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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients.

Sonowal visited COVID care centres at IIT Guwahati and Maniram Dewan Trade Centre here to view the arrangements made for patients following a recent surge in the number of cases in Guwahati, an official release said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his junior minister Pijush Hazarika and officials of the health department apprised Sonowal about the facilities available at the centres, it said.

There are provisions for 800 isolation beds at IIT Guwahati and 440 beds at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the release said.

Due to the proactive steps of the health department, more than 6,000 people have recovered so far while 3,000 patients are under treatment, the chief minister was quoted as saying.

He urged the people of the state to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the health department on COVID-19.

Sonowal said his government is committed to keeping people safe and has made dedicated efforts in this regard.

He also praised the residents of Guwahati for sincerely following the norms of the ongoing lockdown in the city.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients. Sonowal visited COVID care centres at IIT Guwahati and Maniram Dewan Trade Centre here to view the arrangements made for patients following a recent surge in the number of cases in Guwahati, an official release said. Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his junior minister Pijush Hazarika and officials of the health department apprised Sonowal about the facilities available at the centres, it said. There are provisions for 800 isolation beds at IIT Guwahati and 440 beds at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the release said. Due to the proactive steps of the health department, more than 6,000 people have recovered so far while 3,000 patients are under treatment, the chief minister was quoted as saying. He urged the people of the state to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the health department on COVID-19. Sonowal said his government is committed to keeping people safe and has made dedicated efforts in this regard. He also praised the residents of Guwahati for sincerely following the norms of the ongoing lockdown in the city.

Assam making all-out efforts to provide best healthcare services to COVID-19 patients: CM Sonowal

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day.

According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew. Besides cities, villages are also now reporting positive patients. So far, 4,961 cases were detected, including 2,098 positive cases at present. As many as 1, 77,011 persons are in isolation, including 2,894 in various hospitals,.”

With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said.

Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day. According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew.

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day. According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew. Besides cities, villages are also now reporting positive patients. So far, 4,961 cases were detected, including 2,098 positive cases at present. As many as 1, 77,011 persons are in isolation, including 2,894 in various hospitals,.” With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said. Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala reports a highest single-day spike of 211 cases, tally nearing 5000 mark

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th. The lockdown is in place till July 5th, after which partial normalcy would resume with offices and standalone shops allowed to function with limited strength.&nbsp;

Friday’s health bulletin issued by the state government said that Tamil Nadu had recorded 4329 new cases, taking the total count to 1, 02,721. The state has tested 35,028 samples over the last 24 hours and a total of 12, 70,720 samples till date. 2357 persons were discharged from hospitals over the last 24 hours and 58,378 persons were discharged in total. The state also recorded 64 deaths, thus taking the total count to 1385. Chennai alone has reported 2082 of Friday’s 4329 new cases.&nbsp;

It was on June 22nd that Tamil Nadu has surpassed 60,000 cases and in about 10 days the state has added 40,000 new cases to breach the 1 lakh mark. It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 mark. This goes on to indicate the rapid spike in cases in the month of June and the same trend continuing, with more daily cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-breaches-60000-covid-19-cases-sees-over-35000-new-cases-in-last-19-days-307769">Also read: Tamil Nadu breaches 60,000 Covid-19 cases; sees over 35,000 new cases in last 19 days</a> 
 
When India entered its ‘Unlock’ phase since the start of June with gradual ease of restrictions, by mid-June Tamil Nadu government had announced a decision to go in for an intense lockdown in Chennai and few other districts.&nbsp;

It is evident from the daily state government bulletin that the authorities in Tamil Nadu have ramped up testing, tracing and isolation efforts during the lockdown. Last week, Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to have performed over 1 million tests. In recent weeks, Tamil Nadu has been consistently testing over 25,000 samples every day. On many days the state had also recorded above 30,000 tests.&nbsp;

For perspective, Tamil Nadu had barely performed a total of 3000 tests as on April 1st. However, in the following months testing was immensely ramped up, thus enabling the state to reach the 1 million mark. In terms of Covid-19 testing facilities, from merely 17 labs at the start of April, there has been a five-fold increase and currently, 91 labs are functional. As per the data from the State health bulletins, 48 of these testing labs are state government facilities while 43 of them are private ones.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-tamil-nadu-became-the-first-state-in-india-to-test-over-1-million-covid-19-samples-308851">Also read: How Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to test over 1 million Covid-19 samples</a> 
 
This high rate of testing has also revealed a good number of cases with the state seeing over 3000 daily cases for over a week and over 4000 daily cases on Thursday and Friday. Such a high rate of testing was made possible due to the manner in which the state government mobilized resources to establish more government testing labs and urged the private sector to also pitch in.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s recovery rate has been on par with the national average, with over 57% of patients having recovered. In terms of mortality rate, the state has seen around 1.3% of patients losing their battle to the deadly pandemic.&nbsp;

A majority of the state’s cases(over 60%) are from the capital city Chennai and its three adjoining districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. On Thursday and Friday, the state witnessed a usual trend of the total cases of all other districts being higher than Chennai’s case count.&nbsp;

Withe the intense lockdown in Chennai and adjoining districts, besides a few southern districts to be relaxed from July 6th, the challenge for the authorities is only set to get bigger. It has been observed in the past as well that lockdowns can only delay the inevitable spike in cases and buy time for the health infrastructure to be scaled up. Authorities have always emphasized on public cooperation and the importance of mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing and personal hygiene practices, including social distancing.

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th.

Tamil Nadu has become the second state (after Maharashtra) in India to record over 1lakh corona virus cases. The southern Indian state has crossed this grim number at a time when the capital city Chennai and three adjoining districts with high population density are under an intense lockdown since June 19th. The lockdown is in place till July 5th, after which partial normalcy would resume with offices and standalone shops allowed to function with limited strength. Friday’s health bulletin issued by the state government said that Tamil Nadu had recorded 4329 new cases, taking the total count to 1, 02,721. The state has tested 35,028 samples over the last 24 hours and a total of 12, 70,720 samples till date. 2357 persons were discharged from hospitals over the last 24 hours and 58,378 persons were discharged in total. The state also recorded 64 deaths, thus taking the total count to 1385. Chennai alone has reported 2082 of Friday’s 4329 new cases. It was on June 22nd that Tamil Nadu has surpassed 60,000 cases and in about 10 days the state has added 40,000 new cases to breach the 1 lakh mark. It was on June 3rd that Tamil Nadu’s total case count had breached the 25,000 mark. This goes on to indicate the rapid spike in cases in the month of June and the same trend continuing, with more daily cases. Also read: Tamil Nadu breaches 60,000 Covid-19 cases; sees over 35,000 new cases in last 19 days When India entered its ‘Unlock’ phase since the start of June with gradual ease of restrictions, by mid-June Tamil Nadu government had announced a decision to go in for an intense lockdown in Chennai and few other districts. It is evident from the daily state government bulletin that the authorities in Tamil Nadu have ramped up testing, tracing and isolation efforts during the lockdown. Last week, Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to have performed over 1 million tests. In recent weeks, Tamil Nadu has been consistently testing over 25,000 samples every day. On many days the state had also recorded above 30,000 tests. For perspective, Tamil Nadu had barely performed a total of 3000 tests as on April 1st. However, in the following months testing was immensely ramped up, thus enabling the state to reach the 1 million mark. In terms of Covid-19 testing facilities, from merely 17 labs at the start of April, there has been a five-fold increase and currently, 91 labs are functional. As per the data from the State health bulletins, 48 of these testing labs are state government facilities while 43 of them are private ones. Also read: How Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to test over 1 million Covid-19 samples This high rate of testing has also revealed a good number of cases with the state seeing over 3000 daily cases for over a week and over 4000 daily cases on Thursday and Friday. Such a high rate of testing was made possible due to the manner in which the state government mobilized resources to establish more government testing labs and urged the private sector to also pitch in. Tamil Nadu’s recovery rate has been on par with the national average, with over 57% of patients having recovered. In terms of mortality rate, the state has seen around 1.3% of patients losing their battle to the deadly pandemic. A majority of the state’s cases(over 60%) are from the capital city Chennai and its three adjoining districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu. On Thursday and Friday, the state witnessed a usual trend of the total cases of all other districts being higher than Chennai’s case count. Withe the intense lockdown in Chennai and adjoining districts, besides a few southern districts to be relaxed from July 6th, the challenge for the authorities is only set to get bigger. It has been observed in the past as well that lockdowns can only delay the inevitable spike in cases and buy time for the health infrastructure to be scaled up. Authorities have always emphasized on public cooperation and the importance of mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing and personal hygiene practices, including social distancing.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 1 lakh Covid-19 cases; sees 40,000 new cases in last 10 days

