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

Rakul Preet Singh on playing Surpanakha in Ramayana: 'She is a character with a significant place'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WPL 2027 auction: Top 5 most expensive signings

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

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

India's Bihar museum among top 10 in the world, beats Paris's Louvre

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

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

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

Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau takes shelter alongside Kyiv residents amid air raid threat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viral video shows Delhi’s new footpath design. Spoiler alert: Internet isn’t impressed!

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

Why have Trump and JD Vance cancelled weekend appearances ahead of US midterms?

Why is US Army preparing for mass battlefield burials amid Iran tensions?

Dubai-based Emirates airline will operate special repatriation flights to five Indian cities between July 12 and 26 to assist stranded Indians get home and for residents of the UAE currently in India to return to the Gulf country.

The flights will be operated to Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline said in a statement on Saturday.

Only Indian citizens stranded in the UAE will be allowed to fly from Dubai to the five Indian destinations, it clarified.

"These flights will be available for UAE nationals and residents with prior entry approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDFRA) for residents of Dubai and ICA approval for residents of other emirates of the UAE," the airline said.

The ICA stands for the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

India had suspended all scheduled international passenger flights on March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Many Indian nationals who have valid residence permits of the UAE and are currently in India have been complaining on social media for the last few weeks about the lack of flights between the two countries.

Emirates said all passengers travelling from India to Dubai are also required to carry a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) certificate issued by a laboratory authorised by the Indian government.

"Certificates must be issued no more than 96 hours before departure," the airline noted.

(With inputs from PTI)

Dubai-based Emirates airline will operate special repatriation flights to five Indian cities between July 12 and 26 to assist stranded Indians get home and for residents of the UAE currently in India to return to the Gulf country.

Dubai-based Emirates airline will operate special repatriation flights to five Indian cities between July 12 and 26 to assist stranded Indians get home and for residents of the UAE currently in India to return to the Gulf country. The flights will be operated to Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline said in a statement on Saturday. Only Indian citizens stranded in the UAE will be allowed to fly from Dubai to the five Indian destinations, it clarified. "These flights will be available for UAE nationals and residents with prior entry approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDFRA) for residents of Dubai and ICA approval for residents of other emirates of the UAE," the airline said. The ICA stands for the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. India had suspended all scheduled international passenger flights on March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many Indian nationals who have valid residence permits of the UAE and are currently in India have been complaining on social media for the last few weeks about the lack of flights between the two countries. Emirates said all passengers travelling from India to Dubai are also required to carry a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) certificate issued by a laboratory authorised by the Indian government. "Certificates must be issued no more than 96 hours before departure," the airline noted. (With inputs from PTI)

Emirates to operate repatriation flights to five Indian cities from July 12 to 26

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert following intelligence report that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out `action`.

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert following intelligence report that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out `action`. ''There is likely presence of armed terrorists in Bhimber Gali and Naushera sectors with an intention to infiltrate to carry out BAT (Border Action Team) action,'' according to the report. The input has been shared with forces and Border Security Force (BSF) to keep a close watch on activities in these areas, according to news agency ANI. Forces suspect that the BAT of Pakistan Army is facilitating terrorists to carry out action soon. Pakistan`s BAT consists of its army commandos and terrorists belonging to various terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba etc. BAT has started targeting civilians as well. In January, the group killed a civilian identified as Mohammad Aslam whose headless and mutilated body was found near the LoC in Poonch district. Last week, the Indian Army on the basis of specific intelligence inputs from Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation, eliminated a terrorist close to the LoC in Keri area of Bhimber Gali sector in Jammu division`s Rajouri district. Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an ambush by the Indian Army at Nougam sector in north Kashmir along the LoC. The Army recovered arms and ammunition, along with Pakistani currency. (With inputs from ANI)

Intel warns of possible Pakistani BAT "action" on Indian security forces

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'.

According to the input, "There is likely presence of armed terrorists in Bhimber Gali and Naushera sectors with an intention to infiltrate to carry out BAT (Border Action Team) action."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-refuses-to-felicitate-india-after-its-election-as-non-permanent-unsc-member-306914">Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member</a>

Sources in intelligence agencies have told ANI that input has been shared with forces and Border Security Force (BSF) to keep a close watch on activities in these areas.

Forces suspect that the BAT of Pakistan Army is facilitating terrorists to carry out action soon. There have been movements of terrorists towards the Indian side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-slams-pakistan-for-linking-karachi-terror-attack-to-india-calls-remarks-absurd-309511">Govt slams Pakistan for linking Karachi terror attack to India, calls remarks ‘absurd’</a>

Pakistan's BAT consists of its army commandos and terrorists belonging to various terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba etc.

BAT has started targeting civilians as well.In January, the group killed a civilian identified as Mohammad Aslam whose headless and mutilated body was found near the LoC in Poonch district.

"There was no such input over the past few weeks but after the input which has come hours back, forces have been alerted, especially in two sectors. Patrolling has been enhanced and there will be extra deployments during the night. Any misadventures of Pakistan will be responded effectively," a senior BSF official told ANI.

"During this season, BAT facilitates terrorists to infiltrate into India. After getting them trained at various known locations, BAT and other Pakistani agencies send them near the border and when they fail in multiple attempts, they plan action with these terrorists to facilitate them," a senior government official said.

Last week, the Indian Army on the basis of specific intelligence inputs from Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation, eliminated a terrorist close to the LoC in Keri area of Bhimber Gali sector in Jammu division`s Rajouri district.

Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an ambush by the Indian Army at Nougam sector in north Kashmir along the LoC. The Army recovered arms and ammunition, along with Pakistani currency.

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'.

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'. According to the input, "There is likely presence of armed terrorists in Bhimber Gali and Naushera sectors with an intention to infiltrate to carry out BAT (Border Action Team) action." Also read: Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member Sources in intelligence agencies have told ANI that input has been shared with forces and Border Security Force (BSF) to keep a close watch on activities in these areas. Forces suspect that the BAT of Pakistan Army is facilitating terrorists to carry out action soon. There have been movements of terrorists towards the Indian side. Also read: Govt slams Pakistan for linking Karachi terror attack to India, calls remarks ‘absurd’ Pakistan's BAT consists of its army commandos and terrorists belonging to various terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba etc. BAT has started targeting civilians as well.In January, the group killed a civilian identified as Mohammad Aslam whose headless and mutilated body was found near the LoC in Poonch district. "There was no such input over the past few weeks but after the input which has come hours back, forces have been alerted, especially in two sectors. Patrolling has been enhanced and there will be extra deployments during the night. Any misadventures of Pakistan will be responded effectively," a senior BSF official told ANI. "During this season, BAT facilitates terrorists to infiltrate into India. After getting them trained at various known locations, BAT and other Pakistani agencies send them near the border and when they fail in multiple attempts, they plan action with these terrorists to facilitate them," a senior government official said. Last week, the Indian Army on the basis of specific intelligence inputs from Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation, eliminated a terrorist close to the LoC in Keri area of Bhimber Gali sector in Jammu division`s Rajouri district. Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an ambush by the Indian Army at Nougam sector in north Kashmir along the LoC. The Army recovered arms and ammunition, along with Pakistani currency.

Intel warns of possible Pakistani BAT 'action' on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir

The Central Bureau of investigation has formally taken over the investigation of Jayaraj-Bennix custodial deaths case from the CB-CID. A team headed by CBI ADSP Vijaykumar Shukla began the probe at the residence of the bereaved family in Sathankulam on Saturday.&nbsp;

The team of CBI officials visited the residence of the late father-son duo Jayaraj and Bennix, to speak to their family members. They questioned Jayaraj’s wife Selvarani and also their daughters in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tuticorin-jayaraj-bennix-case-witness-intimidated-cctv-footage-erased-reveals-magistrates-letter-to-court-registrar-309699">Tuticorin Jayaraj-Bennix case: Witness intimidated, CCTV footage erased, reveals Magistrate’s letter to Court Registrar</a>

The High Court which has taken suo motu cognizance of the crime has been at the forefront of ensuring that the probe is expedited and justice is delivered. Be it with regards filing of murder charges or the arrest of Policemen that court has overseen important development in the case. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had earlier appreciated the CB-CID police for their quick investigation and searches.

The breakthrough in the case came when a woman constable of the Sathankulam Police Station who, despite facing intimidation from her male colleagues(as per the magistrate’s report), informed the Judicial Magistrate regarding the torture that took place in the station and the evidence connecting the same.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-allege-if-earlier-police-excesses-were-probed-tuticorin-father-son-jayaraj-bennix-could-have-been-saved-309394">&nbsp;Locals allege, if earlier Police excesses were probed, Tuticorin father-son, Jayaraj-Bennix could have been saved</a>

As on Thursday, the CB-CID, which handled the case, as per the court’s orders had arrested 10 police personnel from the Sathankulam police station, where the alleged custodial torture had taken place.&nbsp;

During the recent hearing of the case on Thursday, the Court instructed either the CBI or the CB-CID to proceed with the formalities, file a plea to conduct custodial interrogation of the arrested police personnel within 15 days of their being arrested.&nbsp;

The Court also ordered the CBI and CB-CID to file their respective status reports in a sealed cover before the next hearing, which is scheduled for 28th July.&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of investigation has formally taken over the investigation of Jayaraj-Bennix custodial deaths case from the CB-CID. A team headed by CBI ADSP Vijaykumar Shukla began the probe at the residence of the bereaved family in Sathankulam on Saturday.

The Central Bureau of investigation has formally taken over the investigation of Jayaraj-Bennix custodial deaths case from the CB-CID. A team headed by CBI ADSP Vijaykumar Shukla began the probe at the residence of the bereaved family in Sathankulam on Saturday. The team of CBI officials visited the residence of the late father-son duo Jayaraj and Bennix, to speak to their family members. They questioned Jayaraj’s wife Selvarani and also their daughters in connection with the incident. Also read: Tuticorin Jayaraj-Bennix case: Witness intimidated, CCTV footage erased, reveals Magistrate’s letter to Court Registrar The High Court which has taken suo motu cognizance of the crime has been at the forefront of ensuring that the probe is expedited and justice is delivered. Be it with regards filing of murder charges or the arrest of Policemen that court has overseen important development in the case. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had earlier appreciated the CB-CID police for their quick investigation and searches. The breakthrough in the case came when a woman constable of the Sathankulam Police Station who, despite facing intimidation from her male colleagues(as per the magistrate’s report), informed the Judicial Magistrate regarding the torture that took place in the station and the evidence connecting the same. Also read: Locals allege, if earlier Police excesses were probed, Tuticorin father-son, Jayaraj-Bennix could have been saved As on Thursday, the CB-CID, which handled the case, as per the court’s orders had arrested 10 police personnel from the Sathankulam police station, where the alleged custodial torture had taken place. During the recent hearing of the case on Thursday, the Court instructed either the CBI or the CB-CID to proceed with the formalities, file a plea to conduct custodial interrogation of the arrested police personnel within 15 days of their being arrested. The Court also ordered the CBI and CB-CID to file their respective status reports in a sealed cover before the next hearing, which is scheduled for 28th July.

