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The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as&nbsp;34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning.&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.

One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported&nbsp;8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported&nbsp;4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state.&nbsp;Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
10 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1284095193277333510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The national capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered.

Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths.

Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. 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. One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported 8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state. Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths. 10 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) #Maharashtra — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × The national capital Delhi reported 1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered. Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths. Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country.

This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-ruling-partys-meeting-to-decide-pm-olis-future-postponed-for-fifth-time-until-sunday-313965">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal ruling party's meeting to decide PM Oli's future postponed for fifth time until Sunday</a>

<img alt="FIR" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f660770-6594-4d56-9dde-76e6c3fdc39b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FIR.jpg" />

Nepal envoy Acharya had spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, during which both sides agreed India-Nepal ties should not be impacted along with highest possible assurance given by the latter on the safety of Nepali nationals in the state.

The authorities in the state are fully seized of the matter with an FIR being lodged and culprits being traced. One arrest has already been made.&nbsp;

UP and Nepal share a long and open border with free flow of people.

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country. This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans.

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country. This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans. Also read: Nepal ruling party's meeting to decide PM Oli's future postponed for fifth time until Sunday Nepal envoy Acharya had spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, during which both sides agreed India-Nepal ties should not be impacted along with highest possible assurance given by the latter on the safety of Nepali nationals in the state. The authorities in the state are fully seized of the matter with an FIR being lodged and culprits being traced. One arrest has already been made. UP and Nepal share a long and open border with free flow of people.

UP government assures Nepal on safety of its citizens

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil.

Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which&nbsp;will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It&nbsp;was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India&nbsp;and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason.

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On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment."

Then came a report from <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/iran-drops-india-key-rail-project-citing-funding-delays-200715063259623.Html">Al Jazeera</a> and another twist in the tale. The&nbsp;report said that India was never really part of the&nbsp;railway project&nbsp;so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is&nbsp;Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation.

He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project.

In a press release of MEA from 2016 the&nbsp;list&nbsp;of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran&nbsp;there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC).

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The description of the&nbsp;MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with&nbsp;around $1.6 billion committed as financing.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the&nbsp;MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward.

Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It&nbsp;is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy.

The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments.

India plans to invest $500 million into the project because&nbsp;its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too.

The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia.

Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised,&nbsp;India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion.

There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar.

In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2&nbsp;billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million.

However, India had hiked&nbsp;allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget&nbsp;almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason. On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment." Then came a report from Al Jazeera and another twist in the tale. The report said that India was never really part of the railway project so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation. He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project. In a press release of MEA from 2016 the list of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC). The description of the MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with around $1.6 billion committed as financing. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward. Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy. The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments. India plans to invest $500 million into the project because its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too. The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia. Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised, India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion. There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar. In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2 billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million. However, India had hiked allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Twist and turn in Chabahar-Zahedan rail project

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West".&nbsp;Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one&nbsp;but&nbsp;Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace.

The United States of America made it happen. It slapped crippling sanctions on Iran and bullied allies to keep distance from Tehran and&nbsp;India was one of the countries that complied.

Last year, when the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a visit to India, he had a clear message on Iran while sitting right next to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo said: "We also know that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, and we know the Indian people, how they have suffered from terror around the world."

That statement was a sign of things to come.

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Donald Trump's&nbsp;administration is on a collision course with Iran. Trump walked out of the nuclear deal, slapped sanctions on Tehran and swept allies into confrontation, whether they liked it or not.

India was one of them,&nbsp;it chose to side with the US and stopped buying oil from Iran,&nbsp;and put its investment in the Chabahar project in cold storage. India chose to comply with American sanctions.

Close ties with America is a priority for the Modi government. Prime Minister Modi has invested personal political capital in the&nbsp;relationship. First with the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston — an event that was attended by 50,000 people. Trump used the opportunity to attract more Indian-Americans to his corner.

A few months later, the US President repeated this pitch in Ahmedabad. He received a king's welcome in Modi's home state. Trump was greeted by locals in a 22-kilometer roadshow and thrown a grand reception at the world's largest cricket stadium.

However, New Delhi's list of complaints with Washington is growing. The biggest pinch that India has felt after siding with the US is on its oil bills. India is the world's third-biggest oil consumer. India imports almost 80 per cent of its oil requirements&nbsp;and Iran was the third-largest supplier&nbsp;mainly because of the easy transaction terms.

Iran reportedly used to offer India a longer credit period of 60 days and the cargo insurance was free but&nbsp;American sanctions have forced India to buy from other West Asian nations.&nbsp;Other bilateral issues with the US have also been hurting India. The US terminated the preferential trade status for India — a move that led to duties on exports of nearly two thousand Indian products.

Trump’s tone and tenor hasn’t helped the relationship. In April, the US&nbsp;President had warned of retaliation over the curbs on exports of hydroxychloroquine.

Trump’s tough stand has driven Tehran towards Beijing. China and Iran are on the cusp of signing a $400 billion strategic partnership.

America gets its way and&nbsp;China gets a new partner&nbsp;but&nbsp;India has lost a strategic ally and an oil supplier. Delhi's policy of strategic autonomy is yet to show in the case of Iran.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West". Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one but Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei had a slogan "Neither East, nor West". Khamenei wanted the post-revolution Iran to depend on no one but Tehran is now ready to dump the non-alignment mantra and collapse into China’s embrace. The United States of America made it happen. It slapped crippling sanctions on Iran and bullied allies to keep distance from Tehran and India was one of the countries that complied. Last year, when the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a visit to India, he had a clear message on Iran while sitting right next to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo said: "We also know that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, and we know the Indian people, how they have suffered from terror around the world." That statement was a sign of things to come. Donald Trump's administration is on a collision course with Iran. Trump walked out of the nuclear deal, slapped sanctions on Tehran and swept allies into confrontation, whether they liked it or not. India was one of them, it chose to side with the US and stopped buying oil from Iran, and put its investment in the Chabahar project in cold storage. India chose to comply with American sanctions. Close ties with America is a priority for the Modi government. Prime Minister Modi has invested personal political capital in the relationship. First with the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston — an event that was attended by 50,000 people. Trump used the opportunity to attract more Indian-Americans to his corner. A few months later, the US President repeated this pitch in Ahmedabad. He received a king's welcome in Modi's home state. Trump was greeted by locals in a 22-kilometer roadshow and thrown a grand reception at the world's largest cricket stadium. However, New Delhi's list of complaints with Washington is growing. The biggest pinch that India has felt after siding with the US is on its oil bills. India is the world's third-biggest oil consumer. India imports almost 80 per cent of its oil requirements and Iran was the third-largest supplier mainly because of the easy transaction terms. Iran reportedly used to offer India a longer credit period of 60 days and the cargo insurance was free but American sanctions have forced India to buy from other West Asian nations. Other bilateral issues with the US have also been hurting India. The US terminated the preferential trade status for India — a move that led to duties on exports of nearly two thousand Indian products. Trump’s tone and tenor hasn’t helped the relationship. In April, the US President had warned of retaliation over the curbs on exports of hydroxychloroquine. Trump’s tough stand has driven Tehran towards Beijing. China and Iran are on the cusp of signing a $400 billion strategic partnership. America gets its way and China gets a new partner but India has lost a strategic ally and an oil supplier. Delhi's policy of strategic autonomy is yet to show in the case of Iran.

