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There is no virtue like protecting the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as welcomed the first batch of five Rafale jets which landed in Ambala with a tweet in Sanskrit.

There is no virtue like protecting the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as welcomed the first batch of five Rafale jets which landed in Ambala with a tweet in Sanskrit. Also read | First look: Rafale fighter jets receive 'water salute' at Indian Air Force base in Ambala He also shared a brief video of a Rafale fighter aircraft landing at the Ambala Air Force station. Wath | First batch of Rafale fighter jets land at Ambala air station × राष्ट्ररक्षासमं पुण्यं, राष्ट्ररक्षासमं व्रतम्, राष्ट्ररक्षासमं यज्ञो, दृष्टो नैव च नैव च।। नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्... स्वागतम्! #RafaleInIndia pic.twitter.com/lSrNoJYqZO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 29, 2020 × Broadly translated, the prime minister said in his tweet that there is no virtue like protecting the nation, there is no vow like defence of the nation. Also read: Rafale jets land in India, will join IAF's 'Golden Arrows' squadron "Swagatam" (welcome), he said with the hash tag "RafaleInIndia". The Rafales were escorted by two Sukhoi 30 MKIs after they entered the Indian air space and were given a water salute when they landed in Ambala.

PM Modi tweets in Sanskrit to welcome Rafale jets, says no virtue like protecting nation

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, his brother-in-law, Dr Mohammad Ayoub Mattoo, said that it was his father's dream to see him fly one day. Hilal's family says his mother had a dream night before he was born. "She saw Eid crescent in her dream and after he was born, his father named him Hilal which translates to crescent," Ayoub says.&nbsp;

Ayoub says that he informed Hilal about the news and his images goingg viral.

"He said he was happy and loves what he does," he added.

Father of Hilal, Mohammad Abdullah Rather, was an army man in Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment of the Indian Army who fought 1962 Sino-India war in Ladakh. Interestingly, Ayoub says a picket that Hilal's father took over during the war is named after their caste and is called 'Rather picket'.&nbsp;

"His father was energetic like Hilal, he wanted him to join the Indian Airforce. If he was alive today, he would've been happy to see his success," he says.&nbsp;

Air Commodore Hilal is the youngest among five siblings who initially studied from Montessori school and Hanfia Institute in Anantnag district of south Kashmir before moving to Sanik School Nagrota and later to qualifying for National Defence Academy, Pune.&nbsp;

"He ranked top and was awarded&nbsp;Sword of Honour by then President of India. I was there to witness that event and he never looked back ever since," he says adding that Hilal is a religious man who prays five times a day and is honest to his service.&nbsp;

Hilal is currently India's Air Attache to France. He was commissioned in the airforce in 1988 and rose from being a flight lieutenant to now an Air Commodore. With more than 3000 hours of accident-free flying on MiG 21s, Mirage-2000, and Kiran aircraft, according to records accessible online. He&nbsp; has also received Vayu Sena Medal, which is given for devotion to duty as a Wing Commander in 2010 and Vishisht Seva Medal when he was a group captain in 2016. 
&nbsp;

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens.

The family of Hilal Ahmad Rather, a Kashmiri man who has played a key role in India's Rafale journey, is delighted after his pictures on a fighter aircraft beamed television screens. Speaking to WION, his brother-in-law, Dr Mohammad Ayoub Mattoo, said that it was his father's dream to see him fly one day. Hilal's family says his mother had a dream night before he was born. "She saw Eid crescent in her dream and after he was born, his father named him Hilal which translates to crescent," Ayoub says. Ayoub says that he informed Hilal about the news and his images goingg viral. "He said he was happy and loves what he does," he added. Father of Hilal, Mohammad Abdullah Rather, was an army man in Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment of the Indian Army who fought 1962 Sino-India war in Ladakh. Interestingly, Ayoub says a picket that Hilal's father took over during the war is named after their caste and is called 'Rather picket'. "His father was energetic like Hilal, he wanted him to join the Indian Airforce. If he was alive today, he would've been happy to see his success," he says. Air Commodore Hilal is the youngest among five siblings who initially studied from Montessori school and Hanfia Institute in Anantnag district of south Kashmir before moving to Sanik School Nagrota and later to qualifying for National Defence Academy, Pune. "He ranked top and was awarded Sword of Honour by then President of India. I was there to witness that event and he never looked back ever since," he says adding that Hilal is a religious man who prays five times a day and is honest to his service. Hilal is currently India's Air Attache to France. He was commissioned in the airforce in 1988 and rose from being a flight lieutenant to now an Air Commodore. With more than 3000 hours of accident-free flying on MiG 21s, Mirage-2000, and Kiran aircraft, according to records accessible online. He has also received Vayu Sena Medal, which is given for devotion to duty as a Wing Commander in 2010 and Vishisht Seva Medal when he was a group captain in 2016.

WION exclusive: Rafale journey star's father was hero of 1962 Sino-India war

First look: Rafale fighter jets receive 'water salute' at Indian Air Force base in Ambala

Rafale arrival in India will make the Indian Air Force (IAF) much stronger to deter any threat that may be posed on our country, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday.

Rafale arrival in India will make the Indian Air Force (IAF) much stronger to deter any threat that may be posed on our country, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. Singh's comments came moments after the compact aircrafts landed safely in Ambala airbase. ''The Birds have landed safely in Ambala. The touch down of Rafale combat aircrafts in India marks the beginning of a new era in our military history. These multirole aircrafts will revolutionise the capabilities of the IAF,'' he said in a tweet. The Touchdown of Rafale at Ambala. pic.twitter.com/e3OFQa1bZY — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 29, 2020 × The aircraft' flying performance and its weapons, radar and other sensors and Electronic Warfare capabilities are amongst the best in the world, he said. ''Its arrival in India will make the IAF much stronger to deter any threat that may be posed on our country,'' he added. Rajnath thanked Modi for his courage and decisiveness, and for taking the right decision to get the aircrafts through an Inter-Governmental Agreement with France. He also thanked the French government, Dassault Aviation and other French companies for ensuring the timely delivery of the aircraft, despite the severe restrictions posed by COVID pandemic.

