Dallas man's iPhone Duo gets stuck and breaks minutes after unboxing

From Shilpa Shetty to Priyanka Chopra: How B-Town stars celebrated Karva Chauth 2026

Savannah River Site: Fire at US nuclear lab triggers 'radiological release' scare, shuts down rail, river, air traffic. What happened?

Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance

Prasidh Krishna ruled out of New Zealand ODIs as BCCI pick replacement

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

Rs 18 Lakh Apple MacBook Pro? Apple launches new touchscreen models in India, check prices

'Icepick': Private info of over 41,000 DHS personnel, including ICE agents, leaked by hackers

Unclassified report reveals clearest photo of China's secret spaceplane Shenlong

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

Disturbing photo shows California police officer smiling while kneeling on 66-year-old woman who died

Benjamin Netanyahu's party accuses Arab Parties of 'stealing' Israeli election, alleges widespread fraud

'EPIC TROLLING': Chinese glass firm cashes in on France riots with viral break-in video | Watch

'Teach me how to fight': UAE president's special request to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar goes viral, head injuries visible for first time

Nepal suspends high-altitude trekking over avalanche, snowfall risk

Turns out, paper straws are the actual devil and can even cause cancer, South Korean study finds

WATCH | Barack Obama’s slow-motion mic toss sends internet into a frenzy: ‘That man’s got swagger’

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

'Donald Trump is an idiot': Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed tears into Trump, calls JD Vance 'soulless' and Pete Hegseth a 'bully'

'I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago': Trump explodes at heckler at Ohio rally

Delhi cab driver stabbed several times for demanding 'extra chole', dies of injuries

Charging points in Indian trains to be switched off between 11pm to 5am. Here's why

Pakistan closes its airspace to airlines from Taiwan, citing ‘One China’ policy

Democrats release 53-page dossier on Trump's links with Epstein | Gravitas

Thousands protest against graft and forest fires in Indonesia

'He lost' vs 'they aren't serious people': Obama mocks Trump's Cheesecake Factory meltdown as rivals trade barbs at duelling rallies

Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority with 85% of ballots counted; Arab parties could hold key

Hindu population in Pakistan declines from 14.6% to less than 2%: Report

SA vs AUS, 3rd Test: Protea opener Ackerman questions continuing play as SA lose advantage

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar honoured by UAE for courage during Flydubai cockpit attack | VIDEO

Anil Agarwal returns to Bengal: Vedanta plans ₹60,000 crore power unit, 10,000 jobs, as industrial policy drops Nov 5

Daler Mehndi row: Subodh Uniyal rejects Mika Singh’s team’s claim that he apologised over Uttarakhand event

Japan turns to India to test its long-range missiles & attack drones | Gravitas

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

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.At about 5:10 am, the Pakistan spy drone was spotted in the area of responsibility (AoR) of BoP Pansar, Hiranagar of the BSF, as per initial reports.

SI Devender Singh fired 8 rounds and shot down the drone 250 meters inside the Indian territory on the Indian side of the International Border (IB), sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-chiefs-convene-at-isi-headquarters-for-an-unusual-meeting-india-to-keep-up-its-guard-306622">Pakistan's top chiefs convene at ISI headquarters for an unusual meeting; India to keep up its guard!</a>

The width of the drone from blade to blade was 8 feet.

"On examination of the payload of the shot down drone, a US made M-4 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition and seven grenades were found,&nbsp;police said. 
 
"The consignment was for some 'Ali Baba'&nbsp;as the payload carried his name. It seems the Pakistani outpost opposite our Panesar border outpost was controlling the drone", they added.

Multiple weapons have been recovered from the drone which was brought down by the security forces. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.At about 5:10 am, the Pakistan spy drone was spotted in the area of responsibility (AoR) of BoP Pansar, Hiranagar of the BSF, as per initial reports. SI Devender Singh fired 8 rounds and shot down the drone 250 meters inside the Indian territory on the Indian side of the International Border (IB), sources said. Also read: Pakistan's top chiefs convene at ISI headquarters for an unusual meeting; India to keep up its guard! The width of the drone from blade to blade was 8 feet. "On examination of the payload of the shot down drone, a US made M-4 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition and seven grenades were found, police said. "The consignment was for some 'Ali Baba' as the payload carried his name. It seems the Pakistani outpost opposite our Panesar border outpost was controlling the drone", they added. Multiple weapons have been recovered from the drone which was brought down by the security forces. Further details are awaited.

Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat along with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to postpone the "Kawad Yatra" this year in view of COVID-19 crisis.

The Chief Ministers held a detailed discussion over Kawad Yatra via video conferencing on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-jagannath-wont-forgive-us-says-supreme-court-as-it-stays-this-years-rath-yatra-306803">Also read|&nbsp;'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra</a>

In the meeting, there was a collective agreement that for this year Kawad Yatra should be postponed in view of the prevailing circumstances, the same proposal has been received from the Kawad Sanghs and saint Mahatmas.

Chief Minister Rawat stated that he also held a conversation with the Union Home Minister in this regard. He has also asked to take a serious decision in view of COVID-19 crisis. Uttarakhand Chief Minister thanked the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for their support.

It was agreed in the meeting that to stop the spread of COVID-19, it is very important to stop large gatherings at one place. Soon a discussion will be held regarding this with Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat along with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to postpone the "Kawad Yatra" this year in view of COVID-19 crisis.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat along with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to postpone the "Kawad Yatra" this year in view of COVID-19 crisis. The Chief Ministers held a detailed discussion over Kawad Yatra via video conferencing on Saturday. Also read| 'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra In the meeting, there was a collective agreement that for this year Kawad Yatra should be postponed in view of the prevailing circumstances, the same proposal has been received from the Kawad Sanghs and saint Mahatmas. Chief Minister Rawat stated that he also held a conversation with the Union Home Minister in this regard. He has also asked to take a serious decision in view of COVID-19 crisis. Uttarakhand Chief Minister thanked the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for their support. It was agreed in the meeting that to stop the spread of COVID-19, it is very important to stop large gatherings at one place. Soon a discussion will be held regarding this with Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab.

Kawad Yatra to be postponed in view of COVID-19 crisis

In the wake of the standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese troops in Ladakh, about 2,000 additional troops of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) may be sent to forward locations along the Sino-India border to strengthen vigil.

The ITBP personnel, currently engaged in different duties in various parts of the country, are being requisitioned in view of the prevailing situation in Ladakh.

The ITBP guards the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control between India and China, along with the Indian Army.

ITBP personnel are deployed around 180 border guarding posts -- from Karakoram pass to Jachep La -- located in Union Territory of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and and Arunachal Pradesh.

Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in a clash with Chinese troops on June 15 in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, raising tension in the relations between India and China. 
&nbsp;

In the wake of the standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese troops in Ladakh, about 2,000 additional troops of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) may be sent to forward locations along the Sino-India border to strengthen vigil.

In the wake of the standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese troops in Ladakh, about 2,000 additional troops of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) may be sent to forward locations along the Sino-India border to strengthen vigil. The ITBP personnel, currently engaged in different duties in various parts of the country, are being requisitioned in view of the prevailing situation in Ladakh. The ITBP guards the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control between India and China, along with the Indian Army. ITBP personnel are deployed around 180 border guarding posts -- from Karakoram pass to Jachep La -- located in Union Territory of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and and Arunachal Pradesh. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in a clash with Chinese troops on June 15 in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, raising tension in the relations between India and China.

Additional 2,000 ITBP troops may be sent to India-China border

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday said that the state government will cap the COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment rates of private hospitals and those not adhering to the same will be shut down.

Singh termed such actions as `anti-people` and `anti-national` and warned that the private institutions would not be allowed to indulge in such shameless profiteering at the cost of the lives of people, according to an official release.

"If these hospitals do not agree to the government rates, we will close them down," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tamil-nadu-reports-2396-fresh-cases-total-cases-in-india-near-4-lakh-307340">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Tamil Nadu reports 2,396 fresh cases; total cases in India near 4 lakh</a>

With regard to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Punjab, Singh urged the Centre to make COVID-19 test certificates mandatory for people crossing the border.

Expressing concern over the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, which he attributed to the large number of people coming from other places, the Chief Minister said that he had sought from the Centre permission to allow the state to make COVID-19 test certificates mandatory for all those crossing the border.

In fact, those leaving Punjab should also carry similar certificates to check the spread of the coronavirus into other states, he added."With 87,000 cars having entered Punjab from Delhi alone in recent days and the spike in cases in the past only due to outsiders, the threat of the pandemic spiraling further was acute," said the Punjab Chief Minister.

Speaking on the state`s medical preparedness, Singh said that 551 ventilators were already available with government and private hospitals and another 93 had been ordered.

"The state government had also ordered 4 lakh more N95 masks to supplement the existing stock of 9.25 lakh. In addition, the state had 79 lakh triple-layered masks, 2.39 lakh PPE kits and 2200 oxygen cylinders," he said.

As far as beds were concerned, more than 6,000 beds had been arranged in government hospitals and another 900 in private hospitals and currently, 2,500 were filled up.

"In the second state, the state plans to add 10,000 more beds, to be followed by another 30,000 in the third stage," Singh said.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday said that the state government will cap the COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment rates of private hospitals and those not adhering to the same will be shut down.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday said that the state government will cap the COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment rates of private hospitals and those not adhering to the same will be shut down. Singh termed such actions as `anti-people` and `anti-national` and warned that the private institutions would not be allowed to indulge in such shameless profiteering at the cost of the lives of people, according to an official release. "If these hospitals do not agree to the government rates, we will close them down," he said. Also read| COVID 19: Tamil Nadu reports 2,396 fresh cases; total cases in India near 4 lakh With regard to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Punjab, Singh urged the Centre to make COVID-19 test certificates mandatory for people crossing the border. Expressing concern over the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, which he attributed to the large number of people coming from other places, the Chief Minister said that he had sought from the Centre permission to allow the state to make COVID-19 test certificates mandatory for all those crossing the border. In fact, those leaving Punjab should also carry similar certificates to check the spread of the coronavirus into other states, he added."With 87,000 cars having entered Punjab from Delhi alone in recent days and the spike in cases in the past only due to outsiders, the threat of the pandemic spiraling further was acute," said the Punjab Chief Minister. Speaking on the state`s medical preparedness, Singh said that 551 ventilators were already available with government and private hospitals and another 93 had been ordered. "The state government had also ordered 4 lakh more N95 masks to supplement the existing stock of 9.25 lakh. In addition, the state had 79 lakh triple-layered masks, 2.39 lakh PPE kits and 2200 oxygen cylinders," he said. As far as beds were concerned, more than 6,000 beds had been arranged in government hospitals and another 900 in private hospitals and currently, 2,500 were filled up. "In the second state, the state plans to add 10,000 more beds, to be followed by another 30,000 in the third stage," Singh said.

Punjab set to cap COVID-19 charges in private hospitals

Scores of people burnt the flag of China and an effigy of the country's president Xi Jinping as they protested outside the factory of Chinese phone maker Oppo in Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Saturday.

The protest was held to raise a call for boycotting Chinese products in the wake of the Sino-India face-off in Galwan Valley in Ladakh earlier this week in which at least 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, the protesters said.

The district police said it has lodged an FIR against 32 protesters, including 30 unidentified people, who participated in the protest in violation of the restrictions on such gatherings imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of farmers' body Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) and right-wing outfit Hindu Raksha Dal were also part of the protest.

"It was an act of cowardice by China against our soldiers. 20 of our soldiers got martyred and others were injured. Hence, to oppose Chinese products, we have burnt effigies of Chinese products and China's president Xi Jinping. We also set on fire a flag of China,"one of the protesters from the farmers' group said.

"All members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union are ready to fight. There is anger across the country and also among people in Noida. We will burn effigies like this in protest," the protester said.

The Hindu Rashtra Dal said the country is hurt by the loss of its soldiers in Ladakh and that is why its members are protesting.

"No Indian should buy OPPO phones and the (Indian) government is requested to close down all Chinese companies operating in India so that China can be taught a lesson and thinks twice before attacking our country," the group said in a statement.

Videos and pictures of the protest surfaced on social media which purportedly showed the demonstrators wearing face masks and covers but social distancing went for a toss amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

On Saturday evening, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said it has lodged an FIR against Hindu Raksha Dal president Bhupendra Tomar alias Pinki Chaudhary and the group's district-unit convenor Praveen Kumar.

"The two have been named in the FIR, while 30 others unidentified people have been booked for gathering outside the OPPO company's gate without any permission and information to local authorities amid COVID-19 pandemic," the police said in a statement.

The FIR has been lodged at the Ecotech I Police Station under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order promulgated by a government official), it said.

The protestors were also booked under IPC sections 279 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) besides the Epidemic Diseases Act, it added.&nbsp;

There was no response from OPPO to a PTI query on the issue.

The Chinese phone maker had resumed operations in its Greater Noida facility earlier this month after staying shut during the initial phases of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The factory had briefly resumed operations in May but had to shut down after six workers had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police had on June 1 extended till June 30 the curbs imposed across Noida and Greater Noida under CrPC section 144 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Political, social, sports or religious congregations, protest rallies or processions will remain banned across Noida and Greater Noida during the lockdown period, the police had said in an order.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Scores of people burnt the flag of China and an effigy of the country's president Xi Jinping as they protested outside the factory of Chinese phone maker Oppo in Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Saturday.