India suffers as Trump's tough line allows Iran to embrace China

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods.

The Maldives will see the expansion of Hanimaadhoo airport under the Indian line of credit. The line of credit was announced during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's state visit to India in December 2018 which was the first foreign visit of the leader after the election victory that year.&nbsp;

Airports Authority of India (AAI) will do the detailed project report for the project. As soon as connectivity is established, the Indian mission in the Maldives will get a team from AAI to visit the site.

The project will include an extension of the runway from 1200 to 2200 MTS and a new terminal building. The project will be key for the economic development of the northern Maldives with increased connectivity and further boosting tourism.

When it comes to Bhutan, earlier this week a new trade route was opened from West Bengal's Jaigaon to Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan.

The new land route for movement of industrial raw materials and goods destined for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan is expected to not only boost bilateral trade and&nbsp;commerce but also lead to decongestion of vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route.

Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj speaking at the opening of the Land Customs station said, “We are very pleased to provide temporary access through Ahllay for the movement of heavy vehicles and trucks from India into Bhutan."

Meanwhile, on Thursday, minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya digitally flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh. The new route will reduce time and logistics cost for cargo movement and connect north-east India to Bangladeshi ports.

Speaking at the virtual flagging ceremony, Mansukh Mandaviya said, "it is a historic move to utilise Bangladeshi ports of Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India’s transit cargo" and "will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations".

The consignment of the trial containers includes two TEUs carrying TMT steel bars destined for West Tripura district and two TEUs carrying pulses destined for Karimganj, Assam. The consignment after reaching Chattogram will move to Agartala on Bangladeshi trucks.

During the visit of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in October 2019, both sides had reached an understanding on Standard Operating Procedures(SOP)&nbsp;for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India

India is already working on several other projects in the region. Last year saw Jaffna international airport being opened that connected it to Southern Indian metropolis of Chennai.

 
&nbsp;

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods.

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods. The Maldives will see the expansion of Hanimaadhoo airport under the Indian line of credit. The line of credit was announced during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's state visit to India in December 2018 which was the first foreign visit of the leader after the election victory that year. Airports Authority of India (AAI) will do the detailed project report for the project. As soon as connectivity is established, the Indian mission in the Maldives will get a team from AAI to visit the site. The project will include an extension of the runway from 1200 to 2200 MTS and a new terminal building. The project will be key for the economic development of the northern Maldives with increased connectivity and further boosting tourism. When it comes to Bhutan, earlier this week a new trade route was opened from West Bengal's Jaigaon to Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan. The new land route for movement of industrial raw materials and goods destined for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan is expected to not only boost bilateral trade and commerce but also lead to decongestion of vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj speaking at the opening of the Land Customs station said, “We are very pleased to provide temporary access through Ahllay for the movement of heavy vehicles and trucks from India into Bhutan." Meanwhile, on Thursday, minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya digitally flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh. The new route will reduce time and logistics cost for cargo movement and connect north-east India to Bangladeshi ports. Speaking at the virtual flagging ceremony, Mansukh Mandaviya said, "it is a historic move to utilise Bangladeshi ports of Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India’s transit cargo" and "will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations". The consignment of the trial containers includes two TEUs carrying TMT steel bars destined for West Tripura district and two TEUs carrying pulses destined for Karimganj, Assam. The consignment after reaching Chattogram will move to Agartala on Bangladeshi trucks. During the visit of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in October 2019, both sides had reached an understanding on Standard Operating Procedures(SOP) for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India India is already working on several other projects in the region. Last year saw Jaffna international airport being opened that connected it to Southern Indian metropolis of Chennai.

India speeds up connectivity projects with Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gagandeep Jindal allowed the foreigners to walk free on payment of a fine of $80 (INR 6,000) each, said advocate, Ashima Mandla appearing for them.

The court directed the foreigners to deposit their fines at the PM CARES Fund, since the foreigners have been found guilty of violating government orders pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-detained-tablighi-jamaat-members-to-be-moved-to-haj-service-society-tamil-nadu-government-to-high-court-313075">Also read|&nbsp;All detained Tablighi Jamaat members to be moved to Haj service society: Tamil Nadu government to high court</a>

It allowed them to walk free after the Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar, Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to it.

However, seven Thai nationals did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. 
The court was hearing their plea bargain applications.

The court had on Thursday directed 22 Nepalese to walk free on payment of $53 (INR 4,000) fine each, which was also deposited at PM CARES Fund.

A total of Rs 2,92,000 have been deposited in PM CARES Fund by 56 foreign nationals.

PM CARES Fund was set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the country. 
Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.?

The Criminal Procedure of Code allows plea bargaining for cases where the maximum punishment is imprisonment for seven years, where offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and when the offences are not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years.

The foreigners were charge sheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of $133 (INR 10,000) each.

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Delhi court Friday allowed 34 foreign nationals from Thailand to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown. Metropolitan Magistrate Gagandeep Jindal allowed the foreigners to walk free on payment of a fine of $80 (INR 6,000) each, said advocate, Ashima Mandla appearing for them. The court directed the foreigners to deposit their fines at the PM CARES Fund, since the foreigners have been found guilty of violating government orders pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic. Also read| All detained Tablighi Jamaat members to be moved to Haj service society: Tamil Nadu government to high court It allowed them to walk free after the Sub-divisional magistrate of Defence Colony, who was the complainant in the case, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Lajpat Nagar, Inspector of Nizamuddin said they have no objection to it. However, seven Thai nationals did not plead guilty to the charges against them and claimed trial before the court. The court was hearing their plea bargain applications. The court had on Thursday directed 22 Nepalese to walk free on payment of $53 (INR 4,000) fine each, which was also deposited at PM CARES Fund. A total of Rs 2,92,000 have been deposited in PM CARES Fund by 56 foreign nationals. PM CARES Fund was set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.? The Criminal Procedure of Code allows plea bargaining for cases where the maximum punishment is imprisonment for seven years, where offences don't affect the socio-economic conditions of the society and when the offences are not committed against a woman or a child below 14 years. The foreigners were charge sheeted for attending the religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz event in the national capital by allegedly violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. They were granted bail earlier by the court on a personal bond of $133 (INR 10,000) each.

Tablighi Jamaat: Court allows 34 Thai nationals to walk free on payment of $80 fine

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Maharashtra&nbsp;state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines.

The guidelines, which were earlier issued by&nbsp;Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques.&nbsp;It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic.

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Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
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All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines.

"Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying.

Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe. Maharashtra state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines. The guidelines, which were earlier issued by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques. It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic. Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt #COVID19 — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines. "Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying. Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Keep Eid celebrations simple and safe: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now? Later, you could get it melted into and still obtain the same value or get other jewelry made,” says Radhakrishnan, the owner of RK Jewel Works in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

A traditional goldsmith, Radhakrishnan has worked in various functions in the jewelry-making field for over 35 years. It was about three years back that he started making and selling clothes made of Gold. Yes, you read that right!. Most of these were made to order for special occasions, for adorning deities, for children on their birthdays etc.&nbsp;

The experience gained over the years in making clothes out of precious metals is what led to the thought of making masks that are made of precious metals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wears-gold-face-mask-to-ward-off-coronavirus-310734">Also read:&nbsp;Indian man wears gold face mask to ward off coronavirus</a>

“We can make them in 18K, 22K hallmark certified gold and the purity is guaranteed. When it comes to silver we can make it only in 92.5 sterling silver. The metal weight would be about 50gms and the cloth part of the mask would weigh 6gms or so. Silver options are priced at $200 (INR 15,000) and upwards whereas the gold version start at $3,668 (INR 2,75,000),” the shop owner says.&nbsp;

Despite owning the shop, he claims to have kept his form of work closely guarded. Ninety per cent of the process is said to be handwork and he makes these precious items himself, often taking help from those in his family. From start to finish, it takes about seven days of intricate work to get these shining masks ready.&nbsp;

“We draw gold wires that are 0.06mm in thickness and this is the only machine work. After getting these fine and flexible wires, we use them for knitting and weaving. We have received orders from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several places up north. But the farther the distance, people refuse to buy due to the issues involved in logistics. So far there are nine confirmed orders and we receive a lot of enquiries on a daily basis,” Radhakrishnan Sundaram Acharya, the shopowner and goldsmith told WION.

