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:&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>

"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.

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

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.

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;

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>

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.

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.

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291694152799809541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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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&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.

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.

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

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.&nbsp;

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

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-crosses-20-lakh-with-highest-single-day-spike-of-62538-318766">India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538</a>

With 1,236 patients being discharged from hospitals during the day, the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increased to 93,897, the BMC added.

The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is 77 per cent, it said.

The city has 20,143 active coronavirus patients.

Over 5.53 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the city so far.

The growth rate of COVID-19 cases in the city has decreased to 0.82 per cent, while the doubling rate of cases has improved to 85 days, the civic body said.

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said.

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said. Also read | India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538 With 1,236 patients being discharged from hospitals during the day, the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increased to 93,897, the BMC added. The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is 77 per cent, it said. The city has 20,143 active coronavirus patients. Over 5.53 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the city so far. The growth rate of COVID-19 cases in the city has decreased to 0.82 per cent, while the doubling rate of cases has improved to 85 days, the civic body said.

Mumbai records more 850 coronavirus cases

As many as 15 people died as Air India Express plane skidded and broke into two during landing at Kozhikode airport in southern Indian state of Kerala.

Kerala DGP confirmed that 15 people died in the tragic accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An official said Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 took off from Dubai and was heading towards Calicut when this incident happened, adding that there were 191 people in the aircraft, including the cabin crew and pilots.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Dubai-Calicut Air India aircraft skids off the runway after landing at Calicut airport. Ambulances have been deployed for rescue operations. <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> gets you the first visuals <a href="https://t.co/ig4OXvZ4Jo">pic.twitter.com/ig4OXvZ4Jo</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1291762745214300161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the ones who lost their loved ones in the incident.

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Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vijayanpinarayi</a> Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291775276599263233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also said he talked to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, saying authorities have reached the spot and providing the assistance to the affected.&nbsp;

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Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala. 
 
Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1291762421661667328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident "tragic" in a tweet and said NDRF teams have been instructed at the earliest for the rescue operations.

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Air India Express flight from Dubai to Calicut, carrying 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and 5 cabin crew, overshoots runway at Kozhikode. 
 
As per the initial reports rescue operations are on and passengers are being taken to hospital: India's ministry of civil aviation <a href="https://t.co/fXz3PGfCUm">pic.twitter.com/fXz3PGfCUm</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1291766331394543617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kerala CM also spoke on the unfortunate incident, saying the officials have been ordered to carry out rescue and relief work on an urgent basis.&nbsp;

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Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi/status/1291761476835762182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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MEA has issued helplines numbers and said they are open 24x7. These numbers are: 1800 118 797; &nbsp;+91 11 23012113; +91 11 23014104; +91 11 23017905; Fax: +91 1123018158. The Kerala government has also tweeted out a list of numbers for people seeking information on passengers. These are: Airport Control Room - 0483 2719493, Malappuram Collectorate - 0483 2736320, Kozhikode Collectorate - 0495 2376901, and Kozhikode Control Room- 0495 2376900, 0495 2376901, 0495 2376902.

As many as 15 people died as Air India Express plane skidded and broke into two during landing at Kozhikode airport in southern Indian state of Kerala. Kerala DGP confirmed that 15 people died in the tragic accident.

As many as 15 people died as Air India Express plane skidded and broke into two during landing at Kozhikode airport in southern Indian state of Kerala. Kerala DGP confirmed that 15 people died in the tragic accident. An official said Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 took off from Dubai and was heading towards Calicut when this incident happened, adding that there were 191 people in the aircraft, including the cabin crew and pilots. #BREAKING | Dubai-Calicut Air India aircraft skids off the runway after landing at Calicut airport. Ambulances have been deployed for rescue operations. @palkisu gets you the first visuals pic.twitter.com/ig4OXvZ4Jo — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the ones who lost their loved ones in the incident. Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM @vijayanpinarayi Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2020 × He also said he talked to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, saying authorities have reached the spot and providing the assistance to the affected. Distressed to learn about the tragic accident of Air India Express aircraft in Kozhikode, Kerala. Have instructed NDRF to reach the site at the earliest and assist with the rescue operations. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2020 × Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident "tragic" in a tweet and said NDRF teams have been instructed at the earliest for the rescue operations. Air India Express flight from Dubai to Calicut, carrying 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and 5 cabin crew, overshoots runway at Kozhikode. As per the initial reports rescue operations are on and passengers are being taken to hospital: India's ministry of civil aviation pic.twitter.com/fXz3PGfCUm — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × Kerala CM also spoke on the unfortunate incident, saying the officials have been ordered to carry out rescue and relief work on an urgent basis. Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support. — Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) August 7, 2020 × MEA has issued helplines numbers and said they are open 24x7. These numbers are: 1800 118 797; +91 11 23012113; +91 11 23014104; +91 11 23017905; Fax: +91 1123018158. The Kerala government has also tweeted out a list of numbers for people seeking information on passengers. These are: Airport Control Room - 0483 2719493, Malappuram Collectorate - 0483 2736320, Kozhikode Collectorate - 0495 2376901, and Kozhikode Control Room- 0495 2376900, 0495 2376901, 0495 2376902.

At least 15 dead, including pilot in plane crash at Kerala airport

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders from across the political spectrum expressed anguish on Friday over the Air India Express aircraft accident in Kozhikode and offered condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy.

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured when a Dubai-Calicut Air India Express flight with 191 passengers and crew members on board overshot the runway at the airport in Kozhikode and fell into a valley, breaking into two portions, police sources said.

President Kovind said he was deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane accident and his thoughts and prayers were with the affected passengers, crew members and their families.

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Deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane crash of Air India Express flight at Kozhikode, Kerala. Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaGovernor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeralaGovernor</a> Shri Arif Mohammed Khan and inquired about the situation. Thoughts and prayers with affected passengers, crew members and their families.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1291778492774793216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kovind said he spoke to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and enquired about the situation there.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said he was deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the tragic air mishap.

"My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their dear ones in the crash &amp; prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed anguish at the Air India Express aircraft accident and said authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected.

He also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in this regard.

"Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," the prime minister tweeted.

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Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vijayanpinarayi</a> Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291775276599263233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected, Modi said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was "deeply distressed" to hear about the tragedy at Kozhikode.

"Prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured. We are ascertaining further details," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to an accident.

"In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the news of the flight skidding off the tabletop runway and offered condolences to the families of those who died in the accident.

"Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said on Twitter.

"My thoughts are with the crew, the passengers and their families and friends at this time," he said.

Congress general secretary, in-charge organization, KC Venugopal described it as a "shocking incident" and said the governments must take all necessary measures for emergency rescue and help.

"I have already requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to order an immediate enquiry to find out the exact reasons behind the shocking accident. Emergency medical care and assistance should be ensured for the injured and financial assistance should be declared for the deceased," he said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "My heart goes out to the crew and passengers of the Air India plane that has crashed in Calicut and to their families. Our prayers are with you at this tragic and painful moment."

BJP leader and former Union minister Alphons K J said this was the second tragedy of the day in Kerala after the landslide in Rajamalai.

"Air India Express skids off the run way at Kozhikode, front portion splits, pilot dies and lots of passengers injured. All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didn't catch fire," he said on Twitter.

The mishap occurred at 1941 hours. No fire was reported at the time of landing, an AIE statement said. 
Police said the dead included the plane's pilot.

There were 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and five cabin crew on board the aircraft, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders from across the political spectrum expressed anguish on Friday over the Air India Express aircraft accident in Kozhikode and offered condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders from across the political spectrum expressed anguish on Friday over the Air India Express aircraft accident in Kozhikode and offered condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy. At least 16 people were killed and several others injured when a Dubai-Calicut Air India Express flight with 191 passengers and crew members on board overshot the runway at the airport in Kozhikode and fell into a valley, breaking into two portions, police sources said. President Kovind said he was deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane accident and his thoughts and prayers were with the affected passengers, crew members and their families. Deeply distressed to hear about the tragic plane crash of Air India Express flight at Kozhikode, Kerala. Spoke to @KeralaGovernor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan and inquired about the situation. Thoughts and prayers with affected passengers, crew members and their families. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2020 × Kovind said he spoke to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and enquired about the situation there. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said he was deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the tragic air mishap. "My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their dear ones in the crash & prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed anguish at the Air India Express aircraft accident and said authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected. He also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in this regard. "Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," the prime minister tweeted. Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Kerala CM @vijayanpinarayi Ji regarding the situation. Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2020 × Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected, Modi said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was "deeply distressed" to hear about the tragedy at Kozhikode. "Prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured. We are ascertaining further details," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to an accident. "In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the news of the flight skidding off the tabletop runway and offered condolences to the families of those who died in the accident. "Shocked at the devastating news of the plane mishap in Kozhikode. Deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who died in this accident. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said on Twitter. "My thoughts are with the crew, the passengers and their families and friends at this time," he said. Congress general secretary, in-charge organization, KC Venugopal described it as a "shocking incident" and said the governments must take all necessary measures for emergency rescue and help. "I have already requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to order an immediate enquiry to find out the exact reasons behind the shocking accident. Emergency medical care and assistance should be ensured for the injured and financial assistance should be declared for the deceased," he said. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "My heart goes out to the crew and passengers of the Air India plane that has crashed in Calicut and to their families. Our prayers are with you at this tragic and painful moment." BJP leader and former Union minister Alphons K J said this was the second tragedy of the day in Kerala after the landslide in Rajamalai. "Air India Express skids off the run way at Kozhikode, front portion splits, pilot dies and lots of passengers injured. All passengers evacuated. Very lucky the aircraft didn't catch fire," he said on Twitter. The mishap occurred at 1941 hours. No fire was reported at the time of landing, an AIE statement said. Police said the dead included the plane's pilot. There were 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and five cabin crew on board the aircraft, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Kerala plane tragedy: Prez, VP, PM express sadness, condole loss of lives

Serum Institute of India said on Friday it would receive $150 million in funding from the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and the GAVI vaccines alliance to make 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for India and other emerging economies as early as 2021.

The candidate vaccines, including those from AstraZeneca and Novavax, will be priced at $3 per dose and will be made available in 92 countries in GAVI's COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), the company said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-crosses-20-lakh-with-highest-single-day-spike-of-62538-318766">India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538</a>

The Gates Foundation will provide the funds to GAVI, which will be used to support Serum Institute.

GAVI, backed by the Gates Foundation, is a public–private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunization in poor countries.

It co-leads COVAX - a scheme designed to guarantee fast and equitable access globally to COVID-19 vaccines - along with the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

COVAX aims to deliver 2 billion doses of approved and effective COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.

India reported a record jump in daily coronavirus infections on Friday and became the third country in the world to surpass 2 million cases. It lags only the United States and Brazil in the number of infections.

Serum Institute of India said on Friday it would receive $150 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the GAVI vaccines alliance to make 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for India and other emerging economies as early as 2021.

Serum Institute of India said on Friday it would receive $150 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the GAVI vaccines alliance to make 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for India and other emerging economies as early as 2021. The candidate vaccines, including those from AstraZeneca and Novavax, will be priced at $3 per dose and will be made available in 92 countries in GAVI's COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), the company said in a statement. Also read | India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538 The Gates Foundation will provide the funds to GAVI, which will be used to support Serum Institute. GAVI, backed by the Gates Foundation, is a public–private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunization in poor countries. It co-leads COVAX - a scheme designed to guarantee fast and equitable access globally to COVID-19 vaccines - along with the World Health Organization and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). COVAX aims to deliver 2 billion doses of approved and effective COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021. India reported a record jump in daily coronavirus infections on Friday and became the third country in the world to surpass 2 million cases. It lags only the United States and Brazil in the number of infections.

Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen&nbsp;to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.41 PM on Friday. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and 4 cabin crew on board the aircraft, the ministry added.

Captain Deepak Sathe, the pilot-in-command, and his co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those who died, police and airline officials said on Friday. Sathe was a former Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and had served at the force's flight testing establishment.

The Air India Express flight skidded off a hilltop runway and split in two while landing in heavy rain at an airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening.

Air India Express said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago.

Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team have been pressed into service from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reached Kozhikode on Saturday to take stock of the status and implementation of relief measures.

He said the reasons for the crash were being investigated. He also announced Rs 10 lakh interim relief for each of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.