Tuticorin custodial deaths: CBI takes over probe from CB-CID

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

“I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel.

The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade.&nbsp;And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes."

"I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added.

“Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma&nbsp;asked.

“That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it&nbsp;benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.”

HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:

WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict?&nbsp;

John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there.

I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it.

Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense.

WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic?&nbsp;

John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.”

It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm&nbsp;afraid largely succeeded.

WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad?

John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington.

We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis.

WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers?

John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We&nbsp;tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years.&nbsp;

The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com,&nbsp;and on its social media platforms.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates.

Former United States national security advisor John Bolton has said there is no guarantee that Trump would back India if the situation between Beijing and New Delhi escalates. “I'm not sure how much he understands the significance of the border clash. I don’t think he knows anything about the history of these clashes over the decades between India and China. He may have been briefed on it, but history doesn’t really stick with him," Bolton said, in an exclusive conversation with WION, India’s first international news channel. The former US NSA told Palki Sharma, WION's Executive Editor, “I don’t know which way he would go and I don’t think he knows either. I think he sees the geostrategic relationship with China for example exclusively through the prism of trade. And trade is important because China has stolen intellectual property from the United States and other countries, engaged in forceful technology transfers for decades and it forms a major part of their economic success and therefore military power. And that’s really how far it goes." "I don’t know what Trump will do after the November elections once the guard rail is removed. He'll be back. He won't be criticising Beijing for putting Uyghurs in concentration camps or repressing Hong Kong. He will be back to the big China trade deal. So, if things were to develop between India and China in a more critical fashion, I'm not sure where he would come down," he added. “Let me make sure, I have understood this right. That if things were to escalate between India and China at this moment, there is no guarantee that Donald Trump will back India against China?” Palki Sharma asked. “That is correct," Bolton said, adding, “I think his gut instinct for the next four months is to take anything off the table that complicates what is already a difficult election campaign for him. So what he would want is quiet along the border whether it benefits China or India. From his point of view - no news is good news.” HERE ARE A FEW EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: WION: Do you think things are developing for the worse between India and China? There is a lot of back and forth. The November elections are still a few months away. Do you think it could escalate to a limited conflict? John Bolton: Well, I hope it does not at the present time because with four months to go for an American election, you are simply not going to get Donald Trump's attention. The fact is China has been behaving in a belligerent fashion, all around its periphery, certainly in the East and South China sea. Its relations with Japan has declined, with India, you are well aware of the facts there. I think this is China’s effort to assert itself through not just political and military means but also through the Belt and Road initiative and others to gain increased sway over countries that have become economically dependent on it. Sri Lanka has been subject to this death diplomacy and Pakistan and many countries in Central Asia. I think China has a grand strategy and it's pursuing it, the United States has been asleep at the switch and so have many other countries. It is time to wake up and talk more among ourselves. For example, trilateral been a big advocate of greater tri-lateral cooperation between India, Japan, and the United States and I think that makes a lot of sense. WION: Why is China on a warpath with the world right now? What do you make of Xi Jinping's moves at a time like this? Why is he picking fights with the world in the middle of a pandemic? John Bolton: It goes back before the pandemic. He sees American weakness when he sees Donald Trump and I think he is right. When Trump sits across the table with Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin, it’s not a contest of equals. It always made me worry about what he might give away. The Pandemic has probably persuaded Xi Jinping to be more assertive to cover up as they have been covering up these past 6 months despite how bad the medical effect of the disease was in China and on the Chinese economy and what they did to cover up the source and consequence of the disease.” It is indicative of the government we are dealing with in Beijing. They didn’t cooperate internationally and tried to use the World Health organization for their own purposes and I'm afraid largely succeeded. WION: What happened after India's Balakot strikes on Pakistan? How did Trump and the White house assess the situation? What was conveyed to Delhi and Islamabad? John Bolton: It took place when we were in Hanoi for the second summit with Kim Jong-un and both Mike Pompeo and me were there and away from our base of operations in Washington. We spent hours on the phone with Ajit Doval and others in India and counterparts in Pakistan. My assessment was and I said publicly at the time and told Ajit as well - we thought India had acted in self-defence and the actions were appropriate and we think there were responsible steps to de-escalate what could have been a very serious crisis. WION: The US president has repeatedly offered to mediate in Kashmir and he has been told it is a bilateral issue. Why does he keep repeating these offers? John Bolton: (Laughs) You know, I can remember several times where I have explained India’s longstanding position on Kashmir and it just doesn’t sink in. There is no explanation for it. We tell him India thinks it’s a bilateral issue and it has to be resolved by negotiation with Pakistan. Donald Trump thinks everything is a deal and who better to mediate it than him and you are going to hear it again and if he wins, you are going to hear it for the next four years. The interview will air on WION on Saturday at 9:30 pm and on Sunday 10:30 pm. It will also be available on wionews.com, and on its social media platforms.

Trump may not back India against China in case of conflict, says former US NSA John Bolton to WION

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing that continued overnight along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday.

Firing on the border outpost in Kotha area started around 10.30 pm on Friday, drawing effective retaliation by the Border Security Force guarding the IB, they said.

The officials said the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till 4.15 am but there was no report of any casualty or damage on the Indian side.

However, it caused panic among the border residents who were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers, the officials said.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing that continued overnight along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing that continued overnight along the International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Firing on the border outpost in Kotha area started around 10.30 pm on Friday, drawing effective retaliation by the Border Security Force guarding the IB, they said. The officials said the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till 4.15 am but there was no report of any casualty or damage on the Indian side. However, it caused panic among the border residents who were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers, the officials said.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along IB in J-K's Kathua

The news that hit not just national but international headlines too was the story of Indian gangster Vikas Dubey, who was killed in an encounter earlier today.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Multiple theories are being floated on his encounter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-dreaded-gangster-vikas-dubey-survived-in-uttar-pradesh-for-so-long-312230">How dreaded gangster Vikas Dubey survived in Uttar Pradesh for so long?</a>

A video went viral since yesterday, moments after Vikas Dubey was arrested at a temple in the central Indian city of Ujjain.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-rise-and-fall-of-vikas-dubey-a-gangster-with-strong-links-in-up-political-circle-312214">The rise and fall of Vikas Dubey: A gangster with strong links in UP political circle</a>

"I am Vikas Dubey from Kanpur," he said while shouting at the police who surrounded him.&nbsp;

Was he warning the cops of the consequences of arresting him or making sure, they cannot build a case of mistaken identity?&nbsp;

As many as 62 criminal cases were registered against him, which included five murder cases and eight cases of attempted murder.&nbsp;

The arrest yesterday meant Dubey likely to get life imprisonment, if not a death sentence.&nbsp;

However, Dubey did not look particularly scared perhaps he knew he can break out.&nbsp;

On searching Dubey's history, we found that Dubey comes from a village in Kanpur and is a gangster for more than 30 years.&nbsp;

He was involved in real-estate business and even won district-level elections in 2000.&nbsp;

Dubey received immense political backing and has been linked with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP).&nbsp;

A few days ago, eight cops who were involved in an operation to arrest this gangster were killed, which led to nationwide anger to bring Dubey to justice.&nbsp;

However, his encounter was not as simple as it appears as his arrest could open a pandora's box, which could reveal the secrets of political leaders.&nbsp;

A lot of political careers could be destroyed if Dubey opened up his mouth during interrogation.&nbsp;

Also, the justice system in India is well-known for its delayed justice. There are about 30 million pending cases in district courts, nearly 4.7 million in several high courts, and about 60,000 in the apex court.&nbsp;

Experts said Dubey's encounter was imminent as it solves the problem of outing leaders. It also silences the public who demanded justice.&nbsp;

The only surprise was the timing of the encounter. No one thought of the police closing the case this quick.&nbsp;

A lot of Indians celebrated the gangster's death.&nbsp;

In December 2019, all four accused of the gangrape of a woman doctor were killed in an encounter.&nbsp;

This Hyderabad gangrape incident also led to widespread anger in the country.&nbsp;

Following the encounter, there were mixed reactions.&nbsp;

Some clicked selfies with the dead bodies, others called the encounter a cover-up.&nbsp;

It is clear that nothing has changed eight months later and change will be unlikely until we address the glorification of encounters in India.&nbsp;

The biggest takeaway from Dubey's encounter was that it is a commentary on the Indian justice system and how it has moulded people's attitudes towards encounters.&nbsp;

People would rather have the gangster dead than wait for infinite years for courts to deliver justice.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India's conviction rate is 48.8 per cent, according to the 2017 official figures.&nbsp;

Encounters lost out on the bigger story. One alleged criminal is dead but a larger nexus is alive.

The politicians who gave patronage to Dubey, who were in cahoots are roaming free.&nbsp;

Another Dubey can rise with time and this is no evil prophecy but India's bitter truth.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The news that hit not just national but international headlines too was the story of Indian gangster Vikas Dubey, who was killed in an encounter earlier today. Multiple theories are being floated on his encounter.

The news that hit not just national but international headlines too was the story of Indian gangster Vikas Dubey, who was killed in an encounter earlier today. Multiple theories are being floated on his encounter. Also read | How dreaded gangster Vikas Dubey survived in Uttar Pradesh for so long? A video went viral since yesterday, moments after Vikas Dubey was arrested at a temple in the central Indian city of Ujjain. Also read | The rise and fall of Vikas Dubey: A gangster with strong links in UP political circle "I am Vikas Dubey from Kanpur," he said while shouting at the police who surrounded him. Was he warning the cops of the consequences of arresting him or making sure, they cannot build a case of mistaken identity? As many as 62 criminal cases were registered against him, which included five murder cases and eight cases of attempted murder. The arrest yesterday meant Dubey likely to get life imprisonment, if not a death sentence. However, Dubey did not look particularly scared perhaps he knew he can break out. On searching Dubey's history, we found that Dubey comes from a village in Kanpur and is a gangster for more than 30 years. He was involved in real-estate business and even won district-level elections in 2000. Dubey received immense political backing and has been linked with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP). A few days ago, eight cops who were involved in an operation to arrest this gangster were killed, which led to nationwide anger to bring Dubey to justice. However, his encounter was not as simple as it appears as his arrest could open a pandora's box, which could reveal the secrets of political leaders. A lot of political careers could be destroyed if Dubey opened up his mouth during interrogation. Also, the justice system in India is well-known for its delayed justice. There are about 30 million pending cases in district courts, nearly 4.7 million in several high courts, and about 60,000 in the apex court. Experts said Dubey's encounter was imminent as it solves the problem of outing leaders. It also silences the public who demanded justice. The only surprise was the timing of the encounter. No one thought of the police closing the case this quick. A lot of Indians celebrated the gangster's death. In December 2019, all four accused of the gangrape of a woman doctor were killed in an encounter. This Hyderabad gangrape incident also led to widespread anger in the country. Following the encounter, there were mixed reactions. Some clicked selfies with the dead bodies, others called the encounter a cover-up. It is clear that nothing has changed eight months later and change will be unlikely until we address the glorification of encounters in India. The biggest takeaway from Dubey's encounter was that it is a commentary on the Indian justice system and how it has moulded people's attitudes towards encounters. People would rather have the gangster dead than wait for infinite years for courts to deliver justice. For the unversed, India's conviction rate is 48.8 per cent, according to the 2017 official figures. Encounters lost out on the bigger story. One alleged criminal is dead but a larger nexus is alive. The politicians who gave patronage to Dubey, who were in cahoots are roaming free. Another Dubey can rise with time and this is no evil prophecy but India's bitter truth.

