Israeli-American rabbi ridicules Hindu beliefs over cow worship, faces backlash | Video

US midterms 2026: Michigan Democrats thought they had made peace. Then Haley Stevens renewed clash with Abdul El-Sayed

All votes counted, Netanyahu’s Likud emerges as biggest party with 27 seats; majority eludes both blocs

Turkish ambassador Ali Murat Ersoy says India and Turkey ‘cannot remain strangers’

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as India’s 29th Air Force Chief, succeeds AP Singh

ChatGPT blamed for Flavio Bolsonaro's bizarre 'president-elect' claim: 5 Times AI use made a fool of global leaders | In Pics

IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer breaks record for most T20I runs by an Indian captain in a year

Rubio warns of 'moment of choosing' at G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting as Russian FM Lavrov's presence forces cancellation of 'family photo'

Diwali at the Jonas'! Priyanka Chopra and Nick Host party, Winnie Harlow and others attend

Trump says US 'looking at' possible North Korean role in $6.3 billion Binance crypto heist

Prediction markets are betting big on the US midterms. But can they get it right?

ISRO's GSLV-F18 launch success revives NAVIC, but there's a catch...

Police called after 3-year-old scores 10 goals in 12 minutes at Florida youth soccer game

'Make s**t houses great again': Norway hits back at Trump's insult with genius level toilet humour

Did rebels shoot down helicopter carrying Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra's family in Uttarakhand? Indian Army fact-check reveals...

Director Sanjay Gupta, who made underworld look cool on screen, died after bathroom fall

Women hold just 17.4% of Trump's cabinet-level posts, down from 52% under Biden: Report

Ilhan Omar's alleged brother and ex-husband calls himself a 'gay man' in academic paper - 'extremely feminine Somali guy'

Arijit Singh and Karan Aujla to perform at ‘HOME’ in Goa: Read details here

Captured on CCTV video: Six-year-old special needs girl brutally attacked by Class III student at Panchkula school

Tehran may move enriched uranium stockpile to another country, open Hormuz under new proposal: Report

US midterms: Early voting crosses record 47.9 million, Democrats lead Republicans

Federal judge blocks Trump administration's election pressure tactics in sweeping emergency order

WPL 2027 auction: Top 5 most expensive signings

Physicist predicted Friday the 13th 'doomsday' in 1960. It is 13 days away

'Was that on air?': Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg says she's 'no longer proud to be Israeli', realises interview is live | Watch video

BJP to stage protest over anti-Sikh riots on November 1, same day as INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ rally

Did Donald Trump and Javier Milei help Flavio Bolsonaro escape Brazil? Senator's secret flight to Florida sparks political controversy

Poland in political turmoil as Karol Nawrocki returns mid-flight amid Constitutional Court 'coup d'etat' claims. What's happening?

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Putin's war warning shakes Europe: NATO builds war bunkers, Britain stockpiles food | Gravitas

Alaska Senate midterms election: Federal officials expand investigation into alleged Democratic 'spoiler' candidate scheme

'Shut up, shut up. Dope. Shut up. Loser': Trump lashes out while getting heckled again | WATCH

Cleaning chemical mistaken for sugar: Customers suffer chemical burns after drinking margaritas at US Chili’s outlet

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday.

The minister said testing, treatment and quarantining will be strengthened inside the "clusters" in order to stop the spread of the virus beyond a particular area.

"Those in the clusters must strictly follow the health protocol including wearing of masks, social distancing, handwash, use of sanitisers etc. We must keep in mind that the clusters are formed just before the community transmission," Shailaja said in a release.

A cluster is formed when there is an "unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases" at a particular area or a region.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Friday said that community spread had occurred in Poonthura and Pulluvila in Thiruvananthapuram and its nearby places have seen a rapid increase in the number of contact cases.

The health minister said that there are 87 clusters in the state of which 70 are active clusters and 17 contained clusters.

"Two of such clusters havereported community transmission and the people there need to cooperate with the health department to bringthose regions from the cluster classification," she said.

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday.

Kerala government has decided to implement "cluster care" method to mitigate the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases continue to surge,, state health minister K K Shailaja said on Saturday. The minister said testing, treatment and quarantining will be strengthened inside the "clusters" in order to stop the spread of the virus beyond a particular area. "Those in the clusters must strictly follow the health protocol including wearing of masks, social distancing, handwash, use of sanitisers etc. We must keep in mind that the clusters are formed just before the community transmission," Shailaja said in a release. A cluster is formed when there is an "unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases" at a particular area or a region. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Friday said that community spread had occurred in Poonthura and Pulluvila in Thiruvananthapuram and its nearby places have seen a rapid increase in the number of contact cases. The health minister said that there are 87 clusters in the state of which 70 are active clusters and 17 contained clusters. "Two of such clusters havereported community transmission and the people there need to cooperate with the health department to bringthose regions from the cluster classification," she said.

Kerala to go in for 'cluster care' method to contain coronavirus spread

Districts in Madhya Pradesh may be the most vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by those in Bihar and Telangana, according to a study in The Lancet journal which assessed several key indicators like housing, hygiene, and the health system in these states.

Lancet Study: 9 Indian states more vulnerable to pandemic COVID-19

In Jammu-Kashmir, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Amarnath shrine accompanied by CDS, Army Chief on Saturday. Watch this video to know more.

J&K: Defense Minister Rajnath visits Amarnath shrine accompanied by CDS, Army Chief

Chinese global giants like Huawei, Alibaba having a direct or indirect link with the Chinese Army and based in India could soon face action. These companies are among seven Chinese firms which the Indian government sources have highlighted are having deep links with People's Liberation Army (PLA) The Chinese companies are Xindia Steels, Xinxing Cathay international, China electronic technology group, Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, SAIC motor corporation.

Chinese global giants like Huawei, Alibaba having a direct or indirect link with the Chinese Army and based in India could soon face action. These companies are among seven Chinese firms which the Indian government sources have highlighted are having deep links with People's Liberation Army (PLA) The Chinese companies are Xindia Steels, Xinxing Cathay international, China electronic technology group, Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, SAIC motor corporation. Also read: Chinese apps have been banned in India; Is Huawei next? Indian government sources highlighted that "these companies are under watch and could face potential action". Chinese telecom company Huawei reported a revenue of Rs 12800 crore in FY 2018-19 from its Indian operators. The company founded by Ren Zhengfei who was former deputy director at the PLA's engineering corps has been banned by US, Japan, UK and Australia from their 5G networks. Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, sources highlighted, are part of China's military-civil fusion and artificial intelligence projects. Sources pointing to the 2019 report of US-China economic and security review commission report which said under China's military-civil fusion policy "government-supported mechanisms, including venture capital (VC) funds...(are used for) leveraging the fruits of civilian innovation for China’s defence sector.” Alibaba has invested in Indian startups including popular ones like PayTM, Zomato, Big basket, Snapdeal, Xpressbees. Tencent has made mega investments in Indian tech space including $400 million in Ola cabs, $700 million in Flipkart. Also read | Ready to replace Huawei in UK at scale and speed: Nokia But it is just not only tech or mobile sector where Chinese companies with links with the Chinese army are present. SAIC Motor Corporation, a Chinese state-owned automobile company headquartered in Shanghai in Shanghai sells Sports utility vehicle, MG Hector, in India. One of the company's subsidiary is Nanjing Automobile, which was previously a vehicle servicing unit of PLA. Xinxing Cathay International Group a metal products manufacturing country is present in India in various forms including a Joint Venture Xindia Steels Ltd. Employees of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) have been convicted of military espionage and it provides technology which is believed to be used for human rights abuses in the restive western province of Xinjiang in China. The company has invested Rs 320 crores in a manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh in 2018. This comes even as India last month banned 59 Chinese apps including popular TikTok after a violent face-off at Line Of Actual Contol in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died. Chinese refused to acknowledge casualties on its side

Huawei, Alibaba among 7 Chinese companies with links to Chinese Army could face the music

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case.

Earlier, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Fareed by a special NIA court in Kochi.