When asked about how it would feel to wear one for long hours, re-use it, besides the protection it offers, he says that his masks have a cloth-like feel. “The portion on top is made of metal and inside it we have the multiple layers of cloth material which are used in mask-making. It can be washed and re-used, but twisting it for any reason it is a strict no. If required later on, one can even get a goldsmith to replace the cloth material with a new one for the sake of better protection” he says.&nbsp;

It’s just been a little over a week since the gold and Silver masks were introduced, but Radhakrishnan is overwhelmed with the response as a few customers are preferring them as gifting options and even jewelry. In case one prefers more personalisation and customization, they even offer to engrave names.&nbsp;

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now?

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now? Later, you could get it melted into and still obtain the same value or get other jewelry made,” says Radhakrishnan, the owner of RK Jewel Works in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. A traditional goldsmith, Radhakrishnan has worked in various functions in the jewelry-making field for over 35 years. It was about three years back that he started making and selling clothes made of Gold. Yes, you read that right!. Most of these were made to order for special occasions, for adorning deities, for children on their birthdays etc. The experience gained over the years in making clothes out of precious metals is what led to the thought of making masks that are made of precious metals. Also read: Indian man wears gold face mask to ward off coronavirus “We can make them in 18K, 22K hallmark certified gold and the purity is guaranteed. When it comes to silver we can make it only in 92.5 sterling silver. The metal weight would be about 50gms and the cloth part of the mask would weigh 6gms or so. Silver options are priced at $200 (INR 15,000) and upwards whereas the gold version start at $3,668 (INR 2,75,000),” the shop owner says. Despite owning the shop, he claims to have kept his form of work closely guarded. Ninety per cent of the process is said to be handwork and he makes these precious items himself, often taking help from those in his family. From start to finish, it takes about seven days of intricate work to get these shining masks ready. “We draw gold wires that are 0.06mm in thickness and this is the only machine work. After getting these fine and flexible wires, we use them for knitting and weaving. We have received orders from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several places up north. But the farther the distance, people refuse to buy due to the issues involved in logistics. So far there are nine confirmed orders and we receive a lot of enquiries on a daily basis,” Radhakrishnan Sundaram Acharya, the shopowner and goldsmith told WION. When asked about how it would feel to wear one for long hours, re-use it, besides the protection it offers, he says that his masks have a cloth-like feel. “The portion on top is made of metal and inside it we have the multiple layers of cloth material which are used in mask-making. It can be washed and re-used, but twisting it for any reason it is a strict no. If required later on, one can even get a goldsmith to replace the cloth material with a new one for the sake of better protection” he says. It’s just been a little over a week since the gold and Silver masks were introduced, but Radhakrishnan is overwhelmed with the response as a few customers are preferring them as gifting options and even jewelry. In case one prefers more personalisation and customization, they even offer to engrave names.

Coimbatore: Masks made of gold and silver on sale see high demand

A UK's investigation agency has recovered more than USD 1 million worth of assets from a British Indian woman and her Nigerian partner.

Ayodele Oluseye Odewale, also known as Ayodele Balogun and Sara Bharat Yadav were asked to hand over USD 12,69,027.30 (1,011,431 pounds) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) at the High Court under the UK Proceeds of Crime Act this week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-testing-scam-could-just-be-a-tip-of-the-iceberg-313845">Bangladesh testing scam could just be a tip of the iceberg</a>

Both the accused led a lavish lifestyle despite their combined declared annual income not crossing USD 61,500.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-arrests-hospital-owner-over-fake-coronavirus-test-results-313613">Bangladesh arrests hospital owner over fake coronavirus test results</a>

"Odewale and Yadav had extravagant lifestyles funded from stealing the identities of honest, law abiding citizens. We have recovered their assets so they see no benefit from their unlawful activity," Andy Lewis, head of Asset Denial at the NCA, said, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The probe found that the couple had transcated in hundreds of thousands of dollars from their bank accounts annually, despite the Niegrian not having had any legitimate employment earnings post his release from prison in 2005, and far in excess of the British-Indian woman's managerial salary.

The NCA said Odewale is a convicted fraudster, who made millions from scams that typically targetted people living in affluent areas by making fake credit cards on their names.&nbsp;

In her verdict, Justice Maura McGowan found the evidence "detailed, cogent, and helpful".&nbsp;

The court was informed how the couple sent their three children to a private school, which costs around USD 46,000 per year, and enjoyed frequent luxurious vacations in India, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Cape Verde and Turkey.

The judge also said Yadav, who remained in UK after Odewale left for Nigeria in 2016, "dishonestly chose to turn a blind eye to the illegitimacy of those funds".&nbsp;

A UK's investigation agency has recovered more than USD 1 million worth of assets from a British Indian woman and her Nigerian partner. Ayodele Oluseye Odewale, also known as Ayodele Balogun and Sara Bharat Yadav were asked to hand over USD 12,69,027.

A UK's investigation agency has recovered more than USD 1 million worth of assets from a British Indian woman and her Nigerian partner. Ayodele Oluseye Odewale, also known as Ayodele Balogun and Sara Bharat Yadav were asked to hand over USD 12,69,027.30 (1,011,431 pounds) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) at the High Court under the UK Proceeds of Crime Act this week. Also read | Bangladesh testing scam could just be a tip of the iceberg Both the accused led a lavish lifestyle despite their combined declared annual income not crossing USD 61,500. Also read | Bangladesh arrests hospital owner over fake coronavirus test results "Odewale and Yadav had extravagant lifestyles funded from stealing the identities of honest, law abiding citizens. We have recovered their assets so they see no benefit from their unlawful activity," Andy Lewis, head of Asset Denial at the NCA, said, reported news agency PTI. The probe found that the couple had transcated in hundreds of thousands of dollars from their bank accounts annually, despite the Niegrian not having had any legitimate employment earnings post his release from prison in 2005, and far in excess of the British-Indian woman's managerial salary. The NCA said Odewale is a convicted fraudster, who made millions from scams that typically targetted people living in affluent areas by making fake credit cards on their names. In her verdict, Justice Maura McGowan found the evidence "detailed, cogent, and helpful". The court was informed how the couple sent their three children to a private school, which costs around USD 46,000 per year, and enjoyed frequent luxurious vacations in India, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Cape Verde and Turkey. The judge also said Yadav, who remained in UK after Odewale left for Nigeria in 2016, "dishonestly chose to turn a blind eye to the illegitimacy of those funds".

Over 1 million dollars recovered from British-Indian woman in fraud case

A 21-year-old man from Maharashtra has been apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch while he was trying to sneak into Pakistan on foot, officials said on Friday.