Decoding the biggest takeaway from Vikas Dubey encounter

Domestic stocks edged lower on Friday tracking weak cues from global peers amid concerns that new lockdowns could derail the economic recovery.

The S&amp;P BSE Sensex hovered at around 36,600 levels, down 150 points. IndusInd Bank (down 2%) was the top Sensex loser, followed by Tech Mahindra and Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (both down over 1%). TCS fluctuated between minor gains and losses after reporting 13.8 per cent YoY decline in its June quarter profits.

Shares of state-owned Punjab National Bank slumped up to 6.7 per cent to Rs 34.6 on the BSE on Friday after the bank said it has reported loan extended to Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), worth Rs 3,688.58 crore, as fraud.

Cases in the world's second-most populous country jumped by 26,506 to 793,802 as of Friday morning, including 21,604 deaths. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Domestic stocks edged lower on Friday tracking weak cues from global peers amid concerns that new lockdowns could derail the economic recovery. The S&P BSE Sensex hovered at around 36,600 levels, down 150 points.

Domestic stocks edged lower on Friday tracking weak cues from global peers amid concerns that new lockdowns could derail the economic recovery. The S&P BSE Sensex hovered at around 36,600 levels, down 150 points. IndusInd Bank (down 2%) was the top Sensex loser, followed by Tech Mahindra and Mahindra & Mahindra (both down over 1%). TCS fluctuated between minor gains and losses after reporting 13.8 per cent YoY decline in its June quarter profits. Shares of state-owned Punjab National Bank slumped up to 6.7 per cent to Rs 34.6 on the BSE on Friday after the bank said it has reported loan extended to Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), worth Rs 3,688.58 crore, as fraud. Cases in the world's second-most populous country jumped by 26,506 to 793,802 as of Friday morning, including 21,604 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Sensex dips 150 points; metals, banks drag

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed withdrawal of its troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with a mutually agreed disengagement process with India even as the two countries are set to hold a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Friday to further de-escalate the situation.

As the first phase of the disengagement neared completion, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, at a media briefing, once again rejected China's claim over Galwan Valley, but reiterated that India remained convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and resolution of differences through dialogue.

At the same time, he asserted that India is committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity and that the Line of Actual Control (LAC) must be strictly respected and observed, saying it is the basis for peace and tranquility in border areas.

Government sources said the two sides are also expected to hold a fourth round of Corps commander level dialogue by early next week to finalise modalities for de-induction of troops by both sides at their rear bases in the high-altitude region.

Both sides have completed creation of a buffer zone of three kilometres in the three friction points of Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs as part of a temporary measure, the sources said, adding there has been a thinning out of troops from Finger 4 area in Pangong Tso as well.

China has already pulled back troops from the friction points in Galwan Valley.

The disengagement of troops from the friction points formally kicked off on Monday following a eight-week eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation between the two armies at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh.

In the meantime, people familiar with the development said the two sides will hold another round of online meeting on Friday on the border row under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the External Affairs Ministry, will hold talks with Wu Jianghao, Director General in the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

At his briefing, the MEA Spokesperson said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval categorically conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday about India's position on the recent developments along the LAC including in the Galwan Valley area.

Doval and Wang, the Special Representatives for border talks, held a telephonic conversation on Sunday following which armies of the two countries began disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh.

"The NSA emphasised in this context that the Indian troops had always taken a very responsible approach towards border management and at the same time, our forces were deeply committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and security," Srivastava said.

Srivastava said Doval and Wang agreed that peace and tranquillity in border areas were essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.

He also reiterated that the recent Chinese claims to the Galwan Valley area are "exaggerated and untenable".

"We remain convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue, at the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Galwan Valley was the site of violent clashes between Indian and Chinese armies on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

Srivastava also said the diplomatic and military officials of both sides will continue their meetings to take forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation as agreed to by the Special Representatives.

"The next meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) is expected to take place soon," he said.

The Chinese military on Thursday completed moving back its troops from the face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with the understanding reached with the Indian Army, government sources said.

The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in the bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last eight weeks.

The tension escalated manifold after the Galwan Valley clashes.

China, meanwhile, said Chinese and Indian troops have taken "effective measures" to disengage at the Galwan Valley and other areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and the situation is "stable and improving," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing that following the consensus reached at the commander-level talks, China, India border troops have taken effective measures to disengage at the front-line at the Galwan Valley and other areas.

"The situation along the border is stable and improving," he said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed withdrawal of its troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with a mutually agreed disengagement process with India even as the two countries are set to hold a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Friday to further de-escalate the situation.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed withdrawal of its troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with a mutually agreed disengagement process with India even as the two countries are set to hold a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Friday to further de-escalate the situation. As the first phase of the disengagement neared completion, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, at a media briefing, once again rejected China's claim over Galwan Valley, but reiterated that India remained convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and resolution of differences through dialogue. At the same time, he asserted that India is committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity and that the Line of Actual Control (LAC) must be strictly respected and observed, saying it is the basis for peace and tranquility in border areas. Government sources said the two sides are also expected to hold a fourth round of Corps commander level dialogue by early next week to finalise modalities for de-induction of troops by both sides at their rear bases in the high-altitude region. Both sides have completed creation of a buffer zone of three kilometres in the three friction points of Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs as part of a temporary measure, the sources said, adding there has been a thinning out of troops from Finger 4 area in Pangong Tso as well. China has already pulled back troops from the friction points in Galwan Valley. The disengagement of troops from the friction points formally kicked off on Monday following a eight-week eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation between the two armies at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh. In the meantime, people familiar with the development said the two sides will hold another round of online meeting on Friday on the border row under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs. Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the External Affairs Ministry, will hold talks with Wu Jianghao, Director General in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. At his briefing, the MEA Spokesperson said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval categorically conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday about India's position on the recent developments along the LAC including in the Galwan Valley area. Doval and Wang, the Special Representatives for border talks, held a telephonic conversation on Sunday following which armies of the two countries began disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh. "The NSA emphasised in this context that the Indian troops had always taken a very responsible approach towards border management and at the same time, our forces were deeply committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and security," Srivastava said. Srivastava said Doval and Wang agreed that peace and tranquillity in border areas were essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. He also reiterated that the recent Chinese claims to the Galwan Valley area are "exaggerated and untenable". "We remain convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue, at the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. Galwan Valley was the site of violent clashes between Indian and Chinese armies on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. Srivastava also said the diplomatic and military officials of both sides will continue their meetings to take forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation as agreed to by the Special Representatives. "The next meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) is expected to take place soon," he said. The Chinese military on Thursday completed moving back its troops from the face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with the understanding reached with the Indian Army, government sources said. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in the bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last eight weeks. The tension escalated manifold after the Galwan Valley clashes. China, meanwhile, said Chinese and Indian troops have taken "effective measures" to disengage at the Galwan Valley and other areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh and the situation is "stable and improving," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing that following the consensus reached at the commander-level talks, China, India border troops have taken effective measures to disengage at the front-line at the Galwan Valley and other areas. "The situation along the border is stable and improving," he said.

Ladakh standoff: China completes withdrawal of troops from three areas; another round of talks expected Friday

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. 
 
<a href="wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-59-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-shareit-uc-browser-citing-national-security-309464">Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security</a>

Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps.

The Indian government had around 10 days back prohibited 59 Chinese mobile applications, including the famous video-sharing app TikTok, offering a harsh expression on India's stand against Chinese aggression. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/immediately-remove-52-chinese-apps-from-your-phone-orders-uttar-pradesh-stf-to-employees-307101">Also read: Immediately remove 52 Chinese apps from your phone, orders Uttar Pradesh STF to employees</a>

Some of the 89 apps are among those which the Centre has already banned stating "they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order". 
 
<img alt="89 apps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f896c2f-9878-4b13-986c-a602e4e1ef8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/apps.jpg" />

 
"The existing accounts are required to be deleted and not left deactivated. Any service persons found on Facebook/using banned sites post-July 15 will be reported,"&nbsp;sources in the Indian Army said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps.

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps. The Indian government had around 10 days back prohibited 59 Chinese mobile applications, including the famous video-sharing app TikTok, offering a harsh expression on India's stand against Chinese aggression. Also read: Immediately remove 52 Chinese apps from your phone, orders Uttar Pradesh STF to employees Some of the 89 apps are among those which the Centre has already banned stating "they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order". "The existing accounts are required to be deleted and not left deactivated. Any service persons found on Facebook/using banned sites post-July 15 will be reported," sources in the Indian Army said. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Instagram, PUBG, Tinder among 89 apps banned by Indian army

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data.

Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as many as 12,389,554 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. While 7,182,395 have recovered, 557,405 have died, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3,219,999 coronavirus cases and 135,822 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data.

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, as many as 12,389,554 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. While 7,182,395 have recovered, 557,405 have died, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3,219,999 coronavirus cases and 135,822 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

India's confirmed coronavirus cases at 7.93 lakh

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country, Maharashtra on Friday reported 7,862 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,38,461.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-at-793-lakh-312147">Also Read:&nbsp;India's confirmed coronavirus cases at 7.93 lakh</a>

The Maharashtra health department said that 9,893 people have died due to the virus in the state.

Meanwhile, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation said that lockdown will be extended till July 19 in Maharashtra's Kalkan area.

India's national capital reported 2,089 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 1,09,140. There were 42 deaths reported due to the virus in the last 24 hours in Delhi with the death toll rising to 3,300. The health department reported that 84,694 patients have recovered from the virus in the capital.

Uttar Pradesh which is currently under lockdown reported 1,347 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of active cases to 11,024. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 889.

In Karnataka, 2,313 coronavirus cases were reported along with 57 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 33418. The death toll due to the virus in the state has gone up to 543.

West Bengal on Friday reported 1,198 coronavirus cases along with 26 deaths in 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 27,109 including 880 deaths, the state health department informed. 
&nbsp;

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country, Maharashtra on Friday reported 7,862 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,38,461.