Arrival of Rafale combat aircraft marks beginning of new era in military history, says Rajnath Singh

The Indian state of Bihar will re-impose a 15-day lockdown to fight coronavirus and curb the surge in cases, as per state's deputy chief minister said Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-reopens-for-tourists-with-sops-and-guidelines-313249" hreflang="en">Kashmir reopens for tourists with SOPs and guidelines</a>

"Bihar government has decided on a 15-day lockdown from July 16 to July 31. All city municipalities, district headquarters, block headquarters will stay under lockdown. The guidelines are being finalised," Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted.

Bihar has a population of around 125 million and reported almost 19,000 cases including 134 deaths, as per local health authorities. On Tuesday, the state witnessed a record jump of new cases in one day after reporting 1,432 cases in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

"There is no medicine or vaccine for corona. We have to ensure that we cover our faces with masks, handkerchiefs or towels," the deputy chief minister said.

India's number of case in deadly coronavirus infections crosses 9 lakh mark with 28,498 new cases and 553 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total cases stand at 9, 06,752 including 3, 11,565 active cases, 5, 71,460 cured and 23,727 deaths, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health.&nbsp;

The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has increased to 63.02%, while the recoveries deaths ratio is 96.01%:3.99%, stated the Government of India.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, India tested 1, 20, 92,503 samples tested for COVID-19 till July 13, of these 2, 86,247 samples were tested yesterday.

The World Health Organisation has said the pandemic is getting worse and worse with time as too many countries are going in the wrong direction. Tedros called for countries to come up with comprehensive strategies, and noted that roughly half of all new cases are in the Americas.&nbsp;

The number of deadly coronavirus cases around the world increased by a million in just five days.

As many as 13,236,252 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 around the world so far. While more than 7,691,451 have recovered, 575,540 have died, according to Worldometer.&nbsp;

The Indian state of Bihar will re-impose a 15-day lockdown to fight coronavirus and curb the surge in cases, as per state's deputy chief minister said Tuesday. Also read: Kashmir reopens for tourists with SOPs and guidelines "Bihar government has decided on a 15-day lockdown from July 16 to July 31.

The Indian state of Bihar will re-impose a 15-day lockdown to fight coronavirus and curb the surge in cases, as per state's deputy chief minister said Tuesday. Also read: Kashmir reopens for tourists with SOPs and guidelines "Bihar government has decided on a 15-day lockdown from July 16 to July 31. All city municipalities, district headquarters, block headquarters will stay under lockdown. The guidelines are being finalised," Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted. Bihar has a population of around 125 million and reported almost 19,000 cases including 134 deaths, as per local health authorities. On Tuesday, the state witnessed a record jump of new cases in one day after reporting 1,432 cases in the last 24 hours. "There is no medicine or vaccine for corona. We have to ensure that we cover our faces with masks, handkerchiefs or towels," the deputy chief minister said. India's number of case in deadly coronavirus infections crosses 9 lakh mark with 28,498 new cases and 553 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total cases stand at 9, 06,752 including 3, 11,565 active cases, 5, 71,460 cured and 23,727 deaths, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health. The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has increased to 63.02%, while the recoveries deaths ratio is 96.01%:3.99%, stated the Government of India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, India tested 1, 20, 92,503 samples tested for COVID-19 till July 13, of these 2, 86,247 samples were tested yesterday. The World Health Organisation has said the pandemic is getting worse and worse with time as too many countries are going in the wrong direction. Tedros called for countries to come up with comprehensive strategies, and noted that roughly half of all new cases are in the Americas. The number of deadly coronavirus cases around the world increased by a million in just five days. As many as 13,236,252 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 around the world so far. While more than 7,691,451 have recovered, 575,540 have died, according to Worldometer.

Bihar to impose 15-day lockdown to curb surge in COVID-19 cases

The first batch of five Rafale jets has&nbsp;landed at the Ambala air base with heightened security around the air force station.&nbsp;Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria received the fleet at Ambala.

The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in over two decades, and they are expected to significantly boost the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities.

The jets took off from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday and arrived here after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates.

The five Rafale jets are scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF)&nbsp;as part of its No 17 Squadron, also known as the 'Golden Arrows'.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's office said the Rafales were escorted by two Sukhoi 30 MKIs after they entered the Indian air space.

The jets were also refuelled mid-air from a French tanker at a height of 30,000 feet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-rafales-journey-to-ambala-indias-new-beast-undergoes-air-to-air-refueling-316539#air-to-air-refuelling-316534">See photos |&nbsp;Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling</a>

The fleet of five jets comprises three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft.

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders near the Ambala Air Force Station, banning shooting of videos and photography.

The Ambala district administration has also prohibited people from flying private drones within the three-km radius of the air base.

Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people, has been imposed in the villages adjoining the air base, including Dhulkot, Baldev Nagar, Garnala and Panjkhora.

The Haryana Police has set up several check barricades and police officers were seen patrolling residential localities near the air base, making announcements over loudspeakers warning people not to stand on the rooftop of their houses to click pictures or shoot videos.

Violators would face punishment as per the law.

India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 59,000-crore deal to boost the IAF's combat capabilities nearly four years ago.

European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

Of the 36 jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers.

The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets.

The IAF has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades at the Ambala base for the deployment of the first Rafale squadron.

Built in 1948, the air base is located on the east side of Ambala and is used for military and government flights.

The air base has two squadrons of the Jaguar combat aircraft and one squadron of the MIG-21 'Bison'. Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh was the first commander of the base.

The Mirage fighters that were used for the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack had taken off from here.

(with inputs from agencies)

The first batch of five Rafale jets has landed at the Ambala air base with heightened security around the air force station. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria received the fleet at Ambala.