Police said that as per the preliminary probe, the man, identified as Zeeshan Siddique, was on his way to meet a woman in Pakistan whom he had befriended on a social media platform.

"Siddique was held by the BSF on Thursday night and later handed over to the local police. He is from Osmanabad town in Maharashtra," Kutch-East Superintendent of Police, Parikshita Rathod, said.

"Police had issued an alert after a motorcycle with Maharashtra registration number was found abandoned near Dholavira village in the Rann of Kutch on Thursday evening. The BSF later nabbed the man when he was found walking towards the border in a bid to enter Pakistan," Rathod added.

According to police sources, Siddique is an engineering student and may have reached Gujarat from Osmanabad on his motorcycle.

After his motorcycle got stuck in the sand, he started walking towards Pakistan in a bid to meet his social media friend living in that country, they said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A 21-year-old man from Maharashtra has been apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch while he was trying to sneak into Pakistan on foot, officials said on Friday.

A 21-year-old man from Maharashtra has been apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch while he was trying to sneak into Pakistan on foot, officials said on Friday. Police said that as per the preliminary probe, the man, identified as Zeeshan Siddique, was on his way to meet a woman in Pakistan whom he had befriended on a social media platform. "Siddique was held by the BSF on Thursday night and later handed over to the local police. He is from Osmanabad town in Maharashtra," Kutch-East Superintendent of Police, Parikshita Rathod, said. "Police had issued an alert after a motorcycle with Maharashtra registration number was found abandoned near Dholavira village in the Rann of Kutch on Thursday evening. The BSF later nabbed the man when he was found walking towards the border in a bid to enter Pakistan," Rathod added. According to police sources, Siddique is an engineering student and may have reached Gujarat from Osmanabad on his motorcycle. After his motorcycle got stuck in the sand, he started walking towards Pakistan in a bid to meet his social media friend living in that country, they said.

Maharashtra man held in Gujarat for bid to sneak into Pakistan on foot

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Leh for a 2-day visit of Ladakh and J&K. The Defence Minister is accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and also the Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Watch report.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to review LOC, LAC preparedness

India's contact-tracing app Aarogya Setu ranks No 1 with 127.6 Mn downloads. India ranks No 4 in terms of the highest adoption rate with 12.5% of its residents having downloaded Aarogya Setu. Watch report.

Aarogya Setu app records 127.6 MN downloads: India's contact-tracing app

India has now crossed the mark of 1 million COVID-19 cases. Nearly about 35,000 infections have been recorded in the last 24-hours. Watch report.

Breaking News: India records over 1 MN COVID-19 cases: Death roll crosses 25,000

Rajnath Singh salutes Indian forces, "No one will be allowed to touch Indian territory"

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.

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.

"Talks are underway to resolve the border dispute but to what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee. I can assure you -- not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world," he said, adding, "if a solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better."

"We will not allow the sacrifice of soldiers to go in vain," Singh said in an apparent reference to the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel during the Galwan Valley clashes with Chinese troops on June 15.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army chief Gen M M Naravane are accompanying Singh on the visit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-arrives-in-leh-to-carry-out-security-review-313903">Also read |&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Leh to carry out security review</a>

Earlier today, the defence minister witnessed para dropping and scoping weapons at Stankna near Leh. He also inspected a Pika machine gun.

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.

(with inputs from agencies)

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.

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. 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. "Talks are underway to resolve the border dispute but to what extent it can be resolved I cannot guarantee. I can assure you -- not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world," he said, adding, "if a solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better." "We will not allow the sacrifice of soldiers to go in vain," Singh said in an apparent reference to the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel during the Galwan Valley clashes with Chinese troops on June 15. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army chief Gen M M Naravane are accompanying Singh on the visit. Also read | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Leh to carry out security review Earlier today, the defence minister witnessed para dropping and scoping weapons at Stankna near Leh. He also inspected a Pika machine gun. 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. (with inputs from agencies)

No power in the world can touch even an inch of India's land: Rajnath Singh in Ladakh

India’s Zydus Cadila plans to complete late-stage trials for its novel coronavirus vaccine candidate by February or March and could produce up to 100 million doses a year initially if it is successful, the company chairman said Friday.

Cadila’s vaccine candidate, known as ZyCov-D, is one of dozens being developed around the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are looking at about seven or a little more than seven months for the vaccine, provided the data is encouraging and the vaccine is proven to be effective during the trials,” Chairman Pankaj Patel told Reuters in an interview.

“We are also open to discussing partnerships with pharma companies in various geographies, but it is a bit premature right now, and we will be doing so at the end of Phase 1 and 2 trials,” he said.

Early-stage Phase 1 and 2 human trials are likely to be concluded in the next three months, he said.

Cadila, among India’s top 10 drugmakers by revenue, is also planning to produce the drug remdesivir that is in high demand globally after it showed promise in treating severe patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Cadila was among several Indian firms that reached an agreement with the U.S. firm Gilead Sciences last month, gaining a license for developing countries, including India, to make and sell the drug.

Patel said Cadila had the capacity to produce up to 400,000 doses of remdesivir in the first month after it wins regulatory approval to make it in India.

India’s Zydus Cadila plans to complete late-stage trials for its novel coronavirus vaccine candidate by February or March and could produce up to 100 million doses a year initially if it is successful, the company chairman said Friday.

India’s Zydus Cadila plans to complete late-stage trials for its novel coronavirus vaccine candidate by February or March and could produce up to 100 million doses a year initially if it is successful, the company chairman said Friday. Cadila’s vaccine candidate, known as ZyCov-D, is one of dozens being developed around the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic. “We are looking at about seven or a little more than seven months for the vaccine, provided the data is encouraging and the vaccine is proven to be effective during the trials,” Chairman Pankaj Patel told Reuters in an interview. “We are also open to discussing partnerships with pharma companies in various geographies, but it is a bit premature right now, and we will be doing so at the end of Phase 1 and 2 trials,” he said. Early-stage Phase 1 and 2 human trials are likely to be concluded in the next three months, he said. Cadila, among India’s top 10 drugmakers by revenue, is also planning to produce the drug remdesivir that is in high demand globally after it showed promise in treating severe patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Cadila was among several Indian firms that reached an agreement with the U.S. firm Gilead Sciences last month, gaining a license for developing countries, including India, to make and sell the drug. Patel said Cadila had the capacity to produce up to 400,000 doses of remdesivir in the first month after it wins regulatory approval to make it in India.

India's Cadila aims to complete trial of coronavirus vaccine by March

Benchmark indices of the domestic stock market are trading near the day high level supported by the metal, auto, energy and infra stocks.

The S&amp;P BSE Sensex rose 130 points to 36,610 levels and the Nifty50 index hovered around 10,800 levels. HCL Tech climbed as much as 2 per cent after the announcement of its June quarter results.&nbsp;

Britannia Industries also gained 2 per cent ahead of the announcement of its quarterly results. Besides, Tata Steel, up 3 per cent, was the top Sensex gainer.

Rupee erased early losses and trading at day's high at 75.07 per dollar, amid buying seen in the domestic equity market. It opened marginally lower at 75.23 per dollar versus Thursday's close of 75.19.

Benchmark indices of the domestic stock market are trading near the day high level supported by the metal, auto, energy and infra stocks. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 130 points to 36,610 levels and the Nifty50 index hovered around 10,800 levels.