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country, Maharashtra on Friday reported 7,862 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,38,461. Also Read: India's confirmed coronavirus cases at 7.93 lakh The Maharashtra health department said that 9,893 people have died due to the virus in the state. Meanwhile, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation said that lockdown will be extended till July 19 in Maharashtra's Kalkan area. India's national capital reported 2,089 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 1,09,140. There were 42 deaths reported due to the virus in the last 24 hours in Delhi with the death toll rising to 3,300. The health department reported that 84,694 patients have recovered from the virus in the capital. Uttar Pradesh which is currently under lockdown reported 1,347 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of active cases to 11,024. The death toll in the state due to the virus has risen to 889. In Karnataka, 2,313 coronavirus cases were reported along with 57 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 33418. The death toll due to the virus in the state has gone up to 543. West Bengal on Friday reported 1,198 coronavirus cases along with 26 deaths in 24 hours with the number of cases rising to 27,109 including 880 deaths, the state health department informed.

COVID-19: Death toll in Maharashtra rises to over 9,800; Delhi reports 2,089 cases in 24 hours

The Mizoram government on Friday urged the Centre to extend assistance and send seismologists to the state to study the "ground situation" as a series of earthquakes have hit parts of the state over the past few weeks.

In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said Champhai district in the eastern part of the state has been affected multiple times due to seismic activities, ranging from 4.2 to 5.5 magnitude, since June 21.

Aftershocks were recorded in the area on more than fifty occasions, he said, adding that the tremors have caused damage to several houses, community halls and religious places.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-mizoram-extends-total-lockdown-in-cities-towns-till-june-30-307536">Covid-19: Mizoram extends total lockdown in cities, towns till June 30</a>

"In this connection, it is my request to you to kindly extend assistance to this state... Expert seismologists or geo-physicists from the Geological Survey of India may kindly be sent to Mizoram to study and assess the ground situation at the earliest," Zoramthanga wrote in his letter to Joshi.

The chief minister said the frequent earthquakes have added to psychological pressure of people at a time when they are already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

People in several areas have erected makeshift tents, where they could spend the night, as many are sceptical about sleeping indoors.

Zoramthanga also asked the Union minister to expedite the study to determine the feasibility of installing more earthquake observation centres in the eastern part of Mizoram with real time seismic telemetry for disaster preparedness.

According to the chief minister, the extent of damages caused by the recent earthquakes is being assessed by departments of geology and mineral resources, and commerce and industry with the help of geologists from the GSI-Mizoram unit.

Eight earthquakes have rocked Mizoram since June 18, with Champhai district bordering Myanmar being hit the hardest.

The Mizoram government on Friday urged the Centre to extend assistance and send seismologists to the state to study the "ground situation" as a series of earthquakes have hit parts of the state over the past few weeks.

The Mizoram government on Friday urged the Centre to extend assistance and send seismologists to the state to study the "ground situation" as a series of earthquakes have hit parts of the state over the past few weeks. In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said Champhai district in the eastern part of the state has been affected multiple times due to seismic activities, ranging from 4.2 to 5.5 magnitude, since June 21. Aftershocks were recorded in the area on more than fifty occasions, he said, adding that the tremors have caused damage to several houses, community halls and religious places. Also read| Covid-19: Mizoram extends total lockdown in cities, towns till June 30 "In this connection, it is my request to you to kindly extend assistance to this state... Expert seismologists or geo-physicists from the Geological Survey of India may kindly be sent to Mizoram to study and assess the ground situation at the earliest," Zoramthanga wrote in his letter to Joshi. The chief minister said the frequent earthquakes have added to psychological pressure of people at a time when they are already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. People in several areas have erected makeshift tents, where they could spend the night, as many are sceptical about sleeping indoors. Zoramthanga also asked the Union minister to expedite the study to determine the feasibility of installing more earthquake observation centres in the eastern part of Mizoram with real time seismic telemetry for disaster preparedness. According to the chief minister, the extent of damages caused by the recent earthquakes is being assessed by departments of geology and mineral resources, and commerce and industry with the help of geologists from the GSI-Mizoram unit. Eight earthquakes have rocked Mizoram since June 18, with Champhai district bordering Myanmar being hit the hardest.

Mizoram government urges Centre to facilitate study by seismologists on series of quakes

The Indian Army has asked its personnel to delete 89 apps from their phones that include Facebook, TikTok, PUBG&nbsp;and Instagram.

It comes days after the government banned 59 Chinese apps following the India-China stand-off at Galwan Valley. The Army has added more apps to the list to plug the leak of classified information. India is not the first country to resort to this move, several militaries across the world have been pulling their guard against suspicious apps.

Soldiers with smartphones can be easy targets for the enemy especially at a border with war-mongering China. Cell phones are fearfully insecure with simple malware trap it could reveal strategic locations and positions. The Indian army has therefore banned the use of 89 apps with some very popular ones like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn0sImxpYnJhcnlSZXF1ZXN0ZWQiOnRydWV9LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Now, soldiers must immediately uninstall them from video-streaming apps like Zoom to dating apps like Tinder. In fact, the armed forces had banned TikTok and Wechat much before the Indian government. For soldiers, a smartphone can be a morale booster but it can also undermine operational security. India is not the only country that has banned apps for the army. Countries like Turkey and Russia have banned the use of smartphones altogether at forward posts.

China warned its troops against cab-hailing apps saying they pose security risks. GPS detectors could pass on the user's location and personal information. China claimed hackers were collecting location data around military installations. In January, the US defence forces banned TikTok after a Pentagon directive. Now, the US navy has gone on a Twitter rant advising its sailors to not&nbsp;use TikTok.&nbsp;

"Guard up" says the Naval chief of information, "you don't need to be a think-tank expert to know that information control is important to the Chinese govt" the naval information chief added.

In 2017, Israeli Army had launched a smartphone for its soldiers, the encrypted phones allowed soldiers to send text messages, images and e-mails securely but since 2017, Hamas has tried thrice to honeytrap Israeli defence staff through dating apps. They attempted to dupe troops by posing as Israeli women. Now, Israel has put up posters in barracks saying "the enemy is listening, don't let Hamas entice you."

In 2016, Indonesia banned police and military personnel from playing pokemon go. The move came after a Frenchman entered a military base hunting for virtual pocket monsters which is&nbsp;done by visiting real-world sites, guided by the app.

Just a week before the police had fought off a gunman and foiled a suicide bombing attempt outside a police station. Some intelligence agencies are not only tracking troop movements, they also follow individuals when they go home.

Some NATO personnel in the Baltics and their families were apparently traced by Russian entities. Enemies will always exploit vulnerabilities - technological and human - smartphone apps expose both the weaknesses at once as social media posts can help find and track soldiers and pull the curtain on military activity.

The Indian Army has asked its personnel to delete 89 apps from their phones that include Facebook, TikTok, PUBG and Instagram. It comes days after the government banned 59 Chinese apps following the India-China stand-off at Galwan Valley.

The Indian Army has asked its personnel to delete 89 apps from their phones that include Facebook, TikTok, PUBG and Instagram. It comes days after the government banned 59 Chinese apps following the India-China stand-off at Galwan Valley. The Army has added more apps to the list to plug the leak of classified information. India is not the first country to resort to this move, several militaries across the world have been pulling their guard against suspicious apps. Soldiers with smartphones can be easy targets for the enemy especially at a border with war-mongering China. Cell phones are fearfully insecure with simple malware trap it could reveal strategic locations and positions. The Indian army has therefore banned the use of 89 apps with some very popular ones like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. × Now, soldiers must immediately uninstall them from video-streaming apps like Zoom to dating apps like Tinder. In fact, the armed forces had banned TikTok and Wechat much before the Indian government. For soldiers, a smartphone can be a morale booster but it can also undermine operational security. India is not the only country that has banned apps for the army. Countries like Turkey and Russia have banned the use of smartphones altogether at forward posts. China warned its troops against cab-hailing apps saying they pose security risks. GPS detectors could pass on the user's location and personal information. China claimed hackers were collecting location data around military installations. In January, the US defence forces banned TikTok after a Pentagon directive. Now, the US navy has gone on a Twitter rant advising its sailors to not use TikTok. "Guard up" says the Naval chief of information, "you don't need to be a think-tank expert to know that information control is important to the Chinese govt" the naval information chief added. In 2017, Israeli Army had launched a smartphone for its soldiers, the encrypted phones allowed soldiers to send text messages, images and e-mails securely but since 2017, Hamas has tried thrice to honeytrap Israeli defence staff through dating apps. They attempted to dupe troops by posing as Israeli women. Now, Israel has put up posters in barracks saying "the enemy is listening, don't let Hamas entice you." In 2016, Indonesia banned police and military personnel from playing pokemon go. The move came after a Frenchman entered a military base hunting for virtual pocket monsters which is done by visiting real-world sites, guided by the app. Just a week before the police had fought off a gunman and foiled a suicide bombing attempt outside a police station. Some intelligence agencies are not only tracking troop movements, they also follow individuals when they go home. Some NATO personnel in the Baltics and their families were apparently traced by Russian entities. Enemies will always exploit vulnerabilities - technological and human - smartphone apps expose both the weaknesses at once as social media posts can help find and track soldiers and pull the curtain on military activity.

Indian Army asks soldiers to delete 89 apps; Facebook, PUBG, Instagram knocked out

Germany, Ireland and Chinese martial arts loom large as British cinema hands out its BAFTA awards on Sunday, with less than a month to go to the Oscars.

With 14 nods, German director Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front&nbsp;is the joint most-nominated foreign-language film in the BAFTA academy's 76-year history.

It has tied with Ang Lee's martial arts drama Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, co-starring Michelle Yeoh, which won the same number of nominations in 2001.

Yeoh is nominated for best actress this year as a worn-down laundromat owner who transforms into a high-kicking heroine, in the wildly inventive Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Yeoh's kung-fu science-fiction film received 10 BAFTA nominations, as did the pitch-black Irish comedy The Banshees of Inisherin&nbsp;co-starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. 
 
The US co-directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, are up jointly for the best director prize, as is Berger and Martin McDonagh for Banshees.

McDonagh is one of the rare British nominees for this year's top gongs. But the Daniels, as they are known in the industry, will be hoping to build on their success at the Directors Guild of America awards on Saturday.

"What the hell? Guys, thank you so much. This has been an incredible year for our little film that somehow keeps going," a visibly shocked Kwan told the annual gala in Beverly Hills.&nbsp;

Elvis, Baz Luhrmann's biopic of the king of rock and roll, is on nine BAFTA nominations, with classical music psychological drama "Tar" in line for five awards including best actress for Cate Blanchett.

The main awards of the ceremony, the highlight of the British film calendar and a key indicator to the Oscars on March 12, will be handed out at London's Royal Festival Hall from 1900 GMT.