The first batch of five Rafale jets has landed at the Ambala air base with heightened security around the air force station. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria received the fleet at Ambala. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in over two decades, and they are expected to significantly boost the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The jets took off from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday and arrived here after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates. The five Rafale jets are scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of its No 17 Squadron, also known as the 'Golden Arrows'. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's office said the Rafales were escorted by two Sukhoi 30 MKIs after they entered the Indian air space. The jets were also refuelled mid-air from a French tanker at a height of 30,000 feet. See photos | Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling The fleet of five jets comprises three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders near the Ambala Air Force Station, banning shooting of videos and photography. The Ambala district administration has also prohibited people from flying private drones within the three-km radius of the air base. Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people, has been imposed in the villages adjoining the air base, including Dhulkot, Baldev Nagar, Garnala and Panjkhora. The Haryana Police has set up several check barricades and police officers were seen patrolling residential localities near the air base, making announcements over loudspeakers warning people not to stand on the rooftop of their houses to click pictures or shoot videos. Violators would face punishment as per the law. India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 59,000-crore deal to boost the IAF's combat capabilities nearly four years ago. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. Of the 36 jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets. The IAF has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades at the Ambala base for the deployment of the first Rafale squadron. Built in 1948, the air base is located on the east side of Ambala and is used for military and government flights. The air base has two squadrons of the Jaguar combat aircraft and one squadron of the MIG-21 'Bison'. Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh was the first commander of the base. The Mirage fighters that were used for the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack had taken off from here. (with inputs from agencies)

Rafale jets land in India, will join IAF's 'Golden Arrows' squadron

The five Rafale jets left the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday, and arrived in India after covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km.

First batch of five Rafale enters Indian air space, escorted by SU-30 MKI

A sero-survey conducted in Mumbai showed that more than half the people, or 57 per cent, tested in slums had been exposed to and developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus

Mumbai sero-survey: 57 per cent respondents in slums

Two Indian-origin brothers and founding members of a renowned organisation that offers community services in the sprawling Indian township of Lenasia in South Africa have succumbed to coronavirus.

Abbas Sayed and Osman Sayed, the Chairman and President of the Saaberie Chishty Society, died on Friday and Saturday respectively and were buried side-by-side, as condolences continued to pour in from all over the world, including India, where the idea of the humanitarian work was sparked by a visit to Ajmer when Abbas was a teenager.

After their return from Ajmer, a small religious commemoration at their home in Lenasia soon transformed into a variety of charity and welfare projects for all communities in the apartheid era.

The brothers were among the six siblings who continued and expanded the work of the society started by their father, uncles and aunts to include feeding schemes, building mosques and madrassahs, and a free ambulance service when there were no such facilities from government in Lenasia where they lived.

"Like their forefathers, they worked tirelessly throughout their lives to serve the community with dedication. Tears flow as we remember their smiles and our insightful conversations with them," said a message from religious leaders from Lucknow.

"They were men of dignity, honesty, truthfulness and simplicity," said another message from Panipat in Haryana, where in 2009 the organisation helped restore an ancient mosque 30 years after it had been closed down by raising funds in South Africa.

The novel coronavirus that first surfaced in China''s Wuhan city in December last year has claimed 7,257 lives and infected 459,761 people in South Africa.

Two Indian-origin brothers and founding members of a renowned organisation that offers community services in the sprawling Indian township of Lenasia in South Africa have succumbed to coronavirus.

Two Indian-origin brothers and founding members of a renowned organisation that offers community services in the sprawling Indian township of Lenasia in South Africa have succumbed to coronavirus. Abbas Sayed and Osman Sayed, the Chairman and President of the Saaberie Chishty Society, died on Friday and Saturday respectively and were buried side-by-side, as condolences continued to pour in from all over the world, including India, where the idea of the humanitarian work was sparked by a visit to Ajmer when Abbas was a teenager. After their return from Ajmer, a small religious commemoration at their home in Lenasia soon transformed into a variety of charity and welfare projects for all communities in the apartheid era. The brothers were among the six siblings who continued and expanded the work of the society started by their father, uncles and aunts to include feeding schemes, building mosques and madrassahs, and a free ambulance service when there were no such facilities from government in Lenasia where they lived. "Like their forefathers, they worked tirelessly throughout their lives to serve the community with dedication. Tears flow as we remember their smiles and our insightful conversations with them," said a message from religious leaders from Lucknow. "They were men of dignity, honesty, truthfulness and simplicity," said another message from Panipat in Haryana, where in 2009 the organisation helped restore an ancient mosque 30 years after it had been closed down by raising funds in South Africa. The novel coronavirus that first surfaced in China''s Wuhan city in December last year has claimed 7,257 lives and infected 459,761 people in South Africa.

Indian-origin brothers succumb to coronavirus in South Africa

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to&nbsp;support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The new grant complements ADB’s ongoing support to the Government of India in strengthening its COVID-19 response,” said ADB Director for Human and Social Development for South Asia Sungsup Ra. “This support will enhance disease surveillance and help in early detection, contact tracing, and treatment. This will be further supplemented by other public health measures.”

The grant, which is financed by the Government of Japan, will be used to procure thermal scanners and essential commodities to strengthen the Government of India’s COVID-19 response.

Meanwhile, India recorded 48,513 fresh coronavirus infections and 768 deaths linked to the highly contagious illness in the last 24 hours, which takes the country's tally to 15, 31,669 cases, the Union Health Ministry said this morning.&nbsp;

A total of 9, 88,029 patients in the country have recovered so far and 34,193 have died since the beginning of the pandemic, government data shows. Today's spike in cases comes a day after India crossed 15 lakh cases.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Only 700 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Mumbai, while Pune recorded a spike of 2,618 cases.

Worldometer has recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to India to support the government’s emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “The new grant complements ADB’s ongoing support to the Government of India in strengthening its COVID-19 response,” said ADB Director for Human and Social Development for South Asia Sungsup Ra. “This support will enhance disease surveillance and help in early detection, contact tracing, and treatment. This will be further supplemented by other public health measures.” The grant, which is financed by the Government of Japan, will be used to procure thermal scanners and essential commodities to strengthen the Government of India’s COVID-19 response. Meanwhile, India recorded 48,513 fresh coronavirus infections and 768 deaths linked to the highly contagious illness in the last 24 hours, which takes the country's tally to 15, 31,669 cases, the Union Health Ministry said this morning. A total of 9, 88,029 patients in the country have recovered so far and 34,193 have died since the beginning of the pandemic, government data shows. Today's spike in cases comes a day after India crossed 15 lakh cases. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Only 700 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Mumbai, while Pune recorded a spike of 2,618 cases. Worldometer has recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours. As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far. (With inputs from agencies)

India gets $3 million booster from Asian Development Bank to ramp up combat against deadly coronavirus

Tigers are one of the most beautiful beasts in nature. Every year, July 29 is observed as International Tiger Day with an aim to increase awareness about the need to conserve the majestic big cat, which is a keystone species.