Air India Express also announced compensation for those killed. Air India Express has said, "The airline is adequately insured and will pay compensation in accordance with applicable law at the appropriate juncture. To provide immediate relief, as an interim compensation AI India Express will give: Rs 10 lakh to the next kin of the deceased passenger 12 years and above, Rs 5 lakh to the passengers below the age of 12 years, Rs 2 lakh to critical injured passengers and Rs 50,000 to the passengers who are injured in the incident."

The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site, a top official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation told Reuters on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plane-splits-into-two-during-landing-at-kozhikode-airport-in-kerala-pilot-dead-318914">Also read |&nbsp;At least 15 dead, including pilot in plane crash at Kerala airport</a>

Air India Express has also arranged a "special relief flight from Mumbai and Delhi" for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and their family members. It has also established a passenger information centre and a toll-free number has been made available for the family or friends of those who may have been on board flight IX-1344.&nbsp;

"The toll free number is 1800 2222 71. For those calling from outside, please call international country code."

"Air India Express Limited regrets to confirm that its flight IX-1344 from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to CCJ (Kozhikode International Airport) was involved in an accident on August 7, 2020 at Calicut. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers and crew and their families. We would like to inform that as of now there are 17 confirmed deceased including two pilots. The four-cabin crew members are confirmed safe," the air carrier said in the statement, on early Saturday morning.

RELIEF WORK BEING DONE

Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rajiv Bansal, and Air India Express Chief Executive Officer K Shyam Sundar have already reached Kozhikode, according to a statement.

Bansal, along with senior airline officials, "rushed" to the accident site "to take stock of the situation and are being briefed by experts", Air India tweeted.

Two special relief flights have been arranged from Delhi and one from Mumbai for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and the family members, Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier, said.

"The Emergency Response Director is coordinating with all the agencies in Calicut (Kozhikode), Mumbai as well as Delhi, Dubai for effective emergency response," it said in a statement.

"The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) &amp; Flight Safety Departments have reached for investigating the accident," it added.

The airline said its chief of operations and the chief of flight safety had already reached Kozhikode.

Expressing "deepest condolences" to the families of those who have lost their lives in the accident, aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it is in contact with the Air India team and have offered to support them in any way possible.

"Boeing is prepared to provide a technical team to assist the US National Transportation Safety Board, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines, as The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India conducts its investigation," the US-based company said.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations.

Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Dubai remained open on Saturday to help those who need assistance to travel to Kerala and provide information about the crash.

"We are with all the families of injured and deceased and will do our best to assist them," the consulate tweeted on Friday evening.

The Indian consulates in Dubai and Sharjah have activated five helpline numbers to provide information to the family members of the deceased and the injured passengers.

"We pray for the wellbeing of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines +97156 5463903, +971543090572, +971543090571, +971543090575," Puri told PTI on Friday.

The helpline number to call in Sharjah for updates is +97165970303, the Gulf News reported.

Air India Express has also established a helpline number in Sharjah at +971 6 5970303.

(with inputs from agencies)

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.

The death toll in the Kozhikode plane crash has risen to at least 18, the Air India Express said on Saturday. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport at 7.41 PM on Friday. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and 4 cabin crew on board the aircraft, the ministry added. Captain Deepak Sathe, the pilot-in-command, and his co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those who died, police and airline officials said on Friday. Sathe was a former Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and had served at the force's flight testing establishment. The Air India Express flight skidded off a hilltop runway and split in two while landing in heavy rain at an airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening. Air India Express said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team have been pressed into service from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reached Kozhikode on Saturday to take stock of the status and implementation of relief measures. He said the reasons for the crash were being investigated. He also announced Rs 10 lakh interim relief for each of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries. Air India Express also announced compensation for those killed. Air India Express has said, "The airline is adequately insured and will pay compensation in accordance with applicable law at the appropriate juncture. To provide immediate relief, as an interim compensation AI India Express will give: Rs 10 lakh to the next kin of the deceased passenger 12 years and above, Rs 5 lakh to the passengers below the age of 12 years, Rs 2 lakh to critical injured passengers and Rs 50,000 to the passengers who are injured in the incident." The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site, a top official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation told Reuters on Saturday. Also read | At least 15 dead, including pilot in plane crash at Kerala airport Air India Express has also arranged a "special relief flight from Mumbai and Delhi" for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and their family members. It has also established a passenger information centre and a toll-free number has been made available for the family or friends of those who may have been on board flight IX-1344. "The toll free number is 1800 2222 71. For those calling from outside, please call international country code." "Air India Express Limited regrets to confirm that its flight IX-1344 from DXB (Dubai International Airport) to CCJ (Kozhikode International Airport) was involved in an accident on August 7, 2020 at Calicut. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers and crew and their families. We would like to inform that as of now there are 17 confirmed deceased including two pilots. The four-cabin crew members are confirmed safe," the air carrier said in the statement, on early Saturday morning. RELIEF WORK BEING DONE Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rajiv Bansal, and Air India Express Chief Executive Officer K Shyam Sundar have already reached Kozhikode, according to a statement. Bansal, along with senior airline officials, "rushed" to the accident site "to take stock of the situation and are being briefed by experts", Air India tweeted. Two special relief flights have been arranged from Delhi and one from Mumbai for rendering humanitarian assistance to all the passengers and the family members, Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier, said. "The Emergency Response Director is coordinating with all the agencies in Calicut (Kozhikode), Mumbai as well as Delhi, Dubai for effective emergency response," it said in a statement. "The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) & Flight Safety Departments have reached for investigating the accident," it added. The airline said its chief of operations and the chief of flight safety had already reached Kozhikode. Expressing "deepest condolences" to the families of those who have lost their lives in the accident, aircraft manufacturer Boeing said it is in contact with the Air India team and have offered to support them in any way possible. "Boeing is prepared to provide a technical team to assist the US National Transportation Safety Board, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines, as The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India conducts its investigation," the US-based company said. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Dubai remained open on Saturday to help those who need assistance to travel to Kerala and provide information about the crash. "We are with all the families of injured and deceased and will do our best to assist them," the consulate tweeted on Friday evening. The Indian consulates in Dubai and Sharjah have activated five helpline numbers to provide information to the family members of the deceased and the injured passengers. "We pray for the wellbeing of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines +97156 5463903, +971543090572, +971543090571, +971543090575," Puri told PTI on Friday. The helpline number to call in Sharjah for updates is +97165970303, the Gulf News reported. Air India Express has also established a helpline number in Sharjah at +971 6 5970303. (with inputs from agencies)

Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway

As the UK braces for a second wave of COVID-19, two doctors -- the husband and wife duo of Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi -- say the country is still not ready for it.