Germany, Ireland and Chinese martial arts loom large as British cinema hands out its BAFTA awards on Sunday, with less than a month to go to the Oscars. With 14 nods, German director Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front is the joint most-nominated foreign-language film in the BAFTA academy's 76-year history.

Germany, Ireland and Chinese martial arts loom large as British cinema hands out its BAFTA awards on Sunday, with less than a month to go to the Oscars. With 14 nods, German director Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front is the joint most-nominated foreign-language film in the BAFTA academy's 76-year history. It has tied with Ang Lee's martial arts drama Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, co-starring Michelle Yeoh, which won the same number of nominations in 2001. Yeoh is nominated for best actress this year as a worn-down laundromat owner who transforms into a high-kicking heroine, in the wildly inventive Everything Everywhere All At Once. Yeoh's kung-fu science-fiction film received 10 BAFTA nominations, as did the pitch-black Irish comedy The Banshees of Inisherin co-starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. The US co-directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, are up jointly for the best director prize, as is Berger and Martin McDonagh for Banshees. McDonagh is one of the rare British nominees for this year's top gongs. But the Daniels, as they are known in the industry, will be hoping to build on their success at the Directors Guild of America awards on Saturday. "What the hell? Guys, thank you so much. This has been an incredible year for our little film that somehow keeps going," a visibly shocked Kwan told the annual gala in Beverly Hills. Elvis, Baz Luhrmann's biopic of the king of rock and roll, is on nine BAFTA nominations, with classical music psychological drama "Tar" in line for five awards including best actress for Cate Blanchett. The main awards of the ceremony, the highlight of the British film calendar and a key indicator to the Oscars on March 12, will be handed out at London's Royal Festival Hall from 1900 GMT.

Dreaded gangster Vikas Dubey killed in encounter in Kanpur

The Central government’s counsel informed the Kerala High Court on Friday, that the bail application filed by Swapna Suresh, the main accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case is not maintainable. This was owing to the NationalAgency(NIA) having taken over the probe.&nbsp;

The bench verbally agreed with the counsel’s submission and adjourned the hearing to Tuesday. The court has also agreed to provide the FIR copy (filed by the NIA) to Swapna’s advocate. &nbsp;

The Central government counsel, Mr. Ravi Prakash maintained that, under Section 21 of the NIA Act, the High Court has no original jurisdiction to consider the anticipatory bail application, adding that it can only be considered by the Special Court.&nbsp;

He further stated that the custodial interrogation of Swapna Suresh had to be conducted to establish her involvement and motive in the delivery of the diplomatic cargo.&nbsp;

The NIA informed the Court of having filed an FIR and that their investigation is underway as per Sections 16, 17, &amp;18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).&nbsp;

The Central government lawyer informed the court that even if the bail was was to be considered, this case had serious implications and that the nature of crime affected the security, financial stability of the country.&nbsp;

Swapna Suresh’s bail plea that was filed earlier this week stated that she was working with the UAE Consulate general office from 2016-19 and that she had completed many assignments there, successfully. Following her resignation from there in 2019, she worked as a contract staff in PWC, which dealt with the Space park projects that came under Kerala government’s IT Department.

It added that the Consulate General of UAE in Thiruvananthapuram had again sought her assistance in administrative matters due to her experience in the same. The plea states that she worked with the Consulate under a “Work on request” basis, as a part of which she had checked with Customs regarding the delay of the Consignment.&nbsp;

The plea stated that “she was innocent, had not committed any criminal offenses as alleged and had no connection with respect to the smuggled gold”.&nbsp;

How the case progressed through the week

On Sunday, the Customs at the Thiruvananthapuram airport seized 30kg of gold, valued at nearly Rs.15crore, in a diplomatic cargo addressed to the UAE Consulate in the capital city. The cardboard carton weighing 79kg had contained foodstuffs and what was said to be “articles other than foodstuffs”. On closer examination and dismantling, it was found that the “articles other than foodstuffs” had gold concealed in them.&nbsp;

As per the remand request filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, the Charge d’Affairs of the UAE Consulate affirmed that his family had sent the list of nine items that were mentioned as food stuffs. He also confirmed that he had no relation with the items that are mentioned as “articles other than foodstuffs”.

Customs Officials registered a case pertaining to the illegal import of gold and also arrested Sarith, a former PRO of the UAE Consulate.&nbsp;

Opposition leaders alleged that the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office was connected to the case and that the CM’s Principal Secretary was in touch with Swapna Suresh and also behind her appointment in the Space Park job. This led to the CM’s Principal Secretary, Sivasankar being sent on one year leave.&nbsp;

According to reports, Sivasankar had been embroiled in another controversy recently, after he initiated an agreement with an American firm, Sprinklr to share details of COVID-19 patients and suspects, without the knowledge of CM and the cabinet.

Following the political storm and serious allegations that rocked the state government, the Kerala chief minister wrote to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister seeking a probe by the concerned Central agencies.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Home Ministry permitted the NIA to take over the probe on the grounds that “organized smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security”.&nbsp;

The Central government’s counsel informed the Kerala High Court on Friday, that the bail application filed by Swapna Suresh, the main accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case is not maintainable.

The Central government’s counsel informed the Kerala High Court on Friday, that the bail application filed by Swapna Suresh, the main accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case is not maintainable. This was owing to the NationalAgency(NIA) having taken over the probe. The bench verbally agreed with the counsel’s submission and adjourned the hearing to Tuesday. The court has also agreed to provide the FIR copy (filed by the NIA) to Swapna’s advocate. The Central government counsel, Mr. Ravi Prakash maintained that, under Section 21 of the NIA Act, the High Court has no original jurisdiction to consider the anticipatory bail application, adding that it can only be considered by the Special Court. He further stated that the custodial interrogation of Swapna Suresh had to be conducted to establish her involvement and motive in the delivery of the diplomatic cargo. The NIA informed the Court of having filed an FIR and that their investigation is underway as per Sections 16, 17, &18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The Central government lawyer informed the court that even if the bail was was to be considered, this case had serious implications and that the nature of crime affected the security, financial stability of the country. Swapna Suresh’s bail plea that was filed earlier this week stated that she was working with the UAE Consulate general office from 2016-19 and that she had completed many assignments there, successfully. Following her resignation from there in 2019, she worked as a contract staff in PWC, which dealt with the Space park projects that came under Kerala government’s IT Department. It added that the Consulate General of UAE in Thiruvananthapuram had again sought her assistance in administrative matters due to her experience in the same. The plea states that she worked with the Consulate under a “Work on request” basis, as a part of which she had checked with Customs regarding the delay of the Consignment. The plea stated that “she was innocent, had not committed any criminal offenses as alleged and had no connection with respect to the smuggled gold”. How the case progressed through the week On Sunday, the Customs at the Thiruvananthapuram airport seized 30kg of gold, valued at nearly Rs.15crore, in a diplomatic cargo addressed to the UAE Consulate in the capital city. The cardboard carton weighing 79kg had contained foodstuffs and what was said to be “articles other than foodstuffs”. On closer examination and dismantling, it was found that the “articles other than foodstuffs” had gold concealed in them. As per the remand request filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, the Charge d’Affairs of the UAE Consulate affirmed that his family had sent the list of nine items that were mentioned as food stuffs. He also confirmed that he had no relation with the items that are mentioned as “articles other than foodstuffs”. Customs Officials registered a case pertaining to the illegal import of gold and also arrested Sarith, a former PRO of the UAE Consulate. Opposition leaders alleged that the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office was connected to the case and that the CM’s Principal Secretary was in touch with Swapna Suresh and also behind her appointment in the Space Park job. This led to the CM’s Principal Secretary, Sivasankar being sent on one year leave. According to reports, Sivasankar had been embroiled in another controversy recently, after he initiated an agreement with an American firm, Sprinklr to share details of COVID-19 patients and suspects, without the knowledge of CM and the cabinet. Following the political storm and serious allegations that rocked the state government, the Kerala chief minister wrote to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister seeking a probe by the concerned Central agencies. On Thursday, the Home Ministry permitted the NIA to take over the probe on the grounds that “organized smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security”.

Centre opposes bail for Kerala gold smuggling accused; hearing adjourned

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Friday announced results for class 10 and 12 exams even as it decided against bringing out a merit list this year in view of "exceptional circumstances".

While the board recorded a pass percentage of 99.34 per cent for class 10 exams, up by 0.8 per cent since last year, the pass percentage for the class 12 exams stood at 96.84 per cent, recording a marginal increase.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-removes-chapters-on-secularism-nationalism-from-syllabus-to-reduce-course-load-311648">CBSE removes chapters on secularism, nationalism from syllabus to reduce course load</a>

The board had to cancel its pending exams in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases and the result has been calculated on the basis of an alternative assessment scheme decided by it.

"Given the exceptional circumstances, this year CISCE will not be publishing a merit list for either the ICSE or ISC year 2020 examinations," CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Gerry Arathoon said.

"This year has been exceptionally difficult for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple national and states' lockdowns, coupled with many other related problems," he added.

As per the results announced, a total of 2,06,525 candidates have cleared the class 10 exams, known as the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), while 1,377 candidates have been unsuccessful.

The class 12 exams, called the Indian School Certificate (ISC) exam, have been cleared by 85,611 candidates while 2,798 students have been unsuccessful.

"At this point, I would like to commend our candidates, who have shown exemplary resilience and fortitude during this crisis period, faced with the agony of a long wait for a possible delayed examination in the remaining papers, the subsequent prolonged wait for the results while simultaneously continuing their studies of the next class or preparing for the entrance examinations. Your patience and perseverance are to be admired," Arathoon said.

The ICSE examination is conducted in 61 written subjects of which 22 are Indian languages, nine are foreign languages and two classical languages. A total of 2,341 schools had presented their candidates in the exam.

The ISC examination is conducted in 51 written subjects of which 15 are Indian languages, six are foreign languages and one is a classical language. A total of 1,125 schools had presented their candidates in the exam.

The board had last week announced an alternate assessment scheme for the two classes after the pending exams were cancelled in view of a spike in COVID-19 cases.

As per the scheme, candidates have been assessed based on the best three percentage marks obtained in subjects for which board exams were conducted and the marks of their internal assessment as well as project work were taken into account.

The exams, which were earlier postponed due to the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, were scheduled to be conducted from July 1 to 14.

The board had later announced that class 10 and 12 students can choose not to appear for the pending board exams and be marked as per their performance in pre-board exams or internal assessment. However, the exams were cancelled in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases.

The students who want a revaluation of their exams can apply for rechecking up to July 16. 
&nbsp;

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Friday announced results for class 10 and 12 exams even as it decided against bringing out a merit list this year in view of "exceptional circumstances".