Benchmark indices of the domestic stock market are trading near the day high level supported by the metal, auto, energy and infra stocks. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 130 points to 36,610 levels and the Nifty50 index hovered around 10,800 levels. HCL Tech climbed as much as 2 per cent after the announcement of its June quarter results. Britannia Industries also gained 2 per cent ahead of the announcement of its quarterly results. Besides, Tata Steel, up 3 per cent, was the top Sensex gainer. Rupee erased early losses and trading at day's high at 75.07 per dollar, amid buying seen in the domestic equity market. It opened marginally lower at 75.23 per dollar versus Thursday's close of 75.19.

Stock market: Sensex higher, Nifty at 10,800; metals shine

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal’s rights group, is facing flak its bizarre post on festival Raksha Bandhan.<o:p></o:p>

In its latest campaign, PETA urged its followers to protect cows and go leather-free for the upcoming festival. "This Raksha Bandhan, protect cows too," PETA wrote on Twitter.<o:p></o:p>

Several social media users slammed the organisation for its poor timing. People were left confused after they were unable to find the connection between the festival Raksha Bandhan and the cruelty against cow.

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First of all we don't need any special day to protect cows. Second leather is not used in Raksha Bandhan. It is because of these stupid behaviour people don't take <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PetaIndia</a> seriously. You all know that no leather is used in Rakhi but still you have to target this festival.
— Rahul Singh (@ChauhanRahul000) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChauhanRahul000/status/1283490149431558144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Holi comes...<a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PetaIndia</a> - This Holi, don’t kill Sharks. 
 
Public- Who kills Sharks during Holi? 
 
PETA- Yeah that’s what we are saying, don’t do it.
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/GappistanRadio/status/1283983984259665923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PETA replied to the user's tweet by writing, "We didn’t say rakhis are made of leather. We said Raksha Bandhan is a good day to extend protection to cows who are our sisters under the skin by taking a pledge to go leather-free, for life. That’s a message all kind people can get behind."

<o:p></o:p>

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We didn’t say rakhis are made of leather. We said Raksha Bandhan is a good day to extend protection to cows who are our sisters under the skin by taking a pledge to go leather-free, for life. That’s a message all kind people can get behind. <a href="https://t.co/qoVkRQe5DT">https://t.co/qoVkRQe5DT</a>
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/1283615566570246145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal’s rights group, is facing flak its bizarre post on festival Raksha Bandhan. In its latest campaign, PETA urged its followers to protect cows and go leather-free for the upcoming festival.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal’s rights group, is facing flak its bizarre post on festival Raksha Bandhan. In its latest campaign, PETA urged its followers to protect cows and go leather-free for the upcoming festival. "This Raksha Bandhan, protect cows too," PETA wrote on Twitter. Several social media users slammed the organisation for its poor timing. People were left confused after they were unable to find the connection between the festival Raksha Bandhan and the cruelty against cow. First of all we don't need any special day to protect cows. Second leather is not used in Raksha Bandhan. It is because of these stupid behaviour people don't take @PetaIndia seriously. You all know that no leather is used in Rakhi but still you have to target this festival. — Rahul Singh (@ChauhanRahul000) July 15, 2020 × Holi comes...@PetaIndia - This Holi, don’t kill Sharks. Public- Who kills Sharks during Holi? PETA- Yeah that’s what we are saying, don’t do it. — Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) July 17, 2020 × PETA replied to the user's tweet by writing, "We didn’t say rakhis are made of leather. We said Raksha Bandhan is a good day to extend protection to cows who are our sisters under the skin by taking a pledge to go leather-free, for life. That’s a message all kind people can get behind." We didn’t say rakhis are made of leather. We said Raksha Bandhan is a good day to extend protection to cows who are our sisters under the skin by taking a pledge to go leather-free, for life. That’s a message all kind people can get behind. https://t.co/qoVkRQe5DT — PETA India (@PetaIndia) July 16, 2020 ×

Twitterati mocks PETA India's 'save cows during Raksha Bandhan' campaign

The government of India has asked Pakistan to give unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, according to sources quoted in an ANI update.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-continues-foul-play-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-311754">Also read: Pakistan continues foul play in Kulbhushan Jadhav case</a>

Earlier Pakistan had claimed that Jadhav had refused to file a review plea following which India claimed he had been forced to do that. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-met-him-623">In pics: How Kulbhushan Jadhav's family met him</a>

Ministry of external affairs had last Thursday said it is assessing all legal options in the case related to Indian national Kulbushan Jadhav, who is on death row in Pakistan and assured that it is committed to protecting the life of Indian nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated that Jadhav has been sentenced to execution through a farcical trial. He has clearly been coerced to refuse to file a review in his case.

"We had pointed out how Pakistan's claim that Kulbushan Jadhav has refused to initiate a review petition, is a continuation of the farce playing out for the last 4 years. We are assessing our legal options and we remain committed to protecting the life of our Indian nationals," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said on July 9 during a media briefing.

The government of India has asked Pakistan to give unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, according to sources quoted in an ANI update. Also read: Pakistan continues foul play in Kulbhushan Jadhav case Earlier Pakistan had claimed that Jadhav had refused to file a review plea following which India claimed he had been forced to do that.

The government of India has asked Pakistan to give unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, according to sources quoted in an ANI update. Also read: Pakistan continues foul play in Kulbhushan Jadhav case Earlier Pakistan had claimed that Jadhav had refused to file a review plea following which India claimed he had been forced to do that. In pics: How Kulbhushan Jadhav's family met him Ministry of external affairs had last Thursday said it is assessing all legal options in the case related to Indian national Kulbushan Jadhav, who is on death row in Pakistan and assured that it is committed to protecting the life of Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated that Jadhav has been sentenced to execution through a farcical trial. He has clearly been coerced to refuse to file a review in his case. "We had pointed out how Pakistan's claim that Kulbushan Jadhav has refused to initiate a review petition, is a continuation of the farce playing out for the last 4 years. We are assessing our legal options and we remain committed to protecting the life of our Indian nationals," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said on July 9 during a media briefing.

India asks Pakistan to give unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

The Tamil Nadu government on wednesday informed the the Madras High Court that it is also actively considering converting "Veda Nilayam", the residence of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa at upscale Poes Garden here, into the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-over-1-lakh-recover-from-covid-19-chennai-sees-lesser-daily-cases-313515" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: Over 1 lakh recover from Covid-19; Chennai sees lesser daily cases</a>

Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted before Justice Anand Venkatesh that the government would be acquiring not only the immovable property but also the movables to make as it was during the times of the late chief minister.

The submission was made during the hearing of a plea of a residents association against converting Jayalalithaa's residence into a memorial.

The A-G submitted that the suggestion of a division bench of the high court to convert a major portion of the property into the official residence of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu instead of a memorial was also under the active consideration.

He opposed the plea by Poes Garden and Kasthuri Estate House Owners Association, which contended that if Jayalalithaa's residential premises was allowed to be converted into a memorial, it would affect the peaceful lives of its members as the place would be frequented by thousands of people.

Justice Anand Venkatesh, however, dismissed the plea as premature and on mere apprehensions.

The Judge observed that converting a residence into a memorial was not something new and that it had happened in cases of various leaders who had earned the love and respect of the people.

Tamil Nadu government had in May promulgated an ordinance to temporarily take possession of Veda Nilayam and movable assests as well for setting up a foundation and make arrangements to covert it into a memorial.