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening.

The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:4.7, Occurred on 03-07-2020, 19:00:50 IST, Lat: 28.00 &amp; Long: 76.69, Depth: 35 Km ,Location: 50km N of Alwar, Rajasthan, India 
for more information <a href="https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf">https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf</a> <a href="https://t.co/pkCoLIM1Yh">pic.twitter.com/pkCoLIM1Yh</a>
— National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1279048978957348865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, in the backdrop of 17 earthquakes hitting Delhi-NCR in the last three months and Gurugram being sighted as the most unsafe, the local administration and disaster management authority is emphasising on earthquake-resistant structures.

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening. The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface.

An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit Rajasthan on Friday evening. The epicentre of the earthquake was Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake struck at 7 PM IST at a depth of 35 km from the surface. Earthquake of Magnitude:4.7, Occurred on 03-07-2020, 19:00:50 IST, Lat: 28.00 & Long: 76.69, Depth: 35 Km ,Location: 50km N of Alwar, Rajasthan, India for more information https://t.co/g2ocaIX6nf pic.twitter.com/pkCoLIM1Yh — National Centre for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) July 3, 2020 × Meanwhile, in the backdrop of 17 earthquakes hitting Delhi-NCR in the last three months and Gurugram being sighted as the most unsafe, the local administration and disaster management authority is emphasising on earthquake-resistant structures.

Earthquake in Rajasthan with 4.7 magnitude near Alwar district

Three days after India banned 59 Chinese apps, Beijing has blocked access to the WION website - www.wionews.com - in mainland China.&nbsp;

GreatFire.org, a Chinese internet monitoring watchdog, confirmed that WION has been completely blocked in China.

WION has been ill-famous in China because of its highly critical coverage of Beijing's cover-up of coronavirus outbreak. The move is being seen as a retaliation against India's action banning Chinese apps.

To this end, Twitterati -- from Hong Kong activists to Indian analysts -- have stood by WION, and tweeted in supported of the channel and the website.

Hong Kong activist Wang Fang said, "Blocking of English News channel "WION" by China is not justified at all. Blocking the news media means blocking of freedom of speech and expression. One thing is clear that China is intolerant #ChinaBlocksWION"

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👉Blocking of English News channel "WION" by China is not justified at all 
 
👉Blocking the news media means blocking of freedom of speech and expression 
 
👉One thing is clear that China is intolerant<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a> <a href="https://t.co/TrjwMmgkzD">pic.twitter.com/TrjwMmgkzD</a>
— Wang Fang 王芳 王芳🇭🇰 (@Wang_Fang_HK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wang_Fang_HK/status/1278749662250323968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Wang also drew attention to how China always endorse propaganda news portals, like Global Times.

"Why did #ChinaBlocksWION just to block press media and freedom of speech. China promote only propaganda news website like @globaltimesnews #ChinaWillPay #chinavsworld," he said.

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Why did <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a> just to block press media and freedom of speech. China promote only propaganda news website like <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@globaltimesnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaWillPay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaWillPay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinavsworld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinavsworld</a> <a href="https://t.co/40SQ3BzJma">pic.twitter.com/40SQ3BzJma</a>
— Wang Fang 王芳 王芳🇭🇰 (@Wang_Fang_HK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wang_Fang_HK/status/1278767457709088768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale called for the global community to support WION in all its endeavours.

"China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps. Tme for global community to support @WIONews," he tweeted.

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China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps. Tme for global community to support <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a><a href="https://t.co/wA2mzmg0hs">https://t.co/wA2mzmg0hs</a> 
 
-Shared via WION
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijai63/status/1278721824566784000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Gunja Kapoor, Curator, Right Narrative, congratulated Palki Sharma, Executive Editor, WION,&nbsp;for making China uncomfortable with the truth.

"Congratulations @palkisu - you made the dragon uncomfortable with your truth. Clearly the fire they try to spit was unable to survive brutal winds on WION," she tweeted.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> - you made the dragon uncomfortable with your truth. 
 
Clearly the fire they try to spit was unable to survive brutal winds on WION.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mi0mmt0M94">https://t.co/Mi0mmt0M94</a>
— Gunja Kapoor (@gunjakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunjakapoor/status/1278751955892891648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There were others who tweeted praising WION for its path-breaking, and in China's words, getting-blocked-on-Twitter, journalism.

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You may be doing some serious damage to China and Chinese government <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> that's why they blocked you. <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> your journalism exposed their policies. So it's something good you're doing that why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a>
— Rachit (@NainRachit1) <a href="https://twitter.com/NainRachit1/status/1278999951322705920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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'Censorship' is the only tool in Chinese armory! No surprises. More power to you! Godspeed! <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeStandWithWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeStandWithWION</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a> <a href="https://t.co/OUTxaCthav">https://t.co/OUTxaCthav</a>
— Anshul Sheoran (@CaptASheoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptASheoran/status/1278934472457482241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Wah <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> congrats, you gave them some serious burns. <a href="https://t.co/Ryc3znH2tE">https://t.co/Ryc3znH2tE</a>
— Ashutosh🇮🇳 (@iashutosh23) <a href="https://twitter.com/iashutosh23/status/1278992606278475776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Means China got a taste of good journalism. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> . Great content and realistic reporting. Kudos. More poer to you guys 
 
China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps <a href="https://t.co/hmrF5iZQae">https://t.co/hmrF5iZQae</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wionews</a>
— Dr. Viswaraja Sasikumar (@viswaraja1) <a href="https://twitter.com/viswaraja1/status/1278896258967470081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What more is expected from those who have never experienced authentic press. 😒 
Such actions tell us the level of anxiety they have. 🙂 
Kudos to whole <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WION</a> team 👍
— Amartya Banerjee (@amartyaamu) <a href="https://twitter.com/amartyaamu/status/1278775965171122176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinablocksWion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinablocksWion</a> is a badge to carry in these times. I am proud that Wion has got such coverage that China was forced to block it.
— Sangwai (@NiksSangwai) <a href="https://twitter.com/NiksSangwai/status/1278778079675113476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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That's Big for Wion Itself ... 
 