A blue corner notice is an international request for cooperation or alerts for sharing critical crime-related information to help track individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities and suspected to be in other countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-case-accused-swapna-suresh-taken-into-custody-312609">Also read:&nbsp;Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh taken into custody</a>

The NIA had earlier informed the special court that they will hand over the warrant to Interpol as Faisal Fareed is currently suspected of being in Dubai.According to the agency, Fareed was involved in forging seal and emblem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy to commit the crime.

"The documents were forged by Faisal Fareed to ensure diplomatic protection for the baggage. Fareed is the third accused in the case. The gold smuggled into Kerala was not used for jewellery but terror activities. The accused smuggled gold twice in 2019, in two batches of 18 kg and 9 kg," the NIA had submitted before the special court.

Meanwhile, three others accused in the matter — Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair — are currently under the custody of the NIA, which is probing the matter.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case. Earlier, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Fareed by a special NIA court in Kochi. A blue corner notice is an international request for cooperation or alerts for sharing critical crime-related information to help track individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities and suspected to be in other countries. Also read: Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh taken into custody The NIA had earlier informed the special court that they will hand over the warrant to Interpol as Faisal Fareed is currently suspected of being in Dubai.According to the agency, Fareed was involved in forging seal and emblem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy to commit the crime. "The documents were forged by Faisal Fareed to ensure diplomatic protection for the baggage. Fareed is the third accused in the case. The gold smuggled into Kerala was not used for jewellery but terror activities. The accused smuggled gold twice in 2019, in two batches of 18 kg and 9 kg," the NIA had submitted before the special court. Meanwhile, three others accused in the matter — Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair — are currently under the custody of the NIA, which is probing the matter.

Kerala gold smuggling case: NIA requests Interpol to issue blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a forward post near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district on Saturday and interacted with the soldiers deployed there.

He tweeted a couple of pictures on Twitter in which he can be seen&nbsp;inspecting&nbsp;arms and ammunition at the forward post and reviewed the security situation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Visited a forward post near LoC in Kupwara District of Jammu-Kashmir today and interacted with the soldiers deployed there. 
 
We are extremely proud of these brave and courageous soldiers who are defending our country in every situation. <a href="https://t.co/Chaqvf83Xq">pic.twitter.com/Chaqvf83Xq</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1284395937498927104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier today, Singh along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane offered prayers at Amarnath Temple.

The Defence Minister is on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. He will take stock of the situation at both the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LOC).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-sends-out-strong-message-against-china-on-his-visit-to-ladakh-314120" hreflang="en">Rajnath Singh sends out strong message against China on his visit to Ladakh</a>

On the first day of his visit, the Defence Minister interacted with the troops in Lukung, Ladakh along with Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief General yesterday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has been continuously carrying out ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and China has been carrying out incursions into Indian territory in Ladakh region in recent past.

On June 15, 20 Indian soldiers laid out their lives during combat with Chinese forces in Galwan valley, leading to tensions between both nations. Chinese soldiers subsequently started moving back following dialogues between two countries through the military level and diplomatic level.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a forward post near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district on Saturday and interacted with the soldiers deployed there.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a forward post near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district on Saturday and interacted with the soldiers deployed there. He tweeted a couple of pictures on Twitter in which he can be seen inspecting arms and ammunition at the forward post and reviewed the security situation. Visited a forward post near LoC in Kupwara District of Jammu-Kashmir today and interacted with the soldiers deployed there. We are extremely proud of these brave and courageous soldiers who are defending our country in every situation. pic.twitter.com/Chaqvf83Xq — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 18, 2020 × Earlier today, Singh along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane offered prayers at Amarnath Temple. The Defence Minister is on a two-day visit to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. He will take stock of the situation at both the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LOC). Also read: Rajnath Singh sends out strong message against China on his visit to Ladakh On the first day of his visit, the Defence Minister interacted with the troops in Lukung, Ladakh along with Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief General yesterday. Meanwhile, Pakistan has been continuously carrying out ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and China has been carrying out incursions into Indian territory in Ladakh region in recent past. On June 15, 20 Indian soldiers laid out their lives during combat with Chinese forces in Galwan valley, leading to tensions between both nations. Chinese soldiers subsequently started moving back following dialogues between two countries through the military level and diplomatic level.

India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh visits forward post near LOC in J&K's Kupwara

Shri Ramjanmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold its meeting at 3 pm in Circuit House on Saturday.

The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

The date for Bhoomi Poojan for the Ram temple is likely to be discussed during this meet. Nripendra Mishra, who was the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend this meeting.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-members-set-to-meet-on-july-18-in-ayodhya-310656">Ram temple trust members set to meet on July 18 in Ayodhya</a>

This is the second meeting of the Trust after the formation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in Ayodhya. The participants in the meeting are likely to discuss the date of the foundation stone and also on the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindu-sculptures-broken-idols-found-at-ram-janmabhoomi-site-during-land-levelling-temple-trust-300107">Hindu sculptures, broken idols found at Ram Janmabhoomi site during land levelling: Temple trust</a>

Notably, there has been no response from the Prime Minister's office formally about this program.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to Ayodhya to inaugurate the construction work at the Ram Mandir site.

The president of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das had written a letter to Modi, requesting him to visit the sacred city.

The letter was sent to PM as seers do not want the 'Bhoomi poojan'&nbsp;to be done virtually and want him to join the inauguration program.

"There is no fixed date for PM Modi to come to Ayodhya to worship the land for the construction of Ram Temple in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. If PM Modi ji accepts the invite, then Bhoomi Pujan will be done by him," said Mahant Nrityagopas Das while speaking to ANI.

Shri Ramjanmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold its meeting at 3 pm in Circuit House on Saturday. The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

Shri Ramjanmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold its meeting at 3 pm in Circuit House on Saturday. The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. The date for Bhoomi Poojan for the Ram temple is likely to be discussed during this meet. Nripendra Mishra, who was the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend this meeting. Also read: Ram temple trust members set to meet on July 18 in Ayodhya This is the second meeting of the Trust after the formation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in Ayodhya. The participants in the meeting are likely to discuss the date of the foundation stone and also on the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also read| Hindu sculptures, broken idols found at Ram Janmabhoomi site during land levelling: Temple trust Notably, there has been no response from the Prime Minister's office formally about this program.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to Ayodhya to inaugurate the construction work at the Ram Mandir site. The president of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das had written a letter to Modi, requesting him to visit the sacred city. The letter was sent to PM as seers do not want the 'Bhoomi poojan' to be done virtually and want him to join the inauguration program. "There is no fixed date for PM Modi to come to Ayodhya to worship the land for the construction of Ram Temple in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. If PM Modi ji accepts the invite, then Bhoomi Pujan will be done by him," said Mahant Nrityagopas Das while speaking to ANI.

Date for 'Bhoomi Poojan' for Ram temple likely to be discussed during Trust meeting today

Heavy rains lashing&nbsp;Mumbai&nbsp;caused the collapse of a multi-storey building, killing six people and injuring several.

The dilapidated six-storey structure in the city's south was home to five or six families who stayed on after residents were advised to evacuate as it was under repairs, eyewitnesses said.

Two people were declared dead on Thursday evening, with disaster response officials pulling four more bodies from debris during the night.

Several people had been trapped under the debris with many more stranded in the portion left standing after the collapse, causing instability.

Another building collapsed in the western suburb of Malad earlier, killing two, including a child, and injuring several.

Every year, heavy downpours in Mumbai bring down some rain-sodden small and large structures deemed too dangerous to live in. Intense rains over the previous few days prompted weather officials on Thursday to upgrade to 'red'&nbsp;from 'orange'&nbsp;an alert called for the city and surrounding areas.

Heavy rains lashing Mumbai caused the collapse of a multi-storey building, killing six people and injuring several. The dilapidated six-storey structure in the city's south was home to five or six families who stayed on after residents were advised to evacuate as it was under repairs, eyewitnesses said.

Heavy rains lashing Mumbai caused the collapse of a multi-storey building, killing six people and injuring several. The dilapidated six-storey structure in the city's south was home to five or six families who stayed on after residents were advised to evacuate as it was under repairs, eyewitnesses said. Two people were declared dead on Thursday evening, with disaster response officials pulling four more bodies from debris during the night. Several people had been trapped under the debris with many more stranded in the portion left standing after the collapse, causing instability. Another building collapsed in the western suburb of Malad earlier, killing two, including a child, and injuring several. Every year, heavy downpours in Mumbai bring down some rain-sodden small and large structures deemed too dangerous to live in. Intense rains over the previous few days prompted weather officials on Thursday to upgrade to 'red' from 'orange' an alert called for the city and surrounding areas.