Scores of people burnt the flag of China and an effigy of the country's president Xi Jinping as they protested outside the factory of Chinese phone maker Oppo in Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Saturday. The protest was held to raise a call for boycotting Chinese products in the wake of the Sino-India face-off in Galwan Valley in Ladakh earlier this week in which at least 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, the protesters said. The district police said it has lodged an FIR against 32 protesters, including 30 unidentified people, who participated in the protest in violation of the restrictions on such gatherings imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of farmers' body Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) and right-wing outfit Hindu Raksha Dal were also part of the protest. "It was an act of cowardice by China against our soldiers. 20 of our soldiers got martyred and others were injured. Hence, to oppose Chinese products, we have burnt effigies of Chinese products and China's president Xi Jinping. We also set on fire a flag of China,"one of the protesters from the farmers' group said. "All members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union are ready to fight. There is anger across the country and also among people in Noida. We will burn effigies like this in protest," the protester said. The Hindu Rashtra Dal said the country is hurt by the loss of its soldiers in Ladakh and that is why its members are protesting. "No Indian should buy OPPO phones and the (Indian) government is requested to close down all Chinese companies operating in India so that China can be taught a lesson and thinks twice before attacking our country," the group said in a statement. Videos and pictures of the protest surfaced on social media which purportedly showed the demonstrators wearing face masks and covers but social distancing went for a toss amid the COVID-19 outbreak. On Saturday evening, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said it has lodged an FIR against Hindu Raksha Dal president Bhupendra Tomar alias Pinki Chaudhary and the group's district-unit convenor Praveen Kumar. "The two have been named in the FIR, while 30 others unidentified people have been booked for gathering outside the OPPO company's gate without any permission and information to local authorities amid COVID-19 pandemic," the police said in a statement. The FIR has been lodged at the Ecotech I Police Station under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order promulgated by a government official), it said. The protestors were also booked under IPC sections 279 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) besides the Epidemic Diseases Act, it added. There was no response from OPPO to a PTI query on the issue. The Chinese phone maker had resumed operations in its Greater Noida facility earlier this month after staying shut during the initial phases of the COVID-19 lockdown. The factory had briefly resumed operations in May but had to shut down after six workers had tested positive for coronavirus. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police had on June 1 extended till June 30 the curbs imposed across Noida and Greater Noida under CrPC section 144 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Political, social, sports or religious congregations, protest rallies or processions will remain banned across Noida and Greater Noida during the lockdown period, the police had said in an order.

Anti-China demonstration held outside Oppo factory in Greater Noida, 32 protesters booked

Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, Indian Air Force Chief stated over India-China border stand-off that all efforts underway for peaceful resolution, but still we are prepared for any contingency. Watch this video to know more.

IAF Chief: All efforts underway for peaceful resolution, prepared for any contingency

The number of coronavirus cases has been rapidly rising in India. India now has more than 395,000 positive cases as India recorded the highest single day spike of&nbsp;14,516 positive cases.

There have also been&nbsp;375 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to&nbsp;12948.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-single-day-spike-of-14516-covid-19-cases-pushes-indias-tally-to-395048-307224">Also read:&nbsp;Highest single-day spike of 14,516 COVID-19 cases pushes India's tally to 3,95,048</a>

Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state,&nbsp;has been one of the worst affected states in India.&nbsp;The state reported 2,396 fresh cases and 38 deaths today, taking the total number of cases to 56,845. There are 24,822 active cases now in the state. Death toll has now increased to 704, as reported by the&nbsp;State Health Department.

Tamil Nadu government tested 33,231 samples today, the highest number of COVID-19 tests conducted in a single day in Tamil Nadu. Total 8,61,211 samples have been tested till date. State Health Department.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Highest single-day spike of 127 positive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported in Kerala today. There are 1450 active cases now: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/P894Qfqd3b">pic.twitter.com/P894Qfqd3b</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274322850610966528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Maharashtra is the worst-affected state in the country, as of now. The state reported 3,874 cases and 160 deaths in the past 24 hours, taling the toll to 1,28,205 and death toll to 5,984.

Mumbai, the epicentre of the state, reported 136 deaths and 1,197 new positive cases, taking the total number of positive cases to 65,265. The death toll is now at 3,559, according to the Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai.

Mumbai's Dharavi reported&nbsp;7 new cases, taking the total number to 2,158; 78 deaths have been reported in the area, said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
23 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported in Uttarakhand. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2301, the death toll is at 27: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/6uO8IKMIPr">pic.twitter.com/6uO8IKMIPr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274368787874119680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The national capital, Delhi, reported highest single-day spike of 3,630 cases, taking the toll to 56,746. The death toll now stands at 2,112 as 77 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Delhi now has 262 containment zones&nbsp; in total; 73 zones have been de-contained till date.

Rajasthan reported 381 new cases and four deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 14,537, of which 2,926 cases are active. Number of deaths due to the disease stands at 337.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Andhra Pradesh reports 491 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases and 5 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases and deaths rise to 8452 and 101 respectively: State Health Department
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274358563381501952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
29 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported in Goa today, taking the total number of cases to 754 including 129 recoveries and 625 active cases: Goa Health Department <a href="https://t.co/FrUzVzJwYF">pic.twitter.com/FrUzVzJwYF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274349146938331136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

West Bengal, which was also hit by the cyclone, reported 441 fresh positive cases, 11 deaths and 562 discharged cases in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases stands at 13,531 in the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
154 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today; 40 from Jammu division and 114 from Kashmir division. Total number of cases stands at 5834 including 2417 active cases, 3336 recovered and 81 deaths: J&amp;K Govt <a href="https://t.co/FLSdhC5adF">pic.twitter.com/FLSdhC5adF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274346817040179200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
120 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported in the state today, taking the total number of positive cases to 3952 including 2678 recovered cases and 98 deaths: Punjab Health Department <a href="https://t.co/JbQsrQ9gSH">pic.twitter.com/JbQsrQ9gSH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274341960027783168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Karnataka reported 416 new cases, taking the toll to&nbsp;8,697 and death toll is at 132, after 9 deaths were reported today.

20 deaths and 539 fresh cases were reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. State's tally rises to 26,737 including 18,702 cured/discharged and 1,639 deaths.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The total number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases in Himachal Pradesh stands at 650 now, including 229 active cases, 402 recovered and 6 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/Ntg3EnRNq8">pic.twitter.com/Ntg3EnRNq8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1274322079278436352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Uttrakhand reported 101 new cases, taking the toll to 2,278 positive cases.