You are becoming a headache for them for telling facts to the World .. 
 
Channel with the Factual News !
— MUDIT HASTIR (@MuditHastir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuditHastir/status/1278995542735896577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Your laser focus on the criminal culpability of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> in suppressing &amp; spreading the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WuhanVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WuhanVirus</a> &amp; your fearless, relentless pursuit of the truth is what's scared the mandarins in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCP</a>. Never back down. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeChinaPay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeChinaPay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaBlocksWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaBlocksWION</a>
— Tapashish Chakraborty (@TapashishC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TapashishC/status/1278763145360621568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The support from the readers also made #ChinaBlocksWion trend on the micro-blogging site on the first spot&nbsp;nationwide.

This is not the first time WION has come under attack from the Chinese establishment. In March, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian, blocked WION on Twitter.&nbsp;

Chinese diplomats in India had criticised WION's coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, had also published a critical piece, asking WION to "think independently."&nbsp;

WIONews.com thanks all its readers and audience for the immeasurable support. Your encouraging words mean the world to us, and motivate us to further bring the world to your fingertips and laptops. Well, what else can we say! We are PROUD TO HAVE BEEN BANNED BY CHINA ;)

Three days after India banned 59 Chinese apps, Beijing has blocked access to the WION website - www.wionews.com - in mainland China. GreatFire.org, a Chinese internet monitoring watchdog, confirmed that WION has been completely blocked in China.

Three days after India banned 59 Chinese apps, Beijing has blocked access to the WION website - www.wionews.com - in mainland China. GreatFire.org, a Chinese internet monitoring watchdog, confirmed that WION has been completely blocked in China. WION has been ill-famous in China because of its highly critical coverage of Beijing's cover-up of coronavirus outbreak. The move is being seen as a retaliation against India's action banning Chinese apps. To this end, Twitterati -- from Hong Kong activists to Indian analysts -- have stood by WION, and tweeted in supported of the channel and the website. Hong Kong activist Wang Fang said, "Blocking of English News channel "WION" by China is not justified at all. Blocking the news media means blocking of freedom of speech and expression. One thing is clear that China is intolerant #ChinaBlocksWION" 👉Blocking of English News channel "WION" by China is not justified at all 👉Blocking the news media means blocking of freedom of speech and expression 👉One thing is clear that China is intolerant#ChinaBlocksWION pic.twitter.com/TrjwMmgkzD — Wang Fang 王芳 王芳🇭🇰 (@Wang_Fang_HK) July 2, 2020 × Wang also drew attention to how China always endorse propaganda news portals, like Global Times. "Why did #ChinaBlocksWION just to block press media and freedom of speech. China promote only propaganda news website like @globaltimesnews #ChinaWillPay #chinavsworld," he said. Why did #ChinaBlocksWION just to block press media and freedom of speech. China promote only propaganda news website like @globaltimesnews #ChinaWillPay #chinavsworld pic.twitter.com/40SQ3BzJma — Wang Fang 王芳 王芳🇭🇰 (@Wang_Fang_HK) July 2, 2020 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale called for the global community to support WION in all its endeavours. "China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps. Tme for global community to support @WIONews," he tweeted. China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps. Tme for global community to support @WIONewshttps://t.co/wA2mzmg0hs -Shared via WION — Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) July 2, 2020 × Gunja Kapoor, Curator, Right Narrative, congratulated Palki Sharma, Executive Editor, WION, for making China uncomfortable with the truth. "Congratulations @palkisu - you made the dragon uncomfortable with your truth. Clearly the fire they try to spit was unable to survive brutal winds on WION," she tweeted. Congratulations @palkisu - you made the dragon uncomfortable with your truth. Clearly the fire they try to spit was unable to survive brutal winds on WION.#ChinaBlocksWION https://t.co/Mi0mmt0M94 — Gunja Kapoor (@gunjakapoor) July 2, 2020 × There were others who tweeted praising WION for its path-breaking, and in China's words, getting-blocked-on-Twitter, journalism. You may be doing some serious damage to China and Chinese government @WIONews that's why they blocked you. @palkisu your journalism exposed their policies. So it's something good you're doing that why #ChinaBlocksWION.@MollyGambhir — Rachit (@NainRachit1) July 3, 2020 × 'Censorship' is the only tool in Chinese armory! No surprises. More power to you! Godspeed! @WIONews @palkisu #WeStandWithWION #Gravitas #ChinaBlocksWION https://t.co/OUTxaCthav — Anshul Sheoran (@CaptASheoran) July 3, 2020 × Wah @palkisu congrats, you gave them some serious burns. https://t.co/Ryc3znH2tE — Ashutosh🇮🇳 (@iashutosh23) July 3, 2020 × Means China got a taste of good journalism. Congratulations @palkisu . Great content and realistic reporting. Kudos. More poer to you guys China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps https://t.co/hmrF5iZQae @wionews — Dr. Viswaraja Sasikumar (@viswaraja1) July 3, 2020 × What more is expected from those who have never experienced authentic press. 😒 Such actions tell us the level of anxiety they have. 🙂 Kudos to whole #WION team 👍 — Amartya Banerjee (@amartyaamu) July 2, 2020 × #chinablocksWion is a badge to carry in these times. I am proud that Wion has got such coverage that China was forced to block it. — Sangwai (@NiksSangwai) July 2, 2020 × That's Big for Wion Itself ... You are becoming a headache for them for telling facts to the World .. Channel with the Factual News ! — MUDIT HASTIR (@MuditHastir) July 3, 2020 × Your laser focus on the criminal culpability of the #China in suppressing & spreading the #WuhanVirus & your fearless, relentless pursuit of the truth is what's scared the mandarins in the #CCP. Never back down. #MakeChinaPay#ChinaBlocksWION — Tapashish Chakraborty (@TapashishC) July 2, 2020 × The support from the readers also made #ChinaBlocksWion trend on the micro-blogging site on the first spot nationwide. This is not the first time WION has come under attack from the Chinese establishment. In March, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian, blocked WION on Twitter. Chinese diplomats in India had criticised WION's coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, had also published a critical piece, asking WION to "think independently." WIONews.com thanks all its readers and audience for the immeasurable support. Your encouraging words mean the world to us, and motivate us to further bring the world to your fingertips and laptops. Well, what else can we say! We are PROUD TO HAVE BEEN BANNED BY CHINA ;)

#ChinaBlocksWION: Readers stand in solidarity with us

Growing by leaps and bounds, Zee Digital, the online arm of Zee Group, continued with its phenomenal growth streak into 2020 as it crossed the 185 million unique users on ComScore in May 2020. Zee Digital now occupies the third position in the ComScore rankings among all digital media groups in India.

According to the latest rankings, Zee Digital witnessed 168 per cent growth between May 2019 and May 2020, which is the highest among the top four media groups in the country. While its competitors Times Internet Group, Network 18 Group, India Today Group, and HT Media grew merely by 50 per cent, 17 per cent, 35 per cent, and by 95 per cent respectively.

All the flagship brands of Zee Digital showed massive growth. ZeeNews.com, ZeeBusiness.in, WioNews.com, India.com, BollywoodLife.com, BGR.in and TheHealthsite.com registered three-figure growth rate propelling the group to greater heights.

