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Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources.

The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added.

Watch Video:

<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-step-back-311233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sources said&nbsp;that Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kms. The development comes after India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers died in action, even as China's state-run Global Times said that the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, China hasn't officially declared its casualties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-continues-at-lac-reduction-of-chinese-troops-takes-place-at-pangong-lake-311454">Also Read:&nbsp;Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake</a>

India and China had decided to "completely disengage" from the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last weekend after core commander of India met his Chinese counterpart in the aftermath of the clash at Galwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had said earlier that both sides had made "positive progress to disengage".

"We hope that the Indian side will go with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by both sides with practical actions," Zhao said.

India had earlier said that China had amassed large number of troops at the border since May.&nbsp;

"At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC," India's spokesman had said.

Elaborating further, India's foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: "While there have been occasional departures in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms."

Both sides had held secretary-level talks after the Galwan clash even as India's army chief and later PM Modi visited forward areas in Ladakh as tensions escalated along the LAC, however, in the last two days, both sides have sought to actively disengage amid tensions at the border. 
&nbsp;

Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources. The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added.

Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources. The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added. Watch Video: The sources said that Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kms. The development comes after India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers died in action, even as China's state-run Global Times said that the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, China hasn't officially declared its casualties. Also Read: Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake India and China had decided to "completely disengage" from the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last weekend after core commander of India met his Chinese counterpart in the aftermath of the clash at Galwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had said earlier that both sides had made "positive progress to disengage". "We hope that the Indian side will go with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by both sides with practical actions," Zhao said. India had earlier said that China had amassed large number of troops at the border since May. "At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC," India's spokesman had said. Elaborating further, India's foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: "While there have been occasional departures in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms." Both sides had held secretary-level talks after the Galwan clash even as India's army chief and later PM Modi visited forward areas in Ladakh as tensions escalated along the LAC, however, in the last two days, both sides have sought to actively disengage amid tensions at the border.

India-China standoff: Disengagement between troops of India, China completed, Chinese troops have moved back: Report

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed that Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition that was offered to him by their government. He instead has requested for a mercy petition, it added.

Pakistan's Additional Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said, "Kulbhushan Jadhav was invited to file a petition for review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction. He exercised his legal right, and refused to file a petition for review."

On May 20, Pakistan had enacted an ordinance to implement the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) order under which an appeal can be made to the Islamabad High Court within two months. Jadhav was given a chance to file a review petition on June 17.

Pakistan even claimed that the Indian High Commission was "repeatedly" invited to file a review at the Islamabad High Court and initiate the review and reconsideration process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fully-complied-with-icj-judgement-on-kulbhushan-jadhav-claims-pakistan-297785">Also read |&nbsp;'Fully complied' with ICJ judgement on Kulbhushan Jadhav, claims Pakistan</a>

Islamabad also announced it would give a second consular access to Jhadav, inviting his father and wife to meet him.&nbsp;

The Indian government is yet to react on the developments.&nbsp;

India in September, 2019 got the first consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in three years. Indian Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad then met him for two hours. The Indian diplomat found Jadhav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs. 
&nbsp; 
India maintains that Jadhav, an Indian naval officer, was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military had awarded death sentence to him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/might-have-to-go-back-to-icj-over-jadhav-case-says-harish-salve-296307">Also read |&nbsp;Might have to go back to ICJ over Jadhav case, says Harish Salve</a>

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed that Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition that was offered to him by their government. He instead has requested for a mercy petition, it added.

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed that Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition that was offered to him by their government. He instead has requested for a mercy petition, it added. Pakistan's Additional Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said, "Kulbhushan Jadhav was invited to file a petition for review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction. He exercised his legal right, and refused to file a petition for review." On May 20, Pakistan had enacted an ordinance to implement the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) order under which an appeal can be made to the Islamabad High Court within two months. Jadhav was given a chance to file a review petition on June 17. Pakistan even claimed that the Indian High Commission was "repeatedly" invited to file a review at the Islamabad High Court and initiate the review and reconsideration process. Also read | 'Fully complied' with ICJ judgement on Kulbhushan Jadhav, claims Pakistan Islamabad also announced it would give a second consular access to Jhadav, inviting his father and wife to meet him. The Indian government is yet to react on the developments. India in September, 2019 got the first consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in three years. Indian Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad then met him for two hours. The Indian diplomat found Jadhav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains that Jadhav, an Indian naval officer, was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military had awarded death sentence to him. Also read | Might have to go back to ICJ over Jadhav case, says Harish Salve

Pakistan claims Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition

An important meeting pertaining to the investigation in the 30kg gold smuggling case is underway between CBI and Customs Officials at the Customs (Preventive) Office in Ernakulam, Kerala.