480 new positive cases have been reported in Haryana today, taking the total number of cases to 10,223, reported the State Health Department.

Uttar Pradesh reported&nbsp;592 new cases reported today. A total of 374 patients recovered today, taking the total number of recovered cases to 10,369. Active cases stand at 6,237, death toll is at 529.

Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, which reported few of the first cases in the country, recorded 41 new cases today, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,369. 661 people have been discharged so far, while 690 are active cases along and 18 deaths have been recorded.

The number of coronavirus cases has been rapidly rising in India. India now has more than 395,000 positive cases as India recorded the highest single day spike of 14,516 positive cases.

The number of coronavirus cases has been rapidly rising in India. India now has more than 395,000 positive cases as India recorded the highest single day spike of 14,516 positive cases. There have also been 375 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the toll to 12948. Also read: Highest single-day spike of 14,516 COVID-19 cases pushes India's tally to 3,95,048 Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state, has been one of the worst affected states in India. The state reported 2,396 fresh cases and 38 deaths today, taking the total number of cases to 56,845. There are 24,822 active cases now in the state. Death toll has now increased to 704, as reported by the State Health Department. Tamil Nadu government tested 33,231 samples today, the highest number of COVID-19 tests conducted in a single day in Tamil Nadu. Total 8,61,211 samples have been tested till date. State Health Department. Highest single-day spike of 127 positive #COVID19 cases reported in Kerala today. There are 1450 active cases now: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/P894Qfqd3b — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × Maharashtra is the worst-affected state in the country, as of now. The state reported 3,874 cases and 160 deaths in the past 24 hours, taling the toll to 1,28,205 and death toll to 5,984. Mumbai, the epicentre of the state, reported 136 deaths and 1,197 new positive cases, taking the total number of positive cases to 65,265. The death toll is now at 3,559, according to the Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai. Mumbai's Dharavi reported 7 new cases, taking the total number to 2,158; 78 deaths have been reported in the area, said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. 23 new #COVID19 cases reported in Uttarakhand. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2301, the death toll is at 27: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/6uO8IKMIPr — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × The national capital, Delhi, reported highest single-day spike of 3,630 cases, taking the toll to 56,746. The death toll now stands at 2,112 as 77 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Delhi now has 262 containment zones in total; 73 zones have been de-contained till date. Rajasthan reported 381 new cases and four deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 14,537, of which 2,926 cases are active. Number of deaths due to the disease stands at 337. Andhra Pradesh reports 491 new #COVID19 positive cases and 5 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases and deaths rise to 8452 and 101 respectively: State Health Department — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × 29 #COVID19 cases reported in Goa today, taking the total number of cases to 754 including 129 recoveries and 625 active cases: Goa Health Department pic.twitter.com/FrUzVzJwYF — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × West Bengal, which was also hit by the cyclone, reported 441 fresh positive cases, 11 deaths and 562 discharged cases in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases stands at 13,531 in the state. 154 new #COVID19 cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today; 40 from Jammu division and 114 from Kashmir division. Total number of cases stands at 5834 including 2417 active cases, 3336 recovered and 81 deaths: J&K Govt pic.twitter.com/FLSdhC5adF — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × 120 new #COVID19 cases reported in the state today, taking the total number of positive cases to 3952 including 2678 recovered cases and 98 deaths: Punjab Health Department pic.twitter.com/JbQsrQ9gSH — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × Karnataka reported 416 new cases, taking the toll to 8,697 and death toll is at 132, after 9 deaths were reported today. 20 deaths and 539 fresh cases were reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. State's tally rises to 26,737 including 18,702 cured/discharged and 1,639 deaths. The total number of #COVID19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh stands at 650 now, including 229 active cases, 402 recovered and 6 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/Ntg3EnRNq8 — ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2020 × Uttrakhand reported 101 new cases, taking the toll to 2,278 positive cases. 480 new positive cases have been reported in Haryana today, taking the total number of cases to 10,223, reported the State Health Department. Uttar Pradesh reported 592 new cases reported today. A total of 374 patients recovered today, taking the total number of recovered cases to 10,369. Active cases stand at 6,237, death toll is at 529. Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, which reported few of the first cases in the country, recorded 41 new cases today, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,369. 661 people have been discharged so far, while 690 are active cases along and 18 deaths have been recorded.

COVID 19: Tamil Nadu reports 2,396 fresh cases; total cases in India near 4 lakh

Glenmark announced the launch of the first oral Favipiravir claiming that it is backed by strong clinical evidence showing encouraging results in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Glenmark launches COVID-19 drug in India

India has reported&nbsp;the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus&nbsp;cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the&nbsp;Ministry of Health and&nbsp;Family Welfare.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-anti-viral-drug-favipiravir-gets-dcgi-nod-for-restricted-emergency-use-307166" hreflang="en">COVID 19: Anti-viral drug Favipiravir gets DCGI nod for 'restricted emergency use'</a>

The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday.

After&nbsp;2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-recovery-rate-rises-to-5379-over-2-lakh-persons-cured-of-covid-19-says-health-ministry-307135" hreflang="en">India's Covid-19 recovery rate rises to 53.79%, over 2 lakh persons cured of COVID-19, says Health Ministry</a>

As many as&nbsp;12948 deaths have been&nbsp;recorded so far, taking the COVID-19 mortality rate to 3.3 percent.&nbsp;

With&nbsp;3,137 new positive cases, Delhi reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day taking the total in the National Capital to&nbsp;53,116 on Saturday.

The toll climbed to&nbsp;2,035 after 66 more people succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Mumbai registered a total of&nbsp;64,068 COVID-19 infections on Saturday after&nbsp;1,269 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).&nbsp;

While the COVID-19 toll in the city reached 3,423 after 114 patients succumbed ot the disease.&nbsp;Of 114 deaths, 55 deaths were recorded between 16-18&nbsp;June and the remaining 59 were recorded before 15 June.

&nbsp;

India has reported the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India has reported the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: COVID 19: Anti-viral drug Favipiravir gets DCGI nod for 'restricted emergency use' The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday. After 2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent. Also read: India's Covid-19 recovery rate rises to 53.79%, over 2 lakh persons cured of COVID-19, says Health Ministry As many as 12948 deaths have been recorded so far, taking the COVID-19 mortality rate to 3.3 percent. With 3,137 new positive cases, Delhi reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day taking the total in the National Capital to 53,116 on Saturday. The toll climbed to 2,035 after 66 more people succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Mumbai registered a total of 64,068 COVID-19 infections on Saturday after 1,269 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). While the COVID-19 toll in the city reached 3,423 after 114 patients succumbed ot the disease. Of 114 deaths, 55 deaths were recorded between 16-18 June and the remaining 59 were recorded before 15 June.