The Tamil Nadu government on wednesday informed the the Madras High Court that it is also actively considering converting "Veda Nilayam", the residence of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa at upscale Poes Garden here, into the official residence of the Chief Minister.

The Tamil Nadu government on wednesday informed the the Madras High Court that it is also actively considering converting "Veda Nilayam", the residence of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa at upscale Poes Garden here, into the official residence of the Chief Minister. Also read: Tamil Nadu: Over 1 lakh recover from Covid-19; Chennai sees lesser daily cases Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted before Justice Anand Venkatesh that the government would be acquiring not only the immovable property but also the movables to make as it was during the times of the late chief minister. The submission was made during the hearing of a plea of a residents association against converting Jayalalithaa's residence into a memorial. The A-G submitted that the suggestion of a division bench of the high court to convert a major portion of the property into the official residence of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu instead of a memorial was also under the active consideration. He opposed the plea by Poes Garden and Kasthuri Estate House Owners Association, which contended that if Jayalalithaa's residential premises was allowed to be converted into a memorial, it would affect the peaceful lives of its members as the place would be frequented by thousands of people. Justice Anand Venkatesh, however, dismissed the plea as premature and on mere apprehensions. The Judge observed that converting a residence into a memorial was not something new and that it had happened in cases of various leaders who had earned the love and respect of the people. Tamil Nadu government had in May promulgated an ordinance to temporarily take possession of Veda Nilayam and movable assests as well for setting up a foundation and make arrangements to covert it into a memorial.

Tamil Nadu government looking to convert Jayalalithaa's house into CM residence, HC told

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Centre was not standing by the people amid the economic downturn due to COVID-19, as she hit out at the BJP-led government over Air India's decision to send certain employees on leave without pay for up to five years.

She accused the central government of taking advantage of the crisis and tweaking laws and rules to keep on with their "dictator-like attitude".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-in-containment-zones-in-west-bengal-for-seven-days-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-311706">Lockdown in containment zones in West Bengal for seven days: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee</a>

"Sometimes, I feel not to say anything against them and work together to fight COVID-19. But then, I feel sorry that when we are passing through such a critical time and everybody is fighting the disease, the central government and BJP are taking advantage (of it)," the chief minister said at a press conference in state secretariat 'Nabanna'.

"They have already amended so many laws without any consultation (with any political parties), so many laws have been changed and whatever they need to maintain their dictatorship they are doing it. I am shocked," she added.

Slamming the Centre over the Air India move, she asked what will happen to the employees after five years.

"What's happening in the country? I've never heard of this. Will not the Constitution come into play in this case? I am really shocked. How can they snatch the democratic rights of the people... Five years on leave without pay and after five years where will they go," she said.

"Five years of no pay in this situation when people want cash," Banerjee stated.

"Is this the manner in which a democratic government works? Everything is lost... Everybody is afraid, scared and ashamed. What will they do?" Banerjee said.

Air India Thursday said it has started the process of identifying employees, based on various factors like efficiency, health and redundancy, who will be sent on compulsory leave without pay (LWP) for up to five years.

She further said that the central government was not paying heed to the advice of senior economists to give money into the hands of people at this hour of crisis, and instead was allowing FDI in several important sectors such as the railways.

"How can they snatch the rights of the employees of Coal India with 100 per cent FDI? Banks are also been merged," she said.

Banerjee urged all the trade unions to unitedly fight against the decisions of the Centre.

"I will appeal to all trade unions, including the BJP's, to unitedly stand against this without surrendering... I will request them not to bow their heads and stay together to support this cause," she said. 
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Centre was not standing by the people amid the economic downturn due to COVID-19, as she hit out at the BJP-led government over Air India's decision to send certain employees on leave without pay for up to five years.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Centre was not standing by the people amid the economic downturn due to COVID-19, as she hit out at the BJP-led government over Air India's decision to send certain employees on leave without pay for up to five years. She accused the central government of taking advantage of the crisis and tweaking laws and rules to keep on with their "dictator-like attitude". Also read | Lockdown in containment zones in West Bengal for seven days: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee "Sometimes, I feel not to say anything against them and work together to fight COVID-19. But then, I feel sorry that when we are passing through such a critical time and everybody is fighting the disease, the central government and BJP are taking advantage (of it)," the chief minister said at a press conference in state secretariat 'Nabanna'. "They have already amended so many laws without any consultation (with any political parties), so many laws have been changed and whatever they need to maintain their dictatorship they are doing it. I am shocked," she added. Slamming the Centre over the Air India move, she asked what will happen to the employees after five years. "What's happening in the country? I've never heard of this. Will not the Constitution come into play in this case? I am really shocked. How can they snatch the democratic rights of the people... Five years on leave without pay and after five years where will they go," she said. "Five years of no pay in this situation when people want cash," Banerjee stated. "Is this the manner in which a democratic government works? Everything is lost... Everybody is afraid, scared and ashamed. What will they do?" Banerjee said. Air India Thursday said it has started the process of identifying employees, based on various factors like efficiency, health and redundancy, who will be sent on compulsory leave without pay (LWP) for up to five years. She further said that the central government was not paying heed to the advice of senior economists to give money into the hands of people at this hour of crisis, and instead was allowing FDI in several important sectors such as the railways. "How can they snatch the rights of the employees of Coal India with 100 per cent FDI? Banks are also been merged," she said. Banerjee urged all the trade unions to unitedly fight against the decisions of the Centre. "I will appeal to all trade unions, including the BJP's, to unitedly stand against this without surrendering... I will request them not to bow their heads and stay together to support this cause," she said.

Everybody is afraid, scared, ashamed: Mamata on Air India's leave without pay move

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday held a meeting with all members of parliament from Delhi to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital.

According to the government, Kejriwal in the meeting said that the 'Delhi model' of fighting COVID-19 has been possible due to the collective efforts and support from all political parties, MPs and MLAs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-good-recovery-rate-and-low-mortality-aiims-director-on-covid-19-313853" hreflang="en">India has good recovery rate and low mortality: AIIMS Director on COVID-19</a>

Kejriwal in a tweet said MLAs and MPs have contributed significantly to the battle against coronavirus here.

There are three Rajya Sabha and seven Lok Sabha MPs in the national capital. The meeting was held via video conference.

"Have been meeting all MLAs and MPs from Delhi for the last few days. There has been significant contribution by these public representatives in fight against coronavirus," the chief minister tweeted in Hindi.

"Met several MLAs in the last two days. Today, spoke to all MPs. If everyone's cooperation continues in the same way, we will soon beat corona," he added.

Later, the government issued a statement, saying that in meeting, all the MPs unanimously said that they are with the Delhi government and will take all possible steps to save the people of Delhi from the pandemic.

"The Delhi model was also appreciated. It was also decided that the MPs will stand united with the Delhi government to fight the novel coronavirus," the statement stated.