International Tiger Day 2020: India's story of successful conservation of top carnivorous

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardline-separatist-leader-syed-ali-shah-geelani-resigns-from-hurriyat-conference-309383">ALSO READ | Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from Hurriyat conference</a> 
 
The Pakistan parliament has passed a resolution conferring the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan on Kashmiri separatist, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The senate also proposed a technological institute in his name.

The resolution was moved by the Jamaat-i-Islami, senator, Mustaq Ahmad. Jamaat-e-Islami, or simply known as Jamaat, is an Islamic political party based in Pakistan.

Geelani has been the main separatist leader behind several shutdowns calls, violent protests and the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&amp;K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits &amp; put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route.

Last month, Geelani had resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons.

(With inputs from agencies)

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets.

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets. ALSO READ | Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from Hurriyat conference The Pakistan parliament has passed a resolution conferring the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan on Kashmiri separatist, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The senate also proposed a technological institute in his name. The resolution was moved by the Jamaat-i-Islami, senator, Mustaq Ahmad. Jamaat-e-Islami, or simply known as Jamaat, is an Islamic political party based in Pakistan. Geelani has been the main separatist leader behind several shutdowns calls, violent protests and the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits & put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route. Last month, Geelani had resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Hardline Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani gets Pakistan's highest civilian award

Coronavirus cases in India have crossed 14.83 lakh-mark taking confirmed cases tally to 14,83,157 including 4,96,988 active cases, 9,52,744 cured, discharged or migrated and 33,425 deaths, according to health ministry's figures released on Tuesday.

According to the data, the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients is 64.24 per cent, while the fatality-rate is 2.25 per cent.

Single-day spike of 47,704 positive cases reported in India with 654 deaths in the last 24 hours.

According to the ICMR the total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to July 27 is 1, 73, 34,885 including 5, 28,082 samples tested yesterday. 
 
Since emerging in China late last year, the virus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases in India have crossed 14.83 lakh-mark taking confirmed cases tally to 14,83,157 including 4,96,988 active cases, 9,52,744 cured, discharged or migrated and 33,425 deaths, according to health ministry's figures released on Tuesday.

Coronavirus cases in India have crossed 14.83 lakh-mark taking confirmed cases tally to 14,83,157 including 4,96,988 active cases, 9,52,744 cured, discharged or migrated and 33,425 deaths, according to health ministry's figures released on Tuesday. According to the data, the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients is 64.24 per cent, while the fatality-rate is 2.25 per cent. Single-day spike of 47,704 positive cases reported in India with 654 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the ICMR the total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to July 27 is 1, 73, 34,885 including 5, 28,082 samples tested yesterday. Since emerging in China late last year, the virus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months. (With inputs from agencies)

Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156

Even as International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) began the assembly of world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, India which is part of the mega-project said it is a "testimony of relentless human pursuit of knowledge..enduring quest to use science for the welfare of humanity" and in this case "abundant clean and sustainable source of energy"

ITER is funded by seven countries European Union, India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States and 35 countries are part of the project. The project aims to build the world's largest tokamak or a magnetic fusion reactor for large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.

Calling ITER a project of "extraordinary vision and ambition and unparalleled scale and complexity", Indian PM Modi said, "by seeking to emulate sun's energy production on earth it is attempting the task of cosmic proportions ". His message was delivered by the Indian ammbassador to France Jawed Ashraf.

Tuesday's event marks the beginning of the assembly process of the ITER tokamak fusion reactor. Piece by piece, different components of reactor will be put in place in a sequence, to complete the assembly.

Indian PM Modi highlighted the role of Indian scientist saying," India is proud to be part of the global enterprise that is at the frontier of science and engineering. Indian scientists have made a valuable contribution to the development and fabrication" at the facility and have "demonstrated India's capability for design and manufacture at the most advance level".

The project involves international collaboration, which PM said it is a perfect symbol of Indian belief vasudhaiva kutumbakam which means the world is one family. The project is located in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, Provence, southern France. 
&nbsp;

Even as International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) began the assembly of world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, India which is part of the mega-project said it is a "testimony of relentless human pursuit of knowledge.

Even as International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) began the assembly of world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, India which is part of the mega-project said it is a "testimony of relentless human pursuit of knowledge..enduring quest to use science for the welfare of humanity" and in this case "abundant clean and sustainable source of energy" ITER is funded by seven countries European Union, India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea and the United States and 35 countries are part of the project. The project aims to build the world's largest tokamak or a magnetic fusion reactor for large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. Calling ITER a project of "extraordinary vision and ambition and unparalleled scale and complexity", Indian PM Modi said, "by seeking to emulate sun's energy production on earth it is attempting the task of cosmic proportions ". His message was delivered by the Indian ammbassador to France Jawed Ashraf. Tuesday's event marks the beginning of the assembly process of the ITER tokamak fusion reactor. Piece by piece, different components of reactor will be put in place in a sequence, to complete the assembly. Indian PM Modi highlighted the role of Indian scientist saying," India is proud to be part of the global enterprise that is at the frontier of science and engineering. Indian scientists have made a valuable contribution to the development and fabrication" at the facility and have "demonstrated India's capability for design and manufacture at the most advance level". The project involves international collaboration, which PM said it is a perfect symbol of Indian belief vasudhaiva kutumbakam which means the world is one family. The project is located in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, Provence, southern France.

India welcomes start of assembly of world's largest fusion reactor; says paves way for clean source of energy

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday.

