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Congress on Saturday announced that it will be holding protests outside different Raj Bhavans across the country on July 27 against the saffron party's alleged attempts to topple its democratically elected governments.

All India Congress Committee general secretary KC Venugopal alleged in a statement that the very basic constitutional and democratic frame of the nation is facing an unprecedented attack from the BJP.

"Democratic institutions, constitutional values and institutions are being subverted and subjugated in a dangerously premeditated manner, with democratically elected opposition governments in one state after another being toppled by the BJP, using money, intimidation and blatant misuse of constitutional bodies and functionaries," he said.

"Horse trading to topple democratically elected governments has become the normal. What is more deplorable is that, at a time when the entire country is reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, floods and severe economic and financial difficulties, the BJP is going all out to unsettle elected governments - in the process derailing governance and preparedness to handle COVID and other pressing issues," he also alleged.

In this context, the Congress party has decided to launch nationwide protests in front of different Raj Bhavans against these "anti-democratic and anti-constitutional actions" perpetrated by the BJP, he said.

The BJP and its leaders are playing their "dirty game" to topple one of the "most efficient" state governments which has received praises from across the globe for successfully handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress leader alleged.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday announced that it will be holding protests outside different Raj Bhavans across the country on July 27 against the saffron party's alleged attempts to topple its democratically elected governments.

Congress on Saturday announced that it will be holding protests outside different Raj Bhavans across the country on July 27 against the saffron party's alleged attempts to topple its democratically elected governments. All India Congress Committee general secretary KC Venugopal alleged in a statement that the very basic constitutional and democratic frame of the nation is facing an unprecedented attack from the BJP. "Democratic institutions, constitutional values and institutions are being subverted and subjugated in a dangerously premeditated manner, with democratically elected opposition governments in one state after another being toppled by the BJP, using money, intimidation and blatant misuse of constitutional bodies and functionaries," he said. "Horse trading to topple democratically elected governments has become the normal. What is more deplorable is that, at a time when the entire country is reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, floods and severe economic and financial difficulties, the BJP is going all out to unsettle elected governments - in the process derailing governance and preparedness to handle COVID and other pressing issues," he also alleged. In this context, the Congress party has decided to launch nationwide protests in front of different Raj Bhavans against these "anti-democratic and anti-constitutional actions" perpetrated by the BJP, he said. The BJP and its leaders are playing their "dirty game" to topple one of the "most efficient" state governments which has received praises from across the globe for successfully handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress leader alleged. (With inputs from PTI)

Cong to protest outside Raj Bhavans across the country on Monday

11 Afghan Sikhs including abducted Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh, will reach Delhi on Sunday. The remaining 10 are family members of the Afghan Sikhs who were killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack earlier this year.

11 Afghan Sikhs including abducted Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh, will reach Delhi on Sunday. The remaining 10 are family members of the Afghan Sikhs who were killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack earlier this year. More than 25 Afghan Sikhs and One Indian Sikh were killed on the March 25th Gurudwara terror attack in Kabul. Hopes are high among the 11 Sikhs who are hopeful of being granted Indian citizenship. Charan Singh, the brother in law of Nidan Singh who is in Delhi told WION, "I am hopeful on citizenship front." Indian government earlier this month said that it will give Afghan Hindus and Sikhs visas and examine Indian citizenship requests. The spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Shrivastava, in response to a WION question at the weekly presser last week said that Indian government has been receiving requests from these communities that "they want to move to India and settle down here" and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, "we are facilitating the requests". Indian mission in Kabul is "providing them necessary visas" to come to India and once they reach here the request for citizenship will be "examined and acted upon" based on "rules and policies", he explained. While no details have been given on the rules, India could give citizenship to these Afghan minorities under the citizenship amendment law passed last year. India's announcement on visa facilitation and citizenship is being lauded globally. Karanjee Gaba, a London based Afghan Sikh currently working as a model told WION, "I am glad that India has taken the initiative to step up and help the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, by giving them a place in their nation to help them out, as sudden attacks on the minority is a massive action by the Taliban and they need the support." A US congressman, Jim Costa in response to India's offer to help Afghan minorities said, "This marks an important step toward protecting Afghanistan’s Sikh and Hindu communities from imminent destruction at the hands of terrorists." Delhi sees the "recent spurt of attacks on Hindus and Sikh community" in Afghanistan by "terrorists at the behest of external supporters", indicating Pakistan's involvement. The wife of kidnapped Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh, who was kidnapped from Gurdwara Tala Sahib, Chamkani in Afghanistan, had written to Indian Prime Minister Modi requesting for assistance from Indian government for the release of her husband and also grant citizenship. Mahrwanti wrote to PM on 25th June saying, "I request you to kindly repatriate him back to New Delhi immediately after his release and grant us Indian citizenship at the earliest". Singh and his family of six __ wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters -- had moved to India in 1992 due to civil unrest in Afghanistan and have been staying in New Delhi as refugees.

First batch of 'facilitated' Afghan Sikhs to reach India on Sunday, optimistic about citizenship

Chennai Air Customs have seized four parcels that arrived via foreign post from Germany and Netherlands, which contained different variants of Ecstasy Pills and MDMA crystals. The contraband, which includes 276 MDMA pills, 7 grams of MDMA crystals is valued at over $12,000 (Rs. 9 Lakhs) and has been seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.&nbsp;

The first parcel which arrived from Germany, contained two plastic pouches that had 100 red color and 50 blue color MDMA pills concealed in them. The red color pills were embossed with the logo of e-vehicle major Tesla, whereas the blue ones had the logo of gaming company EA Sports.&nbsp;

The former contains 224 mg of MDMA and latter contain 176 mg of MDMA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-cops-perform-final-rites-after-aged-couple-end-lives-due-to-poverty-sons-neglect-315736">Also read:&nbsp;Chennai: Cops perform final rites after aged couple end lives due to poverty, sons' neglect</a>

100 peach color MDMA pills were found in the second parcel, which had arrived from Netherlands. These pills were in the shape of a human skull known as MY BRAND/ Totenkopf Skull and contain 248 mg MDMA.

The third parcel (consigned from Netherlands) contained 26 pink colour pills of MDMA that were marked with Jurassis and had an image of a Dinosaur on it. They contain around 300mg MDMA.&nbsp;

Any dosage over 120mg of MDMA is considered lethal.

The fourth parcel on examination was found to contain 7 grams of MDMA Crystal.&nbsp;

While two parcels were addressed to persons residing in Chennai city, the other two were addressed to Auroville in Villupuram, near Pondicherry and the Salem district.

“After the nationwide lockdown in late March, given the unavailability of liquor and other intoxicants, we have seen frequent attempts to smuggle drugs in via Foreign post. &nbsp;Especially, Synthetic drugs and crystals of high dosage, most of which are coming in from Europe. While we have earlier tracked down smugglers to other states and districts this is the first time we have traced users down to Auroville, which is near Pondicherry” Rajan Chaudhary, Commisioner Customs told WION.

Follow up searches have led to the detention of an individual to ascertain his role in the parcels that were consigned for Chennai city.&nbsp;

In Villupuram, the consignee was found to be a young Indian lady, who works as a volunteer in Auroville. She has been detained to ascertain her role in the smuggling.&nbsp;

On investigation at the consignee address in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, it was found that the consignee name was fake. Investigation is in progress, officials said.&nbsp;

Chennai Air Customs have seized four parcels that arrived via foreign post from Germany and Netherlands, which contained different variants of Ecstasy Pills and MDMA crystals.