The Indian-origin doctor couple had initiated judicial review proceedings against the UK government over "risky" guidance issued on the use of personal protective equipment, such as surgical gowns, across the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Nishant Joshi and his then pregnant wife, Dr Meenal Viz, had launched their legal action in April with a pre-action letter seeking answers from the UK's Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England.

On May 22, they decided to push ahead with the case in the High Court in London after receiving "unconvincing" responses from the government.

"I thought I am just a junior doctor, holding a placard outside of the Downing Street. Who will listen to me? But we felt that ultimately it was our duty to help our patients and help our community. It is not their fault the government is not there to protect them. We had to make a compromise with our health and the potential health of our baby," Dr Joshi told WION in an exclusive chat recently.

It was the death of another pregnant healthcare worker that made them take legal action.

"Even to this day, the government are not accepting their failures and are not being honest with us. So if we do have a second wave, I really hope they have learnt their lessons and we don’t go back into the cycle of trying to buy things in such urgency," Dr Viz said.

The couple's legal team said the government not only had taken over two weeks to respond to the initial legal letter but also did not answer all the concerns.

They also claimed that the government has refused to allow the publication of the initial response.

She added, "We are not just looking at the NHS now in the next 10 or 20 years. We need to make sure that doctors are protected and doctors are heard and our voices are listened to."

The couple recently delivered their first baby, Radhika, at the hospital. Both the infant and the mother are safe.

Dr Viz said, "She (Radhika) was my biggest hope and strength during the pandemic. There were times when things were difficult but feeling her kick in my womb, and we want her to be raised in a world were she knows that people will fight for the truth."

Joshi and Viz had also launched a crowdfunding campaign for the legal challenge, which has already attracted 35,458 pounds in pledges on the Crowdjustice.com forum.

Joshi, a general practitioner (GP) trainee, has been leading a social media campaign for weeks over the safety guidance and supply of PPE for medical staff.

Viz, a clinical fellow in medicine, was pictured in April outside Downing Street dressed in full medical scrubs and a surgical mask holding a placard reading: "Protect Healthcare Workers".

As the UK braces for a second wave of COVID-19, two doctors -- the husband and wife duo of Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi -- say the country is still not ready for it.

As the UK braces for a second wave of COVID-19, two doctors -- the husband and wife duo of Dr Meenal Viz and Dr Nishant Joshi -- say the country is still not ready for it. The Indian-origin doctor couple had initiated judicial review proceedings against the UK government over "risky" guidance issued on the use of personal protective equipment, such as surgical gowns, across the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr Nishant Joshi and his then pregnant wife, Dr Meenal Viz, had launched their legal action in April with a pre-action letter seeking answers from the UK's Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England. On May 22, they decided to push ahead with the case in the High Court in London after receiving "unconvincing" responses from the government. "I thought I am just a junior doctor, holding a placard outside of the Downing Street. Who will listen to me? But we felt that ultimately it was our duty to help our patients and help our community. It is not their fault the government is not there to protect them. We had to make a compromise with our health and the potential health of our baby," Dr Joshi told WION in an exclusive chat recently. It was the death of another pregnant healthcare worker that made them take legal action. "Even to this day, the government are not accepting their failures and are not being honest with us. So if we do have a second wave, I really hope they have learnt their lessons and we don’t go back into the cycle of trying to buy things in such urgency," Dr Viz said. The couple's legal team said the government not only had taken over two weeks to respond to the initial legal letter but also did not answer all the concerns. They also claimed that the government has refused to allow the publication of the initial response. She added, "We are not just looking at the NHS now in the next 10 or 20 years. We need to make sure that doctors are protected and doctors are heard and our voices are listened to." The couple recently delivered their first baby, Radhika, at the hospital. Both the infant and the mother are safe. Dr Viz said, "She (Radhika) was my biggest hope and strength during the pandemic. There were times when things were difficult but feeling her kick in my womb, and we want her to be raised in a world were she knows that people will fight for the truth." Joshi and Viz had also launched a crowdfunding campaign for the legal challenge, which has already attracted 35,458 pounds in pledges on the Crowdjustice.com forum. Joshi, a general practitioner (GP) trainee, has been leading a social media campaign for weeks over the safety guidance and supply of PPE for medical staff. Viz, a clinical fellow in medicine, was pictured in April outside Downing Street dressed in full medical scrubs and a surgical mask holding a placard reading: "Protect Healthcare Workers".

Indian-origin couple who moved court against UK govt speaks to WION

An Air India Express plane with over 190 people on board has crashed at an airport in the southern state of Kerala. The aircraft, en route from Dubai, skidded off the runway and broke in two at Calicut airport upon landing, India's aviation authority said. Watch report.

Air India flight skids off runway | Kerala | Over 190 people onboard | 2 lives lost

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation pointed to cracks on the runway, water stagnation and excessive rubber deposits among other lapses in its show-cause notice.

The DGCA conducted the inspection after an Air India Express flight coming from Dammam in Saudi Arabia had a "tail strike" while landing at the Calicut (Kozhikode) airport on July 2 last year, an official said.

A little over a year later, on Friday evening, an Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people on board overshot "runway 10" at the Calicut airport in heavy rain and went down 35 feet into a gorge before breaking into two pieces, killing at least 18 people.

"After the July 2 incident last year, the DGCA inspected the airport on July 4 and July 5 and found various critical safety lapses," said a senior DGCA official.

On July 11, Kozhikode airport director K Srinivasa Rao was issued a show cause notice, added another DGCA official.

However, it is not clear if any action was taken against Rao after the show-cause was issued.

The show-cause notice, which PTI accessed, said "cracks are observed at runway 28 TDZ (touchdown zone) and along runway C/L (center/left) marking at runway 10 TDZ".

The touchdown zone (TDZ) is the part where the aircraft first contacts the surface while landing. The touchdown zone is ahead of the threshold area of the runway.