The CFR reduced from around 3.33 per cent in mid-June to 2.25 per cent on Tuesday. While the total count of COVID-19 cases is 15,83,156, the country has reported 33,425 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spike-of-47704-cases-654-fatalities-push-indias-tally-to-1483156-316438" hreflang="en">Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156</a>

"Under the guidance of the central government, state/UT governments have focused on reducing the fatalities by effectively managing the severe cases and prioritising care of the high-risk population using field health care workers leading to decrease in the CFR across the country," the official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-launches-state-of-the-art-coronavirus-facility-316270" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility</a>

He added that focused efforts of the government on early detection and isolation, work done by expert teams of AIIMS for efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases and periodic visits of central teams have resulted in improving the recovery rate in the country.

According to Health Ministry data, India has seen more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the fifth day in a row.

"The recovery rate has seen a sharp increase from around 53 per cent in mid-June to more than 64 per cent as on July 28. With 35,176 patients discharged in the last 24 hours, about 9,52,743 patients have recovered so far," the official added.

The gap between the recovered cases and the active cases is also increasing continuously and is 4,55,755 at present. It means the actual active caseload is 4,96,988 and all are under medical supervision, the official said.&nbsp;

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday.

With COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate (CFR) declining to 2.25 per cent, India now is among countries with the lowest fatality rates, a Health Ministry official said on Tuesday. The CFR reduced from around 3.33 per cent in mid-June to 2.25 per cent on Tuesday. While the total count of COVID-19 cases is 15,83,156, the country has reported 33,425 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Also read: Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156 "Under the guidance of the central government, state/UT governments have focused on reducing the fatalities by effectively managing the severe cases and prioritising care of the high-risk population using field health care workers leading to decrease in the CFR across the country," the official said. Also read: PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility He added that focused efforts of the government on early detection and isolation, work done by expert teams of AIIMS for efficient clinical management of hospitalised cases and periodic visits of central teams have resulted in improving the recovery rate in the country. According to Health Ministry data, India has seen more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the fifth day in a row. "The recovery rate has seen a sharp increase from around 53 per cent in mid-June to more than 64 per cent as on July 28. With 35,176 patients discharged in the last 24 hours, about 9,52,743 patients have recovered so far," the official added. The gap between the recovered cases and the active cases is also increasing continuously and is 4,55,755 at present. It means the actual active caseload is 4,96,988 and all are under medical supervision, the official said.

India's coronavirus fatality rate declines to 2.25 per cent

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain, speaking ahead of the arrival of Rafale fighter jets has said it shows "strong partnership between our 2 countries." Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Delhi's Palam airport where French Military Plane landed with COVID medical aid, envoy Lenain said, "India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine" and " it is going to be like this for COVID." France sent 120 ventilators, along with 50,000 serological test kits 50,000 nose and throat swabs to India on Tuesday. This the French envoy said is in "reciprocation" of Indian help to France when it was hit by COVID.

WION exclusive conversation with French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending the fifth annual meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB through video conference in the national capital, Sitharaman mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of creating a COVID-19 emergency fund for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations and India's efforts in supplying critical medical health kits to tackle COVID-19, and now supporting global efforts of coronavirus vaccine trials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-launches-state-of-the-art-coronavirus-facility-316270" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility</a>

Besides, the Finance Minister highlighted India's participation in the "G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative". She also outlined various measures taken by the Centre to respond to the COVID-19, including the USD 23 Billion Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP) and USD 295 Billion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP), which aim at protecting all sectors and sections of the economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spike-of-47704-cases-654-fatalities-push-indias-tally-to-1483156-316438" hreflang="en">Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156</a>

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) eased the monetary policy especially reduced reserve requirements and introduced liquidity in the economy to the extent of almost 3.9 per cent of GDP, she added.

Mentioning the steps taken to give a boost to the infrastructure development, she said: "India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2020-2025 with an estimated expenditure of USD 1.4 trillion that has created a plethora of fresh investment opportunities for AIIB`s partnerships."

Furthermore, she stressed on some of the expectations from the bank, including the introduction of new financing instruments, mobilising private sector finance, providing financing for social infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and integrating the development of climate-resilient and sustainable energy access infrastructure into the recovery response to the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday praised the efforts of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for fast-tracking financial assistance of about USD 10 billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Attending the fifth annual meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB through video conference in the national capital, Sitharaman mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of creating a COVID-19 emergency fund for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations and India's efforts in supplying critical medical health kits to tackle COVID-19, and now supporting global efforts of coronavirus vaccine trials. Also read: PM Narendra Modi launches 'state of the art' coronavirus facility Besides, the Finance Minister highlighted India's participation in the "G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative". She also outlined various measures taken by the Centre to respond to the COVID-19, including the USD 23 Billion Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP) and USD 295 Billion Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package (ANBP), which aim at protecting all sectors and sections of the economy. Also read: Spike of 47,704 cases, 654 fatalities push India's tally to 14,83,156 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) eased the monetary policy especially reduced reserve requirements and introduced liquidity in the economy to the extent of almost 3.9 per cent of GDP, she added. Mentioning the steps taken to give a boost to the infrastructure development, she said: "India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2020-2025 with an estimated expenditure of USD 1.4 trillion that has created a plethora of fresh investment opportunities for AIIB`s partnerships." Furthermore, she stressed on some of the expectations from the bank, including the introduction of new financing instruments, mobilising private sector finance, providing financing for social infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and integrating the development of climate-resilient and sustainable energy access infrastructure into the recovery response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Sitharaman praises AIIB for fast-tracking financial aid to combat COVID-19

India has banned 47 Chinese apps which were clones of 59 Chinese apps which were banned in June. These include TikTok Lite,&nbsp;Cam Scanner advance.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-authorities-take-possession-of-closed-us-consulate-in-chengdu-foreign-ministry-316173">Chinese authorities take possession of closed US consulate in Chengdu</a>

Order was issued on Friday. The comes even has Indian govt tighten rule for Chinese companies to invest in India. Last week India amended&nbsp;General Financial Rules 2017 making it difficult for Chinese companies to be part of govt procurement.

The order said,"Any&nbsp;bidder from countries sharing a land border with India will be eligible to bid in any procurement whether of goods, services (including consultancy services and non-consultancy services) or works (including turnkey projects)&nbsp;only if the bidder is registered with the Competent Authority."

The Competent Authority for registration will be the Registration Committee constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Political and security clearance from the Ministries of External and Home Affairs respectively will be mandatory.

