon.</p>

<p>Eighteen people, including pilot-in command Captain Deepak Sathe and Co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those killed in the accident.</p>

<p>Four cabin crew are among the 172 people who escaped with injuries.</p>

<p>The incident also saw local people joining the police and Fire and Force personnel in rushing to the rescue of the victims despite pouring rains and unmindful of social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols.</p>

<p>Dr Shimna Azeer, a doctor of a private hospital in Malappuram, who attended to a few of the injured brought there, said she was astonished at the manner in which the volunteers from the accident spot quickly managed to bring the affected.</p>

<p>In spite of the restrictions imposed due to containment and the heavy downpour that lashed since evening, the volunteers did a fantastic job, forgetting all protocols of social distancing or wearing masks which were fully wet during the course of rescue operations, Azeer said.&nbsp;</p>


Several injured passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight from Dubai which overshot the runway and crashed at the airport here are yet to get over the horror moments that took them close to death.

Several injured passengers of the ill-fated Air India Express flight from Dubai which overshot the runway and crashed at the airport here are yet to get over the horror moments that took them close to death. It was a black Friday for all the 184 passengers who after a long wait managed to get tickets in the repatriation flight from Dubai as part of the Centre's Vande Bharat Mission to evacuate Indians stranded abroad due to coronovirus pandemic. "We did not realise what really happened other than the flight was shaking," said Ramshad, who was injured as the aircraft dived into the valley and broke into two portions on Friday night after landing amid rains. Though he was injured, Ramshad's wife Sufaira and four- year old daughter Saidasherin escaped without any serious wounds. Similar is the experience of Ashraf, a native of east Kozhikode, now under treatment at the Medical College Hospital here, who said he was yet to recover from the shock. "As soon the flight crashed, the emergency door was opened and people jumped out to safety, another survivor said. Ashik, undergoing treatment at a hospital here, said the fire force personnel reached immediately and shifted the injured to hospital soon. Eighteen people, including pilot-in command Captain Deepak Sathe and Co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those killed in the accident. Four cabin crew are among the 172 people who escaped with injuries. The incident also saw local people joining the police and Fire and Force personnel in rushing to the rescue of the victims despite pouring rains and unmindful of social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols. Dr Shimna Azeer, a doctor of a private hospital in Malappuram, who attended to a few of the injured brought there, said she was astonished at the manner in which the volunteers from the accident spot quickly managed to bring the affected. In spite of the restrictions imposed due to containment and the heavy downpour that lashed since evening, the volunteers did a fantastic job, forgetting all protocols of social distancing or wearing masks which were fully wet during the course of rescue operations, Azeer said.

Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock

A major mishap at India Kozhikode airport has left 18 people dead and over 100 injured after an Air India Express aircraft arriving from Dubai crashed at Calicut International Airport. Watch report.

Calicut Plane Crash: 18 dead in the crash, What is a tabletop runway?

India has recorded its second-highest daily surge with 61,537 cases of the Wuhan virus in just the last 24-hours. Watch this report to understand the trajectory of the pandemic.

India COVID-19 Tracker: Over 61, 537 cases in last 24 hours

Atleast 21 people have died in a rainfall triggered landslide in Idukki district, Kerala. Still facing flood like situation due to heavy and continuous rainfall over the past few days.

Kerala: Major landslide hits Idukki district, atleast 21 people died

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