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Friday announced results for class 10 and 12 exams even as it decided against bringing out a merit list this year in view of "exceptional circumstances". While the board recorded a pass percentage of 99.34 per cent for class 10 exams, up by 0.8 per cent since last year, the pass percentage for the class 12 exams stood at 96.84 per cent, recording a marginal increase. Also read | CBSE removes chapters on secularism, nationalism from syllabus to reduce course load The board had to cancel its pending exams in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases and the result has been calculated on the basis of an alternative assessment scheme decided by it. "Given the exceptional circumstances, this year CISCE will not be publishing a merit list for either the ICSE or ISC year 2020 examinations," CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Gerry Arathoon said. "This year has been exceptionally difficult for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiple national and states' lockdowns, coupled with many other related problems," he added. As per the results announced, a total of 2,06,525 candidates have cleared the class 10 exams, known as the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), while 1,377 candidates have been unsuccessful. The class 12 exams, called the Indian School Certificate (ISC) exam, have been cleared by 85,611 candidates while 2,798 students have been unsuccessful. "At this point, I would like to commend our candidates, who have shown exemplary resilience and fortitude during this crisis period, faced with the agony of a long wait for a possible delayed examination in the remaining papers, the subsequent prolonged wait for the results while simultaneously continuing their studies of the next class or preparing for the entrance examinations. Your patience and perseverance are to be admired," Arathoon said. The ICSE examination is conducted in 61 written subjects of which 22 are Indian languages, nine are foreign languages and two classical languages. A total of 2,341 schools had presented their candidates in the exam. The ISC examination is conducted in 51 written subjects of which 15 are Indian languages, six are foreign languages and one is a classical language. A total of 1,125 schools had presented their candidates in the exam. The board had last week announced an alternate assessment scheme for the two classes after the pending exams were cancelled in view of a spike in COVID-19 cases. As per the scheme, candidates have been assessed based on the best three percentage marks obtained in subjects for which board exams were conducted and the marks of their internal assessment as well as project work were taken into account. The exams, which were earlier postponed due to the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, were scheduled to be conducted from July 1 to 14. The board had later announced that class 10 and 12 students can choose not to appear for the pending board exams and be marked as per their performance in pre-board exams or internal assessment. However, the exams were cancelled in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases. The students who want a revaluation of their exams can apply for rechecking up to July 16.

ICSE, ISC results 2020: Board declares results, no merit list this year

The number of coronavirus positive patients in Dharavi, the biggest slum in Mumbai, increased to 2,359 on Friday with the addition of 12 cases, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

The civic body has, however, stopped disclosing the number of COVID-19 deaths, if any, in the slum-dominated area for the past few days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-continues-to-remain-the-worst-hit-state-312228">Covid-19: Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit state</a>

Dharavi currently has 166 active cases and 1,952 patients have been discharged from hospitals following recovery so far, the official said.

According to him, more number of COVID-19 cases are being reported from Dadar and Mahim areas of the G- North administrative ward of the BMC, than from Dharavi, which is also a part of that ward.

Dadar and Mahim reported 35 and 23 new cases, respectively, in the last 24 hours, he added.

Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, is spread across 2.5 square km and has a population of around 6.5 lakh with people living in tiny houses.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus positive patients in Dharavi, the biggest slum in Mumbai, increased to 2,359 on Friday with the addition of 12 cases, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

The number of coronavirus positive patients in Dharavi, the biggest slum in Mumbai, increased to 2,359 on Friday with the addition of 12 cases, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said. The civic body has, however, stopped disclosing the number of COVID-19 deaths, if any, in the slum-dominated area for the past few days. Also read | Covid-19: Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit state Dharavi currently has 166 active cases and 1,952 patients have been discharged from hospitals following recovery so far, the official said. According to him, more number of COVID-19 cases are being reported from Dadar and Mahim areas of the G- North administrative ward of the BMC, than from Dharavi, which is also a part of that ward. Dadar and Mahim reported 35 and 23 new cases, respectively, in the last 24 hours, he added. Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, is spread across 2.5 square km and has a population of around 6.5 lakh with people living in tiny houses.

Dharavi, Asia's largest slum reports 12 new COVID-19 cases

Amid the ongoing standoff with China, senior DMK leader, MP TR Baalu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to re-start the Sethu Samudram Project and have it completed before January 2024.

In its earlier envisioned form, the project involves dredging and creating a shipping canal in the Palk Strait&nbsp;between India and Sri Lanka. This shipping canal would enable passage of ships from India's west to the east coast and vice-versa, without going around Sri Lanka.

The letter by the senior DMK leader emphasized the importance of the sea lane between Southern Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, comparing its strategic importance to that of the northern borders of the country.

Citing China's growing proximity with Sri Lanka and their, increasing investments in the island nation, the letter highlighted how it would not be in India’s national interest.

Referring to the immense strategic value of Southern Tamil Nadu Coast, especially the Adam’s Bridge and Sethu Samudram area, the letter called the region "India’s maritime strategic lifeline and the world’s most important global sea lane".

Invoking the projects'&nbsp;closeness to late leaders Anna, Kamaraj, Vajpayee, and Karunanidhi, Baalu appealed to the Prime Minister to "take a statesman's perspective and recommence the project".

He urged PM Modi to ensure project completion by 2024 (the end of Modi’s second tenure) and have the first ship sailing through the channel by the auspicious Tamil festival of Pongal that year.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that the DMK had made a mention of re-starting the Sethu Samudram project in its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto. It is hard to miss that this letter to the prime minister also comes at a time when Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are less than a year away.&nbsp;

The Controversy over Sethu Samudram project&nbsp;

Several objections were raised to this project in the past. The religious and political angle was that Adam's Bridge or Ram Sethu, which is believed to be constructed by Lord Ram, would be destroyed in the process of implementing this project.&nbsp;

Few also opposed the project on the grounds that it would be far too expensive and also cause damage to the environment and also affect the livelihood of fishermen.&nbsp;

“The Sethu Samudram project was said to be commercially unviable as it would only enable the passage of small ships. It was stated that even if dredging was done, there was a possibility of re-accumulation of silt, thus creating the need for regular dredging. When large vessels can't pass that way, how it will bolster security is unclear,"&nbsp;political analyst Sumanth C Raman told WION.

He also added that he didn’t see this project being implemented as long as the NDA remains in power.&nbsp;

Earlier too, there had been conflicting reports about the Ram Setu, which is said to be built by Lord Ram.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing standoff with China, senior DMK leader, MP TR Baalu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to re-start the Sethu Samudram Project and have it completed before January 2024.

Amid the ongoing standoff with China, senior DMK leader, MP TR Baalu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to re-start the Sethu Samudram Project and have it completed before January 2024. In its earlier envisioned form, the project involves dredging and creating a shipping canal in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. This shipping canal would enable passage of ships from India's west to the east coast and vice-versa, without going around Sri Lanka. The letter by the senior DMK leader emphasized the importance of the sea lane between Southern Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, comparing its strategic importance to that of the northern borders of the country. Citing China's growing proximity with Sri Lanka and their, increasing investments in the island nation, the letter highlighted how it would not be in India’s national interest. Referring to the immense strategic value of Southern Tamil Nadu Coast, especially the Adam’s Bridge and Sethu Samudram area, the letter called the region "India’s maritime strategic lifeline and the world’s most important global sea lane". Invoking the projects' closeness to late leaders Anna, Kamaraj, Vajpayee, and Karunanidhi, Baalu appealed to the Prime Minister to "take a statesman's perspective and recommence the project". He urged PM Modi to ensure project completion by 2024 (the end of Modi’s second tenure) and have the first ship sailing through the channel by the auspicious Tamil festival of Pongal that year. It is to be noted that the DMK had made a mention of re-starting the Sethu Samudram project in its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto. It is hard to miss that this letter to the prime minister also comes at a time when Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are less than a year away. The Controversy over Sethu Samudram project Several objections were raised to this project in the past. The religious and political angle was that Adam's Bridge or Ram Sethu, which is believed to be constructed by Lord Ram, would be destroyed in the process of implementing this project. Few also opposed the project on the grounds that it would be far too expensive and also cause damage to the environment and also affect the livelihood of fishermen. “The Sethu Samudram project was said to be commercially unviable as it would only enable the passage of small ships. It was stated that even if dredging was done, there was a possibility of re-accumulation of silt, thus creating the need for regular dredging. When large vessels can't pass that way, how it will bolster security is unclear," political analyst Sumanth C Raman told WION. He also added that he didn’t see this project being implemented as long as the NDA remains in power. Earlier too, there had been conflicting reports about the Ram Setu, which is said to be built by Lord Ram.

Citing Chinese threat, DMK urges PM Modi to restart Sethu Samudram project

India on Thursday said it was holding talks with Sri Lanka over its request for postponement of repayment of debt. "The matter has progressed and technical level discussions are presently underway," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said.

He was responding to a question on the issue at an online media briefing. Sri Lanka is reeling under a major economic crisis and has requested several countries and international donors, including India to provide debt relief.

Asked about reports of a Chinese envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi meeting several leaders in Nepal and whether she was meddling in the country's political turmoil, Srivastava refused to comment. "I have no comment to offer on the internal political situation of Nepal," he said.

Replying to a question on the Enrica Lexie case, Srivastava said there was no delay on the part of the Ministry of External Affairs in informing the Supreme Court and the Kerala government about the verdict of an international tribunal on it.

The tribunal in its judgment said that two Italian marines who shot dead two Indian fishermen cannot be tried in an Indian court. However, it upheld the conduct of the Indian authorities following the incident in 2012.

India accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, onboard the MV Enrica Lexie, an Italian flagged oil tanker, of shooting dead the two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel off Kerala in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The incident had taken place off the Kerala coast on February 15, 2012.

India on Thursday said it was holding talks with Sri Lanka over its request for postponement of repayment of debt. "The matter has progressed and technical level discussions are presently underway," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said.

India on Thursday said it was holding talks with Sri Lanka over its request for postponement of repayment of debt. "The matter has progressed and technical level discussions are presently underway," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said. He was responding to a question on the issue at an online media briefing. Sri Lanka is reeling under a major economic crisis and has requested several countries and international donors, including India to provide debt relief. Asked about reports of a Chinese envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi meeting several leaders in Nepal and whether she was meddling in the country's political turmoil, Srivastava refused to comment. "I have no comment to offer on the internal political situation of Nepal," he said. Replying to a question on the Enrica Lexie case, Srivastava said there was no delay on the part of the Ministry of External Affairs in informing the Supreme Court and the Kerala government about the verdict of an international tribunal on it. The tribunal in its judgment said that two Italian marines who shot dead two Indian fishermen cannot be tried in an Indian court. However, it upheld the conduct of the Indian authorities following the incident in 2012. India accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, onboard the MV Enrica Lexie, an Italian flagged oil tanker, of shooting dead the two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel off Kerala in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The incident had taken place off the Kerala coast on February 15, 2012.