Rohit Chadda, CEO, Digital Publishing, ZEE Group, said, “With India moving towards being Digital-first country, we are proud to display our continuing dominance in the industry achieving substantial growth every month. The numbers as indicated in the report clearly shows increasing consumer confidence in us. Backed by dedicated teams, along with data and technology driven newsrooms we are all geared up to achieve newer heights going forward.”

Even comparing month-on-month growth over April 2020, Zee Digital outperformed its competitors. While Times Internet Group was down by -1 per cent, India Today Group by -6 per cent, DailyHunt by -5 per cent, and HT Media by -3 per cent, Zee Digital registered a growth of 23 per cent.

About Zee Digital

Zee Digital comprises of the Digital Publishing and the OTT business of the group.

The Digital Publishing business includes websites/apps for 20 brands across 12 languages in various genres like News, Entertainment, Technology, Cricket, Health &amp; Lifestyle and consists of flagship brands like ZeeNews.com, WIONews.com, DNAIndia.com, ZeeBusiness.in, India.com, Bollywoodlife.com, BGR.in, TheHealthsite.com, CricketCountry.com etc.

The OTT business, Zee5, is one of the leading online video streaming platforms offering an exhaustive array of content to its users with 90+ live TV channels and 1.25 lac+ hours of viewing across multiple languages.

Growing by leaps and bounds, Zee Digital, the online arm of Zee Group, continued with its phenomenal growth streak into 2020 as it crossed the 185 million unique users on ComScore in May 2020.

Growing by leaps and bounds, Zee Digital, the online arm of Zee Group, continued with its phenomenal growth streak into 2020 as it crossed the 185 million unique users on ComScore in May 2020. Zee Digital now occupies the third position in the ComScore rankings among all digital media groups in India. According to the latest rankings, Zee Digital witnessed 168 per cent growth between May 2019 and May 2020, which is the highest among the top four media groups in the country. While its competitors Times Internet Group, Network 18 Group, India Today Group, and HT Media grew merely by 50 per cent, 17 per cent, 35 per cent, and by 95 per cent respectively. All the flagship brands of Zee Digital showed massive growth. ZeeNews.com, ZeeBusiness.in, WioNews.com, India.com, BollywoodLife.com, BGR.in and TheHealthsite.com registered three-figure growth rate propelling the group to greater heights. Rohit Chadda, CEO, Digital Publishing, ZEE Group, said, “With India moving towards being Digital-first country, we are proud to display our continuing dominance in the industry achieving substantial growth every month. The numbers as indicated in the report clearly shows increasing consumer confidence in us. Backed by dedicated teams, along with data and technology driven newsrooms we are all geared up to achieve newer heights going forward.” Even comparing month-on-month growth over April 2020, Zee Digital outperformed its competitors. While Times Internet Group was down by -1 per cent, India Today Group by -6 per cent, DailyHunt by -5 per cent, and HT Media by -3 per cent, Zee Digital registered a growth of 23 per cent. About Zee Digital Zee Digital comprises of the Digital Publishing and the OTT business of the group. The Digital Publishing business includes websites/apps for 20 brands across 12 languages in various genres like News, Entertainment, Technology, Cricket, Health & Lifestyle and consists of flagship brands like ZeeNews.com, WIONews.com, DNAIndia.com, ZeeBusiness.in, India.com, Bollywoodlife.com, BGR.in, TheHealthsite.com, CricketCountry.com etc. The OTT business, Zee5, is one of the leading online video streaming platforms offering an exhaustive array of content to its users with 90+ live TV channels and 1.25 lac+ hours of viewing across multiple languages.

Zee Digital crosses 185 million users in May 2020 on ComScore, registers 168% growth over previous year

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Air India Express will operate these flights as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to south Indian cities from Sharjah, according to the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

"All Indian nationals are advised to take note of direct sale of Air India Express flights from Sharjah. Following flights will be opened for sale effective 4 pm UAE Time on July 3. Make sure to book your tickets once the sale is live," the mission announced on Twitter.

The flights scheduled to operate from July 9 to 14 are flying to Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi and Hyderabad, the Gulf News reported.

"Indian nationals registered with the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, fulfilling the required entry conditions can book through Air India Express booking offices or online on www.airindiaexpress.in or through authorised travel agents in the UAE," the statement with the flight details posted on Twitter said.

"Mentioning of correct passport number and contact number is important. Otherwise, tickets can be cancelled or boarding pass may be denied," the Indian Consulate said.

While 75 per cent of tickets are open for sale, 25 per cent are reserved for those with emergency cases handled by the missions, the report said.

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Air India Express will operate these flights as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to south Indian cities from Sharjah, according to the Indian Consulate in Dubai. "All Indian nationals are advised to take note of direct sale of Air India Express flights from Sharjah. Following flights will be opened for sale effective 4 pm UAE Time on July 3. Make sure to book your tickets once the sale is live," the mission announced on Twitter. The flights scheduled to operate from July 9 to 14 are flying to Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi and Hyderabad, the Gulf News reported. "Indian nationals registered with the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, fulfilling the required entry conditions can book through Air India Express booking offices or online on www.airindiaexpress.in or through authorised travel agents in the UAE," the statement with the flight details posted on Twitter said. "Mentioning of correct passport number and contact number is important. Otherwise, tickets can be cancelled or boarding pass may be denied," the Indian Consulate said. While 75 per cent of tickets are open for sale, 25 per cent are reserved for those with emergency cases handled by the missions, the report said.

Vande Bharat Mission: India to operate nine more flights to evacuate stranded citizens from UAE

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-biotech-announces-dgcis-approval-for-its-covaxin-covid-19-vaccine-for-phase-i-ii-human-clinical-trials-309491">Also read: Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I &amp; II human clinical trials</a>

ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava, in a letter to the heads of the selected institutions, informed them that it has partnered with Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to fast-track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (BBV152 COVID vaccine).

"The vaccine is being derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine," he wrote.

The ICMR has selected 12 institutes, including one from Odisha, for the clinical trial of the country's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

The 12 institutes have been asked by the ICMR to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine as it is being considered as one of the top priority projects which are being monitored at the topmost level of the government.

The institutes selected for the clinical trial are Bhubaneswar's IMS and SUM Hospital, and other institutes are located in Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, New Delhi, Patna, Belgaum (Karnataka), Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad, Arya Nagar, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Goa.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL). Also read: Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I & II human clinical trials ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava, in a letter to the heads of the selected institutions, informed them that it has partnered with Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to fast-track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (BBV152 COVID vaccine). "The vaccine is being derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine," he wrote. The ICMR has selected 12 institutes, including one from Odisha, for the clinical trial of the country's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. The 12 institutes have been asked by the ICMR to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine as it is being considered as one of the top priority projects which are being monitored at the topmost level of the government. The institutes selected for the clinical trial are Bhubaneswar's IMS and SUM Hospital, and other institutes are located in Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, New Delhi, Patna, Belgaum (Karnataka), Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad, Arya Nagar, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Goa. (With inputs from agencies)

India to launch coronavirus vaccine for public use by August 15: Reports

PM Modi in Ladakh : A glance at the visit meant to review situation, boost troop morale

Amid the India-China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC), India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a surprise visit to Ladakh to meets troops. Addressing troops at Ladakh amid the India-China standoff at LAC after the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops, PM Modi said: "The era of expansion has ended, now is the era of development, the idea of expansionism always destroys the world."