An important meeting pertaining to the investigation in the 30kg gold smuggling case is underway between CBI and Customs Officials at the Customs (Preventive) Office in Ernakulam, Kerala. This meeting comes after several developments in the investigation of this case and its political fallout on Tuesday. In response to the alleged involvement of a top bureaucrat M.Sivasankar in the gold smuggling via a diplomatic channel and the ensuing controversies, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the State government had nothing to do with it, and put the onus on the Central government. “All airports in the country come under the central government. For any issues happening here, the central government is responsible and the State government has nothing to do with this.” However, the opposition parties in Kerala suggest otherwise. Opposition leaders have claimed that M.Sivasankar, the bureaucrat who served as the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary and IT Secretary had ties with a woman named Swapna Suresh, who is said to be the kingpin of the case. 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. Questions are being raised by Opposition parties on why Swapna Suresh(alleged kingpin) was appointed a few months ago on contract as the marketing liaison officer of the Space Park under the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL). The KSITIL works under Kerala’s IT department, and it has been alleged that Sivasankar was behind her appointment. On Tuesday, the Kerala Chief Minister’s office said that M Sivasankar was removed from the post of Secretary to the Chief Minister. Some reports also say that the Sivasankar was sent on year-long leave. An old letter that has surfaced from the UAE Consulate in Kerala says that Swapna Suresh (alleged kingpin) had joined as Secretary to the Consul General of UAE, Kerala in October 2016. It added that within a few months she was offered a direct contract by MOFA office Secretary, considering her outstanding performance. The letter dated 3rd September 2019 states that she had creditably discharged the duties till 31st August 2019. “One of the major highlights of her tenure was her handling of the visit of the Ruler of Sharjah and other royal delegations” reads the letter. The smuggling case so far On Sunday, the Customs at the Thiruvananthapuram airport seized 30kg of gold, valued nearly Rs.15 crore, 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 foodstuffs. He also confirmed that he had no relation with the items that are mentioned as “articles other than foodstuffs”. The charge d'affaires also informed the Customs officials that Sarith, a former PRO in the Consulate had helped in getting the goods cleared in India. Adding that Sarith was no longer a consulate staff, he stated that Sarith’s help was sought for odd jobs. The charge d'affaires specifically denied any legal claim on his part and that of the UAE Consulate on the gold that was recovered. Appearing before the Customs authorities, the former consulate PRO Sarith gave a voluntary statement under section 108 of the Customs Act, which indicated his active role in bringing the consignment containing gold to India under the guise of diplomatic baggage. The remand request also states that Sarith gave evasive answers when asked about his accomplices in the offence. Examination of Sarith’s mobile phone also revealed that he had formatted it after the goods were detained at the airport, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence. It is alleged that Swapna Suresh, who had earlier worked with the consulate is the kingpin of this gold smuggling racket. Pictures and videos from several Kerala government functions and banquets also show the woman in close proximity with senior government and opposition leaders and other officials. She is said to be facing a crime branch probe for fabricating a complaint against an Air India Official. However, Opposition leaders also claim that the alleged kingpin Swapna Suresh had been working as Operations Manager with Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited, under Kerala Government's IT department until Monday 6th July. She is currently missing and the Customs department has launched a search for her. Addressing a Press Conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that the woman had no connection with the Chief Minister’s Office or the state government and that she served in a contractual role. “It is a contractual job and she was recruited through a placement agency, not directly by the government. She is understood to have worked under the Air India SATS and the consulate. It needs to be checked if she was appointed there (IT Dept) with some influence” he said. The UAE mission in Delhi had said that their authorities have launched an investigation to find out who sent the cargo containing gold to the UAE Consulate. The authorities stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. A diplomatic Cargo or bag is a physical box or container with legal protections that is used for carrying official documents or other items between a diplomatic mission and its home government. As long as these bags or containers are marked as Diplomatic, they have immunity from search or seizure as per International law. In this case, the search was conducted based on necessary permissions from the UAE authorities.

Kerala: 30kg gold smuggling controversy gets murky; CBI, Customs meeting underway

Five more policemen were being questioned in connection with the custodial deaths of a father and son duo in Tamil Nadu, the Crime Branch-CID, which is presently handling the sensational case said on Wednesday.

Days after the arrest and remand of five police personnel, five more policemen were now being "enquired," over the alleged police torture following which Jeyaraj and his son Bennicks died, a PTI report said quoting an official.

While Bennicks died on June 22, his father passed away the next day at a government hospital in Kovilpatti town in Tuticorin district.

The duo were arrested on June 19 for alleged violation of prohibitory orders by keeping open their mobile phone outlet beyond the permitted business hours.

The case is presently being handled by the CB-CID pending take over by the CBI and the five arrested policemen including an inspector were lodged in Madurai Central Prison.

Tamil Nadu government had said on Tuesday that the Centre has issued a notification on CBI's take over of the case.&nbsp;

Five more policemen were being questioned in connection with the custodial deaths of a father and son duo in Tamil Nadu, the Crime Branch-CID, which is presently handling the sensational case said on Wednesday.

Five more policemen were being questioned in connection with the custodial deaths of a father and son duo in Tamil Nadu, the Crime Branch-CID, which is presently handling the sensational case said on Wednesday. Days after the arrest and remand of five police personnel, five more policemen were now being "enquired," over the alleged police torture following which Jeyaraj and his son Bennicks died, a PTI report said quoting an official. While Bennicks died on June 22, his father passed away the next day at a government hospital in Kovilpatti town in Tuticorin district. The duo were arrested on June 19 for alleged violation of prohibitory orders by keeping open their mobile phone outlet beyond the permitted business hours. The case is presently being handled by the CB-CID pending take over by the CBI and the five arrested policemen including an inspector were lodged in Madurai Central Prison. Tamil Nadu government had said on Tuesday that the Centre has issued a notification on CBI's take over of the case.

CB-CID questioning five more policemen in Tamil Nadu custodial deaths case

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132.&nbsp;With 64 more deaths in the city, the toll has now crossed the 5,000 mark.&nbsp;

In Asia's largest slum Dharavi too, only one new case was reported. Dharavi has been the coronavirus cluster for the city.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state in the country, reporting 5,134 fresh cases and 224 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 2, 17,121 including 9,250 deaths.

Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people.

India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil.

So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132.

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132. With 64 more deaths in the city, the toll has now crossed the 5,000 mark. In Asia's largest slum Dharavi too, only one new case was reported. Dharavi has been the coronavirus cluster for the city. Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state in the country, reporting 5,134 fresh cases and 224 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 2, 17,121 including 9,250 deaths. Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people. India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil. So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

Mumbai records lowest single-day spike, toll crosses 5,000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the&nbsp;inaugural address at the India Global Week 2020 on Thursday, his first speech to a global audience in the post-Covid-19 era.