Buildings collapse in heavy rain in Mumbai, kill eight

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said.

During a virtual interaction with the eminent members of the Indian-American community from the Mid-Western parts of the US, India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "During the pandemic, India and the United States have been collaborating closely. Our network of scientific institutions, in India and the United States, are in touch with each other, on a real-time basis."

The deadly coronavirus that first emerged in China's Wuhan city has drastically spread around the world, infecting 13,767,548 people and causing 589,192 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker.

"Our pharmaceutical companies are working closely together, for co-development of a vaccine. There are at least three, such collaborations. Gilead has entered into an agreement, with seven Indian pharmaceutical companies, to manufacture and distribute Remdesivir, which has been authorised for treating COVID-19," he said.

India has been a reliable partner, during the crisis, and stepped up to supply medicines, and equipment, to over 150 countries including the United States, he said.

Closer cooperation in health, life sciences, technology, will be the way forward, he said, adding that the partnership between India and the United States can bring benefits to the entire world.

Noting that the pandemic has created a new normal, he said an early lockdown helped India delay the spread of the virus. Restrictions have now largely been lifted in the country. Except for containment zones, where the number of active cases are still high. Economic activity is coming back to normal in other parts.

The recovery rate in the country which is over 65 per cent is high and a low death rate.

"We have put in a system to face the pandemic and are well-prepared to deal with the situation," he told the members of the Indian American community.

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Ambassador has been regularly having virtual meetings with different sections of the Indian American community. This was his sixth such interaction.

Last week, he had virtual interaction with members of the Sikh Americans. These interactions are in addition to the various virtual meetings he had with various business and professional groups and think tanks during this pandemic.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken historic decisions, to address the long-standing issues, he said.

"As a democracy, our commitment to the welfare of our people, "sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas' remains central to our governance. Prime Minister Modi has given the call for, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat," he said.

"We want to build a self-reliant India and one that is integrated to the global economy. We want to seize opportunities to become part of the global value chain," Sandhu said.

As the oldest and largest democracies in the world, India and US are natural allies, he said asserting the relationship has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years.

"President of the United States' visit to India in February this year, elevated our relationship to a global comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the desire of both countries to work closely together, on a range of areas," Sandhu said.

"The relations between India and the United States are underpinned by the shared values of democracy, freedom of speech, and rule of law. The India-US relationship has also enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. The Indian diaspora has played an important role, of projecting a positive image of India, as a vibrant, democratic, and pluralistic society and a valuable partner, for the United States," said the Indian Ambassador.

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said.

India and the US are working together on combating the coronavirus and collaboration is underway for co-development of a COVID-19 vaccine and a partnership between the two countries in health, life sciences and technology sectors can bring benefits to the entire world, the Indian envoy here has said. During a virtual interaction with the eminent members of the Indian-American community from the Mid-Western parts of the US, India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "During the pandemic, India and the United States have been collaborating closely. Our network of scientific institutions, in India and the United States, are in touch with each other, on a real-time basis." The deadly coronavirus that first emerged in China's Wuhan city has drastically spread around the world, infecting 13,767,548 people and causing 589,192 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker. "Our pharmaceutical companies are working closely together, for co-development of a vaccine. There are at least three, such collaborations. Gilead has entered into an agreement, with seven Indian pharmaceutical companies, to manufacture and distribute Remdesivir, which has been authorised for treating COVID-19," he said. India has been a reliable partner, during the crisis, and stepped up to supply medicines, and equipment, to over 150 countries including the United States, he said. Closer cooperation in health, life sciences, technology, will be the way forward, he said, adding that the partnership between India and the United States can bring benefits to the entire world. Noting that the pandemic has created a new normal, he said an early lockdown helped India delay the spread of the virus. Restrictions have now largely been lifted in the country. Except for containment zones, where the number of active cases are still high. Economic activity is coming back to normal in other parts. The recovery rate in the country which is over 65 per cent is high and a low death rate. "We have put in a system to face the pandemic and are well-prepared to deal with the situation," he told the members of the Indian American community. During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Ambassador has been regularly having virtual meetings with different sections of the Indian American community. This was his sixth such interaction. Last week, he had virtual interaction with members of the Sikh Americans. These interactions are in addition to the various virtual meetings he had with various business and professional groups and think tanks during this pandemic. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken historic decisions, to address the long-standing issues, he said. "As a democracy, our commitment to the welfare of our people, "sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas' remains central to our governance. Prime Minister Modi has given the call for, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat," he said. "We want to build a self-reliant India and one that is integrated to the global economy. We want to seize opportunities to become part of the global value chain," Sandhu said. As the oldest and largest democracies in the world, India and US are natural allies, he said asserting the relationship has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. "President of the United States' visit to India in February this year, elevated our relationship to a global comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the desire of both countries to work closely together, on a range of areas," Sandhu said. "The relations between India and the United States are underpinned by the shared values of democracy, freedom of speech, and rule of law. The India-US relationship has also enjoyed bipartisan support over the years. The Indian diaspora has played an important role, of projecting a positive image of India, as a vibrant, democratic, and pluralistic society and a valuable partner, for the United States," said the Indian Ambassador.

India, US collaborating closely during COVID-19 pandemic: Ambassador Sandhu

The construction of the Ram temple here is likely to start next month and the temple trust president has sent an invite to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion of its foundation stone laying ceremony, said Ayodhya seers on Thursday.

A tentative programme for the construction of the temple is likely to be decided in the meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust here on Saturday, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-members-set-to-meet-on-july-18-in-ayodhya-310656">Ram temple trust members set to meet on July 18 in Ayodhya</a>

"Trust's president Nritya Gopal Das has sent a letter to the prime minister, inviting him to conduct the Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir on the occasion of its foundation laying ceremony,"&nbsp;said Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, the official spokesperson of the Trust president.

There is, however, no clarity as of now on prime minister's presence on the occasion, he said, adding a clearer picture is likely to emerge after the July 18 meeting.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too is expected to be present during the Bhumi Pujan, he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi's former principal secretary Nripendra Mishra, also the chairman of the construction committee of the temple trust, visited Ayodhya on Thursday along with BSF's former director general KK Sharma, the security adviser of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, and met various members of the Ram Temple Trust, set up as per the directions of the apex court.

The meeting was held in the presence of various local authorities at the Circuit House here and attended by trust secretary Champat Rai and members Anil Mishra and Bimlendra Mishra among others.

Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and member Mahant Dinendra Das, who live in Ayodhya itself, however, were not present in the meeting.&nbsp;

The construction of the Ram temple here is likely to start next month and the temple trust president has sent an invite to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion of its foundation stone laying ceremony, said Ayodhya seers on Thursday.

The construction of the Ram temple here is likely to start next month and the temple trust president has sent an invite to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion of its foundation stone laying ceremony, said Ayodhya seers on Thursday. A tentative programme for the construction of the temple is likely to be decided in the meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust here on Saturday, they said. Also read | Ram temple trust members set to meet on July 18 in Ayodhya "Trust's president Nritya Gopal Das has sent a letter to the prime minister, inviting him to conduct the Bhumi Pujan of Ram Mandir on the occasion of its foundation laying ceremony," said Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, the official spokesperson of the Trust president. There is, however, no clarity as of now on prime minister's presence on the occasion, he said, adding a clearer picture is likely to emerge after the July 18 meeting. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too is expected to be present during the Bhumi Pujan, he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi's former principal secretary Nripendra Mishra, also the chairman of the construction committee of the temple trust, visited Ayodhya on Thursday along with BSF's former director general KK Sharma, the security adviser of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, and met various members of the Ram Temple Trust, set up as per the directions of the apex court. The meeting was held in the presence of various local authorities at the Circuit House here and attended by trust secretary Champat Rai and members Anil Mishra and Bimlendra Mishra among others. Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and member Mahant Dinendra Das, who live in Ayodhya itself, however, were not present in the meeting.

Ram temple construction likely to start next month: Trust chief's spokesperson

India and the US are likely to partner on 5G network, US India Business Council (USIBC) President Nisha Biswal said on Thursday, adding that the technology sector is a "very important area" of collaboration between our two countries.