Highest single-day spike of 14,516 COVID-19 cases pushes India's tally to 3,95,048

All efforts are underway to ensure that the current situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC) is resolved peacefully, said Indian Airfoce (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

All efforts are underway to ensure that the current situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC) is resolved peacefully, said Indian Airfoce (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. Speaking at Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Bhadauria said that in spite of unacceptable Chinese action after agreements reached during military talks and the resulting loss of lives, all efforts are underway to ensure current situation along LAC is resolved peacefully. He asked everyone present at the parade to join him in paying tribute to Colonel Santosh Babu and his brave men who made the sacrifice while defending the LAC in Galwan valley. Also read: India to proceed with infrastructure development in key regions along LAC despite hardened obstruction by China ''The gallant actions in a highly-challenging situation have demonstrated our resolve to protect India's sovereignty at any cost,'' he said. ''Security scenario in our region mandates that our Armed Forces remain prepared and vigilant at all times. The development at LAC in Ladakh is a small snapshot of what we are required to handle at short notice,'' Bhadauria said. Also read: Chinese troops did not enter our territory, no posts were taken over: PM Modi at all-party meet ''It should be very clear that we are well prepared and suitably deployed to respond to any contingency. I assure the nation that we are determined to deliver and will never let the sacrifice of the braves of Galwan valley go in vain,'' he added.

All efforts underway to ensure current situation at LAC is resolved peacefully: IAF chief

There is public anger against the martyrdom of Indian soldiers at the LAC along China. It is turning into a nationwide call to boycott Chinese products.

But the question now arises -- can the reality live up to the rhetoric?&nbsp;

Consider cricket -- nothing less than a religion in India. And Vivo, a Chinese mobile handset maker, is the title sponsor for the Indian Premier League.

The title rights for 2018-2022 period are valued at over 280 million dollars, and the Board of Cricket Control in India wants to retain the sponsorship.&nbsp;

They're bound by contract -- pulling out now will cost money.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boycott-china-rhetoric-vs-reality-307197/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the board says no Chinese company will be involved in stadium construction.

Then we have mobile handset makers. The Chinese control the lion's share of the Indian market.

They dominate 72 per cent of the market in India.

At the same time, India is the world's second largest mobile phone manufacturer -- a fact that the government takes pride in.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad posted on Twitter: "Under the leadership of pm @narendramodi, india has emerged as the 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. in the last 5 years, more than 200 mobile phone manufacturing units have been set up. &nbsp;#thinkelectronicsthinkindia."

What they don't highlight is India's manufacturing is largely due to the investments made by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo in recent years.&nbsp;

They employ thousands of Indians in their factories.

Chinese mobile phones are also affordable, and there is no big Indian mobile phone maker that can fill the vacuum.

So boycotting Chinese handsets could backfire.

Some protesters are smashing televisions made by Chinese companies.

Unbeknownst to them, nearly 45 per cent of the Indian smart TV market belongs to the Chinese firms.

Their products are 30 to 50 per cent cheaper.

Also, India’s dependence on China for crucial imports is huge.&nbsp;

In electronics, it is 45 per cent.

India’s edge in the global pharmaceutical industry is because of cheap imports from China.

Indian drug companies import 65 to 70 per cent of their active pharmaceutical ingredients from China.

Close to 30 per cent of the materials required to make fertilisers is imported from China.&nbsp;

Now, a trader’s body has called for the boycott of over 3,000 Chinese products.&nbsp;

The confederation of all India traders says the value of Chinese imports is 70 billion dollars every year.

But the question is -- can India bridge the gap?

The traders’ body itself accepts -- they don't have the sophisticated technology to make the goods in India.

In short, boycott China is going to be easier said than done.

But since one has to begin somewhere, India can start by offering compelling alternatives to Chinese products.

There is public anger against the martyrdom of Indian soldiers at the LAC along China. It is turning into a nationwide call to boycott Chinese products. But the question now arises -- can the reality live up to the rhetoric?

There is public anger against the martyrdom of Indian soldiers at the LAC along China. It is turning into a nationwide call to boycott Chinese products. But the question now arises -- can the reality live up to the rhetoric? Consider cricket -- nothing less than a religion in India. And Vivo, a Chinese mobile handset maker, is the title sponsor for the Indian Premier League. The title rights for 2018-2022 period are valued at over 280 million dollars, and the Board of Cricket Control in India wants to retain the sponsorship. They're bound by contract -- pulling out now will cost money. But the board says no Chinese company will be involved in stadium construction. Then we have mobile handset makers. The Chinese control the lion's share of the Indian market. They dominate 72 per cent of the market in India. At the same time, India is the world's second largest mobile phone manufacturer -- a fact that the government takes pride in. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad posted on Twitter: "Under the leadership of pm @narendramodi, india has emerged as the 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. in the last 5 years, more than 200 mobile phone manufacturing units have been set up. #thinkelectronicsthinkindia." What they don't highlight is India's manufacturing is largely due to the investments made by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo in recent years. They employ thousands of Indians in their factories. Chinese mobile phones are also affordable, and there is no big Indian mobile phone maker that can fill the vacuum. So boycotting Chinese handsets could backfire. Some protesters are smashing televisions made by Chinese companies. Unbeknownst to them, nearly 45 per cent of the Indian smart TV market belongs to the Chinese firms. Their products are 30 to 50 per cent cheaper. Also, India’s dependence on China for crucial imports is huge. In electronics, it is 45 per cent. India’s edge in the global pharmaceutical industry is because of cheap imports from China. Indian drug companies import 65 to 70 per cent of their active pharmaceutical ingredients from China. Close to 30 per cent of the materials required to make fertilisers is imported from China. Now, a trader’s body has called for the boycott of over 3,000 Chinese products. The confederation of all India traders says the value of Chinese imports is 70 billion dollars every year. But the question is -- can India bridge the gap? The traders’ body itself accepts -- they don't have the sophisticated technology to make the goods in India. In short, boycott China is going to be easier said than done. But since one has to begin somewhere, India can start by offering compelling alternatives to Chinese products.

Can India really give up Chinese products?

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here.

The Indian air force is also moving fighter jets to forward bases. Today — it deployed the newly acquired Apache attack helicopters in Ladakh along with upgraded MIG-29s.

Other critical front-line assets like the Sukhoi-30 MKI — the Mirage 2000 and jaguar fighter jets too have been moved to advanced positions, outposts are being monitored frequently.