Modi tops a list of speakers across three days between Thursday and Saturday, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, IT &amp; Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Skills Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, from India.

The line-up covers a special address by The Prince of Wales and several UK Cabinet Ministers, including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and International Trade Secretary Lizz Truss &nbsp;all underlining the centrality of India to a post-Covid, post-Brexit Britain, a statement from Manoj Ladwa, Founder &amp; CEO, India Inc Group &amp; Chairman, India Global Week said.

Other international speakers on a diverse range of topics, from geopolitics and business to culture and diaspora, and across four country streams of Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US include Steve Waugh, Former Australian Cricketer; Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum; Chng Kai Fong, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, Singapore; and William Russell, Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Other big highlights include Kunal Nayyar, of `The Big Bang Theory` fame, in conversation with Sadhguru, Founder, Isha Foundation; a conversation with Spiritual Leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the India Global Week 2020 on Thursday, his first speech to a global audience in the post-Covid-19 era.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the India Global Week 2020 on Thursday, his first speech to a global audience in the post-Covid-19 era. Modi tops a list of speakers across three days between Thursday and Saturday, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, IT & Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Skills Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, from India. The line-up covers a special address by The Prince of Wales and several UK Cabinet Ministers, including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and International Trade Secretary Lizz Truss all underlining the centrality of India to a post-Covid, post-Brexit Britain, a statement from Manoj Ladwa, Founder & CEO, India Inc Group & Chairman, India Global Week said. Other international speakers on a diverse range of topics, from geopolitics and business to culture and diaspora, and across four country streams of Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US include Steve Waugh, Former Australian Cricketer; Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum; Chng Kai Fong, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, Singapore; and William Russell, Lord Mayor of the City of London. Other big highlights include Kunal Nayyar, of `The Big Bang Theory` fame, in conversation with Sadhguru, Founder, Isha Foundation; a conversation with Spiritual Leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

PM Modi to deliver inaugural address at India Global Week 2020 on Thursday

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said.

All of them were admitted to the Western Railways Jagjivan Ram Hospital here which was in April declared as a facility to treat COVID-19 patients, they said.

Of the total cases, 559 were reported from the Central Railway and 313 from the Western Railway, officials said.

Out of the 86 patients who died of COVID-19, 22 were existing railway employees (14 of the Central Railway and eight of the Western Railway) and the others included their family members and retired personnel.

As of now, 132 railway employees, besides their family members and retired personnel, are undergoing treatment at the hospital, officials said.

Currently, some special trains, goods trains and 700 local train services with limited number of passengers are being operated here by both the Central Railway and Western Railway.

Some railway unions claimed that since the resumption of local train services from June 15, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases among railway employees.

"The state government allowed only 15 to 30 per cent attendance in offices, but in the railways nearly 100 per cent field staff personnel are working since the resumption of suburban train services, National RailwayMazdoor Union president Venu Nair said.

The zonal railways, however, said there is no connection between the rise in COVID-19 cases and resumption of services.

Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said they are taking utmost care to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among railway personnel and passengers.

"We are taking every possible step for the safety of railway employees and passengers and ensuring social distancing. We are providing masks, sanitisers and all other safety equipment to our employees," he said.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, the Central Railway launched a 'Rail Parivar Dekhrekh' drive to ensure the safety of the railway employees, he added.

The Western Railway's Mumbai division DRM did not respond to queries on this.

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said.

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said. All of them were admitted to the Western Railways Jagjivan Ram Hospital here which was in April declared as a facility to treat COVID-19 patients, they said. Of the total cases, 559 were reported from the Central Railway and 313 from the Western Railway, officials said. Out of the 86 patients who died of COVID-19, 22 were existing railway employees (14 of the Central Railway and eight of the Western Railway) and the others included their family members and retired personnel. As of now, 132 railway employees, besides their family members and retired personnel, are undergoing treatment at the hospital, officials said. Currently, some special trains, goods trains and 700 local train services with limited number of passengers are being operated here by both the Central Railway and Western Railway. Some railway unions claimed that since the resumption of local train services from June 15, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases among railway employees. "The state government allowed only 15 to 30 per cent attendance in offices, but in the railways nearly 100 per cent field staff personnel are working since the resumption of suburban train services, National RailwayMazdoor Union president Venu Nair said. The zonal railways, however, said there is no connection between the rise in COVID-19 cases and resumption of services. Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said they are taking utmost care to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among railway personnel and passengers. "We are taking every possible step for the safety of railway employees and passengers and ensuring social distancing. We are providing masks, sanitisers and all other safety equipment to our employees," he said. After the outbreak of COVID-19, the Central Railway launched a 'Rail Parivar Dekhrekh' drive to ensure the safety of the railway employees, he added. The Western Railway's Mumbai division DRM did not respond to queries on this.

872 railway employees, kin, ex-staffers test coronavirus positive

The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave one more month to the Centre for implementation of its verdict on giving all serving SSC women officers permanent commission in the Army.

A bench headed by Justices D Y Chandrachud said that the Centre will have to comply with all its directions given in its verdict.

The top court's direction came on an application filed by the Centre seeking six months' time for implementation of the verdict citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a landmark verdict on February 17, the top court had directed that women officers in the Army be granted permanent commission and command postings, rejecting the Centre's stand of their physiological limitations as being based on "sex stereotypes" and "gender discrimination against women".