Indian PM Modi to soldiers: Your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted

Indian PM Modi addresses soldiers in Ladakh amid India-China standoff

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

In addition, 11,300 "Make in India" ventilators have so far been dispatched to various states, Union territories and central institutions, of which 6,154 have already been delivered to various hospitals, it said.

"The central government is also ensuring its installation/commissioning. This will help to bridge the massive gap in the availability of ventilators in COVID ICU facilities," the ministry said in a statement.

The health ministry is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders to the states and Union territories, of which 72,293 have been delivered to strengthen the oxygen-beds there.

Also, more than 6.12 crore HCQ tablets have been given to the states and Union territories.

The Union government, along with the states and Union territories, has been relentlessly working for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19, the statement said.

The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure to fight the pandemic, it added.

"Along with augmenting COVID-19 facilities, Centre has been providing medical supplies free of cost to the state and UT governments to supplement their efforts," the ministry said.

The statement underlined that most of the products supplied by the Centre were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning and there was a global demand due to the pandemic, resulting in a "scarce availability in the foreign markets".

However, with the combined efforts of the ministries of health, textiles, pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, N95 masks, and ventilators during this period. &nbsp;"With the result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by GOI are domestically manufactured," the ministry said.

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday.

Since April 1, the Centre has distributed more than 2.02 crore N95 masks and over 1.18 crore PPE kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free, the Union health ministry said on Friday. In addition, 11,300 "Make in India" ventilators have so far been dispatched to various states, Union territories and central institutions, of which 6,154 have already been delivered to various hospitals, it said. "The central government is also ensuring its installation/commissioning. This will help to bridge the massive gap in the availability of ventilators in COVID ICU facilities," the ministry said in a statement. The health ministry is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders to the states and Union territories, of which 72,293 have been delivered to strengthen the oxygen-beds there. Also, more than 6.12 crore HCQ tablets have been given to the states and Union territories. The Union government, along with the states and Union territories, has been relentlessly working for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19, the statement said. The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure to fight the pandemic, it added. "Along with augmenting COVID-19 facilities, Centre has been providing medical supplies free of cost to the state and UT governments to supplement their efforts," the ministry said. The statement underlined that most of the products supplied by the Centre were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning and there was a global demand due to the pandemic, resulting in a "scarce availability in the foreign markets". However, with the combined efforts of the ministries of health, textiles, pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, N95 masks, and ventilators during this period. "With the result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by GOI are domestically manufactured," the ministry said.

Over 2 cr N95 masks, 1.18 Cr PPE kits, 11,000 ventilators supplied to states, UTs since April 1: Government

Amid the India-China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC), India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a surprise visit to Ladakh to meets&nbsp;troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-your-courage-is-higher-than-the-mountains-pm-modi-to-indian-troops-at-ladakh-310351">Also Read: PM Modi lands in Ladakh to meet Indian troops</a>

During his speech, the Indian prime minister said: "Your valour, respect and sacrifice towards mother earth cannot be compared," the Indian prime minister told the troops at the border, adding: "your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reacts-to-indian-pm-modis-ladakh-visit-310401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The whole country has faith on you," PM Modi said. "Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you," PM Modi asserted.

"The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India's strength," the PM said.

"I pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley, from Leh, Ladakh to Kargil and Siachen and to Galwan Valley, everyone is a witness to the valour of Galwan soldiers."

"The enemies had seen the fury of the soldiers," he said. "This land in Ladakh is India's crown, it has given several Bravehearts to the nation," he said.

"Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. The Indian prime minister invoked poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, saying: "Whose battle cry, the earth is still drooling. The pen writes about his glory today. I speak your words with my voice today."

"Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said.

Referring to Lord Krishna, the PM said: "If we worship Lord Krishna with a flute, the chakradhari bows his head in front of Krishna."

"We are the same people who pray to the flue-playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the Sudarshana chakra."

"The era of expansion has ended, now is the era of development, the idea of expansionism always destroys the world," he said.

"If India is buying modern warfare equipment the message is the same and if India is building modern infrastructure - the message is also the same," he stressed. "The Indian defence forces have always shown their heroic deeds since World War-II."

"History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he said, adding,"whenever I think of a decision based on national security, I think of the two mothers - the first is our Mother India and the second are&nbsp;our mothers who have given birth to the Bravehearts such as you."

Amid the India-China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC), India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a surprise visit to Ladakh to meets troops. Also Read: PM Modi lands in Ladakh to meet Indian troops During his speech, the Indian prime minister said: "Your valour, respect and sacrifice towards mother earth cannot be compared," the Indian prime minister told the troops at the border, adding: "your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted.

Amid the India-China standoff along the Line of Control(LAC), India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a surprise visit to Ladakh to meets troops. Also Read: PM Modi lands in Ladakh to meet Indian troops During his speech, the Indian prime minister said: "Your valour, respect and sacrifice towards mother earth cannot be compared," the Indian prime minister told the troops at the border, adding: "your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted." Watch: "The whole country has faith on you," PM Modi said. "Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you," PM Modi asserted. "The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India's strength," the PM said. "I pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley, from Leh, Ladakh to Kargil and Siachen and to Galwan Valley, everyone is a witness to the valour of Galwan soldiers." "The enemies had seen the fury of the soldiers," he said. "This land in Ladakh is India's crown, it has given several Bravehearts to the nation," he said. "Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. The Indian prime minister invoked poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, saying: "Whose battle cry, the earth is still drooling. The pen writes about his glory today. I speak your words with my voice today." "Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. Referring to Lord Krishna, the PM said: "If we worship Lord Krishna with a flute, the chakradhari bows his head in front of Krishna." "We are the same people who pray to the flue-playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the Sudarshana chakra." "The era of expansion has ended, now is the era of development, the idea of expansionism always destroys the world," he said. "If India is buying modern warfare equipment the message is the same and if India is building modern infrastructure - the message is also the same," he stressed. "The Indian defence forces have always shown their heroic deeds since World War-II." "History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he said, adding,"whenever I think of a decision based on national security, I think of the two mothers - the first is our Mother India and the second are our mothers who have given birth to the Bravehearts such as you."

Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you, PM Modi tells Indian troops at Ladakh amid India-China standoff

As Prime Minister Modi visited Ladakh to visit troops amid standoff with China along the Line of Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry said that India should follow the same goal as China and "strictly follow the treaties signed through diplomatic and military channels to ensure&nbsp;tranquillity."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/self-reliant-india-becomes-stronger-because-of-you-pm-modi-tells-indian-troops-at-ladakh-amid-india-china-standoff-310403">Also Read:&nbsp;Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you, PM Modi tells Indian troops at Ladakh</a>

"India and China are major developing countries, the Indian side should not have miscalculations," China's foreign ministry said.

"India and China are in communication through negotiation in diplomatic channels, no party should act in a manner which could lead to escalation of tensions," the foreign mininstry spokesman said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reacts-to-indian-pm-modis-ladakh-visit-310401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"India should not misguide and it should not have strategic miscalculation with China," it said.

"We hope to work together to uphold bilateral relations," the foreign ministry said. 
&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Modi visited Ladakh to visit troops amid standoff with China along the Line of Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry said that India should follow the same goal as China and "strictly follow the treaties signed through diplomatic and military channels to ensure tranquillity.