Meanwhile, BJP MP from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir on Twitter said he raised issues like inflated bills without taking meter readings and waiver of electricity charges for MSMEs in the meeting.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday held a meeting with all members of parliament from Delhi to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital. According to the government, Kejriwal in the meeting said that the 'Delhi model' of fighting COVID-19 has been possible due to the collective efforts and support from all political parties, MPs and MLAs.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday held a meeting with all members of parliament from Delhi to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital. According to the government, Kejriwal in the meeting said that the 'Delhi model' of fighting COVID-19 has been possible due to the collective efforts and support from all political parties, MPs and MLAs. Also read: India has good recovery rate and low mortality: AIIMS Director on COVID-19 Kejriwal in a tweet said MLAs and MPs have contributed significantly to the battle against coronavirus here. There are three Rajya Sabha and seven Lok Sabha MPs in the national capital. The meeting was held via video conference. "Have been meeting all MLAs and MPs from Delhi for the last few days. There has been significant contribution by these public representatives in fight against coronavirus," the chief minister tweeted in Hindi. "Met several MLAs in the last two days. Today, spoke to all MPs. If everyone's cooperation continues in the same way, we will soon beat corona," he added. Later, the government issued a statement, saying that in meeting, all the MPs unanimously said that they are with the Delhi government and will take all possible steps to save the people of Delhi from the pandemic. "The Delhi model was also appreciated. It was also decided that the MPs will stand united with the Delhi government to fight the novel coronavirus," the statement stated. Meanwhile, BJP MP from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir on Twitter said he raised issues like inflated bills without taking meter readings and waiver of electricity charges for MSMEs in the meeting.

Delhi CM Kejriwal holds meeting with members of parliament  to discuss COVID-19 situation

Cable operators in Nepal have lifted the ban the government imposed on Indian private news channels -- in view of protests by viewers and people. No official order has, however, been issued by the government.

The resumption may begin from Thursday.

The lifting of the ban began earlier on Monday, where they decided to stream Indian news channels with only a few still debarred.

Dhurba Sharma, vice-president of television operators' association, Nepal, told reporters, "A few news channels airing objectionable content are still banned in the country."

On Thursday, cable television operators stopped the transmission of all Indian private news channels except Doordarshan, accusing them of airing reports hurting Nepal's national sentiment.

Nepal's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also thanked the cable operators for taking action against Indian news channels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-bans-indian-news-channels-only-doordarshan-remains-on-air-312024">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal bans Indian news channels; only Doordarshan remains on-air</a>

On Friday, Nepal sent a ''diplomatic note'' to India, urging New Delhi to take steps against the broadcast of materials which it called "fake, baseless and insensitive as well as abusive" to the country and its leadership by a section of the Indian media.

"Such materials are not only misleading and misinforming but also impair the sense of minimum public decency," the ministry said in the note.

The India-Nepal bilateral ties came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.

Later, Nepal updated the country's political map through a Constitutional amendment, incorporating three strategically important Indian areas.

India termed as "untenable" the "artificial enlargement" of the territorial claims by Nepal. India has handed over a diplomatic note to Nepal over the map issue, Nepalese media reports said.

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, under pressure to resign amidst a rift in the ruling Nepal Communist Party over his style of functioning, has alleged that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura.

His allegations have been criticised by senior NCP leaders, including former prime minister ''Prachanda'', who demanded Prime Minister Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

(with inputs from agencies)

Cable operators in Nepal have lifted the ban the government imposed on Indian private news channels -- in view of protests by viewers and people. No official order has, however, been issued by the government.

Cable operators in Nepal have lifted the ban the government imposed on Indian private news channels -- in view of protests by viewers and people. No official order has, however, been issued by the government. The resumption may begin from Thursday. The lifting of the ban began earlier on Monday, where they decided to stream Indian news channels with only a few still debarred. Dhurba Sharma, vice-president of television operators' association, Nepal, told reporters, "A few news channels airing objectionable content are still banned in the country." On Thursday, cable television operators stopped the transmission of all Indian private news channels except Doordarshan, accusing them of airing reports hurting Nepal's national sentiment. Nepal's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also thanked the cable operators for taking action against Indian news channels. Also read | Nepal bans Indian news channels; only Doordarshan remains on-air On Friday, Nepal sent a ''diplomatic note'' to India, urging New Delhi to take steps against the broadcast of materials which it called "fake, baseless and insensitive as well as abusive" to the country and its leadership by a section of the Indian media. "Such materials are not only misleading and misinforming but also impair the sense of minimum public decency," the ministry said in the note. The India-Nepal bilateral ties came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory. Later, Nepal updated the country's political map through a Constitutional amendment, incorporating three strategically important Indian areas. India termed as "untenable" the "artificial enlargement" of the territorial claims by Nepal. India has handed over a diplomatic note to Nepal over the map issue, Nepalese media reports said. Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, under pressure to resign amidst a rift in the ruling Nepal Communist Party over his style of functioning, has alleged that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. His allegations have been criticised by senior NCP leaders, including former prime minister ''Prachanda'', who demanded Prime Minister Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." (with inputs from agencies)

Nepal cable operators lift ban on Indian news channels despite govt order

India has a good recovery rate despite witnessing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-caps-covid-treatment-rates-for-private-hospitals-313773" hreflang="en">Punjab caps COVID treatment rates for private hospitals</a>

On being asked about the rising COVID-19 cases, Dr Guleria told ANI, "The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in India because of the huge population of our country. But, we have a good recovery rate and the mortality rate is also very low."

"We have to be more vigilant about the precautionary measures such as social distancing and wearing masks until the vaccine comes," Guleria said.

The AIIMS Director also informed, "Currently, there are 4-5 Indian companies working on the COVID-19 vaccine but it will nearly 6-9 months to be out in market for public use.

"Earlier today, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched the OPD consultation in Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (RAK) OPD in AIIMS.During the inauguration, the Union Minister also announced that three more blocks, which are currently under construction, will be inaugurated around Diwali.Guleria said, "OPD was soft-launched in February with three floors and now the OPD is launched with complete operations."

"Although we had started teleconsultation during COVID-19, there were some patients who need to come to the hospital," he further added.Guleria also stated that it has a unique OPD with an underground parking facility and Hi-tech robotic laboratory which can give test results within a day.

India has a good recovery rate despite witnessing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Thursday.

India has a good recovery rate despite witnessing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Thursday. Also read: Punjab caps COVID treatment rates for private hospitals On being asked about the rising COVID-19 cases, Dr Guleria told ANI, "The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in India because of the huge population of our country. But, we have a good recovery rate and the mortality rate is also very low." "We have to be more vigilant about the precautionary measures such as social distancing and wearing masks until the vaccine comes," Guleria said. The AIIMS Director also informed, "Currently, there are 4-5 Indian companies working on the COVID-19 vaccine but it will nearly 6-9 months to be out in market for public use. "Earlier today, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched the OPD consultation in Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (RAK) OPD in AIIMS.During the inauguration, the Union Minister also announced that three more blocks, which are currently under construction, will be inaugurated around Diwali.Guleria said, "OPD was soft-launched in February with three floors and now the OPD is launched with complete operations." "Although we had started teleconsultation during COVID-19, there were some patients who need to come to the hospital," he further added.Guleria also stated that it has a unique OPD with an underground parking facility and Hi-tech robotic laboratory which can give test results within a day.

India has good recovery rate and low mortality: AIIMS Director on COVID-19

Bihar reported 10 more coronavirus-related deaths and 1,385 fresh cases on Thursday, taking the number of infections in the state to 21,558, the state health department said.

In the last 24 hours, four fresh deaths were reported in Patna district, followed by two in Muzaffarpur and one each in Bhagalpur, Gaya, East Champaran and Purnea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-to-impose-15-day-lockdown-to-curb-surge-in-covid-19-cases-313252">Bihar to impose 15-day lockdown to curb surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

The new fatalities have taken the toll to 167, with Patna accounting for the highest number of 27 deaths, followed by Bhagalpur (14), Darbhanga and Gaya (10 each), Muzaffarpur (eight) and Begusarai, Nalanda, East Champaran and Samastipur (seven each) among others.