The notice also said "excessive rubber deposit" was observed in the area from runway C/L marking to three metres on both the sides of touchdown zone of runway 28.

Similar excessive rubber deposits were found by the DGCA along runway C/L marking of touchdown zone of runway 10, according to the notice.

"Water stagnation of about 1.5 metre length was observed on the area between runway edge and intermediate turn pad on runway 28," it said.

Besides, the DGCA found several cracks in aircraft stand number 5. It also observed that a "portion of Apron surface" of about 111 metres was damaged, it said. Apron is the area of the airport where aircraft are parked, refuelled and where passengers board.

"A steep downward slope of approximately five feet depth is observed immediately after the apron behind aircraft number 1, which needs to be levelled and graded," the notice said.

The DGCA observed a shortage of reserve stock of 6,630 litres of Aqueous Film Forming Foam concentrate (AFFF) and 140 kg of "DCP complementary agent" - both are used to put out fires - at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station of the airport.

Air India Express, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Officials said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Kozhikode on Saturday.

Officials of the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), the DGCA and the flight safety department of the airline have reached the accident site to investigate the accident, said the airline on Saturday morning.

Scheduled international passenger flights remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday.

Aviation regulator DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the director of the Kozhikode airport on July 11 last year after it found "various critical safety lapses", officials said on Saturday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation pointed to cracks on the runway, water stagnation and excessive rubber deposits among other lapses in its show-cause notice. The DGCA conducted the inspection after an Air India Express flight coming from Dammam in Saudi Arabia had a "tail strike" while landing at the Calicut (Kozhikode) airport on July 2 last year, an official said. A little over a year later, on Friday evening, an Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people on board overshot "runway 10" at the Calicut airport in heavy rain and went down 35 feet into a gorge before breaking into two pieces, killing at least 18 people. "After the July 2 incident last year, the DGCA inspected the airport on July 4 and July 5 and found various critical safety lapses," said a senior DGCA official. On July 11, Kozhikode airport director K Srinivasa Rao was issued a show cause notice, added another DGCA official. However, it is not clear if any action was taken against Rao after the show-cause was issued. The show-cause notice, which PTI accessed, said "cracks are observed at runway 28 TDZ (touchdown zone) and along runway C/L (center/left) marking at runway 10 TDZ". The touchdown zone (TDZ) is the part where the aircraft first contacts the surface while landing. The touchdown zone is ahead of the threshold area of the runway. The notice also said "excessive rubber deposit" was observed in the area from runway C/L marking to three metres on both the sides of touchdown zone of runway 28. Similar excessive rubber deposits were found by the DGCA along runway C/L marking of touchdown zone of runway 10, according to the notice. "Water stagnation of about 1.5 metre length was observed on the area between runway edge and intermediate turn pad on runway 28," it said. Besides, the DGCA found several cracks in aircraft stand number 5. It also observed that a "portion of Apron surface" of about 111 metres was damaged, it said. Apron is the area of the airport where aircraft are parked, refuelled and where passengers board. "A steep downward slope of approximately five feet depth is observed immediately after the apron behind aircraft number 1, which needs to be levelled and graded," the notice said. The DGCA observed a shortage of reserve stock of 6,630 litres of Aqueous Film Forming Foam concentrate (AFFF) and 140 kg of "DCP complementary agent" - both are used to put out fires - at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station of the airport. Air India Express, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, said on Saturday that three relief flights had been arranged to Kozhikode in Kerala to assist passengers and their family members affected by the plane crash a day ago. Officials said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Kozhikode on Saturday. Officials of the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), the DGCA and the flight safety department of the airline have reached the accident site to investigate the accident, said the airline on Saturday morning. Scheduled international passenger flights remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, special repatriation flights have been operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 6 under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

DGCA had issued notice to Kozhikode airport in July, 2019 over critical safety lapses

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday.

100 medical students from Tamil Nadu had exhausted all their options to fly back home, as they had to wait in Russia until the completion of their medical courses until July 6th. Having been forced to stay in Russia, even after the last Vande Bharat (repatriation by Indian Govt) flight, which was on July 3rd, their only options were to fly to another Indian city, perhaps Delhi or Mumbai, remain in quarantine there and then fly to their home state and undergo quarantine again. This would have meant spending more on ticket fare, paid quarantine and losing precious time.&nbsp;

The students hoped against hope for routine International flights to resume to Chennai, but it was in vain. Even a chartered flight that took off for Chennai on July 18th was missed by many students as the information hadn’t reached them.&nbsp;

<img alt="km" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55741257-11be-410c-9be7-021ce6268e1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_26.jpg" />

However, a new idea struck when a student scrolled through twitter and noticed that actor Sonu Sood had helped charter a flight for Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan. The students then requested the actor to intervene and help.&nbsp;

“We tried reaching out to Indian authorities at various levels and there was no encouraging response, but the actor responded within a day and sought our details, assuring that his team would help us out,” said Dr Sakthi Priyadarshini, a graduate from the Kursk State medical university told WION.&nbsp;

Initially, it was said that the flight would leave Moscow on July 31st, however, it got delayed and it was only on August 1st that the actor announced the new schedule of the Chartered flight on Twitter.&nbsp;

“On August 1st the actor had a Zoom call with us and assured us that we could fly out on 4th August on a spice Jet chartered flight. It was after paying for our tickets that we noticed half the plane was empty. We students paid for our tickets alone, but Sonu SoodSir paid for the 100 empty seats to ensure that we were not burdened’ Priyadarshini recalls gratefully about the actor's gesture.&nbsp;

The students landed in Chennai on Wednesday and were sent to a paid quarantine centre in the city, where they’d have to spend the next week before they get to head home finally. The on-screen villain has turned real-life hero, saviour, by intervening on time and getting the young doctors back home!

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday.