As Prime Minister Modi visited Ladakh to visit troops amid standoff with China along the Line of Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry said that India should follow the same goal as China and "strictly follow the treaties signed through diplomatic and military channels to ensure tranquillity." Also Read: Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you, PM Modi tells Indian troops at Ladakh "India and China are major developing countries, the Indian side should not have miscalculations," China's foreign ministry said. "India and China are in communication through negotiation in diplomatic channels, no party should act in a manner which could lead to escalation of tensions," the foreign mininstry spokesman said. Watch: "India should not misguide and it should not have strategic miscalculation with China," it said. "We hope to work together to uphold bilateral relations," the foreign ministry said.

India-China standoff: No party should escalate tensions, says China as PM Modi visits Ladakh

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control and the International Border with an aim to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

They said 14 Indians have been killed and 88 sustained injuries in more than 2,432 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations carried out by Pakistani forces till June this year.<o:p></o:p>

The unprovoked ceasefire violations are in contravention of the 2003 ceasefire understanding between the two countries, the sources said.<o:p></o:p>

They said India has also conveyed its "strong concerns" at the continued support being extended by the Pakistani forces to cross border infiltration of terrorists, including by providing covering fire.<o:p></o:p>

"We have registered our strong protest at the continued unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Boundary," said a source.<o:p></o:p>

Despite these concerns having been shared, including through the channel of Director Generals Military Operations, the Pakistani forces have not stopped such activities, the sources said.<o:p></o:p>

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control and the International Border with an aim to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said on Friday.

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control and the International Border with an aim to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said on Friday. They said 14 Indians have been killed and 88 sustained injuries in more than 2,432 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations carried out by Pakistani forces till June this year. The unprovoked ceasefire violations are in contravention of the 2003 ceasefire understanding between the two countries, the sources said. They said India has also conveyed its "strong concerns" at the continued support being extended by the Pakistani forces to cross border infiltration of terrorists, including by providing covering fire. "We have registered our strong protest at the continued unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Boundary," said a source. Despite these concerns having been shared, including through the channel of Director Generals Military Operations, the Pakistani forces have not stopped such activities, the sources said.

India conveys protest to Pakistan over unprovoked ceasefire violations along LoC

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached&nbsp;Ladakh in a surprise visit to review the situation amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces.&nbsp;

The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army chief MM Naravane. Sources said 14 Corps Commander briefed them about the situation on the ground.&nbsp;

<img alt="PM Modi in Ladakh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec2c5b83-28de-41e8-bbca-51422647cce4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_68.jpg" />

PM&nbsp;Modi met soldiers after addressing them in Nimmoo, Ladakh.

"Your valour, respect and sacrifice towards mother earth cannot be compared," the Indian prime minister told the troops at the border, adding: "your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted."

"The whole country has faith on you," PM Modi said. "Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you," PM Modi asserted.

"The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India's strength," the PM said.

"I pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley, from Leh, Ladakh to Kargil and Siachen and to Galwan Valley, everyone is a witness to the valour of Galwan soldiers."

"The enemies had seen the fury of the soldiers," he said. "This land in Ladakh is India's crown, it has given several Bravehearts to the nation," he said.

"Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. The Indian prime minister invoked poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, saying: " Whose battle cry, the earth is still drooling. The pen writes about his glory today. I speak your words with my voice today."

"Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said.

Referring to Lord Krishna, the PM said: "If we worship Krisna with a flute, the chakradhari bows his head in front of Krishna."

"We are the saame people who pray to the flue playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same lord Krishna who carries the Sudarshana chakra.

"The era of expansion has ended, now is the era of development, the idea of expansionism always destroys the world," he said.

"If India is buying modern warfare equipment the message is the same and&nbsp;if India is building modern infrastructure the message is also the same," he stressed. "The Indian defence forces have always shown their heroic deeds since World War-II."

"History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he said, adding." whenever I think of a decision based on national security, I think of the two mothers - the first is our Mother India and the second is our mothers who have given birth to the Bravehearts such as you."

PM Modi's visit to Ladakh is his second outside national capital Delhi since the outbreak of coronavirus. Earlier, he visited the eastern Indian city of Kolkata post destruction due to Cyclone Amphan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/befitting-reply-has-been-given-to-those-coveting-our-territories-pm-modi-309126">Befitting reply has been given to those coveting our territories: PM Modi</a>

Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was supposed to visit Ladakh on Friday, but his visit got deferred.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-social-media-sites-delete-pm-modis-speech-mea-spokesmans-remarks-on-border-crisis-307322">Chinese social media sites delete PM Modi's speech, MEA spokesman's remarks on border crisis</a>

Tensions between the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15, in which 20 Indian troops were martyred.&nbsp;

A number of commander-level talks between India and China have taken place to de-escalate the situation along the border. However, there has not been any reduction in troop deployment by the Chinese.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ladakh in a surprise visit to review the situation amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces. The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army chief MM Naravane.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ladakh in a surprise visit to review the situation amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces. The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army chief MM Naravane. Sources said 14 Corps Commander briefed them about the situation on the ground. PM Modi met soldiers after addressing them in Nimmoo, Ladakh. "Your valour, respect and sacrifice towards mother earth cannot be compared," the Indian prime minister told the troops at the border, adding: "your courage is higher than the mountains where you are posted." "The whole country has faith on you," PM Modi said. "Self-reliant India becomes stronger because of you," PM Modi asserted. "The bravery that you and your compatriots showed, a message has gone to the world about India's strength," the PM said. "I pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley, from Leh, Ladakh to Kargil and Siachen and to Galwan Valley, everyone is a witness to the valour of Galwan soldiers." "The enemies had seen the fury of the soldiers," he said. "This land in Ladakh is India's crown, it has given several Bravehearts to the nation," he said. "Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. The Indian prime minister invoked poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, saying: " Whose battle cry, the earth is still drooling. The pen writes about his glory today. I speak your words with my voice today." "Those who are weak can never initiate peace," he said. Referring to Lord Krishna, the PM said: "If we worship Krisna with a flute, the chakradhari bows his head in front of Krishna." "We are the saame people who pray to the flue playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same lord Krishna who carries the Sudarshana chakra. "The era of expansion has ended, now is the era of development, the idea of expansionism always destroys the world," he said. "If India is buying modern warfare equipment the message is the same and if India is building modern infrastructure the message is also the same," he stressed. "The Indian defence forces have always shown their heroic deeds since World War-II." "History is witness that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back," he said, adding." whenever I think of a decision based on national security, I think of the two mothers - the first is our Mother India and the second is our mothers who have given birth to the Bravehearts such as you." PM Modi's visit to Ladakh is his second outside national capital Delhi since the outbreak of coronavirus. Earlier, he visited the eastern Indian city of Kolkata post destruction due to Cyclone Amphan. Also read | Befitting reply has been given to those coveting our territories: PM Modi Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was supposed to visit Ladakh on Friday, but his visit got deferred. Also read | Chinese social media sites delete PM Modi's speech, MEA spokesman's remarks on border crisis Tensions between the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15, in which 20 Indian troops were martyred. A number of commander-level talks between India and China have taken place to de-escalate the situation along the border. However, there has not been any reduction in troop deployment by the Chinese.

India-China face-off: Your courage is higher than the mountains, PM Modi to Indian troops at Ladakh

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Leh in Ladakh to review the situation of the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces. The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army chief MM Naravane. Sources said 14 Corps Commander briefed them about the situation on the ground.