Chennai Air Customs have seized four parcels that arrived via foreign post from Germany and Netherlands, which contained different variants of Ecstasy Pills and MDMA crystals. The contraband, which includes 276 MDMA pills, 7 grams of MDMA crystals is valued at over $12,000 (Rs. 9 Lakhs) and has been seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The first parcel which arrived from Germany, contained two plastic pouches that had 100 red color and 50 blue color MDMA pills concealed in them. The red color pills were embossed with the logo of e-vehicle major Tesla, whereas the blue ones had the logo of gaming company EA Sports. The former contains 224 mg of MDMA and latter contain 176 mg of MDMA. Also read: Chennai: Cops perform final rites after aged couple end lives due to poverty, sons' neglect 100 peach color MDMA pills were found in the second parcel, which had arrived from Netherlands. These pills were in the shape of a human skull known as MY BRAND/ Totenkopf Skull and contain 248 mg MDMA. The third parcel (consigned from Netherlands) contained 26 pink colour pills of MDMA that were marked with Jurassis and had an image of a Dinosaur on it. They contain around 300mg MDMA. Any dosage over 120mg of MDMA is considered lethal. The fourth parcel on examination was found to contain 7 grams of MDMA Crystal. While two parcels were addressed to persons residing in Chennai city, the other two were addressed to Auroville in Villupuram, near Pondicherry and the Salem district. “After the nationwide lockdown in late March, given the unavailability of liquor and other intoxicants, we have seen frequent attempts to smuggle drugs in via Foreign post. Especially, Synthetic drugs and crystals of high dosage, most of which are coming in from Europe. While we have earlier tracked down smugglers to other states and districts this is the first time we have traced users down to Auroville, which is near Pondicherry” Rajan Chaudhary, Commisioner Customs told WION. Follow up searches have led to the detention of an individual to ascertain his role in the parcels that were consigned for Chennai city. In Villupuram, the consignee was found to be a young Indian lady, who works as a volunteer in Auroville. She has been detained to ascertain her role in the smuggling. On investigation at the consignee address in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, it was found that the consignee name was fake. Investigation is in progress, officials said.

Chennai: MDMA crystals, Ecstasy pill variants ‘Tesla’, ‘EA Sports’ ‘Jurassis’ worth $12000 seized

At a time when Coronavirus is gripping the entire country, researchers at IIT Kharagpur have developed a portable rapid low-cost test kit to detect Covid-19. This first-of-its-kind device can test each sample at the cost of Rs.

At a time when Coronavirus is gripping the entire country, researchers at IIT Kharagpur have developed a portable rapid low-cost test kit to detect Covid-19. This first-of-its-kind device can test each sample at the cost of Rs.400 and the test results can be ascertained within an hour. The results will later be available in a smartphone application. With a special feature of being a portable test kit, the tests can be conducted at any given location acting as an alternative to specialised laboratory equipment. While other test kits are limited to a certain number of sample it can test, this portable rapid test kit can continue testing samples after a mere replacement of the paper cartridge post each test. Prof. Suman Chakraborty from the Mechanical Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur, and Dr. Arindam Mondal from the School of Bio Science, IIT Kharagpur, came up with the concept of a portable non-invasive rapid detection test for COVID-19. This test kit takes the testing mechanism to a whole new level that comes at an affordable cost and minimal infrastructural support. “The greater challenge is complete elimination of the need for any specialized infrastructure and ensuring the possibility of conducting tests at large scale at low cost without compromised accuracy. The RT-PCR based tests suffer from a compelling constraint of requiring an elaborate laboratory-infrastructure and support system including the operational and maintenance cost, to perform the tests,” said Chakraborty. According to the researches of IIT Kharagpur who worked on this device, say that the device has been proven to produce no false result with remarkable accuracy and sensitivity compatible to standard RT-PCR tests. “The unique portable device developed by the IIT Kharagpur researchers has not only been validated for the diagnostics of COVID-19, but also been designed to be capable of detecting any other kind of RNA virus by following the same generic procedure. The impact of this, therefore, is long lasting, empowered by the capability of detecting unforeseen viral pandemics in the coming years that may potentially endanger human lives time and again,” said Mondal. This apart, IIT Kharagpur is ready for commercialization of the product. Any corporate or start-up can approach the Institute for technology licensing and commercial scale of production. The Institute is open to tie-ups, including a mode where the government intervenes with regards to meeting our low-cost healthcare objective for the under-served community as a policy measure to protect the interest of public health amidst the pandemic situation, instead of merely developing a strong profit-oriented model.

IIT Kharagpur develops rapid portable COVID-19 test kit at Rs 400

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew'&nbsp;on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city.

The streets in the city wore a deserted look today morning. Besides, barricades were also seen stationed at different junctures on the road.

According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117.

The active cases in the state stand at 1,43,714. It said that 5,714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967.

The bulletin added that 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 and the death toll has gone to 13,132. As many as 304 patients have died due to other causes.&nbsp;

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew' on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city.

In wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, Maharashtra`s Nagpur city will observe 'Janta Curfew' on Saturday and Sunday to curb the further spread of the infection. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) imposed the curfew for two days, during which essential services shall remain open in the city. The streets in the city wore a deserted look today morning. Besides, barricades were also seen stationed at different junctures on the road. According to a bulletin released by the state public health department, Maharashtra on Friday reported 9,615 new COVID-19 cases taking the total coronavirus case count in the state to 3,57,117. The active cases in the state stand at 1,43,714. It said that 5,714 patients were discharged on Friday taking the number of recovered patients to 1,99,967. The bulletin added that 278 deaths were due to COVID-19 and the death toll has gone to 13,132. As many as 304 patients have died due to other causes.

Janta Curfew in Nagpur on Saturday and Sunday

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said.

Heavy rainfalls caused the rivers to swell, leading to breach in embankments at more than one place. The state government said repair work would resume only after two-three days, during which the downpour is expected to become less intense.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-million-children-affected-by-recent-floods-in-india-unicef-315491">2.4 million children affected by recent floods in India: UNICEF</a>

In the meantime, help will be sought from the Indian Air Force so that relief material could be dropped for people marooned in places, which have become inaccessible.

According to the bulletin issued by the state's disaster management department, West Champaran district, situated along the border with Nepal and through which flows the Gandak river, originating in the neighbouring country and currently in full spate, has borne the brunt accounting for seven of the deaths.

It is home to about 1.43 lakh people affected by the floods, out of whom more than 5,000 have so far been evacuated and taken to safer places by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and one of the SDRF.

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said.

The floods in Bihar claimed at least 10 lives till Friday and hit as many districts in the northern parts of the state, leaving nearly one million affected by the deluge, the state's disaster management department said. Heavy rainfalls caused the rivers to swell, leading to breach in embankments at more than one place. The state government said repair work would resume only after two-three days, during which the downpour is expected to become less intense. Also read- 2.4 million children affected by recent floods in India: UNICEF In the meantime, help will be sought from the Indian Air Force so that relief material could be dropped for people marooned in places, which have become inaccessible. According to the bulletin issued by the state's disaster management department, West Champaran district, situated along the border with Nepal and through which flows the Gandak river, originating in the neighbouring country and currently in full spate, has borne the brunt accounting for seven of the deaths. It is home to about 1.43 lakh people affected by the floods, out of whom more than 5,000 have so far been evacuated and taken to safer places by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and one of the SDRF.

Floods claim 10 lives in Bihar, nearly 1 million people affected in 10 districts

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting the search, militants fired upon them.&nbsp;The forces retaliated, ensuing a gunfight.

The identity and group affiliation of the militants are&nbsp;being ascertained as per the&nbsp;Kashmir Zone Police.

The search operation is going on and further details were awaited.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of the city this morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting the search, militants fired upon them. The forces retaliated, ensuing a gunfight. The identity and group affiliation of the militants are being ascertained as per the Kashmir Zone Police. The search operation is going on and further details were awaited.

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces near Srinagar

India will handover 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh on Monday, providing the neighbouring country mobility solutions for both intra-country and inter-country movement.

Senior dignitaries from both the countries are expected to flag off the handover, which will be conducted via video conferencing, according to a statement.

The dignitaries include foreign ministers, railways ministers and high commissioners of both the countries, Railway Board chairman and others officials at the local stations on both sides of the border, it said.

The physical location of the handover will be the Gede station of the Eastern Railway in West Bengal's Nadia district and the receiving station of Darshana on the Bangladesh side. 
Bangladesh had sent a proposal to India in April last year for procurement of these locos, with 72 per cent of its present ones already crossing their economic life.

The 3300 HP WDM3D locos being given to Bangladesh have a residual life of 28 years or more and are designed for a speed of 120 kmph. They are suitable for hauling freight as well as passenger trains and have a microprocessor-based control system.

"It will help in movement within Bangladesh as well as inter country movement," the statement said.

"The Railways has modified the locos to suit the maximum height restrictions in BR (Bangladesh Railway)," it said. "We are keen to partner with BR for supply and maintenance of all types of rolling stock."

These locomotives would provide improved train operations within the BR and also for interchange with the Indian Railways, and strengthen the partnership between both the transporters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India will handover 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh on Monday, providing the neighbouring country mobility solutions for both intra-country and inter-country movement.