It had directed the Centre that within three months, all serving Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers have to be considered for Permanent Commissions (PCs) irrespective of them having crossed 14 years or, as the case may be, 20 years of service.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave one more month to the Centre for implementation of its verdict on giving all serving SSC women officers permanent commission in the Army.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave one more month to the Centre for implementation of its verdict on giving all serving SSC women officers permanent commission in the Army. A bench headed by Justices D Y Chandrachud said that the Centre will have to comply with all its directions given in its verdict. The top court's direction came on an application filed by the Centre seeking six months' time for implementation of the verdict citing the COVID-19 pandemic. In a landmark verdict on February 17, the top court had directed that women officers in the Army be granted permanent commission and command postings, rejecting the Centre's stand of their physiological limitations as being based on "sex stereotypes" and "gender discrimination against women". It had directed the Centre that within three months, all serving Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers have to be considered for Permanent Commissions (PCs) irrespective of them having crossed 14 years or, as the case may be, 20 years of service.

Supreme Court grants one more month to Centre for giving permanent commission to all women officers in Army

the road transport and highways ministry has increased four-fold the allocation for maintenance of border roads managed by the Border Road Organisation (BRO) from Rs 30 crore to Rs 120 crore for this year.

Is China worried by India's push to build border infrastructure?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out intensive night operations over the Eastern Ladakh sector, involving its fighter aircraft including the MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30MKI along with its Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, according to news agency ANI.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out intensive night operations over the Eastern Ladakh sector, involving its fighter aircraft including the MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30MKI along with its Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, according to news agency ANI. Notwithstanding the strong winds and the chilling weather, the ground crew and pilots are flying using even very small windows when the wind speed is low, the report said. Explaining the significance of the operations, senior fighter pilot Group Captain A Rathi deployed at the forward base told ANI, "Night operations have an inherent element of surprise. Indian Air Force is fully trained and ready to undertake an entire spectrum of operations in any environment with the help of modern platforms and highly motivated personnel." The pilots of the Apache choppers could be seen flying with their night vision goggles which allows them to navigate through the mountains around the airbase and the darkness in the night, the report added. The strong late evening winds at the airbase and the weather warning almost led to calling off the night sorties but around 10 PM everyone was back to their respective aircraft as the wind speed receded. Soon after, the mighty Chinook choppers came out on the runway and hovered for some time adjusting to the wind speeds before taking off towards the eastern parts of Ladakh. The Chinook with its high tech gadgets and navigation aids is fully ready for 24x7 operations and played a big role in transferring troops to the Line of Actual Control from rear locations. ''The motivation level of troops at the airbase is very high. The morale is very high like our motto Nabha Sparsham Deeptam (Touch the Sky with Glory)," Warrant Officer P Sharma told. The entire base with its flurry of activities is playing a crucial role in enhancing the combat preparedness of the country along the China border. "This base plays a very important role in undertaking operations in this area. It is cleared for all contingencies and all combat and support operations to be undertaken in this area," a Flight Lieutenant had told on the importance of the forward airfield. The officer had stated that given the operations along the borders with China after the clash in Galwan valley and the tensions at the border, "Air Power will play an important role in this area in both combat and support roles. We have all the resources in terms of men and equipment to meet all the challenges." "The Indian Air Force is ready in all aspects to undertake all operational talks and providing the requisite support for all military operations," the Wing Commander had added. Air activities in the Ladakh area and other places along the China border had gone up extensively soon after the Chinese started building up and went up further after the Galwan valley clash on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army men lost their lives.

IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over Eastern Ladakh

Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated.&nbsp;

"Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement.

"All disputed areas to be discussed in next round, to be held as soon as mutually convenient," it added.&nbsp;"The boundary between&nbsp;Bhutan-China is under negotiation&nbsp;and hasn't been demarcated," the statement said.&nbsp;

The development comes amid reports of China claiming the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary which falls in the Trashi-gang district. China had objected to the sanctuary&nbsp;asserting that it was on its land and not part of Bhutan.

China said it was "disputed" and asserted its claim. "The Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is located in the China-Bhutan disputed areas which is on the agenda of China-Bhutan boundary talk" and "China opposes and does not join the council decision on this project," it said.

"The boundary between China and Bhutan has never been delimited," the Chinese foreign ministry had said earlier. Bhutan, on the other hand, had said that the sanctuary is an "integral and sovereign territory of Bhutan".

The two countries will now seek to resolve the issue over the next round of talks. The dates of the talks have not been communicated yet by the two countries.

Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated. "Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement.

Bhutan said today that its boundary with China is "under negotiation" and hasn't been demarcated. "Twenty-four rounds of ministerial-level boundary talks have been held, the 25th round was delayed due to COVID-19," the Royal Bhutan embassy in India said in a statement. "All disputed areas to be discussed in next round, to be held as soon as mutually convenient," it added. "The boundary between Bhutan-China is under negotiation and hasn't been demarcated," the statement said. The development comes amid reports of China claiming the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary which falls in the Trashi-gang district. China had objected to the sanctuary asserting that it was on its land and not part of Bhutan. China said it was "disputed" and asserted its claim. "The Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is located in the China-Bhutan disputed areas which is on the agenda of China-Bhutan boundary talk" and "China opposes and does not join the council decision on this project," it said. "The boundary between China and Bhutan has never been delimited," the Chinese foreign ministry had said earlier. Bhutan, on the other hand, had said that the sanctuary is an "integral and sovereign territory of Bhutan". The two countries will now seek to resolve the issue over the next round of talks. The dates of the talks have not been communicated yet by the two countries.

Boundary with China under negotiation, it hasn't been demarcated: Bhutan

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket.&nbsp;A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago.&nbsp;

A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-ias-officer-m-sivasankar-removed-from-it-secretary-post-311388" hreflang="en">Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post</a>

The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity."

The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned&nbsp;the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity".