India in talks with Sri Lanka over its request for debt relief: Ministry of External Affairs

After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-chinese-troops-pull-back-from-2-points-at-pangong-tso-311784/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The talks come as Indian and Chinese troops disengaged along the LAC&nbsp;after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as reported by the state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry hasn't revealed the casualty figures.

The Chinese government in a statement said that "both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on the recent Sino-Indian border situation and made positive progress in easing the situation on the ground."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-find-fair-and-reasonable-solution-says-chinese-envoy-amid-india-china-talks-post-galwan-clash-312283">Also Read:&nbsp;Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks</a>

"The two sides expressed that they will seriously implement the important consensus reached by the foreign ministers of the two countries and the special representatives on the border issue." it added.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had said earlier today that it had completely withdrawn from the Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh after mutually agreed upon disengagement process.

"The two sides fully affirmed the positive progress made by the border defence forces of the two countries in implementing the various consensus at the military-level talks and easing the &nbsp;situation on the ground," the Chinese statement said, adding, "They agreed to continue to maintain dialogue and consultations on the military and diplomatic channels, promote further cooling of the situation on the ground and strengthen confidence-building measures in the border areas."

China said the issues should be "promptly and properly" handled to "avoid the rise of differences into disputes."

India's National Security Advisor(NSA) and China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier in the week engaged in a two-hour long talks over the phone to discuss the border situation in the wake of the clashes at the border with both sides asserting that disengagement along the LAC held the key to peace at the border. 
&nbsp;

After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month.

After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month. Watch: The talks come as Indian and Chinese troops disengaged along the LAC after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as reported by the state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry hasn't revealed the casualty figures. The Chinese government in a statement said that "both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on the recent Sino-Indian border situation and made positive progress in easing the situation on the ground." Also Read: Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks "The two sides expressed that they will seriously implement the important consensus reached by the foreign ministers of the two countries and the special representatives on the border issue." it added. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had said earlier today that it had completely withdrawn from the Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh after mutually agreed upon disengagement process. "The two sides fully affirmed the positive progress made by the border defence forces of the two countries in implementing the various consensus at the military-level talks and easing the situation on the ground," the Chinese statement said, adding, "They agreed to continue to maintain dialogue and consultations on the military and diplomatic channels, promote further cooling of the situation on the ground and strengthen confidence-building measures in the border areas." China said the issues should be "promptly and properly" handled to "avoid the rise of differences into disputes." India's National Security Advisor(NSA) and China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier in the week engaged in a two-hour long talks over the phone to discuss the border situation in the wake of the clashes at the border with both sides asserting that disengagement along the LAC held the key to peace at the border.

India-China standoff: Both sides will handle issues, maintain dialogue, says China after border talks with India

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India&nbsp;Sun Weidong&nbsp;said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation.

"China and India should be partners, rather than rivals," the envoy asserted.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-vs-china-the-race-to-build-more-roads-at-the-border-312087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Development and revitalization is the top priority for China's long term strategic interest," he added. "We are neither a war-like state nor an assertive country," he said, adding, "two countries pose no threat to each other."

Indian and Chinese officials are currently conducting&nbsp;a virtual meeting under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India-China border affairs amid disengagement of troops by both sides along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

"The boundary question left over by history&nbsp;is sensitive and complicated. We need to find a fair and&nbsp;reasonable solution mutually acceptable through equal consultation and&nbsp;peaceful negotiation," the Chinese envoy added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-on-track-at-pangong-tso-roadmap-to-be-set-311956">Also Read:&nbsp;India-China standoff: Disengagement on track at Pangong Tso; roadmap to be set</a>

Meanwhile, the Chinese Army today completed its withdrawal of troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh. Reports say that both countries have completed creating a buffer zone in Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs which was the scene of the clash between Chinese and Indian troops on June 15.

The latest disengagement moves come after talks between India's National security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and China's foreign minister Wang Yi who had a two-hour long meeting amid tensions at the border.

On Thursday, India and Chinese troops had completed their disengagement with Chinese troops pulling back by approximately 2 kms from the Line of Control(LAC). Both sides also pulled back from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh.

Indian officials had earlier said that China was amassing troops at the border since May. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian while backing the disengagement moves currently underway since Monday said that he hoped "India will work together &nbsp;to take concrete action and implement the consensus reached and jointly work for de-escalation along the border".

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation.

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation. "China and India should be partners, rather than rivals," the envoy asserted. Watch: "Development and revitalization is the top priority for China's long term strategic interest," he added. "We are neither a war-like state nor an assertive country," he said, adding, "two countries pose no threat to each other." Indian and Chinese officials are currently conducting a virtual meeting under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India-China border affairs amid disengagement of troops by both sides along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). "The boundary question left over by history is sensitive and complicated. We need to find a fair and reasonable solution mutually acceptable through equal consultation and peaceful negotiation," the Chinese envoy added. Also Read: India-China standoff: Disengagement on track at Pangong Tso; roadmap to be set Meanwhile, the Chinese Army today completed its withdrawal of troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh. Reports say that both countries have completed creating a buffer zone in Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs which was the scene of the clash between Chinese and Indian troops on June 15. The latest disengagement moves come after talks between India's National security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and China's foreign minister Wang Yi who had a two-hour long meeting amid tensions at the border. On Thursday, India and Chinese troops had completed their disengagement with Chinese troops pulling back by approximately 2 kms from the Line of Control(LAC). Both sides also pulled back from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh. Indian officials had earlier said that China was amassing troops at the border since May. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian while backing the disengagement moves currently underway since Monday said that he hoped "India will work together to take concrete action and implement the consensus reached and jointly work for de-escalation along the border".

Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks post-Galwan clash

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours. Tamil Nadu remained the second-worst hit with a total of 1, 26,581 cases, including 1,765 deaths.

With the highest single-day spike of 26,506 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7, 93,802 on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (6,875), Tamil Nadu (4,231), Karnataka (2,228), Delhi (2,187), and Andhra Pradesh (1,555).

Meanwhile, 2,83,659 samples were tested for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of samples tested up to July 9 to 1,10,24,491, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours. Tamil Nadu remained the second-worst hit with a total of 1, 26,581 cases, including 1,765 deaths. With the highest single-day spike of 26,506 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7, 93,802 on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (6,875), Tamil Nadu (4,231), Karnataka (2,228), Delhi (2,187), and Andhra Pradesh (1,555). Meanwhile, 2,83,659 samples were tested for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of samples tested up to July 9 to 1,10,24,491, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit state

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April.

ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection.

The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

"The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. 
Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April. ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection. The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. "The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters. Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

ICMR plans pan-India sero-survey to evaluate the trend of coronavirus

Gangster Vikas Dubey, who met with a gory end in an encounter with the UP STF near here on Friday, conjured the image of a typical don who dabbled in real-estate, won a district-level election and rubbed shoulders with political figures.

Last Friday, Dubey, who was around 50-years-old, hogged the headlines after his henchmen allegedly shot dead eight police personnel in a botched raid that he had converted into an ambush.

An old photo on social media showed him at an event next to an Uttar Pradesh minister, who switched parties to join the ruling BJP.

Congress claimed this showed his political patronage.

Another picture showed a poster of him appealing for votes for his wife, Richa Dubey, in a zila panchayat election which she won from Ghimau under which Bikru village falls.

The poster also carried pictures of two leaders now in the opposition, implying that she had their support.

In 2000, Dubey himself won the Shivrajpur seat in a zila panchayat poll he fought from prison, where he was lodged after a murder charge, according to officials.

However, following his arrest on Thursday, Dubey's mother Sarla Devi said, "At this time, he is not in the BJP, he is with the SP.",

A Samajwadi Party spokesman said Dubey was "not a member of the party" and strict action should be taken against him.

Moreover, his call record details should be made public as demanded by party president Akhilesh Yadav to expose his links, he said.

After being on the run for nearly a week, during which he was said to have taken refuge in a hotel in Faridabad on Delhi's outskirts, Dubey was picked up from the holy city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Thursday, "Dubey arrived at the (Mahakal) temple in his car. A police constable identified him first, after which three others (security personnel) were alerted and he was taken aside for questioning and later arrested."

However, temple sources gave a slightly different account.

They said Dubey reached the temple gate in the morning and purchased a Rs 250 ticket from a counter near the police post.

When he went to a nearby shop to buy prasad for the deity, the shop owner identified him and alerted police, they added.

When policemen asked him his name, he loudly said, "I am Vikas Dubey of Kanpur ", following which the cops and private security personnel deployed at the temple nabbed him.

The MP police then handed him over to the UP police.

When he was being brought to the state, the police vehicle carrying him from Ujjain overturned at Bhauti area in Kanpur on Friday morning, police claimed.

Inspector-General of Police (Kanpur) Mohit Agarwal said Dubey tried to flee from the spot after snatching the pistol of an inspector leading to an encounter.

"Dubey was injured in the encounter and he was declared dead in the hospital," ADG Kanpur range, JN Singh said.

Dubey shot into limelight last Friday when his henchmen ambushed UP policemen who had gone to Bikru village to arrest him in a new case of attempted murder.

Officials said the road was blocked by heavy earthmoving equipment and when policemen stepped out of their vehicles, they faced a hail of bullets, and eight of them were killed.

Since then, the UP police have shot dead five of Dubey's alleged accomplices.

Police claimed that Dubey was involved in about 60 cases.

But details obtained from officials indicate that he was not convicted even in cases like murder.

He was the prime accused in the murder of BJP leader Santosh Shukla inside the Shivli police station here in 2001, according to an official.

"Dubey had instilled so much fear in everyone that even after being accused of murdering a BJP leader having the status of minister of state, not even a single police officer gave a statement against him," alleged the official who did not want to be named.

"No evidence was put before the court and he was acquitted for lack of evidence," the official said.

He claimed that Dubey used to plot and execute crimes, including murder, from inside the jail.

His clout among police can be gauged from the fact that all the 68 police personnel at Chaubeypur police station near Kanpur were shunted to the reserve police lines on Tuesday with the top brass saying they suspected their integrity after last week's ambush.

Even DIG Anant Deo, who till recently was the senior SP in Kanpur, was transferred from the state's Special task Force (STF) to the Provincial Armed Police (PAC) unit in Moradabad.

Dubey was also an accused in the murder of Sidheshwar Pandey, a manager at Tarachand Inter College in Kanpur, in 2000.

He was accused of plotting the murder of one Ram Babu Yadav from the prison in the same year.

His name came up in the murder of Dinesh Dubey, a businessman, in 2004.

He allegedly committed another murder in 2013.

He was accused of ordering the killing of his cousin Anurag in 2018, while he was himself in jail.

The victim's wife had filed an FIR against four people, including him, according to his history sheet shared by officials.

A villager said Dubey and his brother Deepu Dubey dealt in real estate.

Another younger brother Avinash was killed some time back, the local resident claimed.

Gangster Vikas Dubey, who met with a gory end in an encounter with the UP STF near here on Friday, conjured the image of a typical don who dabbled in real-estate, won a district-level election and rubbed shoulders with political figures.