India will handover 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh on Monday, providing the neighbouring country mobility solutions for both intra-country and inter-country movement. Senior dignitaries from both the countries are expected to flag off the handover, which will be conducted via video conferencing, according to a statement. The dignitaries include foreign ministers, railways ministers and high commissioners of both the countries, Railway Board chairman and others officials at the local stations on both sides of the border, it said. The physical location of the handover will be the Gede station of the Eastern Railway in West Bengal's Nadia district and the receiving station of Darshana on the Bangladesh side. Bangladesh had sent a proposal to India in April last year for procurement of these locos, with 72 per cent of its present ones already crossing their economic life. The 3300 HP WDM3D locos being given to Bangladesh have a residual life of 28 years or more and are designed for a speed of 120 kmph. They are suitable for hauling freight as well as passenger trains and have a microprocessor-based control system. "It will help in movement within Bangladesh as well as inter country movement," the statement said. "The Railways has modified the locos to suit the maximum height restrictions in BR (Bangladesh Railway)," it said. "We are keen to partner with BR for supply and maintenance of all types of rolling stock." These locomotives would provide improved train operations within the BR and also for interchange with the Indian Railways, and strengthen the partnership between both the transporters.

India to handover 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment.

The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot.

"There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions."

"This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview.

Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party.

He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due.

"But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said.

Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls.

If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said.

Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said.

"Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said.

Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power.

Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress.

He has neither left the party nor been expelled.

Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president.

Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal.

"In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said.

When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative.

Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders.

Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said.

Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party.

He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

"This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said.

When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics.

"There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said.

Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party.

"We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said.

Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past."

He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician".

Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies.

"He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon. Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment. The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot. "There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions." "This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview. Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party. He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due. "But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said. Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls. If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said. Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said. "Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said. Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power. Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress. He has neither left the party nor been expelled. Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president. Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal. "In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said. When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative. Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders. Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said. Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party. He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said. When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics. "There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said. Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party. "We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said. Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past." He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician". Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies. "He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

'Overambitious' young leaders quitting Congress as they feel party won't come to power soon: Adhir

The COVID-19 cases continued to soar in Kerala breaching the grim 1,000 mark for the second straight day on Thursday, taking the tally past the 16,000 mark with the state government saying the option of a complete lockdown again to manage the situation cannot be ruled out.

A decision on lockdown would be taken after consultations with all stakeholders, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said as the state has been logging higher number of cases with a large number among the thousands of people who returned to the state since Unlock-1 phase last month testing positive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/single-day-cases-surpass-1000-mark-in-kerala-as-total-covid-19-tally-tops-15000-315203">Single day cases surpass 1000 mark in Kerala as total COVID-19 tally tops 15,000</a>

He also announced the formation of "Covid Brigade" consisting of doctors, para-medical staff and volunteers to man the First Line Treatment Centres (FLTC) that would treat asymptomatic and less complicated COVID-19 patients, and said additional manpower would be mobilised for them.

The state reported 1,078 fresh cases out of which 798 contracted the disease through their contacts, marking back- to-back four digit spikes after 1,038 cases on Wednesday, causing concern.

"We need to discuss the matter with everyone in the society. The medical experts have given their opinion. An option of complete lockdown cannot be ruled out yet but a decision has not yet been taken.

"We need to introspect all the aspects related to it and take a decision accordingly," Vijayan told reporters here when asked about the government's plan on lockdown.

The total infection tally has touched 16,110 and the toll has climbed to 50 with five more COVID-19 deaths reported from different districts.

The worst hit Thiruvananthapuram district, with 222 fresh cases on Thursday, has 2,583 patients under treatment, followed by Ernakulam 989, Alappuzha 763 and Kollam 745.

A total of 1,58,117 people are under observation in the state.

Vijayan "Covid Brigade" would be set up by mobilising additional manpower in addition to the health department staff.

"More people are needed to strengthen Covid defensive operations in view of the rising numbers of cases. We have worked out an integrated action plan. In addition to the staff in the health department, more contract health workers, including those from the National Health Mission, will be appointed," he said.

They would get a higher salary as determined from time to time and there will be a proportional increase. Besides, health insurance cover and incentives would be extended to them.

The brigade should be seen as an army that includes doctors, nurses, other paramedical staff as well as volunteers to combat the virus, he said.

Certificates of appreciation will be given to student volunteers who have been involved in the COVID defence activities, he said adding remuneration for those currently engaged in these activities would be increased.

At present half of the active cases are in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts.

On the upcoming Eid festival, Vijayan said the government had held discussions with the religious leaders, who had agreed to celebrate the day by strictly following COVID-19 health protocols.

"They have agreed to cooperate in accordance with the state COVID-19 health protocol. There will be no public Eid gahs, but it will be held with participation of a maximum of 100 people indoors in mosques which are now open. Those mosques which are closed, will remain closed," he said.

Meanwhile, the state cabinet Thursday decided to recommend the Governor to postponement of the assembly session scheduled for July 27, citing rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ramesh Chennithala described the move as an attempt to stave off the no-confidence motion planned by the UDF against the Left government over the gold smuggling case.

Chennithala, earlier in the day, alleged the session was deferred due to political reasons and expressed strong resentment and protest against the move.

Vijayan, however, rejected the charge.

"The no-confidence motion was not a reason at all. The COVID cases have been on a rise in the state and especially in the capital city where the Assembly is situated. Most of the members are above 65 years of age. The matter was discussed with the Opposition Leader before the decision was taken," he said.

The one-day session was earlier convened for passing the Kerala Finance Bill, which could not be done earlier as the budget session was adjourned in March in view of COVID-19 situation.

As per the provisions of the Constitution, the Assembly should meet once in six months and in Kerala, the last session concluded on March 13.

The government would have to convene the next session on or before September 12. 
&nbsp;

The COVID-19 cases continued to soar in Kerala breaching the grim 1,000 mark for the second straight day on Thursday, taking the tally past the 16,000 mark with the state government saying the option of a complete lockdown again to manage the situation cannot be ruled out.

The COVID-19 cases continued to soar in Kerala breaching the grim 1,000 mark for the second straight day on Thursday, taking the tally past the 16,000 mark with the state government saying the option of a complete lockdown again to manage the situation cannot be ruled out. A decision on lockdown would be taken after consultations with all stakeholders, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said as the state has been logging higher number of cases with a large number among the thousands of people who returned to the state since Unlock-1 phase last month testing positive. Also read | Single day cases surpass 1000 mark in Kerala as total COVID-19 tally tops 15,000 He also announced the formation of "Covid Brigade" consisting of doctors, para-medical staff and volunteers to man the First Line Treatment Centres (FLTC) that would treat asymptomatic and less complicated COVID-19 patients, and said additional manpower would be mobilised for them. The state reported 1,078 fresh cases out of which 798 contracted the disease through their contacts, marking back- to-back four digit spikes after 1,038 cases on Wednesday, causing concern. "We need to discuss the matter with everyone in the society. The medical experts have given their opinion. An option of complete lockdown cannot be ruled out yet but a decision has not yet been taken. "We need to introspect all the aspects related to it and take a decision accordingly," Vijayan told reporters here when asked about the government's plan on lockdown. The total infection tally has touched 16,110 and the toll has climbed to 50 with five more COVID-19 deaths reported from different districts. The worst hit Thiruvananthapuram district, with 222 fresh cases on Thursday, has 2,583 patients under treatment, followed by Ernakulam 989, Alappuzha 763 and Kollam 745. A total of 1,58,117 people are under observation in the state. Vijayan "Covid Brigade" would be set up by mobilising additional manpower in addition to the health department staff. "More people are needed to strengthen Covid defensive operations in view of the rising numbers of cases. We have worked out an integrated action plan. In addition to the staff in the health department, more contract health workers, including those from the National Health Mission, will be appointed," he said. They would get a higher salary as determined from time to time and there will be a proportional increase. Besides, health insurance cover and incentives would be extended to them. The brigade should be seen as an army that includes doctors, nurses, other paramedical staff as well as volunteers to combat the virus, he said. Certificates of appreciation will be given to student volunteers who have been involved in the COVID defence activities, he said adding remuneration for those currently engaged in these activities would be increased. At present half of the active cases are in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. On the upcoming Eid festival, Vijayan said the government had held discussions with the religious leaders, who had agreed to celebrate the day by strictly following COVID-19 health protocols. "They have agreed to cooperate in accordance with the state COVID-19 health protocol. There will be no public Eid gahs, but it will be held with participation of a maximum of 100 people indoors in mosques which are now open. Those mosques which are closed, will remain closed," he said. Meanwhile, the state cabinet Thursday decided to recommend the Governor to postponement of the assembly session scheduled for July 27, citing rising number of COVID-19 cases. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ramesh Chennithala described the move as an attempt to stave off the no-confidence motion planned by the UDF against the Left government over the gold smuggling case. Chennithala, earlier in the day, alleged the session was deferred due to political reasons and expressed strong resentment and protest against the move. Vijayan, however, rejected the charge. "The no-confidence motion was not a reason at all. The COVID cases have been on a rise in the state and especially in the capital city where the Assembly is situated. Most of the members are above 65 years of age. The matter was discussed with the Opposition Leader before the decision was taken," he said. The one-day session was earlier convened for passing the Kerala Finance Bill, which could not be done earlier as the budget session was adjourned in March in view of COVID-19 situation. As per the provisions of the Constitution, the Assembly should meet once in six months and in Kerala, the last session concluded on March 13. The government would have to convene the next session on or before September 12.