Patna district reported its biggest single-day spike of 378 cases, raising the total number of those infected to 2,880, according to a bulletin issued by the state health department. 
 
The district, which also covers the state capital, has an alarmingly high number of 1,315 active cases, the bulletin said.

Other districts reporting fresh cases were Nalanda (93), Muzaffarpur (68), Siwan (63), Bhagalpur (55), Bhojpur (54) and West Champaran (53). In terms of total number of COVID-19 cases, Patna is followed by Bhagalpur (1,318), Begusarai (1,014), Muzaffarpur (968) and Siwan (919).

Altogether, 14,101 people have recovered so far. The state's recovery rate is 65.41 per cent, a drop of more than 10 per cent points in a week.

More than 5,000 cases have been added to the state's tally in the last four days.

In view of a rapid spurt in cases, a 16-day complete lockdown came into force across the state on Thursday.

Meanwhile, at a high-level meeting to review the situation, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed satisfaction over the state achieving the target of 10,000 tests per day.

He, however, asked Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar to raise the testing capacity to 20,000 tests per day.

He said the state's recovery rate was still better than the national average and urged people to avoid panic but remain vigilant and observe norms like wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance.

State minister Ashok Choudhary, addressing a webinar on how Bihar was tackling the pandemic, said the recent spurt in the state's COVID tally came in the backdrop of an unprecedented spike on the national level.

"We were ready for the challenges as scientists had predicted a sharp rise in July," he said.

Bihar reported 10 more coronavirus-related deaths and 1,385 fresh cases on Thursday, taking the number of infections in the state to 21,558, the state health department said.

Bihar reported 10 more coronavirus-related deaths and 1,385 fresh cases on Thursday, taking the number of infections in the state to 21,558, the state health department said. In the last 24 hours, four fresh deaths were reported in Patna district, followed by two in Muzaffarpur and one each in Bhagalpur, Gaya, East Champaran and Purnea. Also read | Bihar to impose 15-day lockdown to curb surge in COVID-19 cases The new fatalities have taken the toll to 167, with Patna accounting for the highest number of 27 deaths, followed by Bhagalpur (14), Darbhanga and Gaya (10 each), Muzaffarpur (eight) and Begusarai, Nalanda, East Champaran and Samastipur (seven each) among others. Patna district reported its biggest single-day spike of 378 cases, raising the total number of those infected to 2,880, according to a bulletin issued by the state health department. The district, which also covers the state capital, has an alarmingly high number of 1,315 active cases, the bulletin said. Other districts reporting fresh cases were Nalanda (93), Muzaffarpur (68), Siwan (63), Bhagalpur (55), Bhojpur (54) and West Champaran (53). In terms of total number of COVID-19 cases, Patna is followed by Bhagalpur (1,318), Begusarai (1,014), Muzaffarpur (968) and Siwan (919). Altogether, 14,101 people have recovered so far. The state's recovery rate is 65.41 per cent, a drop of more than 10 per cent points in a week. More than 5,000 cases have been added to the state's tally in the last four days. In view of a rapid spurt in cases, a 16-day complete lockdown came into force across the state on Thursday. Meanwhile, at a high-level meeting to review the situation, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed satisfaction over the state achieving the target of 10,000 tests per day. He, however, asked Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar to raise the testing capacity to 20,000 tests per day. He said the state's recovery rate was still better than the national average and urged people to avoid panic but remain vigilant and observe norms like wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance. State minister Ashok Choudhary, addressing a webinar on how Bihar was tackling the pandemic, said the recent spurt in the state's COVID tally came in the backdrop of an unprecedented spike on the national level. "We were ready for the challenges as scientists had predicted a sharp rise in July," he said.

Bihar's COVID-19 tally reaches 21,558 with over 1,000 new cases

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against&nbsp;Pakistan's attempt to construct&nbsp;the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts&nbsp;to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation.

India's strong protest came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday kicked off construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, notwithstanding New Delhi's objection to the China-backed mega project.

Asked about the development at the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India had made its position on it clear earlier and it remains unchanged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/domestic-violence-coronavirus-not-the-only-battle-being-fought-by-women-in-pakistan-313812">Also read:&nbsp;Domestic violence: Coronavirus, not the only battle being fought by women in Pakistan</a>

"The entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh, have been, are, and will be an integral and inalienable part of India. We have strongly protested against the construction of this dam to the government of Pakistan," Srivastava said.

"This dam will lead to submergence of a large part of land of the Indian union territories of J&amp;K and Ladakh and we condemn the continuous attempts by Pakistan to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation," he said.

India has also consistently conveyed its protest and shared concerns with both China and Pakistan on all such projects in the Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation where it has no locus standi, the MEA spokesperson said.

The Pakistan government in May had signed a whopping Rs 442 billion contract with a joint venture of a Chinese state-run firm and a commercial arm of Pakistan's powerful military for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam. 
Asked about reports of Pakistan allowing Afghan goods to be exported via Wagah, Srivastava said it was another example of Pakistan's creation of a mirage of goodwill.

"Let us be clear on this, Pakistan is not allowing Afghan trucks to carry Afghan goods and is seeking monopolistic transport practices. It is not allowing Afghanistan two-way transit rights as committed under article 3 of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (also known as APTTA)," he said.

"So, Pakistan has been following a policy of creating captive markets by denying full transit access to Afghanistan by restricting products from India and other countries. It is failing to fulfil its own commitments under APTTA," Srivastava said.

Pakistan has even denied transit of humanitarian grant assistance, including wheat from India, to Afghanistan, he said.&nbsp;

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against Pakistan's attempt to construct the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation.

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against Pakistan's attempt to construct the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation. India's strong protest came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday kicked off construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, notwithstanding New Delhi's objection to the China-backed mega project. Asked about the development at the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India had made its position on it clear earlier and it remains unchanged. Also read: Domestic violence: Coronavirus, not the only battle being fought by women in Pakistan "The entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh, have been, are, and will be an integral and inalienable part of India. We have strongly protested against the construction of this dam to the government of Pakistan," Srivastava said. "This dam will lead to submergence of a large part of land of the Indian union territories of J&K and Ladakh and we condemn the continuous attempts by Pakistan to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation," he said. India has also consistently conveyed its protest and shared concerns with both China and Pakistan on all such projects in the Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation where it has no locus standi, the MEA spokesperson said. The Pakistan government in May had signed a whopping Rs 442 billion contract with a joint venture of a Chinese state-run firm and a commercial arm of Pakistan's powerful military for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam. Asked about reports of Pakistan allowing Afghan goods to be exported via Wagah, Srivastava said it was another example of Pakistan's creation of a mirage of goodwill. "Let us be clear on this, Pakistan is not allowing Afghan trucks to carry Afghan goods and is seeking monopolistic transport practices. It is not allowing Afghanistan two-way transit rights as committed under article 3 of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (also known as APTTA)," he said. "So, Pakistan has been following a policy of creating captive markets by denying full transit access to Afghanistan by restricting products from India and other countries. It is failing to fulfil its own commitments under APTTA," Srivastava said. Pakistan has even denied transit of humanitarian grant assistance, including wheat from India, to Afghanistan, he said.

India slams Pakistan over 'continuous attempts' to construct Diamer-Bhasha dam in PoK

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