Indian PM Modi interacts with troops in Ladakh amid standoff with China

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced. He has been associated with organising Bollywood events in the US, something that had been highlighted by the diaspora.

The matter was raised by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale from Mumbai South-Central constituency. The MP from Mumbai had written a letter on February 15th to the home minister highlighting the issue requesting him, "to desist Indian artists to collude with anti-India elements in the US".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-global-image-continues-to-worsen-pia-suspension-in-eu-latest-fallout-310309">Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout</a>

In a letter tweeted by the MP from MoS Home G Krishna Reddy said, "I have got the issue examined. The MEA has apprised that Rehan Siddiqui... has&nbsp;been blacklisted on the recommendation of the consulate general of India, Houston".&nbsp;

The MHA, via the MEA, has requested Indian mission in Washington DC and consulate general in India in Houston to engage with cultural bodies "bona fide Bollywood affiliates local entities to ensure that appropriate message is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they disassociate themselves from such anti-national elements".

The Rehan Siddiqui incident had caused a lot of social media backlash with calls to boycott the event organised by him for Bollywood.

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced.

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced. He has been associated with organising Bollywood events in the US, something that had been highlighted by the diaspora. The matter was raised by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale from Mumbai South-Central constituency. The MP from Mumbai had written a letter on February 15th to the home minister highlighting the issue requesting him, "to desist Indian artists to collude with anti-India elements in the US". Also read | Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout In a letter tweeted by the MP from MoS Home G Krishna Reddy said, "I have got the issue examined. The MEA has apprised that Rehan Siddiqui... has been blacklisted on the recommendation of the consulate general of India, Houston". The MHA, via the MEA, has requested Indian mission in Washington DC and consulate general in India in Houston to engage with cultural bodies "bona fide Bollywood affiliates local entities to ensure that appropriate message is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they disassociate themselves from such anti-national elements". The Rehan Siddiqui incident had caused a lot of social media backlash with calls to boycott the event organised by him for Bollywood.

India blacklists Pakistani organiser of Bollywood events in Houston

A little-known Indian IT firm offered its hacking services to help clients spy on more than 10,000 email accounts over a period of seven years. New Delhi-based BellTroX InfoTech Services targeted government officials in Europe, gambling tycoons in the Bahamas, and well-known investors in the United States including private equity giant KKR and short seller Muddy Waters, according to three former employees, outside researchers, and a trail of online evidence.

A little-known Indian IT firm offered its hacking services to help clients spy on more than 10,000 email accounts over a period of seven years. New Delhi-based BellTroX InfoTech Services targeted government officials in Europe, gambling tycoons in the Bahamas, and well-known investors in the United States including private equity giant KKR and short seller Muddy Waters, according to three former employees, outside researchers, and a trail of online evidence. Aspects of BellTroX's hacking spree aimed at American targets are currently under investigation by U.S. law enforcement, five people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment. Reuters does not know the identity of BellTroX's clients. In a telephone interview, the company's owner, Sumit Gupta, declined to disclose who had hired him and denied any wrongdoing. Muddy Waters founder Carson Block said he was "disappointed, but not surprised, to learn that we were likely targeted for hacking by a client of BellTroX." KKR declined to comment. Researchers at internet watchdog group Citizen Lab, who spent more than two years mapping out the infrastructure used by the hackers, released a report on Tuesday saying they had "high confidence" that BellTroX employees were behind the espionage campaign. "This is one of the largest spy-for-hire operations ever exposed," said Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton. Although they receive a fraction of the attention devoted to state-sponsored espionage groups or headline-grabbing heists, "cyber mercenary" services are widely used, he said. "Our investigation found that no sector is immune." A cache of data reviewed by Reuters provides insight into the operation, detailing tens of thousands of malicious messages designed to trick victims into giving up their passwords that were sent by BellTroX between 2013 and 2020. The data was supplied on condition of anonymity by online service providers used by the hackers after Reuters alerted the firms to unusual patterns of activity on their platforms. The data is effectively a digital hit list showing who was targeted and when. Reuters validated the data by checking it against emails received by the targets. On the list: judges in South Africa, politicians in Mexico, lawyers in France and environmental groups in the United States. These dozens of people, among the thousands targeted by BellTroX, did not respond to messages or declined comment. Reuters was not able to establish how many of the hacking attempts were successful. BellTroX's Gupta was charged in a 2015 hacking case in which two U.S. private investigators admitted to paying him to hack the accounts of marketing executives. Gupta was declared a fugitive in 2017, although the U.S. Justice Department declined to comment on the current status of the case or whether an extradition request had been issued. Speaking by phone from his home in New Delhi, Gupta denied hacking and said he had never been contacted by law enforcement. He said he had only ever helped private investigators download messages from email inboxes after they provided him with login details. "I didn't help them access anything, I just helped them with downloading the mails and they provided me all the details," he told Reuters. "I am not aware how they got these details but I was just helping them with the technical support." Reuters could not determine why the private investigators might need Gupta to download emails. Gupta did not return follow-up messages and repeatedly declined to talk when a Reuters reporter visited him at his office on Monday. Spokesmen for Delhi police and India's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Horoscopes and pornography Operating from a small room above a shuttered tea stall in a west-Delhi retail complex, BellTroX bombarded its targets with tens of thousands of malicious emails, according to the data reviewed by Reuters. Some messages would imitate colleagues or relatives; others posed as Facebook login requests or graphic notifications to unsubscribe from pornography websites. Fahmi Quadir's New York-based short selling firm Safkhet Capital was among 17 investment companies targeted by BellTroX between 2017 and 2019. She said she noticed a surge in suspicious emails in early 2018, shortly after she launched her fund. Initially "it didn't seem necessarily malicious," Quadir said. "It was just horoscopes; then it escalated to pornography." Eventually the hackers upped their game, sending her credible-sounding messages that looked like they came from her coworkers, other short sellers or members of her family. "They were even trying to emulate my sister," Quadir said, adding that she believes the attacks were unsuccessful. U.S. advocacy groups were also repeatedly targeted. Among them were digital rights organizations Free Press and Fight for the Future, both of whom have lobbied for net neutrality. The groups said a small number of employee accounts were compromised, but the wider organizations' networks were untouched. The spying on those groups was detailed in a report https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/09/phish-future by the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 2017, but has not been publicly tied to BellTroX until now. Timothy Karr, a director at Free Press, said his organization "sees an uptick in breach attempts whenever we're engaged in heated and high-profile public policy debates." Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, said: "When corporations and politicians can hire digital mercenaries to target civil society advocates, it undermines our democratic process." While Reuters was not able to establish who hired BellTroX to carry out the hacking, two former employees said the company and others like it were usually contracted by private investigators on behalf of business rivals or political opponents. Bart Santos of San Diego-based Bulldog Investigations was one of a dozen private detectives in the United States and Europe who told Reuters they had received unsolicited advertisements for hacking services out of India - including one from a person who described himself as a former BellTroX employee. The pitch offered to carry out "data penetration" and "email penetration." Santos said he ignored those overtures, but could understand why some people didn't. "The Indian guys have a reputation for customer service," he said.

Obscure Indian cyber firm spied on politicians, investors worldwide: Report

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".&nbsp;

"India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-george-w-bush-administration-officials-to-back-biden-says-report-309882">Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report</a>

Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joe-biden-campaign-names-indian-american-as-digital-chief-of-staff-309835">Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff</a>

On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake.

Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country.&nbsp;

He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength".

"I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner".

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Wednesday said that if he wins the US elections later this year, boosting ties with India will be a high priority for his government and called New Delhi, Washington's "natural partner". "India needs to be a partner in the region for our safety's sake and quite frankly for theirs," Biden said when asked about the relations between both countries during a virtual fundraiser event, reported PTI. Also read | Hundreds of George W Bush administration officials to back Biden, says report Calling India and US "natural partners", the former vice president also said that their strategic partnership was "high priority in the Obama-Biden administration and will be a high priority if I''m elected president". Also read | Joe Biden campaign names Indian-American as digital chief of staff On the US elections, Biden added that it would be the most important poll of a lifetime, saying that country's character is at stake. Biden also slammed US President Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he ignored warnings when the outbreak started and failed to protect the country. He said that Trump, throughout his tenure, undermined the "very core pillars of ours, what I would argue, moral and economic strength". "I really do believe that our country is crying out for leadership and maybe even more important, some healing. Today, we have an enormous opportunity not only to rebuild but to build back better than before. To build a better future. That's what America does," Biden added.

India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden

India is in the works of strengthening maritime alliance in the Indian Ocean region, as one of the fallouts of Chinese combativeness in the region.

The details of the plan are still in the works but could include countries impacted by Chinese belligerence in the South China sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-for-proper-management-of-china-hong-kong-situation-310019">India calls for proper management of China-Hong Kong situation</a>

The alliance will not only help maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific region but comes even as QUAD grouping consisting of --Japan, US, India and Australia is expected to gain strength.

In contrast to Atlantic or the Pacific ocean, the Indian ocean which is the third largest ocean is not an open one and entry into it is via straits like Strait of Malacca. India could use its maritime capability by deploying warships near the Malacca Strait, China’s jugular vein – to signal to the Chinese communist party that it means business.

India has been an active player of the 22-members strong IORA--Indian Ocean Rim Association. The grouping consists of countries which share a boundary with the Indian Ocean and expected to be more vocal on illegal fishing by Chinese vessels in the region.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been engaging with Individual countries as well, from recently announced the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India to maritime exercises with the Japanese in the Indian ocean.&nbsp;

India isn't in a mood to believe in Chinese much after the 15th of June violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. It is believed that any retreat at this juncture would be taken as a sign of weakness, further emboldening the CCP to broaden its strategy of ‘salami-slicing’.

A govt source said," The martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers - a first on the LAC after 1975- has the potential to permanently alter the prism through which India steers its China strategy and also transform Indo-Chinese dynamics."

Chinese new claim on Galwan valley has only increased the suspicion. The valley is strategically important for India since the mountain-tops on either side overlook the crucial Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road that connects Sub-Sector North (SSN) with the rest of Ladakh.

India is in the works of strengthening maritime alliance in the Indian Ocean region, as one of the fallouts of Chinese combativeness in the region. The details of the plan are still in the works but could include countries impacted by Chinese belligerence in the South China sea.

India is in the works of strengthening maritime alliance in the Indian Ocean region, as one of the fallouts of Chinese combativeness in the region. The details of the plan are still in the works but could include countries impacted by Chinese belligerence in the South China sea. Also read | India calls for proper management of China-Hong Kong situation The alliance will not only help maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific region but comes even as QUAD grouping consisting of --Japan, US, India and Australia is expected to gain strength. In contrast to Atlantic or the Pacific ocean, the Indian ocean which is the third largest ocean is not an open one and entry into it is via straits like Strait of Malacca. India could use its maritime capability by deploying warships near the Malacca Strait, China’s jugular vein – to signal to the Chinese communist party that it means business. India has been an active player of the 22-members strong IORA--Indian Ocean Rim Association. The grouping consists of countries which share a boundary with the Indian Ocean and expected to be more vocal on illegal fishing by Chinese vessels in the region. New Delhi has been engaging with Individual countries as well, from recently announced the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India to maritime exercises with the Japanese in the Indian ocean. India isn't in a mood to believe in Chinese much after the 15th of June violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. It is believed that any retreat at this juncture would be taken as a sign of weakness, further emboldening the CCP to broaden its strategy of ‘salami-slicing’. A govt source said," The martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers - a first on the LAC after 1975- has the potential to permanently alter the prism through which India steers its China strategy and also transform Indo-Chinese dynamics." Chinese new claim on Galwan valley has only increased the suspicion. The valley is strategically important for India since the mountain-tops on either side overlook the crucial Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road that connects Sub-Sector North (SSN) with the rest of Ladakh.

China face-off fallout: India to strengthen maritime alliance in Indian Ocean region

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors.

"We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-19148-new-coronavirus-cases-434-deaths-in-24-hours-310084" hreflang="en">India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours</a>

This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god.

"Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar.

"Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-on-for-opening-of-badrinath-dham-portals-on-may-15-295988">Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15</a>

Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines.

Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers.

After months of closure due to COVID-19 spread, devotees residing in Uttarakhand on Thursday visited the Himalayan temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath to offer prayers. At Badrinath, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the railings of the complex were covered with a cloth. Also, before entering the premises of the shrine, the devotees were screened for coronavirus symptoms by the doctors. "We were able to offer prayers to the lord easily this year as there is no rush," one of the devotees told ANI. Also read: India reports 19,148 new coronavirus cases, 434 deaths in 24 hours This year people have been asked to stay at Joshimath and nearby areas instead of Badrinath.Moreover, in Kedarnath also around 55 devotees were lined up in neat rows to offer prayers to the god. "Devasthanam Board has started the Chardham Yatra for the people. The police have been deployed and more than 55 devotees have come to visit the temple today," said Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar. "Now the number of travellers have started increasing. Also, along with the police, the SDRF team is also stationed at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchali, Bhimbali and Kedarnath. Pilgrims will be given immediate assistance in case of any problem during the journey," he added. Also read: Preparations on for opening of Badrinath Dham portals on May 15 Chardham Yatra for Uttarakhand residents began on Wednesday with 422 pilgrims applying for e-passes on the first day to visit the Himalayan shrines. Due to COVID-19 spread, the pilgrims cannot touch idols at the temples. Even the bells hanging inside the premises have been covered. There will be no prasad distribution also to avoid direct contacting.

Amid COVID-19 spread, devotees offer prayers during Chardham Yatra

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nizamuddin-markaz-delhi-police-to-file-chargesheets-against-536-tablighi-jamaat-members-from-three-nations-301519">Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police to file chargesheets against 536 Tablighi Jamaat members from three nations</a>

The foreigners, 10 from Indonesia and seven from Thailand, were arrested in March under various sections, including the Passport Act, the Foreigners' Act and the Epidemic Act.

They were in jail from April 11 after completing their quarantine period.

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday. Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each.

Seventeen members of the Tablighi Jamaat from Indonesia and Thailand, who were arrested in March, have been released on bail, police said on Thursday. Chief Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar Bharti on Wednesday ordered their release on surety of Rs 25,000 each. Also read| Nizamuddin Markaz: Delhi Police to file chargesheets against 536 Tablighi Jamaat members from three nations The foreigners, 10 from Indonesia and seven from Thailand, were arrested in March under various sections, including the Passport Act, the Foreigners' Act and the Epidemic Act. They were in jail from April 11 after completing their quarantine period.

17 Tablighi Jamaat members released on bail in Uttar Pradesh

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