Kerala records over 1,000 COVID-19 cases for second straight day

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

"The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united,"&nbsp;Gehlot told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/useless-idle-ashok-gehlot-sharpens-attack-against-sachin-pilot-314781">'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot</a>

He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon".

"Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it,"&nbsp;he said.

About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan.

Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha.

The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs.

But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear.

The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices.

Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided.

"They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out,"&nbsp;he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed,"&nbsp;he alleged.

"I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us,"&nbsp;the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support.

Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session.

Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72.

Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests.

Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample.

Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination.

"We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre.

Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away.

When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj".

The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop,"&nbsp;he said.

"The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country,"&nbsp;he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy."

He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis"&nbsp;or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic. 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House. "The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united," Gehlot told reporters. Also read | 'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon". "Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it," he said. About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan. Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha. The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs. But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear. The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices. Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided. "They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out," he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed," he alleged. "I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us," the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support. Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session. Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72. Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests. Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample. Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination. "We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre. Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away. When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj". The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop," he said. "The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country," he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy." He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis" or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic.

Ashok Gehlot says assembly session to be called soon for proving majority

India saw a record single-day spike of 49,310 coronavirus cases taking the country's tally to 12,87,945 on Friday, while the recoveries surged to 8,17,208.

The death toll mounted to 30,601 with 740 new fatalities reported in a span of 24 hours. The death toll is the sixth-biggest behind the US, Brazil, Britain, Mexico and Italy.

There are 4,40,135 active cases of coronavirus infection presently in the country. Thus, around 63.45 per cent people have recovered so far.

Of the 740 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, 298 are from Maharashtra, 97 from Karnataka, 88 are from Tamil Nadu, 61 from Andhra Pradesh, 34 from West Bengal, 28 from Gujarat, 26 each from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, 11 from Rajasthan,10 from Madhya Pradesh and nine each from Jammu and Kashmir and Telangana.

Punjab has reported eight fatalities followed by Assam, Odisha and Haryana with six deaths each, Kerala five, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Puducherry three each, while Chhattisgarh, Tripura and Goa have registered a fatality each.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,54,28,170 samples have been tested up to July 23 with 3,52,801 samples being tested on Thursday.

Of the total 30,601 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra tops the tally with 12,854 fatalities followed by Delhi with 3,745 deaths, Tamil Nadu 3,232, Gujarat 2,252, Karnataka 1,616, Uttar Pradesh 1,289, West Bengal 1,255, Andhra Pradesh 884 and Madhya Pradesh 780.

So far, 594 people have died of COVID-19 in Rajasthan, 447 in Telangana, 378 in Haryana, 282 in Jammu and Kashmir, 277 in Punjab, 217 in Bihar, 114 in Odisha, 70 in Assam, 67 in Jharkhand, 60 in Uttarakhand and 50 in Kerala.

Puducherry has registered 34 deaths, Chhattisgarh 30, Goa 29, Chandigarh 13, Himachal Pradesh 11, Tripura 10, Meghalaya 4, Arunachal Pradesh 3, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Ladakh has reported two fatality each.

The Health Ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 3,47,502 followed by Tamil Nadu at 1,92,964, Delhi at 1,27,364, Karnataka at 80,863, Andhra Pradesh at 72,711, Uttar Pradesh at 58,104, Gujarat at 52,477 and West Bengal at 51,757.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 50,826 in Telangana, 33,220 in Rajasthan, 31,980 in Bihar, 28,975 in Haryana, 28,791 in Assam and 25,474 in Madhya Pradesh.

Odisha has reported 21,099 infections, Jammu and Kashmir 16,429, Kerala 16,110, while Punjab has 11,739 cases.

A total of 6,975 have been infected by the virus in Jharkhand, 6,254 in Chhattisgarh, 5,445 in Uttarakhand, 4,350 in Goa, 3,656 in Tripura, 2,420 in Puducherry, 2,115 in Manipur, 1,834 in Himachal Pradesh and 1,210 in Ladakh.

Nagaland has recorded 1,174 COVID-19 cases, Arunachal Pradesh 991, Chandigarh 800 and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 770 cases.

Meghalaya has reported 534 cases, Sikkim 460, Mizoram has registered 332 infections so far, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recorded 240 cases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns in late March, but it has been steadily eased to lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.

State governments have brought in fresh restrictions as cases soar in Bangalore and away from the big cities in Bihar, West Bengal, Kashmir and parts of Tamil Nadu.

Southern Kerala state, earlier hailed as a success story and which has already imposed partial restrictions, may decide on Monday to impose a full statewide lockdown.

(with inputs from agencies)

India saw a record single-day spike of 49,310 coronavirus cases taking the country's tally to 12,87,945 on Friday, while the recoveries surged to 8,17,208. The death toll mounted to 30,601 with 740 new fatalities reported in a span of 24 hours.

India saw a record single-day spike of 49,310 coronavirus cases taking the country's tally to 12,87,945 on Friday, while the recoveries surged to 8,17,208. The death toll mounted to 30,601 with 740 new fatalities reported in a span of 24 hours. The death toll is the sixth-biggest behind the US, Brazil, Britain, Mexico and Italy. There are 4,40,135 active cases of coronavirus infection presently in the country. Thus, around 63.45 per cent people have recovered so far. Of the 740 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, 298 are from Maharashtra, 97 from Karnataka, 88 are from Tamil Nadu, 61 from Andhra Pradesh, 34 from West Bengal, 28 from Gujarat, 26 each from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, 11 from Rajasthan,10 from Madhya Pradesh and nine each from Jammu and Kashmir and Telangana. Punjab has reported eight fatalities followed by Assam, Odisha and Haryana with six deaths each, Kerala five, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Puducherry three each, while Chhattisgarh, Tripura and Goa have registered a fatality each. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,54,28,170 samples have been tested up to July 23 with 3,52,801 samples being tested on Thursday. Of the total 30,601 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra tops the tally with 12,854 fatalities followed by Delhi with 3,745 deaths, Tamil Nadu 3,232, Gujarat 2,252, Karnataka 1,616, Uttar Pradesh 1,289, West Bengal 1,255, Andhra Pradesh 884 and Madhya Pradesh 780. So far, 594 people have died of COVID-19 in Rajasthan, 447 in Telangana, 378 in Haryana, 282 in Jammu and Kashmir, 277 in Punjab, 217 in Bihar, 114 in Odisha, 70 in Assam, 67 in Jharkhand, 60 in Uttarakhand and 50 in Kerala. Puducherry has registered 34 deaths, Chhattisgarh 30, Goa 29, Chandigarh 13, Himachal Pradesh 11, Tripura 10, Meghalaya 4, Arunachal Pradesh 3, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Ladakh has reported two fatality each. The Health Ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 3,47,502 followed by Tamil Nadu at 1,92,964, Delhi at 1,27,364, Karnataka at 80,863, Andhra Pradesh at 72,711, Uttar Pradesh at 58,104, Gujarat at 52,477 and West Bengal at 51,757. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 50,826 in Telangana, 33,220 in Rajasthan, 31,980 in Bihar, 28,975 in Haryana, 28,791 in Assam and 25,474 in Madhya Pradesh. Odisha has reported 21,099 infections, Jammu and Kashmir 16,429, Kerala 16,110, while Punjab has 11,739 cases. A total of 6,975 have been infected by the virus in Jharkhand, 6,254 in Chhattisgarh, 5,445 in Uttarakhand, 4,350 in Goa, 3,656 in Tripura, 2,420 in Puducherry, 2,115 in Manipur, 1,834 in Himachal Pradesh and 1,210 in Ladakh. Nagaland has recorded 1,174 COVID-19 cases, Arunachal Pradesh 991, Chandigarh 800 and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 770 cases. Meghalaya has reported 534 cases, Sikkim 460, Mizoram has registered 332 infections so far, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recorded 240 cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns in late March, but it has been steadily eased to lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic. State governments have brought in fresh restrictions as cases soar in Bangalore and away from the big cities in Bihar, West Bengal, Kashmir and parts of Tamil Nadu. Southern Kerala state, earlier hailed as a success story and which has already imposed partial restrictions, may decide on Monday to impose a full statewide lockdown. (with inputs from agencies)

India adds record 49,310 coronavirus cases in single day, total deaths pass 30,000

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate improved to over 86 per cent and active cases dipped to 13,681, lowest in the last seven weeks, even as 1,025 fresh instances were recorded on Friday, the health bulletin said.