Swapna Suresh&nbsp;was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it. According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket. A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago. A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime." Also read: Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity." The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity". Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.

Kerala smuggling case: UAE launches investigation; says culprits won't be spared

Two Indian army soldiers and a policeman were injured while a terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.&nbsp;

Acting on an information about the presence of terrorists in Goosu area of the district, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army, J&amp;K police and CRPF.&nbsp;

During the operation, exchange of fire took place between the hiding terrorists and security forces, resulting in injuries to men in uniform while a terrorist has been neutralised.

Inspector general of police Kashmir range Vijay Kumar told WION that the operation is ongoing and injured have been shifted for medical treatment where a solider is critical.&nbsp;

The operation is still ongoing in the area when the last reports came in.

Two Indian army soldiers and a policeman were injured while a terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Acting on an information about the presence of terrorists in Goosu area of the district, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army, J&K police and CRPF.

Two Indian army soldiers and a policeman were injured while a terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Acting on an information about the presence of terrorists in Goosu area of the district, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army, J&K police and CRPF. During the operation, exchange of fire took place between the hiding terrorists and security forces, resulting in injuries to men in uniform while a terrorist has been neutralised. Inspector general of police Kashmir range Vijay Kumar told WION that the operation is ongoing and injured have been shifted for medical treatment where a solider is critical. The operation is still ongoing in the area when the last reports came in.

1 terrorist killed, 2 Army soldiers and policeman injured in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day. The reduction of Chinese forces has been seen at Pangong Lake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carrying-out-intensive-night-time-operations-over-eastern-ladakh-311304">Also Read:&nbsp;IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over eastern Ladakh</a>

Monday saw confirmation on the disengagement amid days of heightened tensions between India and China after the violent face-off at the Galwan Valley on June 15 that saw the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but haven't confirmed the numbers.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, to avoid accidental friction, patroling has been suspended in the disengaged area temporarily but both sides have not given up the right to patrol.

Sunday saw Special Representatives level talks between India and China with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister speaking to each other for 2 hours.

During the talks, both sides "agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas" for full restoration of peace and tranquillity and in this regard "they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously", the Indian read out on the talks stated.&nbsp;

The Chinese readout also called for "complete disengagement of the front-line troops as soon as possible." 
&nbsp;

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day.

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day. The reduction of Chinese forces has been seen at Pangong Lake. Also Read: IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over eastern Ladakh Monday saw confirmation on the disengagement amid days of heightened tensions between India and China after the violent face-off at the Galwan Valley on June 15 that saw the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but haven't confirmed the numbers. Meanwhile, to avoid accidental friction, patroling has been suspended in the disengaged area temporarily but both sides have not given up the right to patrol. Sunday saw Special Representatives level talks between India and China with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister speaking to each other for 2 hours. During the talks, both sides "agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas" for full restoration of peace and tranquillity and in this regard "they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously", the Indian read out on the talks stated. The Chinese readout also called for "complete disengagement of the front-line troops as soon as possible."

India-China standoff: Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake

It was for the first time in India that the customs seized 30 kgs of gold from Diplomatic baggage on June 5.

Kerala gold smuggling racket: Customs seized 30 kgs of gold at the airport

The number of coronavirus cases in India has now crossed the 7 lakh mark with 22,252 new cases. Watch report.

India surge in COVID-19 cases: 467 deaths in last 24-hrs, COVID-19 death toll at 20,160

The rules would naturally apply to Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan as well, but given the limited amount of FDI inflows from those nations

India's new FDI rules to avoid hostile takeovers during pandemic

The focus of the conversation between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was the "full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity and to work together to avoid such incidents in future," sources added.

NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hold virtual talks on LAC standoff

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665.

 
"Total positive cases stand at 7, 19,665 including 2, 59,557 active cases, 4, 39,948 cured/discharged/migrated 20,160 deaths," said the Union health ministry.

India had on Sunday overtaken Russia to become the third-most affected country globally in terms of the numbers of Covid-19 cases. More than 11 million infections and 536,776 deaths have been reported worldwide, data from Worldometers shows.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665. "Total positive cases stand at 7, 19,665 including 2, 59,557 active cases, 4, 39,948 cured/discharged/migrated 20,160 deaths," said the Union health ministry. India had on Sunday overtaken Russia to become the third-most affected country globally in terms of the numbers of Covid-19 cases. More than 11 million infections and 536,776 deaths have been reported worldwide, data from Worldometers shows.

India’s Covid-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. 
 
Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/climate-change-fuelling-deadly-india-lightning-strikes-310899" hreflang="en">Climate change 'fuelling deadly India lightning strikes'</a> 
 
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds have been predicted for Bihar by Indian Meteorological Department for the next few days. 
 
IMD said in its evening bulletin that moderate to intense thunderstorm and lightning is "very likely" to occur over Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 12 hours.

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui.

Seven persons died due to lightning in Bihar on Tuesday, state Disaster Management Department said. Three persons died in Begusarai and one each in Bhagalpur, Munger, Kaimur and Jamui. Also read: Climate change 'fuelling deadly India lightning strikes' Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds have been predicted for Bihar by Indian Meteorological Department for the next few days. IMD said in its evening bulletin that moderate to intense thunderstorm and lightning is "very likely" to occur over Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 12 hours.

Lightning kills 7 in Bihar

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and Maharashtra government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to declare the services rendered by lawyers as "essential services" amid the coronavirus lockdown. 
 