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday. 100 medical students from Tamil Nadu had exhausted all their options to fly back home, as they had to wait in Russia until the completion of their medical courses until July 6th. Having been forced to stay in Russia, even after the last Vande Bharat (repatriation by Indian Govt) flight, which was on July 3rd, their only options were to fly to another Indian city, perhaps Delhi or Mumbai, remain in quarantine there and then fly to their home state and undergo quarantine again. This would have meant spending more on ticket fare, paid quarantine and losing precious time. The students hoped against hope for routine International flights to resume to Chennai, but it was in vain. Even a chartered flight that took off for Chennai on July 18th was missed by many students as the information hadn’t reached them. However, a new idea struck when a student scrolled through twitter and noticed that actor Sonu Sood had helped charter a flight for Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan. The students then requested the actor to intervene and help. “We tried reaching out to Indian authorities at various levels and there was no encouraging response, but the actor responded within a day and sought our details, assuring that his team would help us out,” said Dr Sakthi Priyadarshini, a graduate from the Kursk State medical university told WION. Initially, it was said that the flight would leave Moscow on July 31st, however, it got delayed and it was only on August 1st that the actor announced the new schedule of the Chartered flight on Twitter. “On August 1st the actor had a Zoom call with us and assured us that we could fly out on 4th August on a spice Jet chartered flight. It was after paying for our tickets that we noticed half the plane was empty. We students paid for our tickets alone, but Sonu SoodSir paid for the 100 empty seats to ensure that we were not burdened’ Priyadarshini recalls gratefully about the actor's gesture. The students landed in Chennai on Wednesday and were sent to a paid quarantine centre in the city, where they’d have to spend the next week before they get to head home finally. The on-screen villain has turned real-life hero, saviour, by intervening on time and getting the young doctors back home!

From Moscow to Chennai on a half-occupied flight chartered by Sonu Sood, medical students recall journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new National Education Policy focusses on 'how to think', while the education system till now in the country emphasised on 'what to think'.

He also said that there were no major changes in the country's education system over the years. As a result, instead of promoting values of curiosity and imagination, herd mentality was being encouraged.

The prime minister made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the 'Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy' via video link.

Modi said it is a matter of happiness that after the introduction of the National Education Policy, no region or section has said that it has any kind of bias, or is leaning towards one side.

There is a lot of emphasis on teacher training in the National Education Policy, he pointed out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new National Education Policy focusses on 'how to think', while the education system till now in the country emphasised on 'what to think'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new National Education Policy focusses on 'how to think', while the education system till now in the country emphasised on 'what to think'. He also said that there were no major changes in the country's education system over the years. As a result, instead of promoting values of curiosity and imagination, herd mentality was being encouraged. The prime minister made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the 'Conclave on Transformational Reforms in Higher Education under National Education Policy' via video link. Modi said it is a matter of happiness that after the introduction of the National Education Policy, no region or section has said that it has any kind of bias, or is leaning towards one side. There is a lot of emphasis on teacher training in the National Education Policy, he pointed out.

New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi

United States President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to ensure that when it comes to essential medicines, the US buys American. This executive order will require that the US government agencies purchase all the essential medicines it needs from American sources.

India has said this could strategically benefit New Delhi as well.

Highlighting that "objective of the measures are targetted mainly at China", Indian government sources said the order signed by Trump on essential drugs "may benefit India strategically".

Addressing workers at the manufacturing plant in Ohio, Trump said, "As we’ve seen in this pandemic, the United States must produce essential equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals for ourselves. We cannot rely on China and other nations across the globe that could one day deny us products in a time of need. We can’t do it. We can’t do it. We have to be smart."

China is world's largest source of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) with India also importing vast quantity from the country.

Sources said, "The development of API and critical medicine manufacturing in the USA may be a strategic positive for India in terms of national security considerations and may provide non-China sources."

India and US have a substantial relationship when it comes to the pharma sector. Indian pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s etc are present in the US. India had also sent hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to US amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

United States President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to ensure that when it comes to essential medicines, the US buys American. This executive order will require that the US government agencies purchase all the essential medicines it needs from American sources.

United States President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to ensure that when it comes to essential medicines, the US buys American. This executive order will require that the US government agencies purchase all the essential medicines it needs from American sources. India has said this could strategically benefit New Delhi as well. Highlighting that "objective of the measures are targetted mainly at China", Indian government sources said the order signed by Trump on essential drugs "may benefit India strategically". Addressing workers at the manufacturing plant in Ohio, Trump said, "As we’ve seen in this pandemic, the United States must produce essential equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals for ourselves. We cannot rely on China and other nations across the globe that could one day deny us products in a time of need. We can’t do it. We can’t do it. We have to be smart." China is world's largest source of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) with India also importing vast quantity from the country. Sources said, "The development of API and critical medicine manufacturing in the USA may be a strategic positive for India in terms of national security considerations and may provide non-China sources." India and US have a substantial relationship when it comes to the pharma sector. Indian pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s etc are present in the US. India had also sent hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to US amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump signs order to ensure US buys American drugs; India hopes for a strategic benefit

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Kaula Lumpur had taken an anti-India stance, making remarks on Kashmir. Malaysia under Mahathir was among the 3 countries--Other two being Turkey and China to raise Kashmir at UNGA meet last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-former-pm-najib-razak-blames-god-for-abuse-of-power-316548">Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak blames God for abuse of power</a>

Under the new Malaysian govt led by PM Muhyiddin Yassin, both sides have been engaging with each other. India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke to new Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein immediately after new govt took charge in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has also met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin many times. In fact, Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, the day he took charge.&nbsp;

Both sides are strengthening commercial ties, with trade deficit reducing from $4.3 bn to $3.4 bn in 2019-20 compared to last year.&nbsp;

Increased rice and sugar, high-speed diesel import has taken place. Under India's mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat mission--Vande Bharat Mission, 42 flights have taken from Malaysia bringing back 7000 Indian from Mid March till now.

New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have also been cooperating under the current COVID pandemic with India allowing the export of HCQ and paracetamol to Malaysia.

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a departure from past Malaysia has refrained from making any comments on Kashmir even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Kaula Lumpur had taken an anti-India stance, making remarks on Kashmir. Malaysia under Mahathir was among the 3 countries--Other two being Turkey and China to raise Kashmir at UNGA meet last year. Also read | Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak blames God for abuse of power Under the new Malaysian govt led by PM Muhyiddin Yassin, both sides have been engaging with each other. India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke to new Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein immediately after new govt took charge in Kuala Lumpur. Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has also met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin many times. In fact, Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, the day he took charge. Both sides are strengthening commercial ties, with trade deficit reducing from $4.3 bn to $3.4 bn in 2019-20 compared to last year. Increased rice and sugar, high-speed diesel import has taken place. Under India's mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat mission--Vande Bharat Mission, 42 flights have taken from Malaysia bringing back 7000 Indian from Mid March till now. New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have also been cooperating under the current COVID pandemic with India allowing the export of HCQ and paracetamol to Malaysia.