With 32 fresh fatalities, the death toll climbed to 3,777.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-under-1000-coronavirus-cases-first-time-in-over-35-days-314723">Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days</a>

The Friday bulletin said 1,866 patients recovered from the deadly virus. The number of people recovered from the infection now stand at 1,10,931. The coronavirus count in the city now stands at 1,28,389.

The recovery rate has improved to 86.4 per cent, said a tweet by the Chief Minister's Office. The national recovery rate stands at 63.45 per cent.

The active cases have been lowest since June 4, which had recorded 14,456 active cases.

Of the 15,475 dedicated beds in the city for coronavirus patients, 12,265 are vacant. Similarly, of the 9,554 beds in dedicated COVID Care Centres, 8,032 are vacant.

The number of containment zones in the city stand at 702.

In related developments, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain took a meeting with senior officers of the Health department to discuss the sero-surveillance, enhancement of ICU beds, and other issues related to the management of COVID-19.

On Wednesday, he announced that a sero-surveillance will be conducted in the city every month to formulate better policies for tackling COVID-19.

Principal Secretary Health Vikram Dev Dutt also held a meeting with Nodal officers, Medical Directors, Medical Superintendents of the Delhi government dedicated COVID hospitals to discuss the steps taken to reduce mortality due to coronavirus.

A decision was also taken that there should be no delay in shifting of patients from triage area to ICU.

In a related development, the two plasma banks for COVID-19 operated by the Delhi government are getting tepid response, doctors said, attributing it to unfounded apprehensions about associated health risks and the tendency to put off donation for any future need of family members.

Just about 320 people have donated plasma in Delhi since the initiative began on July 2, whereas more than 1,00,000 COVID-19 patients have recovered till July 23, officials said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the government would provide plasma for free and people do not need to buy or sell it.

The chief minister and other senior members of the government have repeatedly appealed to people, who have recovered from COVID-19, to donate plasma to other patients.

But the response to the calls has been muted at the first-of-its-kind 'plasma bank', inaugurated by Kejriwal at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) here on July 2, and another one opened a week ago at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated coronavirus facility. 
&nbsp;

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate improved to over 86 per cent and active cases dipped to 13,681, lowest in the last seven weeks, even as 1,025 fresh instances were recorded on Friday, the health bulletin said.

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate improved to over 86 per cent and active cases dipped to 13,681, lowest in the last seven weeks, even as 1,025 fresh instances were recorded on Friday, the health bulletin said. With 32 fresh fatalities, the death toll climbed to 3,777. Also read | Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days The Friday bulletin said 1,866 patients recovered from the deadly virus. The number of people recovered from the infection now stand at 1,10,931. The coronavirus count in the city now stands at 1,28,389. The recovery rate has improved to 86.4 per cent, said a tweet by the Chief Minister's Office. The national recovery rate stands at 63.45 per cent. The active cases have been lowest since June 4, which had recorded 14,456 active cases. Of the 15,475 dedicated beds in the city for coronavirus patients, 12,265 are vacant. Similarly, of the 9,554 beds in dedicated COVID Care Centres, 8,032 are vacant. The number of containment zones in the city stand at 702. In related developments, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain took a meeting with senior officers of the Health department to discuss the sero-surveillance, enhancement of ICU beds, and other issues related to the management of COVID-19. On Wednesday, he announced that a sero-surveillance will be conducted in the city every month to formulate better policies for tackling COVID-19. Principal Secretary Health Vikram Dev Dutt also held a meeting with Nodal officers, Medical Directors, Medical Superintendents of the Delhi government dedicated COVID hospitals to discuss the steps taken to reduce mortality due to coronavirus. A decision was also taken that there should be no delay in shifting of patients from triage area to ICU. In a related development, the two plasma banks for COVID-19 operated by the Delhi government are getting tepid response, doctors said, attributing it to unfounded apprehensions about associated health risks and the tendency to put off donation for any future need of family members. Just about 320 people have donated plasma in Delhi since the initiative began on July 2, whereas more than 1,00,000 COVID-19 patients have recovered till July 23, officials said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the government would provide plasma for free and people do not need to buy or sell it. The chief minister and other senior members of the government have repeatedly appealed to people, who have recovered from COVID-19, to donate plasma to other patients. But the response to the calls has been muted at the first-of-its-kind 'plasma bank', inaugurated by Kejriwal at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) here on July 2, and another one opened a week ago at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated coronavirus facility.

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate improves to 86% as active cases stand at lowest in seven weeks

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-hc-hears-sachin-pilots-camp-speaker-likely-to-take-up-matter-314004">Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter</a>

This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court.

But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up.

The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly.

The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority.

AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night.

Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish"&nbsp;that they are in majority.

He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above"&nbsp;to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state.

Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan.

He said if people 'gherao'&nbsp;the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police,"&nbsp;Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said.

At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them.

Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun.

"The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan.

Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours.

The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72.

The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government.

On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week.

Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents.

The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that.

The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan.

Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot.

The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.&nbsp;

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House. The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed. Also read | Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court. But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up. The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly. The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority. AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night. Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish" that they are in majority. He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above" to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state. Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan. He said if people 'gherao' the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police," Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said. At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them. Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun. "The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan. Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours. The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72. The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government. On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week. Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents. The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that. The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan. Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot. The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.

Rajasthan crisis: Pilot scores in high court, Gehlot camp shows strength at Raj Bhawan 

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating.

The Drug Controller General of India granted Cipla accelerated approval to make and sell favipiravir in an effort to meet the "urgent and unmet" need for COVID-19 treatment options in the country, the company said.

Indian drugmakers including Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd are racing to supply generic versions of favipiravir, originally developed by Japan's Fujifilm Holdings Corp as Avigan for treating influenza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-chinese-candidate-shows-promise-in-animal-trials-315696">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccine: Chinese candidate shows promise in animal trials</a>

India reported over 49,000 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus with 740 new deaths on Friday, marking the biggest daily surge in cases, as officials in some states complained of shortages of vital drugs for those hospitalized.

Globally, coronavirus cases have crossed 15.5 million.

Cipla said it would launch favipiravir as "Ciplenza" in the first week of August, priced at $0.91 (INR 68) per 200 mg tablet.

Separately on Friday, much smaller Indian drugmaker Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd said it would launch its own version of favipiravir, priced at $ 0.52 (INR 39) per tablet.

Glenmark, meanwhile, sells a tablet of favipiravir for $1 (INR 75), with a patient typically requiring 122 tablets over 14 days for a treatment course, the company said. On Thursday, Glenmark said its version of the drug had showed promise in a late-stage clinical trial.

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating.

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating. The Drug Controller General of India granted Cipla accelerated approval to make and sell favipiravir in an effort to meet the "urgent and unmet" need for COVID-19 treatment options in the country, the company said. Indian drugmakers including Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd are racing to supply generic versions of favipiravir, originally developed by Japan's Fujifilm Holdings Corp as Avigan for treating influenza. Also read| Coronavirus vaccine: Chinese candidate shows promise in animal trials India reported over 49,000 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus with 740 new deaths on Friday, marking the biggest daily surge in cases, as officials in some states complained of shortages of vital drugs for those hospitalized. Globally, coronavirus cases have crossed 15.5 million. Cipla said it would launch favipiravir as "Ciplenza" in the first week of August, priced at $0.91 (INR 68) per 200 mg tablet. Separately on Friday, much smaller Indian drugmaker Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd said it would launch its own version of favipiravir, priced at $ 0.52 (INR 39) per tablet. Glenmark, meanwhile, sells a tablet of favipiravir for $1 (INR 75), with a patient typically requiring 122 tablets over 14 days for a treatment course, the company said. On Thursday, Glenmark said its version of the drug had showed promise in a late-stage clinical trial.

Cipla gets India approval to sell COVID-19 drug Favipiravir

India and Sri Lanka on Friday agreed for $ 400 million currency swap agreement. The agreement signed by India's central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extends the swap facility for Sri Lanka till Nov 2022.&nbsp;

The development comes as a relief to Sri Lanka amidst COVID and will help in its post-pandemic economic recovery.