Indian forces say they are fully prepared for any further misadventures. Delhi is also putting speculation to rest. For 3 days — there have been unconfirmed reports about Indian soldiers being in Chinese custody. That they were being held hostage by the PLA. Today — the Indian army has set the record straight. It has confirmed that all soldiers involved in the Galwan valley are — now — accounted for. None of them is missing in action. The Chinese foreign ministry too has confirmed this.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-india-china-dispute-wont-end-soon-307189/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India is currently progressively testing China's predominance in the road and air availability in high-elevation extends along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

This has chafed China. One of the triggers for the continuous troop showdowns in eastern Ladakh, for example, is India's fruition of the 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) road a year ago and its new move to manufacturing some extra feeder interface streets and scaffolds.

Reports suggest that China came prepared for a faceoff. It altered the landscape to make way for its troops. It widened the tracks — to clear the way to make river crossings. And then it decided to paint India as the aggressor. China has always had an advantage, but India too — seems better prepared now for any possible incursion. Sources tell us— that Indian army engineers have completed a 60-metre bridge over the Galwan River.

The same bridge which is said to have triggered China's aggression. It’s now complete. And it will consolidate India's hold of the sensitive sector. It will allow Indian infantry to not only swiftly move across the river. PM Modi chaired a virtual all-party meeting today, it was attended by the opposition — and the leaders of various political parties from across India.

They all supported the Govt's response to China, except the communist parties, which reportedly refused to criticise China.

Congress held the Govt responsible for the loss of Indian lives. India fast-tracked road development at the border in recent years.&nbsp;

In 2014, the Govt passed an order that allowed the bro— the border roads organization to construct infrastructure within 100 km of the lac— without seeking repeated clearances. This has resulted in better connectivity for Indian forces. The govt says India will continue to build roads and that upsets China.

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here.

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here. The Indian air force is also moving fighter jets to forward bases. Today — it deployed the newly acquired Apache attack helicopters in Ladakh along with upgraded MIG-29s. Other critical front-line assets like the Sukhoi-30 MKI — the Mirage 2000 and jaguar fighter jets too have been moved to advanced positions, outposts are being monitored frequently. Indian forces say they are fully prepared for any further misadventures. Delhi is also putting speculation to rest. For 3 days — there have been unconfirmed reports about Indian soldiers being in Chinese custody. That they were being held hostage by the PLA. Today — the Indian army has set the record straight. It has confirmed that all soldiers involved in the Galwan valley are — now — accounted for. None of them is missing in action. The Chinese foreign ministry too has confirmed this. India is currently progressively testing China's predominance in the road and air availability in high-elevation extends along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. This has chafed China. One of the triggers for the continuous troop showdowns in eastern Ladakh, for example, is India's fruition of the 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) road a year ago and its new move to manufacturing some extra feeder interface streets and scaffolds. Reports suggest that China came prepared for a faceoff. It altered the landscape to make way for its troops. It widened the tracks — to clear the way to make river crossings. And then it decided to paint India as the aggressor. China has always had an advantage, but India too — seems better prepared now for any possible incursion. Sources tell us— that Indian army engineers have completed a 60-metre bridge over the Galwan River. The same bridge which is said to have triggered China's aggression. It’s now complete. And it will consolidate India's hold of the sensitive sector. It will allow Indian infantry to not only swiftly move across the river. PM Modi chaired a virtual all-party meeting today, it was attended by the opposition — and the leaders of various political parties from across India. They all supported the Govt's response to China, except the communist parties, which reportedly refused to criticise China. Congress held the Govt responsible for the loss of Indian lives. India fast-tracked road development at the border in recent years. In 2014, the Govt passed an order that allowed the bro— the border roads organization to construct infrastructure within 100 km of the lac— without seeking repeated clearances. This has resulted in better connectivity for Indian forces. The govt says India will continue to build roads and that upsets China.

India to proceed with infrastructure development in key regions along LAC despite hardened obstruction by China

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said that he has never been as "hopeful and confident" on Air India`s divestment or disinvestment as he is now.

Addressing a press conference here, Puri said, "I have never been as hopeful and confident on Air India`s divestment or disinvestment whatever you choose, as I am now. I have always said that Air India is a first-class asset. It has excellent engineers, excellent pilots, covering various destinations be it the evacuation of people from Wuhan, Air India has been at the heart of it."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-crew-stranded-on-cruise-ships-in-uk-appeal-for-repatriation-307303">Also read:&nbsp;Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation</a>

"And I think, we need to make some decisions on nationalisation. We may have lost two or three months because of the pandemic, but we have gained a lot of experience in terms of the value and how to take this forward," he added.

Commenting upon the resumption of international flights, Puri said, "The notion that international traffic has opened up and we are the only one not to open up, needs a reality check. The exact time when international flights will be resumed depends on whether other countries are open to receive flights."

"In absence of a decision on resumption of international civil aviation which will depend on other countries opening up, we are left with no option but to continue what I call evacuation and repatriation flights under managed and controlled conditions," he added.&nbsp;

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said that he has never been as "hopeful and confident" on Air India`s divestment or disinvestment as he is now.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said that he has never been as "hopeful and confident" on Air India`s divestment or disinvestment as he is now. Addressing a press conference here, Puri said, "I have never been as hopeful and confident on Air India`s divestment or disinvestment whatever you choose, as I am now. I have always said that Air India is a first-class asset. It has excellent engineers, excellent pilots, covering various destinations be it the evacuation of people from Wuhan, Air India has been at the heart of it." Also read: Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation "And I think, we need to make some decisions on nationalisation. We may have lost two or three months because of the pandemic, but we have gained a lot of experience in terms of the value and how to take this forward," he added. Commenting upon the resumption of international flights, Puri said, "The notion that international traffic has opened up and we are the only one not to open up, needs a reality check. The exact time when international flights will be resumed depends on whether other countries are open to receive flights." "In absence of a decision on resumption of international civil aviation which will depend on other countries opening up, we are left with no option but to continue what I call evacuation and repatriation flights under managed and controlled conditions," he added.

Hardeep Singh Puri 'confident and hopeful' about Air India's divestment, disinvestment plans

In a bid to help Mozambique, a country in East Africa financially amidst COVID crisis, India has suspended debt repayment on $700 million concessional loans to the country till the end of this year, Indian envoy to the country has told WION.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Maputo, Indian envoy Rajeev Kumar said, "We have agreed to provide this relief to all the LCD countries who are going through debt stress due to the economic impact of the virus."