In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call&nbsp;to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than&nbsp;850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally.

The two leaders discussed about the combined and coordinated efforts by India and the US. Mike Pompeo focused on the importance of close cooperation between the US, India and their mutual allies to overcome this global crisis, according to Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson of the US State Department.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> about the importance of the U.S.-India partnership to advance international peace and prosperity. We look forward to the Quadrilateral consultation and the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial.<a href="https://t.co/KMIBwklu83">https://t.co/KMIBwklu83</a>
— Cale Brown (@StateDeputySPOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeputySPOX/status/1291440598491320327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pompeo also added that&nbsp;US' unwavering commitment to work with India to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, the spokesperson said in a readout of the call.

This was the second call between the two leaders since the start of the pandemic.

Before the call, the US President Donald Trump extended the social distancing guidelines further and urged people to exercise caution as he believes the next 30 days will be very crucial for Americans with respect to the novel coronavirus.

(With inputs from PTI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally. The two leaders discussed about the combined and coordinated efforts by India and the US. Mike Pompeo focused on the importance of close cooperation between the US, India and their mutual allies to overcome this global crisis, according to Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson of the US State Department. .@SecPompeo spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar about the importance of the U.S.-India partnership to advance international peace and prosperity. We look forward to the Quadrilateral consultation and the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial.https://t.co/KMIBwklu83 — Cale Brown (@StateDeputySPOX) August 6, 2020 × Pompeo also added that US' unwavering commitment to work with India to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, the spokesperson said in a readout of the call. This was the second call between the two leaders since the start of the pandemic. Before the call, the US President Donald Trump extended the social distancing guidelines further and urged people to exercise caution as he believes the next 30 days will be very crucial for Americans with respect to the novel coronavirus. (With inputs from PTI)

S Jaishankar and Mike Pompeo discuss COVID-19 approach over phone

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. &nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India". Also read | India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India slams Turkey for making 'biased' statement on Kashmir

The Indian government will extend assistance to Lebanon after getting an assessment of the damage from the government there. The massive blast caused by highly volatile ammonium nitrate ripped through country's capital Beirut earlier this week killing over 150 people and injuring over 5,000.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have sought an assessment of the extend of damage from the Lebanese govt and based on that we will decide the kind of assistance, the nature of assistance that we will extend to them. "

On any Indians impacted by the blast, Shrivastava said, "no reported casualties among the Indian causality. 5 minor injuries. Our embassies are in touch with Indian community associations and extending all necessary assistance."

There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms.

Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION on the day of the blast said, "We are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now."

Indian mission has also shared its Help Line Numbers with the Indian Community.

The Indian government will extend assistance to Lebanon after getting an assessment of the damage from the government there. The massive blast caused by highly volatile ammonium nitrate ripped through country's capital Beirut earlier this week killing over 150 people and injuring over 5,000.

The Indian government will extend assistance to Lebanon after getting an assessment of the damage from the government there. The massive blast caused by highly volatile ammonium nitrate ripped through country's capital Beirut earlier this week killing over 150 people and injuring over 5,000. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have sought an assessment of the extend of damage from the Lebanese govt and based on that we will decide the kind of assistance, the nature of assistance that we will extend to them. " On any Indians impacted by the blast, Shrivastava said, "no reported casualties among the Indian causality. 5 minor injuries. Our embassies are in touch with Indian community associations and extending all necessary assistance." There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms. Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION on the day of the blast said, "We are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now." Indian mission has also shared its Help Line Numbers with the Indian Community.

India to extend assistance to Lebanon after getting assessment from Beirut

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at&nbsp;Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow.

The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-protecting-economy-says-ex-rbi-governor-318737">Also read|&nbsp;India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor</a>

The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos,&nbsp;a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said.

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The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — <a href="https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre">https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre</a> 
 
🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training <a href="https://t.co/SieXQN0hkT">pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT</a>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1291387344852070412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added.

The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future.

After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night. The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow. The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point. Also read| India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said. The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre 🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) August 6, 2020 × "The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added. The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future. After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Astronauts for India's first manned space mission, Gangayaan, complete training in Russia

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday.

He said discussions might have been held with others, but not with anybody from the West Bengal government.

"To my knowledge, nothing has happened; not even a single time with respect to PM Modi. I can say emphatically that no one from Bengal was part of the discussions," he told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-education-policy-focusses-on-how-to-think-pm-modi-318796" hreflang="en">New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi</a>

Chatterjee said, "We gave our thoughts on the draft resolution of national education policy but nothing was discussed."

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi said, "Till now our focus was on 'what to think'&nbsp;but the NEP focuses on 'how to think'. There is a flood of information in today's age. We need the ability to decide which information to accept. NEP has stressed on inquiry-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based thinking."

"Some people said that implementation of NEP would be a challenge. We have to implement it together. I am committed to this cause," he said.&nbsp;

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday.

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday. He said discussions might have been held with others, but not with anybody from the West Bengal government. "To my knowledge, nothing has happened; not even a single time with respect to PM Modi. I can say emphatically that no one from Bengal was part of the discussions," he told reporters. Also read: New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi Chatterjee said, "We gave our thoughts on the draft resolution of national education policy but nothing was discussed." Earlier, PM Narendra Modi said, "Till now our focus was on 'what to think' but the NEP focuses on 'how to think'. There is a flood of information in today's age. We need the ability to decide which information to accept. NEP has stressed on inquiry-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based thinking." "Some people said that implementation of NEP would be a challenge. We have to implement it together. I am committed to this cause," he said.

Not consulted before New Education Policy, says West Bengal minister

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir.&nbsp;

"Well, it did because of my remarks on Kashmir. But, other than that the relationship was very good, even under my leadership," Mahathir said when asked whether the relations between both countries were hit.&nbsp;

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"It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir...": Former Malaysian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chedetofficial</a> talks to <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> on his controversial remarks on Jammu and Kashmir<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahathirMohamadOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahathirMohamadOnWION</a> <a href="https://t.co/juoGkmyyu2">pic.twitter.com/juoGkmyyu2</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1291746418198065153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

The former&nbsp; Malaysian prime minister added&nbsp;that traditionally the relations with India have "been very good".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/would-like-to-send-zakir-naik-to-some-country-where-he-will-be-safe-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318916">Would like to send Zakir Naik to some country where he will be safe, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

"As you know we have a lot of people of Indian origin here in Malaysia and they still have connections in India."