A division bench of Justice AA Sayed and Justice MS Karnik asked the State and Central government to file their affidavits on the matter within a period of two weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-15-lakh-people-quarantined-in-mumbai-after-coronavirus-contact-tracing-bmc-311379" hreflang="en">Over 15 lakh people quarantined in Mumbai after coronavirus contact-tracing: BMC</a> 
 
The PIL, filed by a group of three lawyers advocates Chirag Chanani, Sumit Khanna, and Vinay Kumar, sought to declare the services rendered by lawyers as "essential services" to enable them to travel by local trains. 
 
The plea asked why the authorities concerned had not included lawyers in the list of essential service categories, which have been permitted to travel by local train for performing their duties, despite legal service being considered to be essential services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-mumbai-overtakes-china-in-covid-19-deaths-and-cases-311330" hreflang="en">Now, Mumbai overtakes China in COVID-19 deaths and cases</a> 
 
Advocate Shyam Dewani, representing the three lawyers, submitted before the high court that the practicing lawyers are residing in suburban localities of Mumbai city but having their places of work in South Mumbai. 
 
"So in connection with attending their offices and various courts in Mumbai city, they are required to travel a lot, however, they are being restricted from commuting by local train, as the legal services rendered by lawyers are not considered as essential services by the circular issued by the Divisional Railway Managers office," the plea said. 
 
It said that there is no reason to deprive them of using local trains when they are required to do the same to attend the courts and render their services in assisting the cause of justice. 
 
The plea said that the petitioners do not have the facilities of private vehicles and now that physical working of courts, etc have started, they are not in a position to effectively render assistance to the cause of justice. 
 
"Due to a lack of infrastructure, matters in the subordinate courts are being taken up through physical appearances, and for that purpose members of the judiciary and staff of courts are permitted to travel through local trains but most of the lawyers practicing in those courts, do not have facilities at their command to travel and earn their livelihood," the plea said.&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and Maharashtra government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to declare the services rendered by lawyers as "essential services" amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and Maharashtra government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to declare the services rendered by lawyers as "essential services" amid the coronavirus lockdown. A division bench of Justice AA Sayed and Justice MS Karnik asked the State and Central government to file their affidavits on the matter within a period of two weeks. Also read: Over 15 lakh people quarantined in Mumbai after coronavirus contact-tracing: BMC The PIL, filed by a group of three lawyers advocates Chirag Chanani, Sumit Khanna, and Vinay Kumar, sought to declare the services rendered by lawyers as "essential services" to enable them to travel by local trains. The plea asked why the authorities concerned had not included lawyers in the list of essential service categories, which have been permitted to travel by local train for performing their duties, despite legal service being considered to be essential services. Also read: Now, Mumbai overtakes China in COVID-19 deaths and cases Advocate Shyam Dewani, representing the three lawyers, submitted before the high court that the practicing lawyers are residing in suburban localities of Mumbai city but having their places of work in South Mumbai. "So in connection with attending their offices and various courts in Mumbai city, they are required to travel a lot, however, they are being restricted from commuting by local train, as the legal services rendered by lawyers are not considered as essential services by the circular issued by the Divisional Railway Managers office," the plea said. It said that there is no reason to deprive them of using local trains when they are required to do the same to attend the courts and render their services in assisting the cause of justice. The plea said that the petitioners do not have the facilities of private vehicles and now that physical working of courts, etc have started, they are not in a position to effectively render assistance to the cause of justice. "Due to a lack of infrastructure, matters in the subordinate courts are being taken up through physical appearances, and for that purpose members of the judiciary and staff of courts are permitted to travel through local trains but most of the lawyers practicing in those courts, do not have facilities at their command to travel and earn their livelihood," the plea said.

Bombay HC seeks centre's response to PIL seeking inclusion of lawyers in essential services

After tense border tensions between India-China, Chinese troops have started to pull back at certain locations at the LAC. The first images have emerged from Galway valley and have been taken near PP14.

WION Dispatch: Apache and MIG-29s pressed into action, First pictures released

In Kashmir, Pakistan sponsored terrorism over the years has claimed several innocent lives, some were sole breadwinners while others lost their sons and fathers to terrorism. Now, many of them are speaking and explaining their miseries. We profile some who have suffered for years in Kashmir.&nbsp;

SAJID YUSUF:

<img alt="SAJID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d27be10b-b5a3-4160-ae82-b902d5930aa3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_55.jpg" />

Sajid Yusuf was 8-year-old when an incident changed his life forever and stole his childhood. Hailing from north Kashmir's Kupwara district, he says he saw his mother's blood on the walls after she was shot in the eye by terrorists just when his uncle was killed outside his house.&nbsp;

Sajid still remembers putting soil on his mother's grave when he was too young to understand pain. A 17-year-old event still sends shivers down his spine but now he shares grief with many like him who lost their loved ones to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"When I spoke to many families like mine, I didn't feel an orphan. Here, someone's brother, son, or daughter has been killed but everything is decided by who dies of whose bullet. There is selective condemnation in Kashmir,"&nbsp;Sajid Yusuf, terror victim says.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

TANVEER AHMAD BHAT:

<img alt="TANVEER" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="525375f7-31b6-4ee8-8f67-ad932b8e2be1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_69.jpg" />

Tanveer Ahmad Bhat's father was working with the special operations group, a strong anti-terror group formed in Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of terrorism in the valley in 1994. The aim of the group was to uproot terrorism from the erstwhile state.&nbsp;

In 1998, Tanveer says he was en route to his work when terrorists from the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror group attacked his vehicle and killed him. "22-years have passed no one came for our help. I ran from pillar to post to get some kind of help for my family but no one helped us," says the visibly angry son.&nbsp;

He complains why no relief was provided to the family.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ALI MOHAMMAD SHEIKH:

<img alt="ALI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6debb99-f53d-445e-a66a-c89ef5ad69f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_140.jpg" />