He also talked about how India is providing medicines to the country and also reaching out to stranded Indian nationals for repatriation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwe-health-minister-arrested-over-60-million-covid-19-supplies-scandal-307239">Also read:&nbsp;Zimbabwe health minister arrested over $60 million COVID-19 supplies scandal</a>

WION: How are India and Mozambique working together to combat the crisis? 
Rajeev Kumar: As far as the bilateral relationships between India and Mozambique are concerned, particularly in this pandemic time, I should tell you, being the pharmacy of the world, our PM Modi has taken a great initiative of providing a healing touch to every country, every continent on the planet by offering medicines all around the world. We always believe in providing solutions to global problems and cure to the disease. This pandemic is no different.

On 3rd June, PM Modi called President of Mozambique to offer our assistance in the fight against COVID. Mozambique will soon be receiving medicines from India in the fight against the virus, some of the medicines are HCQ and azithromycin. The second offer as part of our g20 commitments is debt relief by the suspension to Mozambique. We have agreed to provide this relief to all the LCD countries who are going through debt stress due to the economic impact of the virus. These are two economic steps govt of India has taken to provide assistance to Mozambique.

WION: How have we helped in Medicines and also debt suspension? 
Rajeev Kumar: As far HCQ is concerned, we have agreed and will provide 100,000 tablets to the country. We are providing several medicines by the end of June or early July. As far as the debt situation of the country is concerned, Mozambique has 100% of the debt of GDP which is huge.

The country also had two&nbsp;very bad cyclones in the month of March and April 2019. We were the first responders then by providing relief to the people. IMF, in October 2019, did a study and forecasted a GDP growth of 6 per cent&nbsp;but because of the pandemic, IMF has downgraded the forecast to 2.2 per cent. With this kind of public debt level and lower economic growth, and various other factors like lack of investment from abroad, that will create a situation in which the government here might not have space for the fiscal and monetary area.

This debt suspension by India will give them space to operate and provide cure or solutions to the larger population to meet the needs during a crisis. Example, a month back the government here had promised to increase the budget for the health sector by 0.1 per cent. Earlier it was 0.2per cent of GDP, now they will spend 0.3 per cent of GDP on the health.

They will require funds and relief will help achieve that promise. Loans are not commercial loans by India but concessional loans by EXIM bank of India. The loan has been of the tune of $700 million for infrastructure projects and has been helping in the country's growth path. On account of concessional loans, they have debt service commitments, so on those commitments, we have agreed to give suspension till the end of this year--31st Dec 2020 and they to pay the obligations. This will help them fight COVID crisis.

WION: How have you be helping when it comes to stranded Indians in the country? 
Rajeev Kumar: The first COVID case&nbsp;was reported in capital Maputo on March 23&nbsp;and the total number of cases stands at 662 cases and 4 deaths. The number of deaths is low. The maximum number of cases was on June 6 -- 55 cases total. Out of 662, 175 have recovered so far. We have 487 active cases.

In the month of April, two Indians have also got infected by COVID but have fully recovered. The country has done 22,000 tests so far.

In the ranking of the COVID cases, Mozambique has been placed at 39 positions. The situation is not that bad, with 0.1 death per million but this month it has been increasing. As far as Indians are concerned, we have a large number of the Indian community here, close to 3000 Indians, passport holders.

Ever since the first case was reported, the high commission has reached out. They told us the visas were expiring and we spoke to authorities and they have agreed to extend them. Authorities have extended visa till June 30 and Indians have a legal document to stay in the country. We would like to thank the President and the&nbsp;Financial Minister for taking care of Indians stranded the country.

We created a helpline on March 23 with three officers dedicated. We have received a number of calls. GOI has started a help desk - a WhatsApp number. On March 30, the government of Mozambique imposed a state of emergency for a month; we created an online platform for Indians to register themselves.

Till date, 2,856 and 144 Indians have required for repatriation. As soon as we received a direction from Delhi that flights can go to India, we initiated a proposal to have a charted flight from Maputo to India for 144 stranded Indians. The Indians community is very dynamic, very supportive and with their support like from Indian cultural association, charted flight will take 100 passengers from Maputo to Mumbai. The 100 passengers are not only Indian but one was also Bhutanese. Five Indians coming came from neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

WION: How has the Indian community helping out in efforts? 
Rajeev Kumar: For me, the Indian community is the most important card in my ambassadorial toolbox. My last posting was in Senegal till August 2019, they were the one behind many positive outcomes. Here also in Mozambique, I can proudly tell u, Malayalee association helped 500 Bihari migrant labourers in March with food and provision. When they wanted to leave Kerala for Bihar, one individual who lives here in Maputo, Ms Vidya Vilas, contacted Kerala government to take care of them for more than a month.

Indian community provides us with help and when we saw first COVID cases here, I created a WhatsApp group to seek advice. The general manager of the best hotel here is an Indian offered Indians to stay here for free. Another Indian offered his hospital here. This gives you confidence, particularly during a crisis.&nbsp;I might be HC, but they are the real HC. All Indians have come together. Community is providing money and organising everything. I thank them for the help and support. They are the real envoys of India.

In a bid to help Mozambique, a country in East Africa financially amidst COVID crisis, India has suspended debt repayment on $700 million concessional loans to the country till the end of this year, Indian envoy to the country has told WION.