On June 29, India&nbsp;banned 59 Chinese apps including popular tiktok app after a violent face-off at Line Of Actual Contol in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died.&nbsp;Chinese forces also suffered casualties but haven't come out with a number.

India has banned 47 Chinese apps which were clones of 59 Chinese apps which were banned in June. These include TikTok Lite, Cam Scanner advance. Also read: Chinese authorities take possession of closed US consulate in Chengdu Order was issued on Friday.

India has banned 47 Chinese apps which were clones of 59 Chinese apps which were banned in June. These include TikTok Lite, Cam Scanner advance. Also read: Chinese authorities take possession of closed US consulate in Chengdu Order was issued on Friday. The comes even has Indian govt tighten rule for Chinese companies to invest in India. Last week India amended General Financial Rules 2017 making it difficult for Chinese companies to be part of govt procurement. The order said,"Any bidder from countries sharing a land border with India will be eligible to bid in any procurement whether of goods, services (including consultancy services and non-consultancy services) or works (including turnkey projects) only if the bidder is registered with the Competent Authority." The Competent Authority for registration will be the Registration Committee constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Political and security clearance from the Ministries of External and Home Affairs respectively will be mandatory. On June 29, India banned 59 Chinese apps including popular tiktok app after a violent face-off at Line Of Actual Contol in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died. Chinese forces also suffered casualties but haven't come out with a number.

India bans 47 Chinese apps that were clones of the 59 apps banned in June

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain, speaking ahead of the arrival of Rafale fighter jets has said it shows "strong partnership between our two countries."&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Delhi's Palam airport where the French military plane landed with COVID-19 medical aid, envoy Lenain said, "India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine" and "it is going to be like this for COVID-19."&nbsp;

France sent 120 ventilators, along with 50,000 serological test kits 50,000 nose and throat swabs to India on Tuesday. The French envoy said it is in "reciprocation" of India's help to France when it was hit by COVID-19.

WION: France has sent "gifts" as ventilators, kits amid COVID-19 to India. If you can give us the details?

Emmanuel Lenain: In France, we have a saying, there is no such thing as love, only proofs of love. That is what is happening between France and India. Your country has helped us tremendously during the peak of COVID-19 in France a few months ago. Indian PM Modi has allowed export of medical goods, drugs for French hospitals.&nbsp;

Today we want to reciprocate and help India steer through the COVID-19 crisis. We have sent an exceptional package of assistance. There are some ventilators, testing kits, best of the best experts who will interact and exchange best practices with Indians counterparts.&nbsp;

We have been discussing with the Indian government for weeks now to find exactly what is needed. Many things that we will be giving will be used to transport medically ill patients. Testing kits, 50, 000 of them. All this has been brought in a military plane which has been refit to transport patients.

WION: How are both India and France collaborating during the coronavirus&nbsp;crisis especially when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine.

Emmanuel Lenain: We have been collaborating since the beginning, at all level. Your PM, my president have&nbsp;been talking extensively, exchanging good practices. What they can do at the national level, launch international and multilateral level basically it goes from response to way out.&nbsp;

The way out obviously will be via a vaccine. We recognise India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine. It has been for years, it is going to be like this for COVID-19. We push for strong collaboration between our institute, between our companies, research to make sure an affordable, efficient vaccine will be provided to our population as quickly as possible, as widely as possible.

WION: Five Rafales will land in India on Wednesday..how do you see the development in terms of defence partnership?

Emmanuel Lenain: We are very proud of it and delighted they are coming. These are outstanding planes. It shows the strong partnership between our two countries. They are coming with Indian pilots and technicians. They have been trained in France and from what I understand they have been doing very good.

WION: And any special way to welcome them in India...

Emmanuel Lenain: You have to ask the Indian authorities but they are planning something outstanding in coming weeks.

WION: Global Geopolitics is changing very fast.. while countries are coming together, we have seen an aggressive China..the Galwan incident..how do you see these developments?

Emmanuel Lenain:&nbsp; The world out of COVID-19 is not going to be a simple world. The world is going to be even more dangerous in many aspects and that is why you need to reinforce partnership and friends in India are doing that and I am very confident when I see the strength of the partnership between our two countries.

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain, speaking ahead of the arrival of Rafale fighter jets has said it shows "strong partnership between our two countries." Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Delhi's Palam airport where the French military plane landed with COVID-19 medical aid, envoy Lenain said, "India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine" and "it is going to be like this for COVID-19.

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain, speaking ahead of the arrival of Rafale fighter jets has said it shows "strong partnership between our two countries." Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Delhi's Palam airport where the French military plane landed with COVID-19 medical aid, envoy Lenain said, "India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine" and "it is going to be like this for COVID-19." France sent 120 ventilators, along with 50,000 serological test kits 50,000 nose and throat swabs to India on Tuesday. The French envoy said it is in "reciprocation" of India's help to France when it was hit by COVID-19. WION: France has sent "gifts" as ventilators, kits amid COVID-19 to India. If you can give us the details? Emmanuel Lenain: In France, we have a saying, there is no such thing as love, only proofs of love. That is what is happening between France and India. Your country has helped us tremendously during the peak of COVID-19 in France a few months ago. Indian PM Modi has allowed export of medical goods, drugs for French hospitals. Today we want to reciprocate and help India steer through the COVID-19 crisis. We have sent an exceptional package of assistance. There are some ventilators, testing kits, best of the best experts who will interact and exchange best practices with Indians counterparts. We have been discussing with the Indian government for weeks now to find exactly what is needed. Many things that we will be giving will be used to transport medically ill patients. Testing kits, 50, 000 of them. All this has been brought in a military plane which has been refit to transport patients. WION: How are both India and France collaborating during the coronavirus crisis especially when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine. Emmanuel Lenain: We have been collaborating since the beginning, at all level. Your PM, my president have been talking extensively, exchanging good practices. What they can do at the national level, launch international and multilateral level basically it goes from response to way out. The way out obviously will be via a vaccine. We recognise India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine. It has been for years, it is going to be like this for COVID-19. We push for strong collaboration between our institute, between our companies, research to make sure an affordable, efficient vaccine will be provided to our population as quickly as possible, as widely as possible. WION: Five Rafales will land in India on Wednesday..how do you see the development in terms of defence partnership? Emmanuel Lenain: We are very proud of it and delighted they are coming. These are outstanding planes. It shows the strong partnership between our two countries. They are coming with Indian pilots and technicians. They have been trained in France and from what I understand they have been doing very good. WION: And any special way to welcome them in India... Emmanuel Lenain: You have to ask the Indian authorities but they are planning something outstanding in coming weeks. WION: Global Geopolitics is changing very fast.. while countries are coming together, we have seen an aggressive China..the Galwan incident..how do you see these developments? Emmanuel Lenain: The world out of COVID-19 is not going to be a simple world. The world is going to be even more dangerous in many aspects and that is why you need to reinforce partnership and friends in India are doing that and I am very confident when I see the strength of the partnership between our two countries.