On April 30, 2018, three youth in their 20s were shot dead&nbsp;by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in the Old Town area of Baramulla district, among them was Ali Mohammad's son.&nbsp;

Ali is old now and still struggles to narrate the horror that his family has been witness to. He says he&nbsp;has been finding it hard to manage his house due to poor earnings, adding that his son's killing made life miserable, as his eyes turn moist.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"My son would earn and we would eat. I have other kids too but it's very hard to earn a living in lockdown, no one came for our help. One of the killers of my son was later arrested and is behind bars," Ali says.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

MOHAMMAD YUSUF AHANGAR:

<img alt="scj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db76b356-ae31-4666-86d0-4530b649ed1a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_95.jpg" />

Yusuf's son, Sameer, managed a shop, which was the only means of earning for the family, near the deputy commissioner's office in Baramulla. One evening, a phone call asked him to come out only to get killed. His sick father says Sameer was shot with two bullets for no reason by terrorists.&nbsp;

"Our shop is closed for two years now. We have been running from one office to another, just to get some relief but no one is coming for our rescue," says Yusuf.&nbsp;

In Kashmir, Pakistan sponsored terrorism over the years has claimed several innocent lives, some were sole breadwinners while others lost their sons and fathers to terrorism.

In Kashmir, Pakistan sponsored terrorism over the years has claimed several innocent lives, some were sole breadwinners while others lost their sons and fathers to terrorism. Now, many of them are speaking and explaining their miseries. We profile some who have suffered for years in Kashmir. SAJID YUSUF: Sajid Yusuf was 8-year-old when an incident changed his life forever and stole his childhood. Hailing from north Kashmir's Kupwara district, he says he saw his mother's blood on the walls after she was shot in the eye by terrorists just when his uncle was killed outside his house. Sajid still remembers putting soil on his mother's grave when he was too young to understand pain. A 17-year-old event still sends shivers down his spine but now he shares grief with many like him who lost their loved ones to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "When I spoke to many families like mine, I didn't feel an orphan. Here, someone's brother, son, or daughter has been killed but everything is decided by who dies of whose bullet. There is selective condemnation in Kashmir," Sajid Yusuf, terror victim says. TANVEER AHMAD BHAT: Tanveer Ahmad Bhat's father was working with the special operations group, a strong anti-terror group formed in Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of terrorism in the valley in 1994. The aim of the group was to uproot terrorism from the erstwhile state. In 1998, Tanveer says he was en route to his work when terrorists from the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror group attacked his vehicle and killed him. "22-years have passed no one came for our help. I ran from pillar to post to get some kind of help for my family but no one helped us," says the visibly angry son. He complains why no relief was provided to the family. ALI MOHAMMAD SHEIKH: On April 30, 2018, three youth in their 20s were shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in the Old Town area of Baramulla district, among them was Ali Mohammad's son. Ali is old now and still struggles to narrate the horror that his family has been witness to. He says he has been finding it hard to manage his house due to poor earnings, adding that his son's killing made life miserable, as his eyes turn moist. "My son would earn and we would eat. I have other kids too but it's very hard to earn a living in lockdown, no one came for our help. One of the killers of my son was later arrested and is behind bars," Ali says. MOHAMMAD YUSUF AHANGAR: Yusuf's son, Sameer, managed a shop, which was the only means of earning for the family, near the deputy commissioner's office in Baramulla. One evening, a phone call asked him to come out only to get killed. His sick father says Sameer was shot with two bullets for no reason by terrorists. "Our shop is closed for two years now. We have been running from one office to another, just to get some relief but no one is coming for our rescue," says Yusuf.

Kashmiri terror victims narrate their ordeal

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India.

The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-conflict-with-china-to-nobel-peace-prize-journey-of-the-dalai-lama-311124" hreflang="en">From conflict with China to Nobel Peace Prize: Journey of the Dalai Lama</a>

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama is a catch for India-China relations. India's approach towards him has always been a marker for its changing relations with Beijing.

When India and China are close, Delhi limits its engagement with the Dalai Lama but when there are tensions, Delhi toasts him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-taking-a-new-approach-towards-tibet-311229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today is one such day. It is the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama with several prominent people&nbsp;wishing&nbsp;him on his birthday.&nbsp;

RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, tweeted praying for his good health.&nbsp;Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh also wished him happiness and a long life.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This day marks the 85th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a>. 
 
I pray for his good health and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/longevity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#longevity</a>. 
 
In these difficult times, his spiritual leadership gives strength: Lt. Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/R_K_Mathur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@R_K_Mathur</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DalaiLama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DalaiLama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ladakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ladakh</a> <a href="https://t.co/B68g0aBn0c">pic.twitter.com/B68g0aBn0c</a>
— Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/lg_ladakh/status/1279992282783969281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju offered his reverence and prayers. Rijiju's tweet was also a reflection of the Indian prime minister's message in Ladakh.

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On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life. His values and ideals are the guiding light towards love, peace and compassion for entire humanity. <a href="https://t.co/eu9Jw1jgLt">pic.twitter.com/eu9Jw1jgLt</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1279995957325660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Peace and compassion, contrasting the :age of expansionism".

China is watching all of this closely.

In 2014, when prime minister Modi first took office, he invited the head of Tibetan government&nbsp;in exile, Lobsang Sangay to his swearing-in ceremony.

In 2019, no such invitation was extended. In 2016, then President Pranab Mukherjee felicitated the Dalai Lama. In 2018, Delhi denied permission for "thank you India"&nbsp;events-- these were to mark 60 years of the Dalai Lama's arrival in India.

Delhi did not allow them, top government officials were told to distance themselves from the occasion.

The reason given was this that it was a very sensitive time for India's relations with China.