In an interview with ANI, Biswal said expects that digital commerce and all areas of the technology collaboration are going to continue to grow.

"I do think that the technology sector is a very important area of collaboration between our two countries. We have a very trusted relationship, and we have a very large digitally savvy population in both countries," she said.

"So I do expect that digital commerce and all areas of technology collaboration are going to continue to grow. I also think that the US and India will partner on 5G and creating a kind of digital infrastructure of the future. And this will continue to be an area of growing importance," she added.&nbsp;

Biswal said that the US and India economic partnership has been one that has been growing in importance for both countries. "US India economic partnership has been one that has been growing in importance for both countries. We have seen that the pandemic has created enormous disruption on global supply chains including in the pharmaceutical sector and the US India partnership is one of the trusted partners. So as we look at the research and collaboration that`s going on around the vaccine around treatment options," she said.

The India Ideas Summit organised by the USIBC scheduled on July 21-22 will see discussions on a wide range of topics including the impact of coronavirus on global supply chain and healthcare collaboration between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the upcoming Summit, which has assembled a high-powered line-up of US-India corridor leaders from across the business, government and society.

India and the US are likely to partner on 5G network, US India Business Council (USIBC) President Nisha Biswal said on Thursday, adding that the technology sector is a "very important area" of collaboration between our two countries.

India and the US are likely to partner on 5G network, US India Business Council (USIBC) President Nisha Biswal said on Thursday, adding that the technology sector is a "very important area" of collaboration between our two countries. In an interview with ANI, Biswal said expects that digital commerce and all areas of the technology collaboration are going to continue to grow. "I do think that the technology sector is a very important area of collaboration between our two countries. We have a very trusted relationship, and we have a very large digitally savvy population in both countries," she said. "So I do expect that digital commerce and all areas of technology collaboration are going to continue to grow. I also think that the US and India will partner on 5G and creating a kind of digital infrastructure of the future. And this will continue to be an area of growing importance," she added. Biswal said that the US and India economic partnership has been one that has been growing in importance for both countries. "US India economic partnership has been one that has been growing in importance for both countries. We have seen that the pandemic has created enormous disruption on global supply chains including in the pharmaceutical sector and the US India partnership is one of the trusted partners. So as we look at the research and collaboration that`s going on around the vaccine around treatment options," she said. The India Ideas Summit organised by the USIBC scheduled on July 21-22 will see discussions on a wide range of topics including the impact of coronavirus on global supply chain and healthcare collaboration between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the upcoming Summit, which has assembled a high-powered line-up of US-India corridor leaders from across the business, government and society.

India, US likely to partner on 5G: USIBC President

Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported 38 deaths, its highest single-day spike in coronavirus fatalities, raising the toll to 1,084 while 1,919 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 45,363, officials said.

Additional chief secretary, medical and health, Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 16,445 active COVID-19 cases, while 27,634 patients have so far been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the infection.

At eight, the maximum deaths were reported from Kanpur, followed by five from Prayagraj, three from Moradabad, two each from Gorakhpur, Rampur and Jhansi, and one each from Meerut, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lucknow, Firozabad, Varanasi, Barabanki, Ayodhya, Muzaffarnagar, Deoria, Rae Bareli, Bareli, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Farukkhabad, Unnao and Bagpath, a health department report said.

Overall, the maximum 110 deaths have been reported from Kanpur followed by 96 and 94 deaths from Agra and Meerut respectively, it said.

Prasad said a record 54,207 coronavirus samples were tested on Thursday and the number would be increased further.

"In the past 24 hours (since 3 pm Thursday), 1,919 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 38 deaths were reported, pushing the total number of cases to 45,363 and deaths to 1,084," the health department said.

On home isolation facility, Prasad said it was not being provided deliberately in the state as asymptomatic patients tend to spread the virus among family members and others.

In an important decision, the state government, Prasad said, has decided to provide isolation facility in hotels in Lucknow and Ghaziabad.

"The district administration of Lucknow and Ghaziabad will acquire the hotel and the facility of isolation for asymptomatic patients will be provided there on a double occupancy basis at a charge of Rs 2,000 per day. The medical facility will be provided to them by the health department at a one-time payment of Rs 2,000," he said.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Information, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said that during the weekend lockdown, directives have been issued to all districts to use drone cameras to keep an eye on the movement of traffic and cleanliness work.

"Drones will be used in all districts in the next two days," Awasthi said.

Prasad said around 1.75 lakh people with coronavirus-like symptoms were found during the surveillance campaign conducted in the state till July 15. 
"The health department is now testing all of them," Prasad said.

Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported 38 deaths, its highest single-day spike in coronavirus fatalities, raising the toll to 1,084 while 1,919 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 45,363, officials said.

Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported 38 deaths, its highest single-day spike in coronavirus fatalities, raising the toll to 1,084 while 1,919 fresh cases pushed the infection tally to 45,363, officials said. Additional chief secretary, medical and health, Amit Mohan Prasad said the state now has 16,445 active COVID-19 cases, while 27,634 patients have so far been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the infection. At eight, the maximum deaths were reported from Kanpur, followed by five from Prayagraj, three from Moradabad, two each from Gorakhpur, Rampur and Jhansi, and one each from Meerut, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lucknow, Firozabad, Varanasi, Barabanki, Ayodhya, Muzaffarnagar, Deoria, Rae Bareli, Bareli, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Farukkhabad, Unnao and Bagpath, a health department report said. Overall, the maximum 110 deaths have been reported from Kanpur followed by 96 and 94 deaths from Agra and Meerut respectively, it said. Prasad said a record 54,207 coronavirus samples were tested on Thursday and the number would be increased further. "In the past 24 hours (since 3 pm Thursday), 1,919 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 38 deaths were reported, pushing the total number of cases to 45,363 and deaths to 1,084," the health department said. On home isolation facility, Prasad said it was not being provided deliberately in the state as asymptomatic patients tend to spread the virus among family members and others. In an important decision, the state government, Prasad said, has decided to provide isolation facility in hotels in Lucknow and Ghaziabad. "The district administration of Lucknow and Ghaziabad will acquire the hotel and the facility of isolation for asymptomatic patients will be provided there on a double occupancy basis at a charge of Rs 2,000 per day. The medical facility will be provided to them by the health department at a one-time payment of Rs 2,000," he said. Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Information, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said that during the weekend lockdown, directives have been issued to all districts to use drone cameras to keep an eye on the movement of traffic and cleanliness work. "Drones will be used in all districts in the next two days," Awasthi said. Prasad said around 1.75 lakh people with coronavirus-like symptoms were found during the surveillance campaign conducted in the state till July 15. "The health department is now testing all of them," Prasad said.

Uttar Pradesh reports highest single-day fatalities; toll rises to over 1,000

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district.

Officials have identified deceased as 52-year-old Mohammad Rafiq, 50-year-old Rafiq Bi, and their son Irfan Ahmad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-kulgam-operation-underway-313900">Also read|&nbsp;Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway</a>

Indian army has said that “at about 2120 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with Small Arms &amp; shelling with Mortars along LoC in the Gulpur sector.”&nbsp;

According to locals, a shell landed on their residential house creating panic in the area. The injured civilian has been shifted to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injures.&nbsp;

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district.

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district. Officials have identified deceased as 52-year-old Mohammad Rafiq, 50-year-old Rafiq Bi, and their son Irfan Ahmad. Also read| Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway Indian army has said that “at about 2120 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with Small Arms & shelling with Mortars along LoC in the Gulpur sector.” According to locals, a shell landed on their residential house creating panic in the area. The injured civilian has been shifted to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injures.

Couple and son killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in J&K

After the US, which has carried out a record 42 million COVID-19 tests, India has done the second largest number of 12 million coronavirus tests, the White House has said.

More than 3.5 million people have tested positive with the coronavirus and 1,38,000 died in the US Globally, more than 13.6 million have tested positive and over 586,000 have died.

“With regard to (the coronavirus) testing, we’ve done more than 42 million tests. The second-highest number is 12 million from India. We’re leading the world in testing,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday.