Rafale deal show strong partnership between India, France, says French envoy Lenain

Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling

Tracking Rafale: From France to Ambala air base - Meet the braveheart pilots who will bring the 'beasts' home

Chinese and Indian troops have "completed disengagement" on most parts of the disputed border between their two countries after violent clashes broke out in June, AFP reported quoting China's foreign ministry on Tuesday.

Tensions soared between the two countries in June after the deadliest fighting in decades in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed on the Himalayan border.

"The situation on the ground continues to cool down and de-escalate," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-indian-paratroopers-conduct-air-exercise-in-ladakh-314080">India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh</a>

"The frontline border troops of the two countries have already completed disengagement at most places," he told reporters in Beijing.

Wang said the two sides were preparing for a fifth round of talks between military commanders at an unspecified date.

After the clash on June 15, Chinese and Indian officials met and agreed to deescalate the situation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

But the nuclear-armed neighbours have continued to reinforce the border between Ladakh and Tibet. India has deployed thousands more troops and is conducting extra military flights over the mountainous region.

Meanwhile, anti-China sentiment has soared in India since the skirmish resulting in&nbsp;street protests and calls for Chinese products to be banned in the nation of 1.3 billion people.

The Indian government has banned dozens of Chinese apps including the highly popular video-sharing platform TikTok stating&nbsp;national security and privacy concerns.

Chinese and Indian troops have "completed disengagement" on most parts of the disputed border between their two countries after violent clashes broke out in June, AFP reported quoting China's foreign ministry on Tuesday.

Chinese and Indian troops have "completed disengagement" on most parts of the disputed border between their two countries after violent clashes broke out in June, AFP reported quoting China's foreign ministry on Tuesday. Tensions soared between the two countries in June after the deadliest fighting in decades in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed on the Himalayan border. "The situation on the ground continues to cool down and de-escalate," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press briefing. Also read: India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh "The frontline border troops of the two countries have already completed disengagement at most places," he told reporters in Beijing. Wang said the two sides were preparing for a fifth round of talks between military commanders at an unspecified date. After the clash on June 15, Chinese and Indian officials met and agreed to deescalate the situation. Also read: What should India do now to fight China's provocations? But the nuclear-armed neighbours have continued to reinforce the border between Ladakh and Tibet. India has deployed thousands more troops and is conducting extra military flights over the mountainous region. Meanwhile, anti-China sentiment has soared in India since the skirmish resulting in street protests and calls for Chinese products to be banned in the nation of 1.3 billion people. The Indian government has banned dozens of Chinese apps including the highly popular video-sharing platform TikTok stating national security and privacy concerns.

Chinese and Indian troops have 'completed disengagement', says China's foreign ministry

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday extended the bi-weekly partial lockdown till August 31 across the state in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that is touching 67,000-mark in West Bengal.&nbsp;

She said there would be no lockdown in the state on August 1st on the occasion of Bakrid.

"We have decided to extend the partial lockdown in the state till August 31. Earlier, it was in force till July 31. Corona is now at its peak in Bengal. If the situation improves we will take the next call accordingly," she said, adding that there will be lockdown in containment zones only on August 1 and complete lockdown on Sunday.

Banerjee said that there would also be no lockdown on August 3 because of Raksha Bandhan.

Next bi-weekly lockdown will be enforced on August 8-9 (Saturday and Sunday). Bi-weekly complete lockdown in West Bengal will be on August 2, 5, 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30.

Banerjee said that all the government and private offices, commercial establishments, public and private transport would remain closed during the lockdown. The next lockdown is scheduled on July 29 (Wednesday).

Only the essential services will be functional. Petrol pumps are allowed to open. The functioning of courts, work in agricultural fields and tea gardens, intra-state and inter-state goods movements and home delivery of cooked food will be permitted during the extended partial lockdown.

"We have tentative plans to open schools on alternate days from September 5 but that can only be possible if the situation improves," Banerjee said. 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday extended the bi-weekly partial lockdown till August 31 across the state in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that is touching 67,000-mark in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday extended the bi-weekly partial lockdown till August 31 across the state in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus that is touching 67,000-mark in West Bengal. She said there would be no lockdown in the state on August 1st on the occasion of Bakrid. "We have decided to extend the partial lockdown in the state till August 31. Earlier, it was in force till July 31. Corona is now at its peak in Bengal. If the situation improves we will take the next call accordingly," she said, adding that there will be lockdown in containment zones only on August 1 and complete lockdown on Sunday. Banerjee said that there would also be no lockdown on August 3 because of Raksha Bandhan. Next bi-weekly lockdown will be enforced on August 8-9 (Saturday and Sunday). Bi-weekly complete lockdown in West Bengal will be on August 2, 5, 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30. Banerjee said that all the government and private offices, commercial establishments, public and private transport would remain closed during the lockdown. The next lockdown is scheduled on July 29 (Wednesday). Only the essential services will be functional. Petrol pumps are allowed to open. The functioning of courts, work in agricultural fields and tea gardens, intra-state and inter-state goods movements and home delivery of cooked food will be permitted during the extended partial lockdown. "We have tentative plans to open schools on alternate days from September 5 but that can only be possible if the situation improves," Banerjee said.