A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies. Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank.

Example, if Sri Lanka borrows $1.34 (Rs 100) from India and told India that it will repay $1.34 (Rs 100) in Indian currency but Interest in dollars or vice versa Sri Lanka borrows Indian $1.34 (Rs 100) from India and gave back the main amount in dollars and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates.

Both countries are currently engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks. On 22nd, the last round to technical discussion was held on the rescheduling of bilateral debt repayment by Sri Lanka. The Indian delegation comprising of senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Finance, and the EXIM Bank interacted with representatives from the Department of External Resources of Sri Lanka through a video conference.

A release from the Indian mission in Sri Lanka said, "The next round of technical discussions between the two sides on the rescheduling of debt repayment is expected to be held soon."

The Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 23 in which the former requested Indian govt to provide USD 1.1 billion special SWAP facility to top up USD 400 million under SAARC facility amidst the COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

India and Sri Lanka on Friday agreed for $ 400 million currency swap agreement. The agreement signed by India's central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extends the swap facility for Sri Lanka till Nov 2022.

India and Sri Lanka on Friday agreed for $ 400 million currency swap agreement. The agreement signed by India's central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extends the swap facility for Sri Lanka till Nov 2022. The development comes as a relief to Sri Lanka amidst COVID and will help in its post-pandemic economic recovery. A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies. Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank. Example, if Sri Lanka borrows $1.34 (Rs 100) from India and told India that it will repay $1.34 (Rs 100) in Indian currency but Interest in dollars or vice versa Sri Lanka borrows Indian $1.34 (Rs 100) from India and gave back the main amount in dollars and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates. Both countries are currently engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks. On 22nd, the last round to technical discussion was held on the rescheduling of bilateral debt repayment by Sri Lanka. The Indian delegation comprising of senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Finance, and the EXIM Bank interacted with representatives from the Department of External Resources of Sri Lanka through a video conference. A release from the Indian mission in Sri Lanka said, "The next round of technical discussions between the two sides on the rescheduling of debt repayment is expected to be held soon." The Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 23 in which the former requested Indian govt to provide USD 1.1 billion special SWAP facility to top up USD 400 million under SAARC facility amidst the COVID pandemic.

India agrees for $400 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-politics-should-be-quarantined-says-who-chief-tedros-over-pompeos-remark-315518">Also read: Coronavirus politics should be quarantined, says WHO chief Tedros over Pompeo's remark</a> 
 
They are "powerful, able, democratic countries who have tremendous internal capacities to deal with this disease", Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, told a Geneva briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-britons-pompeo-slams-world-health-organization-says-chief-tedros-bought-by-china-315441">'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams WHO; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China</a>

US coronavirus cases exceeded 4 million on Thursday, with over 2,600 new cases recorded every hour on average, the highest rate in the world, according to a Reuters tally.

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic.

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus politics should be quarantined, says WHO chief Tedros over Pompeo's remark They are "powerful, able, democratic countries who have tremendous internal capacities to deal with this disease", Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, told a Geneva briefing. Also read: 'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams WHO; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China US coronavirus cases exceeded 4 million on Thursday, with over 2,600 new cases recorded every hour on average, the highest rate in the world, according to a Reuters tally.

India, US and Brazil can ‘deal with’ Covid-19 pandemic, says WHO

July 23 was India's deadliest day of the outbreak of the coronavirus. The country has now more than 12 lakh confirmed cases with almost 30,000 deaths. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic: India records highest single-day surge

An entity linked to the deceased founder of India`s Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd owed the coffee chain 35.35 billion rupees ($472.5 million), an investigation report released by the company showed on Friday.

Coffee Day founder V.G. Siddhartha was found dead in a river in southern India last July in an apparent suicide amid speculation that he was under intense financial strain.

The Bengaluru-headquartered company had then appointed an investigator to scrutinize its accounts and the circumstances leading to the statements made in a letter purportedly written by Siddhartha.

Mysore Amalgamated Coffee Estates Ltd, an entity linked separately to Siddhartha and involved in a business relationship with Coffee Day, owed Coffee Day $472 million as of July 31, 2019 - the day Siddhartha`s deceased body was found by authorities - the synopsis of the investigation report released by Coffee Day to stock exchanges showed on Friday.

About $360 million of that amount still needed to be addressed, the report said.

A significant portion of the amount may have been spent to buy back shares from private equity investors, repay loans and funding investments outside the scope of the investigation, the report said. As a result, the amounts may not be precise, it added.

Coffee Day, which also exports coffee, sells coffee-vending machines and houses a logistics business called Sical, currently had a debt of 32 billion rupees ($427.7 million), it said.

It is India`s largest coffee chain with more than 1,000 cafes that brew cappuccinos and lattes for India`s booming moneyed class, and competes with the likes of Starbucks Corp, Barista and Coca-Cola Co-owned Costa Coffee.

The company, whose revenue has taken a hit in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is in the process of selling off more assets to raise cash and cut debt, it added.

An entity linked to the deceased founder of India`s Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd owed the coffee chain 35.35 billion rupees ($472.5 million), an investigation report released by the company showed on Friday.

An entity linked to the deceased founder of India`s Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd owed the coffee chain 35.35 billion rupees ($472.5 million), an investigation report released by the company showed on Friday. Coffee Day founder V.G. Siddhartha was found dead in a river in southern India last July in an apparent suicide amid speculation that he was under intense financial strain. The Bengaluru-headquartered company had then appointed an investigator to scrutinize its accounts and the circumstances leading to the statements made in a letter purportedly written by Siddhartha. Mysore Amalgamated Coffee Estates Ltd, an entity linked separately to Siddhartha and involved in a business relationship with Coffee Day, owed Coffee Day $472 million as of July 31, 2019 - the day Siddhartha`s deceased body was found by authorities - the synopsis of the investigation report released by Coffee Day to stock exchanges showed on Friday. About $360 million of that amount still needed to be addressed, the report said. A significant portion of the amount may have been spent to buy back shares from private equity investors, repay loans and funding investments outside the scope of the investigation, the report said. As a result, the amounts may not be precise, it added. Coffee Day, which also exports coffee, sells coffee-vending machines and houses a logistics business called Sical, currently had a debt of 32 billion rupees ($427.7 million), it said. It is India`s largest coffee chain with more than 1,000 cafes that brew cappuccinos and lattes for India`s booming moneyed class, and competes with the likes of Starbucks Corp, Barista and Coca-Cola Co-owned Costa Coffee. The company, whose revenue has taken a hit in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is in the process of selling off more assets to raise cash and cut debt, it added.

Coffee Day owed $472 million by deceased founder's firm: Report

Bad loans in the Indian banking system could soar to almost 15% of total loans by March 2021 as the coronavirus crisis leads to rising levels of household and corporate debt, the Financial Stability and Development Council said in a report published on Friday.

Indian banks have been battling rising bad loans for years but managed to get gross non-performing assets (NPAs) down to 8.5% in March, compared to 9.3% in September 2019, following strict new rules imposed by the central bank.

As India`s economy feels the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, macro stress tests indicate that the gross NPA ratio of all banks could increase to 12.5% by next March under a baseline scenario and may escalate to 14.7% under a very severely stressed scenario, the report said. It did not give details of that scenario.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coffee-day-owed-472-million-by-deceased-founders-firm-report-315761">Also read|&nbsp;Coffee Day owed $472 million by deceased founder's firm: report</a>

"The pandemic has the potential to amplify financial vulnerabilities, including corporate and household debt burdens in the case of severe economic contraction," the report said.

The semi-annual report is compiled by the Financial Stability and Development Council - an umbrella group of regulators - and released by the Reserve Bank of India.

Financial sector risks

The report highlighted that relief measures for borrowers introduced as part of measures to help India`s economy through the pandemic, such as deferments of loan and interest payments for six months, may have implications for the financial health of banks, going forward.

"Nearly half of the customers accounting for around half of outstanding bank loans opted to avail the benefit of the relief measures," it stated.

The report also highlighted the problems for over 9,500 shadow banks, known as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), in India, which have been battling a liquidity crisis over the last couple of years.

"The declining share of market funding for NBFCs is a concern as it has the potential to accentuate liquidity risk for NBFCs as well as for the financial system," the report stated.

However, the report said contagion risks through financial networks have moderated due to the higher capital buffers introduced in recent years and a shrinking interbank market.