The White House was responding to questions related to the coronavirus pandemic in the US

“We have done more than any country in the world on testing; there’s no doubt about that — 42 million tests. The country with the next highest number is India at 12 million,” Ms. McEnany said.

This record testing, she said, is in a very stark contrast than the previous administration.

“CBS is reporting that in 2009 under Obama-Biden, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention abruptly advised states to stop testing for the H1N1 flu and stopped counting individual cases,” she said.

“Ron Klain, Vice President Biden’s former Chief of Staff said this: It is purely a fortuity that (H1N1) isn’t one of the great mass casualty events in American history. It had nothing to do with us doing anything right. This is former VP Biden’s Chief of Staff. It just had to do with luck,” she said.

“Contrary to that, this President led the world in testing; led the world in ventilators — redistributing ventilators for therapeutics; 13 vaccine candidates — one going into phase three clinical trial. This response has been extraordinary and historic. We didn’t pause testing; the Obama-Biden administration did, and that was a shameful decision,” Ms. McEnany said.

There has been encouraging news on vaccines, the press secretary said.

“Moderna’s vaccine candidate is showing promising signs. They produced a positive, neutral immune response among the 45 participants in the study. This is comparable to what we see in recovered patients. The bottom line is that, so far, we are seeing exactly what you would hope to see in a vaccine. The Moderna vaccine in particular is expected to reach phase three by late July, with 30,000 participants,” she said.

“On the therapeutics front, I just want to note: A very encouraging Regeneron contract. A USD 450 million contract for a monoclonal antibody cocktail. This is a bioengineered version of convalescent plasma, one of the several therapeutics available to treat COVID-19. It can be used for prophylaxis and treatment. They say they could have up to 70 to 300 thousand doses — by the end of the summer or early fall,” she said.

As such there is encouraging news on the therapeutics front, Ms. McEnany added.

After the US, which has carried out a record 42 million COVID-19 tests, India has done the second largest number of 12 million coronavirus tests, the White House has said.

After the US, which has carried out a record 42 million COVID-19 tests, India has done the second largest number of 12 million coronavirus tests, the White House has said. More than 3.5 million people have tested positive with the coronavirus and 1,38,000 died in the US Globally, more than 13.6 million have tested positive and over 586,000 have died. “With regard to (the coronavirus) testing, we’ve done more than 42 million tests. The second-highest number is 12 million from India. We’re leading the world in testing,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday. The White House was responding to questions related to the coronavirus pandemic in the US “We have done more than any country in the world on testing; there’s no doubt about that — 42 million tests. The country with the next highest number is India at 12 million,” Ms. McEnany said. This record testing, she said, is in a very stark contrast than the previous administration. “CBS is reporting that in 2009 under Obama-Biden, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention abruptly advised states to stop testing for the H1N1 flu and stopped counting individual cases,” she said. “Ron Klain, Vice President Biden’s former Chief of Staff said this: It is purely a fortuity that (H1N1) isn’t one of the great mass casualty events in American history. It had nothing to do with us doing anything right. This is former VP Biden’s Chief of Staff. It just had to do with luck,” she said. “Contrary to that, this President led the world in testing; led the world in ventilators — redistributing ventilators for therapeutics; 13 vaccine candidates — one going into phase three clinical trial. This response has been extraordinary and historic. We didn’t pause testing; the Obama-Biden administration did, and that was a shameful decision,” Ms. McEnany said. There has been encouraging news on vaccines, the press secretary said. “Moderna’s vaccine candidate is showing promising signs. They produced a positive, neutral immune response among the 45 participants in the study. This is comparable to what we see in recovered patients. The bottom line is that, so far, we are seeing exactly what you would hope to see in a vaccine. The Moderna vaccine in particular is expected to reach phase three by late July, with 30,000 participants,” she said. “On the therapeutics front, I just want to note: A very encouraging Regeneron contract. A USD 450 million contract for a monoclonal antibody cocktail. This is a bioengineered version of convalescent plasma, one of the several therapeutics available to treat COVID-19. It can be used for prophylaxis and treatment. They say they could have up to 70 to 300 thousand doses — by the end of the summer or early fall,” she said. As such there is encouraging news on the therapeutics front, Ms. McEnany added.

After US, India has done most COVID-19 tests, says White House

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

The jailed former chief minister, serving sentences in Ranchi in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets in his native dialect Bhojpuri to take potshots at Kumar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihars-covid-19-tally-reaches-21558-with-over-1000-new-cases-313852">Bihar's COVID-19 tally reaches 21,558 with over 1,000 new cases</a>

"Does a Chief Minister lead from the front or sleep with a blanket pulled over himself? In the four months since the first lockdown, Nitish has not ventured out of his bungalow even four times", said the septuagenarian, whose Twitter account is operated by people close to him.

He alleged that the people of the state have been left to fend for themselves amid the pandemic while the chief minister was busy in "rangai putai" (polishing) of the "mask of his good governance, characterized by unemployment, starvation, corruption and crime".

"This game of hide and seek will not drive coronavirus away. Who will fight the battle if the commander of the army runs away,"&nbsp;Prasad added, sharing a tweet from his wife and successor as CM Rabri Devi, who had expressed similar views on the micro-blogging site, albeit in plain Hindi.

Kumar, who is known to be techno-savvy, has remained active politically and administratively through digital mediums like video conferencing.

This has not gone down well with the party founded and headed by Prasad who used to pose as a luddite in his hey days in a bid to underscore his humble roots which had endeared him to the masses.

Meanwhile, Modi, a senior BJP leader who was one of the litigants on whose PIL in the 1990s the Patna High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the fodder scam cases, hit back.

"At a time when the lockdown has been re-imposed because of coronavirus spike and people are being advised to work from home, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi are asking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to go among the people, throwing physical distancing to the winds,"&nbsp;Modi, one of the most prolific social media users among politicians in Bihar, tweeted.

The Deputy CM also wondered why the couple did not give similar advice to their younger son and heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav, who had remained away from the state for a long time after the nationwide lockdown was first clamped.

"Is the RJD wishing the chief minister to become infected with the coronavirus? A party known for its belief in black magic can go to any extent, driven by political envy", remarked Modi.

He was alluding to Shankar Charan Tripathi, a self-styled occultist whom Prasad had appointed as a spokesman of his party a few years ago, but sacked within months.

Sushil Modi also referred to the drubbing received in the Lok Sabha polls last year by the RJD, which failed to win a single seat in the state where the total number was 40, and the torpor exhibited by Tejashwi Yadav later who failed to attend the assembly session soon afterwards, which continued for over a month, despite being the leader of the opposition.

"Why did Lalu-Rabri not tweet at that time, babua, Janata ke beech rah ke chaheen (son, one must remain among the people)", remarked the BJP leader as a parting note, trying his hands at the colorful dialect.

As election for Bihar is approaching, wordy duel between rivals are intensifying.

Lalu Prasad, despite being in jail, keeps taking potshots at Kumar and the BJP to make his presence felt and boost RJD's prospects. 
&nbsp;