Mamata Banerjee extends partial lockdown in Bengal till Aug 31

The chapter on controversial 18th Century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali are among those that have been dropped from the class 7 social science textbook,following the Karnataka government's decision to reduce the 2020-21 syllabi due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the chapters on Tipu have been retained in the class 6 and 10 books, official sources said.

The revised syllabus uploaded on the Karnataka Text Book Society (KTBS) website shows that in class 7, social science text, chapter 5 that deals with Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, Historical places of Mysore, and Administration of Commissioners have been dropped.

The Department of Public Instructions decided to reduce the syllabus for the year 2020-21 in view of the pandemic and disruption in the academic calendar for the year, that has been brought down to 120 working days.

Responding to a question on dropping the chapter, officials said it should be noted that the students study about Tipu in classes 6 and 10.

A couple of months back, amid the growing clamour from some BJP leaders to remove a chapter in the textbook glorifying Tipu Sultan, the government had constituted an expert committee to look into it.

The committee however had recommended that the ruler cannot be ignored from the school syllabus.

Commenting on the development, Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar said that the BJP government was taking such decisions with a political agenda in mind.

Pointing out that Tipu was a historical figure, he said "history is history...You cannot change history.

We will not accept it. Congress will take it seriously by setting up a committee to look into it."

Soon after coming to power, the BJP government in Karnataka had scrapped the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan, an annual government event the party had been opposing since 2015 when it was launched during the Congress rule, led by Siddaramaiah.

The BJP and right-wing organisations have been strongly opposing Tipu, calling the erstwhile Mysore king a "religious bigot".

Tipu was considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company.

He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatnam against the British forces.

Tipu Sultan, however, is a controversial figure in Kodagu district as Kodavas (Coorgis), a martial race, believe that thousands of their men and women were held captive during his occupation and subjected to torture, death and forcible conversion to Islam.

He was also accused of execution of Mandyam Iyengars at the temple town of Melkote in Mandya district on the day of Deepawali as they supported the then Maharaja of Mysuru.

However, the scale of such suppression is disputed by several historians, as they see Tipu as a secular and modern ruler who took on the might of the British.

While BJP and some Hindu organisations see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", a few Kannada outfits call him "anti-Kannada", saying he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language.&nbsp;

The chapter on controversial 18th Century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali are among those that have been dropped from the class 7 social science textbook,following the Karnataka government's decision to reduce the 2020-21 syllabi due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chapter on controversial 18th Century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali are among those that have been dropped from the class 7 social science textbook,following the Karnataka government's decision to reduce the 2020-21 syllabi due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the chapters on Tipu have been retained in the class 6 and 10 books, official sources said. The revised syllabus uploaded on the Karnataka Text Book Society (KTBS) website shows that in class 7, social science text, chapter 5 that deals with Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, Historical places of Mysore, and Administration of Commissioners have been dropped. The Department of Public Instructions decided to reduce the syllabus for the year 2020-21 in view of the pandemic and disruption in the academic calendar for the year, that has been brought down to 120 working days. Responding to a question on dropping the chapter, officials said it should be noted that the students study about Tipu in classes 6 and 10. A couple of months back, amid the growing clamour from some BJP leaders to remove a chapter in the textbook glorifying Tipu Sultan, the government had constituted an expert committee to look into it. The committee however had recommended that the ruler cannot be ignored from the school syllabus. Commenting on the development, Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar said that the BJP government was taking such decisions with a political agenda in mind. Pointing out that Tipu was a historical figure, he said "history is history...You cannot change history. We will not accept it. Congress will take it seriously by setting up a committee to look into it." Soon after coming to power, the BJP government in Karnataka had scrapped the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan, an annual government event the party had been opposing since 2015 when it was launched during the Congress rule, led by Siddaramaiah. The BJP and right-wing organisations have been strongly opposing Tipu, calling the erstwhile Mysore king a "religious bigot". Tipu was considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort at Srirangapatnam against the British forces. Tipu Sultan, however, is a controversial figure in Kodagu district as Kodavas (Coorgis), a martial race, believe that thousands of their men and women were held captive during his occupation and subjected to torture, death and forcible conversion to Islam. He was also accused of execution of Mandyam Iyengars at the temple town of Melkote in Mandya district on the day of Deepawali as they supported the then Maharaja of Mysuru. However, the scale of such suppression is disputed by several historians, as they see Tipu as a secular and modern ruler who took on the might of the British. While BJP and some Hindu organisations see Tipu as a "religious bigot" and a "brutal killer", a few Kannada outfits call him "anti-Kannada", saying he had promoted Persian at the cost of the local language.

Chapter on Tipu Sultan dropped from class 7 textbook in Karnataka

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story.

In his reponse to WION's story on its Twitter handle, junior Netanyahu wrote&nbsp;'I love India! Jai Hind!'.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahus-son-apologises-after-his-tweet-offends-indians-316471">Netanyahu's son apologises after his tweet offends Indians</a>

On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face.

Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger.

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<a href="https://t.co/hempNhuW0u">https://t.co/hempNhuW0u</a>
— Yair Netanyahu 🇮🇱 (@YairNetanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/YairNetanyahu/status/1288081667366817792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, critizing political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image conected to the majestic Hindu faith,'' he said on Twitter.

&nbsp;''As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologize,'' he added.

The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West.

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story.

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story. In his reponse to WION's story on its Twitter handle, junior Netanyahu wrote 'I love India! Jai Hind!'. Also read: Netanyahu's son apologises after his tweet offends Indians On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face. Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger. https://t.co/hempNhuW0u — Yair Netanyahu 🇮🇱 (@YairNetanyahu) July 28, 2020 × ''I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, critizing political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image conected to the majestic Hindu faith,'' he said on Twitter. ''As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologize,'' he added. The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West.

'I love India! Jai Hind!' says Yair Netanyahu in response to WION's report on 'offensive' tweet

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government.

The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? &nbsp;Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed.

One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan.

One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies.

We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics.&nbsp;

Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver.

The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc.

The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy.&nbsp;

The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it.

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government. The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed. One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan. One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies. We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics. Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver. The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc. The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy. The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Dynasts in democracy: The rise and surprise of Sachin Pilot

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