Bad loans in the Indian banking system could soar to almost 15% of total loans by March 2021 as the coronavirus crisis leads to rising levels of household and corporate debt, the Financial Stability and Development Council said in a report published on Friday.

Bad loans in the Indian banking system could soar to almost 15% of total loans by March 2021 as the coronavirus crisis leads to rising levels of household and corporate debt, the Financial Stability and Development Council said in a report published on Friday. Indian banks have been battling rising bad loans for years but managed to get gross non-performing assets (NPAs) down to 8.5% in March, compared to 9.3% in September 2019, following strict new rules imposed by the central bank. As India`s economy feels the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, macro stress tests indicate that the gross NPA ratio of all banks could increase to 12.5% by next March under a baseline scenario and may escalate to 14.7% under a very severely stressed scenario, the report said. It did not give details of that scenario. Also read| Coffee Day owed $472 million by deceased founder's firm: report "The pandemic has the potential to amplify financial vulnerabilities, including corporate and household debt burdens in the case of severe economic contraction," the report said. The semi-annual report is compiled by the Financial Stability and Development Council - an umbrella group of regulators - and released by the Reserve Bank of India. Financial sector risks The report highlighted that relief measures for borrowers introduced as part of measures to help India`s economy through the pandemic, such as deferments of loan and interest payments for six months, may have implications for the financial health of banks, going forward. "Nearly half of the customers accounting for around half of outstanding bank loans opted to avail the benefit of the relief measures," it stated. The report also highlighted the problems for over 9,500 shadow banks, known as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), in India, which have been battling a liquidity crisis over the last couple of years. "The declining share of market funding for NBFCs is a concern as it has the potential to accentuate liquidity risk for NBFCs as well as for the financial system," the report stated. However, the report said contagion risks through financial networks have moderated due to the higher capital buffers introduced in recent years and a shrinking interbank market.

Indian banks' bad debt ratio could hit nearly 15% by March in worst-case scenario: Report

The United States has proposed to help India in addressing its most serious developmental challenges through innovative finance tools, a top Trump Administration official has said.

"We are actually right now proposing at US-India Development Foundation where we would help India mobilise their own resources to address the country's most serious developmental challenges looking to use innovative finance tools," USAID Acting Administrator John Barsa told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday.

Testifying before the Congressional committee during a hearing on the Fiscal 2021 Budget Request for Foreign Assistance, he said the Trump administration is extremely proud of this peer-to-peer relationship that it has with India.

America's relationship with India is a wonderful success story, "we look forward to working with them,"&nbsp;Barsa said. 
Congressman Joe Wilson said he was really encouraged to see America's relationship with India developing.

"I was honoured to be with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in Houston, the largest welcome program in the history of the United States to welcome a foreign head of state," Wilson said.&nbsp;

The United States has proposed to help India in addressing its most serious developmental challenges through innovative finance tools, a top Trump Administration official has said.

The United States has proposed to help India in addressing its most serious developmental challenges through innovative finance tools, a top Trump Administration official has said. "We are actually right now proposing at US-India Development Foundation where we would help India mobilise their own resources to address the country's most serious developmental challenges looking to use innovative finance tools," USAID Acting Administrator John Barsa told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday. Testifying before the Congressional committee during a hearing on the Fiscal 2021 Budget Request for Foreign Assistance, he said the Trump administration is extremely proud of this peer-to-peer relationship that it has with India. America's relationship with India is a wonderful success story, "we look forward to working with them," Barsa said. Congressman Joe Wilson said he was really encouraged to see America's relationship with India developing. "I was honoured to be with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in Houston, the largest welcome program in the history of the United States to welcome a foreign head of state," Wilson said.

US to help India in addressing its developmental challenges: Official

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border.

The Chinese troops have been supported by heavy weaponry - air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery.

Chinese troops are still reportedly present in the Fingers region along Pangong lake where India and China had started the disengagement process by creating a buffer zone.

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The northern bank of the Pangong lake resembles the human hand with various protrusions identified as fingers. The problem seems to be at Finger Five from where the Chinese troops are reportedly not moving back.

There are reports of heavy construction in Hot Springs and the Gogra post area - the two friction points in eastern Ladakh sector.

On Friday, both sides are expected to hold a meeting which will be at the foreign ministry level. The last round of military talks happened on July 14-15 as both sides agreed to mutually monitor the disengagement process.

There has been no major progress since then so the disengagement has stalled. The border dispute has pushed the India-China relationship to a new low. India has responded with a series of retaliatory moves. Now, it is working with allies to turn up the heat on Beijing.&nbsp;

India and the United States have reportedly intensified their intelligence and military collaboration with more information and intelligence being shared between both sides. It includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts and data sharing.

On Wednesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused China of initiating a conflict at the border. The deepening cooperation between America and India was quite apparent in his speech.

India is keeping a tight watch on the movements of Chinese soldiers. New Delhi wants to restore the status quo with a complete pullback of Chinese troops and equipment from the LAC.

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border.

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border. The Chinese troops have been supported by heavy weaponry - air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery. Chinese troops are still reportedly present in the Fingers region along Pangong lake where India and China had started the disengagement process by creating a buffer zone. The northern bank of the Pangong lake resembles the human hand with various protrusions identified as fingers. The problem seems to be at Finger Five from where the Chinese troops are reportedly not moving back. There are reports of heavy construction in Hot Springs and the Gogra post area - the two friction points in eastern Ladakh sector. On Friday, both sides are expected to hold a meeting which will be at the foreign ministry level. The last round of military talks happened on July 14-15 as both sides agreed to mutually monitor the disengagement process. There has been no major progress since then so the disengagement has stalled. The border dispute has pushed the India-China relationship to a new low. India has responded with a series of retaliatory moves. Now, it is working with allies to turn up the heat on Beijing. India and the United States have reportedly intensified their intelligence and military collaboration with more information and intelligence being shared between both sides. It includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts and data sharing. On Wednesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused China of initiating a conflict at the border. The deepening cooperation between America and India was quite apparent in his speech. India is keeping a tight watch on the movements of Chinese soldiers. New Delhi wants to restore the status quo with a complete pullback of Chinese troops and equipment from the LAC.

India-China standoff: PLA troops still stationed along LAC despite disengagement

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-arming-itself-to-remain-compelling-deterrent-against-attack-by-neighbours-315496" hreflang="en">India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours</a>

Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy.

In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements.

There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials.

They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month. India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract.

The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets.

The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official.

The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system.

The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale 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.

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said.

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms. Also read: India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy. In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements. There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials. They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month. India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract. The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets. The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden. The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official. The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system. The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft. Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others. The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases. Out of 36 Rafale 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.

Indian Air Force to integrate Rafale with new generation air-to-ground missiles

A wing of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a healthcare initiative formed by Indian and Norwegian governments have launched a study to detect coronavirus infection from cough sounds of people using artificial intelligence (AI), an official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-record-49310-coronavirus-cases-in-single-day-total-deaths-pass-30000-315626">Also Read: India adds record 49,310 coronavirus cases in single day</a>

A mobile App has been developed by Norway-India Partnership Initiative, in which people who are not infected by the virus are recording their cough sound, while researchers have collected such sounds from COVID-19 patients.

An analysis using AI will be conducted on the mixed database of cough sound samples to find out a coronavirus infected person, Director of Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Dr Sanghamitra Pati, said on Friday.

The RMRC of Bhubaneswar is a permanent research centre of ICMR. "A similar study was conducted in case of x-ray analysis of pneumonia patients in the past. The goal was to identify which is the x-ray of a pneumonia case and which is not," Pati said.

People of Odisha have started participating in the study using the App, she said.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said at 864 cases and less than 21 deaths per million population, India has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 infection and death rate underlying that the recovery rate among coronavirus-infected patients in the country is 63.45 per cent and the mortality is 2.3 per cent.

These remarks were made by Vardhan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Health Ministers' Digital Meet held digitally, the health ministry said.

According to the ministry's statement, Vardhan emphasised on how the Indian traditional system of medicine has also contributed substantially in boosting the immunity of general population during COVID-19.

"There is currently no institutional mechanism within SCO to discuss cooperation in traditional medicine that has the potential to fulfil the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 and also reinforce the effective implementation of the joint statement on cooperation in combating epidemics signed at the Qingdao Summit in 2018," the statement quoted him as saying.

"This is in spite of such complementary medicine systems being widely practised in all member states of our SCO," he said and proposed the setting up of a new sub-group on traditional medicine under the existing institutional meetings of the SCO health ministers.