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

RJD president Lalu Prasad Friday charged Nitish Kumar with remaining cocooned inside his official bungalow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a criticism that prompted a sharp reaction from Chief Minister's deputy and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi. The jailed former chief minister, serving sentences in Ranchi in fodder scam cases, came out with a couple of tweets in his native dialect Bhojpuri to take potshots at Kumar. Also read | Bihar's COVID-19 tally reaches 21,558 with over 1,000 new cases "Does a Chief Minister lead from the front or sleep with a blanket pulled over himself? In the four months since the first lockdown, Nitish has not ventured out of his bungalow even four times", said the septuagenarian, whose Twitter account is operated by people close to him. He alleged that the people of the state have been left to fend for themselves amid the pandemic while the chief minister was busy in "rangai putai" (polishing) of the "mask of his good governance, characterized by unemployment, starvation, corruption and crime". "This game of hide and seek will not drive coronavirus away. Who will fight the battle if the commander of the army runs away," Prasad added, sharing a tweet from his wife and successor as CM Rabri Devi, who had expressed similar views on the micro-blogging site, albeit in plain Hindi. Kumar, who is known to be techno-savvy, has remained active politically and administratively through digital mediums like video conferencing. This has not gone down well with the party founded and headed by Prasad who used to pose as a luddite in his hey days in a bid to underscore his humble roots which had endeared him to the masses. Meanwhile, Modi, a senior BJP leader who was one of the litigants on whose PIL in the 1990s the Patna High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the fodder scam cases, hit back. "At a time when the lockdown has been re-imposed because of coronavirus spike and people are being advised to work from home, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi are asking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to go among the people, throwing physical distancing to the winds," Modi, one of the most prolific social media users among politicians in Bihar, tweeted. The Deputy CM also wondered why the couple did not give similar advice to their younger son and heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav, who had remained away from the state for a long time after the nationwide lockdown was first clamped. "Is the RJD wishing the chief minister to become infected with the coronavirus? A party known for its belief in black magic can go to any extent, driven by political envy", remarked Modi. He was alluding to Shankar Charan Tripathi, a self-styled occultist whom Prasad had appointed as a spokesman of his party a few years ago, but sacked within months. Sushil Modi also referred to the drubbing received in the Lok Sabha polls last year by the RJD, which failed to win a single seat in the state where the total number was 40, and the torpor exhibited by Tejashwi Yadav later who failed to attend the assembly session soon afterwards, which continued for over a month, despite being the leader of the opposition. "Why did Lalu-Rabri not tweet at that time, babua, Janata ke beech rah ke chaheen (son, one must remain among the people)", remarked the BJP leader as a parting note, trying his hands at the colorful dialect. As election for Bihar is approaching, wordy duel between rivals are intensifying. Lalu Prasad, despite being in jail, keeps taking potshots at Kumar and the BJP to make his presence felt and boost RJD's prospects.

Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back

India is not a weak country and no power in the world can touch even an inch of its land, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday as he visited Ladakh to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the wake of the border standoff with China.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses troops at Lukung, Ladakh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Leh on Friday on a day-long visit to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the region in wake of the border row with China.

His trip comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise visit to Ladakh on July 3 during which he also addressed troops and signalled the country's firmness in dealing with the India-China border row.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army chief Gen M M Naravane are accompanying Singh on the visit.

Singh is scheduled&nbsp;to visit Stakna and Lukung forward areas.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RM with the troops who participated in the para dropping and other military exercise at Stakna. <a href="https://t.co/mN67nsGiAh">pic.twitter.com/mN67nsGiAh</a>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1283977692384096256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> witnessing para dropping and scoping weapons at Stankna near Leh. <a href="https://t.co/2vwvjotI7q">pic.twitter.com/2vwvjotI7q</a>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1283972534287822848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Singh was originally scheduled to visit Ladakh on July 3 but the trip was deferred.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for over eight weeks since May 5.

The tension escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

However, following a series of diplomatic and military talks, the two sides began a mutual disengagement process on July 6 and withdrew troops from most of the friction points.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Leh on Friday on a day-long visit to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the region in wake of the border row with China.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Leh on Friday on a day-long visit to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the region in wake of the border row with China. His trip comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise visit to Ladakh on July 3 during which he also addressed troops and signalled the country's firmness in dealing with the India-China border row. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army chief Gen M M Naravane are accompanying Singh on the visit. Singh is scheduled to visit Stakna and Lukung forward areas. RM with the troops who participated in the para dropping and other military exercise at Stakna. pic.twitter.com/mN67nsGiAh — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 17, 2020 × Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh witnessing para dropping and scoping weapons at Stankna near Leh. pic.twitter.com/2vwvjotI7q — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 17, 2020 × Singh was originally scheduled to visit Ladakh on July 3 but the trip was deferred. Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for over eight weeks since May 5. The tension escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. However, following a series of diplomatic and military talks, the two sides began a mutual disengagement process on July 6 and withdrew troops from most of the friction points.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Leh to carry out security review

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control.

The Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans on Thursday also expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the Galwan Valley.

The troops of India and China are locked in an over eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead.

"As members of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are extremely disappointed by the events that took place at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley area on June 15," congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans said in a statement on Thursday.

The House of Representatives Caucus on India and Indian Americans, led by congressmen Holding and Sherman in a letter to India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, said that over the last few months, the Chinese authorities have been acting with impunity and have attempted to transgress on the LAC, which resulted in diplomatic discussions to implement a process for de-escalation along the LAC on June 6.

The letter was signed by seven other lawmakers.

"Only nine days after the agreement, the Chinese attempted to build new infrastructure on the Indian side of the LAC, the letter said.

"Dissatisfied with your government's response, the Chinese troops disregarded the recently implemented disengagement process and erupted in premeditated violence, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers," it said.

The bipartisan letter was signed by four members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, two members of the House Armed Services Committee and one each from the House intelligence, judiciary and agricultural committees.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We are disappointed that China has been acting in contradiction to their agreements with India, in their attempt to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border," the letter said.

"It is my hope that they scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control and uphold both their longstanding and new-founded agreements with India," said the letter.

The letter among others was signed by congressmen Ro Khanna, Joe Wilson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Steve Chabot, Pramila Jayapal, Ted Yoho and T J Cox.

Over the last few weeks, bipartisan support for India against China has been increasing.

A day earlier, Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said US-India partnership, based on their shared commitment to democracy, is vital to uphold international law, international norms and the institutions that can peacefully and diplomatically resolve disputes and aggression.

"As India and China work to disengage along the Line of Actual Control, I remain deeply concerned by China's aggressive behaviour in territorial disputes," Menendez said.

"From the 2017 Doklam standoff to the recent violence along the borders in Sikkim and Ladakh, to China's new claims to Bhutanese territory, Beijing has all too often sought to redraw the map of Asia without regard for its neighbours," he said.

Last month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that for the sake of grabbing territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962.

"I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border," said congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs last month.

"China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Engel said.

Top Republican Senator Marco Rubio also called recently India's Ambassador to the US to express his solidarity with the people of India as they firmly confront unwarranted and lawless armed aggression by the Communist Party of China.

"India has made it clear, they will not be bullied by Beijing," he said.

Senator Tom Cotton slammed China of its aggression against India.

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control.

China has been acting in contradiction to its agreements with India to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border, an influential bipartisan Congressional Caucus has said and hoped that Beijing will scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control. The Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans on Thursday also expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the Galwan Valley. The troops of India and China are locked in an over eight-week standoff in several areas in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Gogra Hot Spring since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. "As members of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, we are extremely disappointed by the events that took place at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley area on June 15," congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans said in a statement on Thursday. The House of Representatives Caucus on India and Indian Americans, led by congressmen Holding and Sherman in a letter to India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, said that over the last few months, the Chinese authorities have been acting with impunity and have attempted to transgress on the LAC, which resulted in diplomatic discussions to implement a process for de-escalation along the LAC on June 6. The letter was signed by seven other lawmakers. "Only nine days after the agreement, the Chinese attempted to build new infrastructure on the Indian side of the LAC, the letter said. "Dissatisfied with your government's response, the Chinese troops disregarded the recently implemented disengagement process and erupted in premeditated violence, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers," it said. The bipartisan letter was signed by four members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, two members of the House Armed Services Committee and one each from the House intelligence, judiciary and agricultural committees. "We offer our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We are disappointed that China has been acting in contradiction to their agreements with India, in their attempt to change the status quo and challenge Indian troops at the border," the letter said. "It is my hope that they scale back on their excessive weaponry and infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control and uphold both their longstanding and new-founded agreements with India," said the letter. The letter among others was signed by congressmen Ro Khanna, Joe Wilson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Steve Chabot, Pramila Jayapal, Ted Yoho and T J Cox. Over the last few weeks, bipartisan support for India against China has been increasing. A day earlier, Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said US-India partnership, based on their shared commitment to democracy, is vital to uphold international law, international norms and the institutions that can peacefully and diplomatically resolve disputes and aggression. "As India and China work to disengage along the Line of Actual Control, I remain deeply concerned by China's aggressive behaviour in territorial disputes," Menendez said. "From the 2017 Doklam standoff to the recent violence along the borders in Sikkim and Ladakh, to China's new claims to Bhutanese territory, Beijing has all too often sought to redraw the map of Asia without regard for its neighbours," he said. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that for the sake of grabbing territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962. "I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border," said congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs last month. "China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Engel said. Top Republican Senator Marco Rubio also called recently India's Ambassador to the US to express his solidarity with the people of India as they firmly confront unwarranted and lawless armed aggression by the Communist Party of China. "India has made it clear, they will not be bullied by Beijing," he said. Senator Tom Cotton slammed China of its aggression against India.