Gangster Vikas Dubey, who met with a gory end in an encounter with the UP STF near here on Friday, conjured the image of a typical don who dabbled in real-estate, won a district-level election and rubbed shoulders with political figures. Last Friday, Dubey, who was around 50-years-old, hogged the headlines after his henchmen allegedly shot dead eight police personnel in a botched raid that he had converted into an ambush. An old photo on social media showed him at an event next to an Uttar Pradesh minister, who switched parties to join the ruling BJP. Congress claimed this showed his political patronage. Another picture showed a poster of him appealing for votes for his wife, Richa Dubey, in a zila panchayat election which she won from Ghimau under which Bikru village falls. The poster also carried pictures of two leaders now in the opposition, implying that she had their support. In 2000, Dubey himself won the Shivrajpur seat in a zila panchayat poll he fought from prison, where he was lodged after a murder charge, according to officials. However, following his arrest on Thursday, Dubey's mother Sarla Devi said, "At this time, he is not in the BJP, he is with the SP.", A Samajwadi Party spokesman said Dubey was "not a member of the party" and strict action should be taken against him. Moreover, his call record details should be made public as demanded by party president Akhilesh Yadav to expose his links, he said. After being on the run for nearly a week, during which he was said to have taken refuge in a hotel in Faridabad on Delhi's outskirts, Dubey was picked up from the holy city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Thursday, "Dubey arrived at the (Mahakal) temple in his car. A police constable identified him first, after which three others (security personnel) were alerted and he was taken aside for questioning and later arrested." However, temple sources gave a slightly different account. They said Dubey reached the temple gate in the morning and purchased a Rs 250 ticket from a counter near the police post. When he went to a nearby shop to buy prasad for the deity, the shop owner identified him and alerted police, they added. When policemen asked him his name, he loudly said, "I am Vikas Dubey of Kanpur ", following which the cops and private security personnel deployed at the temple nabbed him. The MP police then handed him over to the UP police. When he was being brought to the state, the police vehicle carrying him from Ujjain overturned at Bhauti area in Kanpur on Friday morning, police claimed. Inspector-General of Police (Kanpur) Mohit Agarwal said Dubey tried to flee from the spot after snatching the pistol of an inspector leading to an encounter. "Dubey was injured in the encounter and he was declared dead in the hospital," ADG Kanpur range, JN Singh said. Dubey shot into limelight last Friday when his henchmen ambushed UP policemen who had gone to Bikru village to arrest him in a new case of attempted murder. Officials said the road was blocked by heavy earthmoving equipment and when policemen stepped out of their vehicles, they faced a hail of bullets, and eight of them were killed. Since then, the UP police have shot dead five of Dubey's alleged accomplices. Police claimed that Dubey was involved in about 60 cases. But details obtained from officials indicate that he was not convicted even in cases like murder. He was the prime accused in the murder of BJP leader Santosh Shukla inside the Shivli police station here in 2001, according to an official. "Dubey had instilled so much fear in everyone that even after being accused of murdering a BJP leader having the status of minister of state, not even a single police officer gave a statement against him," alleged the official who did not want to be named. "No evidence was put before the court and he was acquitted for lack of evidence," the official said. He claimed that Dubey used to plot and execute crimes, including murder, from inside the jail. His clout among police can be gauged from the fact that all the 68 police personnel at Chaubeypur police station near Kanpur were shunted to the reserve police lines on Tuesday with the top brass saying they suspected their integrity after last week's ambush. Even DIG Anant Deo, who till recently was the senior SP in Kanpur, was transferred from the state's Special task Force (STF) to the Provincial Armed Police (PAC) unit in Moradabad. Dubey was also an accused in the murder of Sidheshwar Pandey, a manager at Tarachand Inter College in Kanpur, in 2000. He was accused of plotting the murder of one Ram Babu Yadav from the prison in the same year. His name came up in the murder of Dinesh Dubey, a businessman, in 2004. He allegedly committed another murder in 2013. He was accused of ordering the killing of his cousin Anurag in 2018, while he was himself in jail. The victim's wife had filed an FIR against four people, including him, according to his history sheet shared by officials. A villager said Dubey and his brother Deepu Dubey dealt in real estate. Another younger brother Avinash was killed some time back, the local resident claimed.

The rise and fall of Vikas Dubey: A gangster with strong links in UP political circle

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country.

Mahaveer Singhvi, head of the Indian delegation, made the comments at a webinar on Thursday during the ongoing virtual Counter-Terrorism Week.

"This is an occasion for reiterating our collective resolve to protect and uphold human rights. It is unfortunate that Pakistan, a sponsor of cross border terrorism, and the globally acknowledged fountain head and pernicious cradle of terrorism, has once again used this forum for propagating its discredited narrative and making mischievous and scurrilous allegations against India," Singhvi said.

While the whole world, including India, has undertaken proactive steps to promote human rights and build resilience against terrorism, Pakistan has main-streamed terrorism as statecraft, Singhvi added.

"It continues to provide military, financial and logistical support to cross border terrorism but has denied the victims of terrorism their fundamental right to justice by not acting on the concrete evidences shared by India on several terrorist attacks, including 1993 Mumbai Serial Blasts and 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been proscribed by the UNSC 1267 committee but continue to enjoy state hospitality in Pakistan," Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, said.

Singhvi also said Pakistan's attempt to "masquerade" as a promoter of human rights and egalitarianism is "farcical" considering its record of systemic persecution of its minorities, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Sikhs, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Sindhis, and Balochis. Through draconian blasphemy laws, forced conversions and marriages and extrajudicial killings.

Pakistan consistently rakes up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and other internal matters of India at various UN fora. Earlier this week also, India had strongly hit out at Pakistan for raising India's domestic policies and internal affairs at the counter-terrorism forum.

During the webinar "Protecting and Promoting Human Rights as a Cornerstone for Building Resilience against Terrorism', Singhvi asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to remain an integral part of India and said Pakistan should cease to covet it. 
"What is portrayed by Pakistan is actually state sponsored cross border terrorism. India reiterates that despite the continued proxy war and state sponsored cross border terrorism raged by Pakistan against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed their faith in the Indian democracy."

Singhvi said that before preaching to others, Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse.

"The world doesn't need lessons on human rights from a country whose own citizens as well as minorities have never enjoyed true democracy. The least Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing fingers at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian Government and its leaders."

Singhvi told the UN forum that India has a civilisation ethos of inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance and the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family, permeates each aspect of Indian life.

"Our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is our strength and our Constitution guarantees equal rights to all faiths and creeds. Pakistan may repeat its Goebbelsian lies, a thousand times, but it cannot change the fact that Minorities feel secure and empowered in India."

He further said that terrorism is the grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security. It poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardises the rule of law and is an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association.

"While acts of terrorism violate the rights of individual victims, it also deeply affects the enjoyment of a range of rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole," he said, adding that building resilience of the society against terrorism forms an integral part of any counter terrorism strategy.

"There is a need to foster a society in which individuals and communities are able to counter the spread of terrorist ideologies and challenge those who espouse them. This requires robust partnerships and cooperation with citizens and local communities."

Noting that any terrorist incident disproportionately affects the human rights of women, girls and children, he said gender and age sensitive measures need to be incorporated in addressing the short, medium and long-term needs of the most vulnerable groups of victims of terrorism.

Protection of the rights of children and young persons, especially their right to education is also critical to prevent radicalisation and indoctrination of terrorist ideologies, he said.

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country.

India has slammed Pakistan for not acting on the concrete evidences shared by it on several terrorist attacks, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and pointed out that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, though proscribed by the UN, continue to enjoy "state hospitality" in the country. Mahaveer Singhvi, head of the Indian delegation, made the comments at a webinar on Thursday during the ongoing virtual Counter-Terrorism Week. "This is an occasion for reiterating our collective resolve to protect and uphold human rights. It is unfortunate that Pakistan, a sponsor of cross border terrorism, and the globally acknowledged fountain head and pernicious cradle of terrorism, has once again used this forum for propagating its discredited narrative and making mischievous and scurrilous allegations against India," Singhvi said. While the whole world, including India, has undertaken proactive steps to promote human rights and build resilience against terrorism, Pakistan has main-streamed terrorism as statecraft, Singhvi added. "It continues to provide military, financial and logistical support to cross border terrorism but has denied the victims of terrorism their fundamental right to justice by not acting on the concrete evidences shared by India on several terrorist attacks, including 1993 Mumbai Serial Blasts and 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have been proscribed by the UNSC 1267 committee but continue to enjoy state hospitality in Pakistan," Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, said. Singhvi also said Pakistan's attempt to "masquerade" as a promoter of human rights and egalitarianism is "farcical" considering its record of systemic persecution of its minorities, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, Sikhs, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Sindhis, and Balochis. Through draconian blasphemy laws, forced conversions and marriages and extrajudicial killings. Pakistan consistently rakes up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and other internal matters of India at various UN fora. Earlier this week also, India had strongly hit out at Pakistan for raising India's domestic policies and internal affairs at the counter-terrorism forum. During the webinar "Protecting and Promoting Human Rights as a Cornerstone for Building Resilience against Terrorism', Singhvi asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to remain an integral part of India and said Pakistan should cease to covet it. "What is portrayed by Pakistan is actually state sponsored cross border terrorism. India reiterates that despite the continued proxy war and state sponsored cross border terrorism raged by Pakistan against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reposed their faith in the Indian democracy." Singhvi said that before preaching to others, Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse. "The world doesn't need lessons on human rights from a country whose own citizens as well as minorities have never enjoyed true democracy. The least Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing fingers at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian Government and its leaders." Singhvi told the UN forum that India has a civilisation ethos of inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance and the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', the world is one family, permeates each aspect of Indian life. "Our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is our strength and our Constitution guarantees equal rights to all faiths and creeds. Pakistan may repeat its Goebbelsian lies, a thousand times, but it cannot change the fact that Minorities feel secure and empowered in India." He further said that terrorism is the grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security. It poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardises the rule of law and is an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association. "While acts of terrorism violate the rights of individual victims, it also deeply affects the enjoyment of a range of rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole," he said, adding that building resilience of the society against terrorism forms an integral part of any counter terrorism strategy. "There is a need to foster a society in which individuals and communities are able to counter the spread of terrorist ideologies and challenge those who espouse them. This requires robust partnerships and cooperation with citizens and local communities." Noting that any terrorist incident disproportionately affects the human rights of women, girls and children, he said gender and age sensitive measures need to be incorporated in addressing the short, medium and long-term needs of the most vulnerable groups of victims of terrorism. Protection of the rights of children and young persons, especially their right to education is also critical to prevent radicalisation and indoctrination of terrorist ideologies, he said.

Perpetrators of heinous terror attacks continue to enjoy 'state hospitality' in Pak: India at UN

india-news

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

india news