Expressing his condolences at the loss of lives across the world due to COVID 19, Vardhan described the India's political commitment to contain the pandemic and spoke on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "personally monitored the situation and ensured a pre-emptive, pro-active and graded response to prevent the deadly virus from spreading".

He explained that a series of actions were initiated in a graded way that included issuing of travel advisories, point-of-entry surveillance, community-based surveillance, enhancement of laboratory and hospital surge capacities, wide dissemination of technical guidelines on managing different aspects of disease outbreak and communicating risk to the public.

"The consecutive lockdowns provided India with much required time and opportunity to build up on technical knowhow, laboratory capacities, hospital infrastructure and also to build up its pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions," Vardhan said. 
&nbsp;

A wing of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a healthcare initiative formed by Indian and Norwegian governments have launched a study to detect coronavirus infection from cough sounds of people using artificial intelligence (AI), an official said.

A wing of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a healthcare initiative formed by Indian and Norwegian governments have launched a study to detect coronavirus infection from cough sounds of people using artificial intelligence (AI), an official said. Also Read: India adds record 49,310 coronavirus cases in single day A mobile App has been developed by Norway-India Partnership Initiative, in which people who are not infected by the virus are recording their cough sound, while researchers have collected such sounds from COVID-19 patients. An analysis using AI will be conducted on the mixed database of cough sound samples to find out a coronavirus infected person, Director of Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Dr Sanghamitra Pati, said on Friday. The RMRC of Bhubaneswar is a permanent research centre of ICMR. "A similar study was conducted in case of x-ray analysis of pneumonia patients in the past. The goal was to identify which is the x-ray of a pneumonia case and which is not," Pati said. People of Odisha have started participating in the study using the App, she said. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said at 864 cases and less than 21 deaths per million population, India has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 infection and death rate underlying that the recovery rate among coronavirus-infected patients in the country is 63.45 per cent and the mortality is 2.3 per cent. These remarks were made by Vardhan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Health Ministers' Digital Meet held digitally, the health ministry said. According to the ministry's statement, Vardhan emphasised on how the Indian traditional system of medicine has also contributed substantially in boosting the immunity of general population during COVID-19. "There is currently no institutional mechanism within SCO to discuss cooperation in traditional medicine that has the potential to fulfil the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 and also reinforce the effective implementation of the joint statement on cooperation in combating epidemics signed at the Qingdao Summit in 2018," the statement quoted him as saying. "This is in spite of such complementary medicine systems being widely practised in all member states of our SCO," he said and proposed the setting up of a new sub-group on traditional medicine under the existing institutional meetings of the SCO health ministers. Expressing his condolences at the loss of lives across the world due to COVID 19, Vardhan described the India's political commitment to contain the pandemic and spoke on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "personally monitored the situation and ensured a pre-emptive, pro-active and graded response to prevent the deadly virus from spreading". He explained that a series of actions were initiated in a graded way that included issuing of travel advisories, point-of-entry surveillance, community-based surveillance, enhancement of laboratory and hospital surge capacities, wide dissemination of technical guidelines on managing different aspects of disease outbreak and communicating risk to the public. "The consecutive lockdowns provided India with much required time and opportunity to build up on technical knowhow, laboratory capacities, hospital infrastructure and also to build up its pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions," Vardhan said.

ICMR, Norwegian researchers trying to identify coronavirus cases from cough sounds using AI

Experts have argued for long that China and&nbsp;not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat.&nbsp;

New Delhi might is&nbsp;recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb.

India’s nuclear weapons are pointing towards China now with Beijing within the range of Indian missiles.&nbsp;

Three years ago, India tested the Agni-5 missile.&nbsp;Its success was a boost for India’s defence capability.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-indias-china-centric-nuclear-strategy-315556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response, Chinese state media outlet The Global Times said “India needs to cool its missile fever”.

''India has broken the UN Limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile”&nbsp;

The article goes on to argue that Pakistan should have the “same privileges” in nuclear development that india has.&nbsp;

The whole artice appears like a defence of Chinese ally Pakistan.&nbsp;

China is worried about India’s missile capabilities because the Agni-4, as well as the Agni-5 can hit targets within mainland China, includinh its capital Beijing.&nbsp;

Experts who have closely studied India’s nuclear program have confirmed that Pakistan is not the country only focus now.

India is now developing capabilities to deploy nuclear weapons against China.&nbsp;

All three branches of India’s defence forces have a role to play in this new strategy.&nbsp;

On the air front, three or four squadrons of the Mirage 2000h and the Jaguar have been assigned nuclear strike missions against Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

India is also set to induct the Rafale aircraft, a fighter jet that can be used for nuclear missions.&nbsp;

On land, the Agni-4, which if deployed in northeast India, can hit targets like Beijing and Shanghai.&nbsp;

The Agni-5 is much more capable as it can hit targets in china from bases in central and southern India.&nbsp;

On the high seas, India is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile which will allow Indian submarines to target all of asia.&nbsp;

To back the new strategy, India is increasing its nuclear asrenal.&nbsp;Reportedly, India has developed 150 nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

48 nuclear bombs have been assigned to aircraft with the Indian Airforce.&nbsp;

While India maintains the no-first use policy, it is arming itself to remain a compelling deterrent for any kind of adventurism from the neighbours.

Experts have argued for long that China and not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat. New Delhi might is recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb.

Experts have argued for long that China and not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat. New Delhi might is recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb. India’s nuclear weapons are pointing towards China now with Beijing within the range of Indian missiles. Three years ago, India tested the Agni-5 missile. Its success was a boost for India’s defence capability. In response, Chinese state media outlet The Global Times said “India needs to cool its missile fever”. ''India has broken the UN Limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile” The article goes on to argue that Pakistan should have the “same privileges” in nuclear development that india has. The whole artice appears like a defence of Chinese ally Pakistan. China is worried about India’s missile capabilities because the Agni-4, as well as the Agni-5 can hit targets within mainland China, includinh its capital Beijing. Experts who have closely studied India’s nuclear program have confirmed that Pakistan is not the country only focus now. India is now developing capabilities to deploy nuclear weapons against China. All three branches of India’s defence forces have a role to play in this new strategy. On the air front, three or four squadrons of the Mirage 2000h and the Jaguar have been assigned nuclear strike missions against Pakistan and China. India is also set to induct the Rafale aircraft, a fighter jet that can be used for nuclear missions. On land, the Agni-4, which if deployed in northeast India, can hit targets like Beijing and Shanghai. The Agni-5 is much more capable as it can hit targets in china from bases in central and southern India. On the high seas, India is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile which will allow Indian submarines to target all of asia. To back the new strategy, India is increasing its nuclear asrenal. Reportedly, India has developed 150 nuclear warheads. 48 nuclear bombs have been assigned to aircraft with the Indian Airforce. While India maintains the no-first use policy, it is arming itself to remain a compelling deterrent for any kind of adventurism from the neighbours.

India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours

European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said.

The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms.

Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy.

In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements.

There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials.

They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month.

India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract. The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets.

The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden.

The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official.

The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system.

The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others.

The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft.

The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal.

The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases.

Out of 36 Rafale 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.

European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. As it inducts a first batch of five Rafale jets in the midst of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Air Force is looking at integrating the fleet with new generation air-to-ground missile systems having a strike range of up to 60 KM, people familiar with the development said. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. The people cited above said the IAF is zeroing in on procuring new generation medium-range modular air-to-ground weapon system Hammer to integrate with the Rafale jets, using the emergency financial powers provided by the government to the armed forces for faster acquisition of key weapons and platforms. Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a precision-guided missile developed by French defence major Safran. The missile was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy. In view of the border row with China, the defence ministry this month granted special powers to the three services for individual capital procurement programme worth Rs 300 crore to meet emergent operational requirements. There will be no cap on the number of procurement programmes and that each acquisition under the emergency requirement category should not cost more than Rs 300 crore, according to officials. They said the first batch of Rafale jets is likely to be deployed in the Ladakh sector by the second half of next month. India will receive a total of 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 58,000 crore contract. The Meteor, Scalp and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the Rafale jets. The Meteor is the next generation of BVR air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden. The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives it far more engine power for much longer than any other missile, said an official. The Scalp is a deep-strike cruise missile known for having pinpoint terminal accuracy through its highly accurate seeker and target recognition system. The Rafales will also be equipped with MICA weapon system which is integrated into IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft. Besides the missile systems, the Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low-band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others. The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases. Out of 36 Rafale 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.

IAF to integrate Rafale with new generation air-to-ground missiles

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