China acting in contradiction to its agreements with India: US congressmen

United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to do everything possible to keep peace for the people of India and China, according to the White House spokesperson.

Trump administration has often, over the past several weeks, come out in support of India against China.

"He (Trump) said he loves the people of India and he love the people of China and he want to do everything possible to keep the peace for the people," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

She was responding to a question on Trump's message to India, which recently had a stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control.

Earlier in the day, White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow described India as a great ally, saying President Trump is a great friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that India has been a great partner of the US.

"India has been a great partner. They are an important partner of ours. I have a great relationship with my foreign minister counterpart. We talked frequently about a broad range of issues. We talked about the conflict they had along the border with China. We've talked about the risk that emanates from the Chinese telecommunication infrastructure there," Pompeo told reporters in response to a question.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-suffers-as-trumps-tough-line-allows-iran-to-embrace-china-313821">Also read |&nbsp;India suffers as Trump's tough line allows Iran to embrace China</a>

US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien told reporters that China has been very aggressive with India.

O'Brien said that India is a democracy and is a great friend of the United States. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have a super relationship, he said.

"In fact, it was the last foreign trip that I took with the president before the COVID-19 crisis hit, was to India, and we had a great reception of the Indian people there. We have a lot in common with them, we speak English, we're democracies. We've got a growing, very strong relationship with India," O'Brien said.

Welcoming the White House statement, Al Mason, co-chair of the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said that unlike his predecessor, President Trump has come out openly in support of India.

"Most of the Indian-Americans have observed that every earlier president - be it a Democrat or Republican, like Clinton or Bush Senior or Bush Jr or Obama have been very scared to side with India openly, for fear of hurting China. Only President Trump has had the courage to say that 'I love India, America respects India -- US stands with India -- and that also, to over one billion Indians in India at the Namaste Trump rally held in India and that too near India's neighbour China," Mason said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/174-indians-in-us-file-lawsuit-against-trumps-proclamation-on-h-1b-visa-313614">Also read |&nbsp;174 Indians in US file lawsuit against Trump's proclamation on H-1B visa</a>

"And he is consistent in his love for India and Indian-Americans," he added.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to do everything possible to keep peace for the people of India and China, according to the White House spokesperson.

United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to do everything possible to keep peace for the people of India and China, according to the White House spokesperson. Trump administration has often, over the past several weeks, come out in support of India against China. "He (Trump) said he loves the people of India and he love the people of China and he want to do everything possible to keep the peace for the people," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a news conference on Thursday. She was responding to a question on Trump's message to India, which recently had a stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control. Earlier in the day, White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow described India as a great ally, saying President Trump is a great friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that India has been a great partner of the US. "India has been a great partner. They are an important partner of ours. I have a great relationship with my foreign minister counterpart. We talked frequently about a broad range of issues. We talked about the conflict they had along the border with China. We've talked about the risk that emanates from the Chinese telecommunication infrastructure there," Pompeo told reporters in response to a question. Also read | India suffers as Trump's tough line allows Iran to embrace China US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien told reporters that China has been very aggressive with India. O'Brien said that India is a democracy and is a great friend of the United States. Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have a super relationship, he said. "In fact, it was the last foreign trip that I took with the president before the COVID-19 crisis hit, was to India, and we had a great reception of the Indian people there. We have a lot in common with them, we speak English, we're democracies. We've got a growing, very strong relationship with India," O'Brien said. Welcoming the White House statement, Al Mason, co-chair of the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said that unlike his predecessor, President Trump has come out openly in support of India. "Most of the Indian-Americans have observed that every earlier president - be it a Democrat or Republican, like Clinton or Bush Senior or Bush Jr or Obama have been very scared to side with India openly, for fear of hurting China. Only President Trump has had the courage to say that 'I love India, America respects India -- US stands with India -- and that also, to over one billion Indians in India at the Namaste Trump rally held in India and that too near India's neighbour China," Mason said in a statement. Also read | 174 Indians in US file lawsuit against Trump's proclamation on H-1B visa "And he is consistent in his love for India and Indian-Americans," he added.

Trump 'wants to do everything possible to keep peace for people of India, China'

Three&nbsp;unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.

The information regarding the encounter was shared by the&nbsp;Kashmir Zone Police which tweeted:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulgamEncounterUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulgamEncounterUpdate</a>: Another <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unidentified?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#unidentified</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorist</a> killed (total 03). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Incriminating?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Incriminating</a> materials including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/arms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#arms</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ammunition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ammunition</a> recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a> <a href="https://t.co/L74a825FBw">https://t.co/L74a825FBw</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1283961637855064065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation early Friday morning in Nagnad area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter when the hiding militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained. 
On July 5, two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Arreh village in Kulgam.

Three unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.

Three unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam. The information regarding the encounter was shared by the Kashmir Zone Police which tweeted: #KulgamEncounterUpdate: Another #unidentified #terrorist killed (total 03). #Incriminating materials including #arms & #ammunition recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/L74a825FBw — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 17, 2020 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation early Friday morning in Nagnad area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter when the hiding militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained. On July 5, two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Arreh village in Kulgam.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government towards the path of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the country has not forgotten its "responsibility" towards this planet.&nbsp;

"While marching forward on the path of development, we are not forgetting our responsibility towards our planet," PM Modi said in a virtual address to the High-Level Segment of UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-eu-partnership-is-significant-for-peace-and-stability-of-world-pm-modi-313477">India-EU partnership is significant for peace and stability of world: PM Modi</a>

"Over the past few years, we have reduced 38 millon tonnes of carbon emisssions annually," adding that electrification of villages, providing clean fuels to poor households and energy efficiency initiatives helped the country in achieving this.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-shares-details-of-conversation-with-sundar-pichai-313008">PM Narendra Modi shares details of conversation with Sundar Pichai</a>

He lauded India's initiative to set up International Solar Alliance and called it a "practical manifestation of climate action".&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister also lauded his government's Ayushman&nbsp;Bharat scheme, world's largest health protection programme.&nbsp;

"In the fight against COVID, our grassroots health systems is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government towards the path of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the country has not forgotten its "responsibility" towards this planet.

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the government towards the path of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the country has not forgotten its "responsibility" towards this planet. "While marching forward on the path of development, we are not forgetting our responsibility towards our planet," PM Modi said in a virtual address to the High-Level Segment of UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Also read | India-EU partnership is significant for peace and stability of world: PM Modi "Over the past few years, we have reduced 38 millon tonnes of carbon emisssions annually," adding that electrification of villages, providing clean fuels to poor households and energy efficiency initiatives helped the country in achieving this. Also read | PM Narendra Modi shares details of conversation with Sundar Pichai He lauded India's initiative to set up International Solar Alliance and called it a "practical manifestation of climate action". The Indian prime minister also lauded his government's Ayushman Bharat scheme, world's largest health protection programme. "In the fight against COVID, our grassroots health systems is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world," PM Modi said.

India not forgotten 'responsibility' towards our planet: PM Modi at UN ECOSOC

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 88 km east of Katra of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the government's nodal agency for monitoring seismic activity in the country.

As per NCS, the tremor was felt at 4:55 am today.

The quake hit at a depth of more than 5 kilometres, the agency said 
Earlier, on July 8, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred near Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 88 km east of Katra of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the government's nodal agency for monitoring seismic activity in the country.

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 88 km east of Katra of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the government's nodal agency for monitoring seismic activity in the country. As per NCS, the tremor was felt at 4:55 am today. The quake hit at a depth of more than 5 kilometres, the agency said Earlier, on July 8, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred near Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

3.9 magnitude earthquake strikes near Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir: Centre for seismology

India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh

India has signed bilateral agreements with France, and the United States that will allow airlines of these countries to operate international flights -- from Friday.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed on Thursday that similar arrangements with Germany and the UK are being worked out too.

"Till international civil aviation can reclaim its pre-COVID numbers, I think the answer lies in bilateral air bubbles which will carry a possible number of people but under defined conditions as countries are still imposing entry restrictions including India," the minister said at a news conference.