However, the ex-PM said "some minor glitches" affected the relations, but, "very quickly we overcome such strains in our relationship".

He also hinted towards&nbsp;good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his former counterpart was one of the earlier PMs who called him up when he won his second term.&nbsp;

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"In many ways he has done well internationally but then of course we need to understand India better under Modi because he is different from previous prime ministers," says <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chedetofficial</a> on India's role at the world stage under PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MahathirMohamadOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahathirMohamadOnWION</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> <a href="https://t.co/xsNGVGee7y">pic.twitter.com/xsNGVGee7y</a>
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"Apparently, we had met a long time ago, although I had forgotten and he was able to show a picture of us together from a long time ago, before he became the prime minister," Mahathir said.

"Well, we always want to maintain good relations, whoever may be the prime minister of India, it’s not something that we should take into consideration. Whoever is the prime minister we will develop good relations with the prime minister."

On his comments on Kashmir, he said he was speaking on events all over the world where some wrongs have been committed.&nbsp;

"It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir," he added.&nbsp;

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad admitted in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma that the relations between Malaysia and India deteriorated because of his comments on Kashmir. "Well, it did because of my remarks on Kashmir. But, other than that the relationship was very good, even under my leadership," Mahathir said when asked whether the relations between both countries were hit. "It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir...": Former Malaysian PM @chedetofficial talks to @palkisu on his controversial remarks on Jammu and Kashmir#MahathirMohamadOnWION pic.twitter.com/juoGkmyyu2 — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION The former Malaysian prime minister added that traditionally the relations with India have "been very good". Also read | Would like to send Zakir Naik to some country where he will be safe, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION "As you know we have a lot of people of Indian origin here in Malaysia and they still have connections in India." However, the ex-PM said "some minor glitches" affected the relations, but, "very quickly we overcome such strains in our relationship". He also hinted towards good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his former counterpart was one of the earlier PMs who called him up when he won his second term. "In many ways he has done well internationally but then of course we need to understand India better under Modi because he is different from previous prime ministers," says @chedetofficial on India's role at the world stage under PM @narendramodi#MahathirMohamadOnWION @palkisu pic.twitter.com/xsNGVGee7y — WION (@WIONews) August 7, 2020 × "Apparently, we had met a long time ago, although I had forgotten and he was able to show a picture of us together from a long time ago, before he became the prime minister," Mahathir said. "Well, we always want to maintain good relations, whoever may be the prime minister of India, it’s not something that we should take into consideration. Whoever is the prime minister we will develop good relations with the prime minister." On his comments on Kashmir, he said he was speaking on events all over the world where some wrongs have been committed. "It is not about supporting Pakistan, it is about the people of Kashmir," he added.

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-PM Mahathir admits his comments on Kashmir strained India-Malaysia ties

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", they said.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-security-officials-seek-four-to-six-dedicated-satellites-along-lac-to-keep-an-eye-on-china-report-318634" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report</a>

In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said.

While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas.

Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force.

Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC.

The IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region.

The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh.

The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC.

The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. 
The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh.

On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. 
At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso.

The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources.

India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area.

In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley.

However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35.

The second round of talks took place on June 22.

In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", they said. Also read-India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China. The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra. Also read: India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said. While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters. The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas. Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force. Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC. The IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region. The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh. The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC. The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops. India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh. On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso. The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources. India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley. However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35. The second round of talks took place on June 22. In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff. After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

Indian Army, IAF to maintain very high-level of alertness along LAC: Sources

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of&nbsp;62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning.

The tally has now increased to&nbsp;20,27,075 including 6,07,384 &nbsp;active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths.

The total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to August 06 is 2,27,24,134, including 5,74,783 samples tested yesterday, according to&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-protecting-economy-says-ex-rbi-governor-318737">Also read:&nbsp;India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor</a>

Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states by coronavirus in India, recorded 11,514 new cases and 316 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,79,779, including 1,46,305 active cases, 3,16,375 recovered and 16,792 deaths. State's capital, Mumbai, reported 910 new cases, 57 deaths and 988 recoveries. The total number of cases in Mumbai stands at 1,20,165 including 20,562 active cases, 92,661 recovered, and 6,645 deaths. Recovery rate stands at 77 per cent.

Tamil Nadu reported 5,684 new cases, 6,272 discharged, and&nbsp;110 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,79,144, including 2,21,087 discharged, 53,486 active cases and 4,571 deaths.

The Ministry of Health also reported that India has ramped up its testing infrastructure to 1,370 labs on August 07. "The progressively increasing daily new recoveries are due to focused attention on surveillance, containment and effective clinical management. India created a network of COVID dedicated hospitals to manage the cases," it said in a statement.

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of 62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning. The tally has now increased to 20,27,075 including 6,07,384 active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths.

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of 62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning. The tally has now increased to 20,27,075 including 6,07,384 active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths. The total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to August 06 is 2,27,24,134, including 5,74,783 samples tested yesterday, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Also read: India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states by coronavirus in India, recorded 11,514 new cases and 316 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,79,779, including 1,46,305 active cases, 3,16,375 recovered and 16,792 deaths. State's capital, Mumbai, reported 910 new cases, 57 deaths and 988 recoveries. The total number of cases in Mumbai stands at 1,20,165 including 20,562 active cases, 92,661 recovered, and 6,645 deaths. Recovery rate stands at 77 per cent. Tamil Nadu reported 5,684 new cases, 6,272 discharged, and 110 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,79,144, including 2,21,087 discharged, 53,486 active cases and 4,571 deaths. The Ministry of Health also reported that India has ramped up its testing infrastructure to 1,370 labs on August 07. "The progressively increasing daily new recoveries are due to focused attention on surveillance, containment and effective clinical management. India created a network of COVID dedicated hospitals to manage the cases," it said in a statement.

India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538

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