It was just after the Doklam standoff and the Wuhan summit with ties with the Dragon on the mend which were&nbsp;strained two years later in the wake of the Galwan Valley clash.&nbsp;

Now in probably the most sensitive time for India-China relations and what better way to send China a message than through engagements with the Dalai Lama.

Some in India want this message to be stronger. Like giving the Dalai Lama India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, while others suggest he should feature on the Chinese embassy's address and others say Delhi's&nbsp;Shanti Path should be renamed Dalai Lama Marg.

The government has not ventured beyond Birthday greetings. The message has reached both Dharamsala and Bejing. 
&nbsp;

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes".

Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, he headed the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan leader has lived in India for over 60 years now but China calls him "a wolf in monk's clothes". Also see: From conflict with China to Nobel Peace Prize: Journey of the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama is a catch for India-China relations. India's approach towards him has always been a marker for its changing relations with Beijing. When India and China are close, Delhi limits its engagement with the Dalai Lama but when there are tensions, Delhi toasts him. Today is one such day. It is the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama with several prominent people wishing him on his birthday. RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, tweeted praying for his good health. Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh also wished him happiness and a long life. This day marks the 85th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama @DalaiLama. I pray for his good health and #longevity. In these difficult times, his spiritual leadership gives strength: Lt. Governor @R_K_Mathur.#DalaiLama #Ladakh pic.twitter.com/B68g0aBn0c — Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) July 6, 2020 × Cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju offered his reverence and prayers. Rijiju's tweet was also a reflection of the Indian prime minister's message in Ladakh. On the auspicious occasion of the 85th birthday of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, I offer my deepest reverence, prayers, and wishes for his long and healthy life. His values and ideals are the guiding light towards love, peace and compassion for entire humanity. pic.twitter.com/eu9Jw1jgLt — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 6, 2020 × Peace and compassion, contrasting the :age of expansionism". China is watching all of this closely. In 2014, when prime minister Modi first took office, he invited the head of Tibetan government in exile, Lobsang Sangay to his swearing-in ceremony. In 2019, no such invitation was extended. In 2016, then President Pranab Mukherjee felicitated the Dalai Lama. In 2018, Delhi denied permission for "thank you India" events-- these were to mark 60 years of the Dalai Lama's arrival in India. Delhi did not allow them, top government officials were told to distance themselves from the occasion. The reason given was this that it was a very sensitive time for India's relations with China. It was just after the Doklam standoff and the Wuhan summit with ties with the Dragon on the mend which were strained two years later in the wake of the Galwan Valley clash. Now in probably the most sensitive time for India-China relations and what better way to send China a message than through engagements with the Dalai Lama. Some in India want this message to be stronger. Like giving the Dalai Lama India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, while others suggest he should feature on the Chinese embassy's address and others say Delhi's Shanti Path should be renamed Dalai Lama Marg. The government has not ventured beyond Birthday greetings. The message has reached both Dharamsala and Bejing.

Despite tense India-China relations, New Delhi warms up to Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-galwan-pullback-after-nsa-dovals-two-hour-phone-call-with-chinese-foreign-minister-311064" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister</a>

Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued.

The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ladakh-standoff-inside-indias-border-strategy-311236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Why is China worried? 

The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-pm-narendra-modis-ladakh-visit-gives-a-clear-message-to-beijing-310522" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing</a>

Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels.

The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip.

Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday. India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour. Also read: India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued. The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh. Why is China worried? The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened. Also read: India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels. The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip. Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

What triggered the India-China standoff, and why is Beijing irked?

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. 
 
​​&nbsp;Both militaries have begun disengagement at three flashpoints - Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra.

"Chinese Army has moved back tents, vehicles, and troops by 1-2 km from locations where disengagement was agreed upon during the commander-level talks," Indian Army sources told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The tensions between both the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off on June 15, when 20 personnel of the Indian Army were killed in action in the Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but it didn't provide the details of it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-chinese-troops-pull-back-2-kms-from-galwan-clash-area-sources-310992">Also Read: Chinese troops remove tents, move back from Galwan Valley</a>

On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt General-level talks during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

<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-step-back-311233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, special representatives from both sides held talks over the phone which led to the disengagement along the LAC. India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said that NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas".

India's MEA said that it was also agreed that "NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-galwan-pullback-after-nsa-dovals-two-hour-phone-call-with-chinese-foreign-minister-311064">Also Read:&nbsp;Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister</a> 
 
However, the situation remains precarious because the issue&nbsp;will persist as long as China makes baseless claims on Indian territory and disregards historical commitments.

China's intentions can't be trusted, and hence, India is taking a slow and steady approach to settle the border dispute. But, smaller steps like today's de-escalation will allow India to keep a better check on China's expansionist designs.

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Both militaries have begun disengagement at three flashpoints - Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra. "Chinese Army has moved back tents, vehicles, and troops by 1-2 km from locations where disengagement was agreed upon during the commander-level talks," Indian Army sources told WION. The tensions between both the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off on June 15, when 20 personnel of the Indian Army were killed in action in the Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but it didn't provide the details of it. Also Read: Chinese troops remove tents, move back from Galwan Valley On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt General-level talks during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff. On Sunday, special representatives from both sides held talks over the phone which led to the disengagement along the LAC. India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said that NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas". India's MEA said that it was also agreed that "NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols." Also Read: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister However, the situation remains precarious because the issue will persist as long as China makes baseless claims on Indian territory and disregards historical commitments. China's intentions can't be trusted, and hence, India is taking a slow and steady approach to settle the border dispute. But, smaller steps like today's de-escalation will allow India to keep a better check on China's expansionist designs.

India-China standoff: Disengagement begins at three flashpoints

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