He added, "We are at a very advance stage of negotiations with at least three countries – France, US and Germany for air bubble. Air France will be operating 28 flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Paris between July 18 and August 1."

Puri said American carrier United Airlines will fly 18 flights between India and the US from July 17 to July 31 and Air France will operate 28 flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris from July 18 to August 1.

Additionally, United Airlines will fly a daily flight between Delhi and Newark and a thrice-a-week flight between Delhi and San Francisco.

From India, Air India will be operating flights to France and US under these bubbles.

The announcement comes weeks after the US threatened to take action, accusing India of "unfair and discriminatory practices" for running exclusive paid flights under its "Vande Bharat Mission" to bring back Indians from other countries.

Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government resumed scheduled domestic passenger flights on May 25.

The Civil Aviation Ministry increased the limits on June 26 from 33 per cent to 45 per cent.

"We are assuming that by the time Diwali comes this year, we would have 55-60 per cent of pre-COVID domestic flights operating in India," Puri said.

(with inputs from agencies)

India has signed bilateral agreements with France, and the United States that will allow airlines of these countries to operate international flights -- from Friday.

India has signed bilateral agreements with France, and the United States that will allow airlines of these countries to operate international flights -- from Friday. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed on Thursday that similar arrangements with Germany and the UK are being worked out too. "Till international civil aviation can reclaim its pre-COVID numbers, I think the answer lies in bilateral air bubbles which will carry a possible number of people but under defined conditions as countries are still imposing entry restrictions including India," the minister said at a news conference. He added, "We are at a very advance stage of negotiations with at least three countries – France, US and Germany for air bubble. Air France will be operating 28 flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Paris between July 18 and August 1." Puri said American carrier United Airlines will fly 18 flights between India and the US from July 17 to July 31 and Air France will operate 28 flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris from July 18 to August 1. Additionally, United Airlines will fly a daily flight between Delhi and Newark and a thrice-a-week flight between Delhi and San Francisco. From India, Air India will be operating flights to France and US under these bubbles. The announcement comes weeks after the US threatened to take action, accusing India of "unfair and discriminatory practices" for running exclusive paid flights under its "Vande Bharat Mission" to bring back Indians from other countries. Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government resumed scheduled domestic passenger flights on May 25. The Civil Aviation Ministry increased the limits on June 26 from 33 per cent to 45 per cent. "We are assuming that by the time Diwali comes this year, we would have 55-60 per cent of pre-COVID domestic flights operating in India," Puri said. (with inputs from agencies)

India establishes 'air bubbles' with US, France; international flights from July 17

The number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 10 lakh mark on Friday. India has become the third country in the world to record more than a million cases after the US and Brazil.&nbsp;

India's total COVID-19 caseload stands at 10, 03,832, with total cases rising by 34,956 in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

The total number of active cases, however, stands at just 3, 42, 473 with the country adding 11,327 cases in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries increased to 6,35,756, with 22,942 patients cured in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours.

As many as 1, 27, 39,490 samples have tested for the virus till July 15, out of which 3, 26,826 samples were tested on Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 10 lakh mark on Friday. India has become the third country in the world to record more than a million cases after the US and Brazil.

The number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 10 lakh mark on Friday. India has become the third country in the world to record more than a million cases after the US and Brazil. India's total COVID-19 caseload stands at 10, 03,832, with total cases rising by 34,956 in the last 24 hours. The total number of active cases, however, stands at just 3, 42, 473 with the country adding 11,327 cases in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries increased to 6,35,756, with 22,942 patients cured in the past 24 hours. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours. As many as 1, 27, 39,490 samples have tested for the virus till July 15, out of which 3, 26,826 samples were tested on Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases in India cross 10-lakh mark, death toll over 25,000

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Two persons have been detained in connection with this offence.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tamil-nadu-4538-new-cases-delhi-crosses-120000-mark-314066">COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark</a>

Chennai Air Customs has&nbsp;confiscated two parcels from Netherlands, which were suspected to contain narcotic substances.&nbsp;

On opening the first parcel, a DVD-box was found. On further examination, there was a plastic pouch which contained 3 zip lock packs. 25 LSD stamps, 31 pink color MDMA pills and 6 grams of white crystal MDMA were found to be concealed in the ziplocks.

These pink-colour pills embossed with the ‘Coca Cola’ logo contain around 200 mg of MDMA. The recovered LSD stamp variants are commonly known as ‘Bicycle Day’ or ‘Hofmann’, they have about 33 micrograms of LSD.&nbsp;

On examination, second parcel was found to contain 100 pink colour pills and 8 grams of white crystal, both suspected to be MDMA, a narcotics substance. These pills are commonly known as 'DHL-LKW'&nbsp;are in shape of truck and contain 297 mg MDMA. These are the strongest pills seized till date. Anything above 120mg dosage of MDMA pills are said to be fatal.

"During recent times MDMA has been coming regularly in due to the lockdown and we have been seizing it. But, it is for the first time that we are we are getting LSD stamps and this is our second seizure of MDMA crystals. LSD has come in the from of a big stamp and on closer observation it is found to contain 25 smaller stamps. Crystal is the purest form of MDMA and tablet is a mixture. A single gram of this MDMA Crystal is said to cost about Rs 10,000 (USD&nbsp;133)"&nbsp;Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION.&nbsp;

LSD is an extremely potent hallucinogen and its recreational dosage averages between 25 to 80 micrograms (mcg). Generally, LSD is soaked onto sheets of absorbent paper with colourful designs which are cut into small, individual dosage units in shape of stamps.&nbsp;

The parcels were addressed to two different persons in Chennai city. As a follow up action, searches were carried out at the addresses and two persons have been detained to ascertain their role in smuggling.

In terms of Ecstasy pills (MDMA) smuggling, during the last four weeks, more than six attempts have been thwarted at the Foreign Post Office in the city. The parcels containing contraband arrived via foreign post from various location sin Europe including Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

A total of 1410 Ecstasy pills valued at Rs.420,000&nbsp;(USD5,602) have been seized under NDPS Act, 1985.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Two persons have been detained in connection with this offence. Also read | COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark Chennai Air Customs has confiscated two parcels from Netherlands, which were suspected to contain narcotic substances. On opening the first parcel, a DVD-box was found. On further examination, there was a plastic pouch which contained 3 zip lock packs. 25 LSD stamps, 31 pink color MDMA pills and 6 grams of white crystal MDMA were found to be concealed in the ziplocks. These pink-colour pills embossed with the ‘Coca Cola’ logo contain around 200 mg of MDMA. The recovered LSD stamp variants are commonly known as ‘Bicycle Day’ or ‘Hofmann’, they have about 33 micrograms of LSD. On examination, second parcel was found to contain 100 pink colour pills and 8 grams of white crystal, both suspected to be MDMA, a narcotics substance. These pills are commonly known as 'DHL-LKW' are in shape of truck and contain 297 mg MDMA. These are the strongest pills seized till date. Anything above 120mg dosage of MDMA pills are said to be fatal. "During recent times MDMA has been coming regularly in due to the lockdown and we have been seizing it. But, it is for the first time that we are we are getting LSD stamps and this is our second seizure of MDMA crystals. LSD has come in the from of a big stamp and on closer observation it is found to contain 25 smaller stamps. Crystal is the purest form of MDMA and tablet is a mixture. A single gram of this MDMA Crystal is said to cost about Rs 10,000 (USD 133)" Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION. LSD is an extremely potent hallucinogen and its recreational dosage averages between 25 to 80 micrograms (mcg). Generally, LSD is soaked onto sheets of absorbent paper with colourful designs which are cut into small, individual dosage units in shape of stamps. The parcels were addressed to two different persons in Chennai city. As a follow up action, searches were carried out at the addresses and two persons have been detained to ascertain their role in smuggling. In terms of Ecstasy pills (MDMA) smuggling, during the last four weeks, more than six attempts have been thwarted at the Foreign Post Office in the city. The parcels containing contraband arrived via foreign post from various location sin Europe including Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. A total of 1410 Ecstasy pills valued at Rs.420,000 (USD5,602) have been seized under NDPS Act, 1985.

Chennai customs seize narcotics worth over 8,000 USD

india-news

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

india news