In a bid to help Mozambique, a country in East Africa financially amidst COVID crisis, India has suspended debt repayment on $700 million concessional loans to the country till the end of this year, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Maputo, Indian envoy Rajeev Kumar said, "We have agreed to provide this relief to all the LCD countries who are going through debt stress due to the economic impact of the virus." He also talked about how India is providing medicines to the country and also reaching out to stranded Indian nationals for repatriation. Also read: Zimbabwe health minister arrested over $60 million COVID-19 supplies scandal WION: How are India and Mozambique working together to combat the crisis? Rajeev Kumar: As far as the bilateral relationships between India and Mozambique are concerned, particularly in this pandemic time, I should tell you, being the pharmacy of the world, our PM Modi has taken a great initiative of providing a healing touch to every country, every continent on the planet by offering medicines all around the world. We always believe in providing solutions to global problems and cure to the disease. This pandemic is no different. On 3rd June, PM Modi called President of Mozambique to offer our assistance in the fight against COVID. Mozambique will soon be receiving medicines from India in the fight against the virus, some of the medicines are HCQ and azithromycin. The second offer as part of our g20 commitments is debt relief by the suspension to Mozambique. We have agreed to provide this relief to all the LCD countries who are going through debt stress due to the economic impact of the virus. These are two economic steps govt of India has taken to provide assistance to Mozambique. WION: How have we helped in Medicines and also debt suspension? Rajeev Kumar: As far HCQ is concerned, we have agreed and will provide 100,000 tablets to the country. We are providing several medicines by the end of June or early July. As far as the debt situation of the country is concerned, Mozambique has 100% of the debt of GDP which is huge. The country also had two very bad cyclones in the month of March and April 2019. We were the first responders then by providing relief to the people. IMF, in October 2019, did a study and forecasted a GDP growth of 6 per cent but because of the pandemic, IMF has downgraded the forecast to 2.2 per cent. With this kind of public debt level and lower economic growth, and various other factors like lack of investment from abroad, that will create a situation in which the government here might not have space for the fiscal and monetary area. This debt suspension by India will give them space to operate and provide cure or solutions to the larger population to meet the needs during a crisis. Example, a month back the government here had promised to increase the budget for the health sector by 0.1 per cent. Earlier it was 0.2per cent of GDP, now they will spend 0.3 per cent of GDP on the health. They will require funds and relief will help achieve that promise. Loans are not commercial loans by India but concessional loans by EXIM bank of India. The loan has been of the tune of $700 million for infrastructure projects and has been helping in the country's growth path. On account of concessional loans, they have debt service commitments, so on those commitments, we have agreed to give suspension till the end of this year--31st Dec 2020 and they to pay the obligations. This will help them fight COVID crisis. WION: How have you be helping when it comes to stranded Indians in the country? Rajeev Kumar: The first COVID case was reported in capital Maputo on March 23 and the total number of cases stands at 662 cases and 4 deaths. The number of deaths is low. The maximum number of cases was on June 6 -- 55 cases total. Out of 662, 175 have recovered so far. We have 487 active cases. In the month of April, two Indians have also got infected by COVID but have fully recovered. The country has done 22,000 tests so far. In the ranking of the COVID cases, Mozambique has been placed at 39 positions. The situation is not that bad, with 0.1 death per million but this month it has been increasing. As far as Indians are concerned, we have a large number of the Indian community here, close to 3000 Indians, passport holders. Ever since the first case was reported, the high commission has reached out. They told us the visas were expiring and we spoke to authorities and they have agreed to extend them. Authorities have extended visa till June 30 and Indians have a legal document to stay in the country. We would like to thank the President and the Financial Minister for taking care of Indians stranded the country. We created a helpline on March 23 with three officers dedicated. We have received a number of calls. GOI has started a help desk - a WhatsApp number. On March 30, the government of Mozambique imposed a state of emergency for a month; we created an online platform for Indians to register themselves. Till date, 2,856 and 144 Indians have required for repatriation. As soon as we received a direction from Delhi that flights can go to India, we initiated a proposal to have a charted flight from Maputo to India for 144 stranded Indians. The Indians community is very dynamic, very supportive and with their support like from Indian cultural association, charted flight will take 100 passengers from Maputo to Mumbai. The 100 passengers are not only Indian but one was also Bhutanese. Five Indians coming came from neighbouring countries. WION: How has the Indian community helping out in efforts? Rajeev Kumar: For me, the Indian community is the most important card in my ambassadorial toolbox. My last posting was in Senegal till August 2019, they were the one behind many positive outcomes. Here also in Mozambique, I can proudly tell u, Malayalee association helped 500 Bihari migrant labourers in March with food and provision. When they wanted to leave Kerala for Bihar, one individual who lives here in Maputo, Ms Vidya Vilas, contacted Kerala government to take care of them for more than a month. Indian community provides us with help and when we saw first COVID cases here, I created a WhatsApp group to seek advice. The general manager of the best hotel here is an Indian offered Indians to stay here for free. Another Indian offered his hospital here. This gives you confidence, particularly during a crisis. I might be HC, but they are the real HC. All Indians have come together. Community is providing money and organising everything. I thank them for the help and support. They are the real envoys of India.

India gives debt relief to Mozambique amidst COVID, says Indian envoy

After State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting on Saturday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that Lieutenant General Anil Baijal`s apprehensions regarding home-isolation for COVID-19 patients have been resolved, and the system will continue.

Taking to Twitter, Sisodia wrote in Hindi: "All the apprehensions of LG regarding home isolation were resolved in the SDMA meeting and now the system of home isolation will continue. We thank LG sir for this. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister Kejriwal Ji, the people of Delhi will not have any problem."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-covid-19-treatment-charges-in-private-hospitals-capped-by-indias-home-affairs-ministry-307212">Also watch|&nbsp;Delhi: COVID-19 treatment charges in private hospitals capped by India's Home Affairs Ministry</a>

"After stopping the home isolation, LG in his order yesterday also stated to stop the work of the company which was counseling the patients at home. Now this facility will continue till Monday and its other options will be discussed again on Monday with the preparations of the Health Department," he wrote in another tweet.

In another tweet, Sisodia stated, 100 per cent COVID beds shall be subsidized up to an upper limit of 60 per cent of total hospital capacity.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday rolled back his order on mandatory five-day institutional quarantine period for COVID-19 positive patients stating that only those patients need to undergo institutional quarantine who do not require hospitalisation and do not have adequate facilities for home isolation.

After State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting on Saturday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that Lieutenant General Anil Baijal`s apprehensions regarding home-isolation for COVID-19 patients have been resolved, and the system will continue.

After State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting on Saturday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that Lieutenant General Anil Baijal`s apprehensions regarding home-isolation for COVID-19 patients have been resolved, and the system will continue. Taking to Twitter, Sisodia wrote in Hindi: "All the apprehensions of LG regarding home isolation were resolved in the SDMA meeting and now the system of home isolation will continue. We thank LG sir for this. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister Kejriwal Ji, the people of Delhi will not have any problem." Also watch| Delhi: COVID-19 treatment charges in private hospitals capped by India's Home Affairs Ministry "After stopping the home isolation, LG in his order yesterday also stated to stop the work of the company which was counseling the patients at home. Now this facility will continue till Monday and its other options will be discussed again on Monday with the preparations of the Health Department," he wrote in another tweet. In another tweet, Sisodia stated, 100 per cent COVID beds shall be subsidized up to an upper limit of 60 per cent of total hospital capacity. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday rolled back his order on mandatory five-day institutional quarantine period for COVID-19 positive patients stating that only those patients need to undergo institutional quarantine who do not require hospitalisation and do not have adequate facilities for home isolation.

LG's apprehensions resolved in SDMA meeting, home-isolation for COVID-19 patients to continue in Delhi

Suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year, was granted bail on Friday by a court here in another terror case filed by Delhi Police after it failed to file a charge sheet within the prescribed time period. Singh and another accused in the case - Irfan Shafi Mir - were granted the relief by Special Judge Dharmender Rana in the case filed by the special cell of Delhi police, who noted that it failed to file the charge sheet within 90 days from their arrest, as prescribed under the law.

In the bail applications filed on behalf of the accused, their lawyer M S Khan said that neither the police filed charge sheet within statutory period of 90 days, nor any permission was sought from the court to extend that period.“Considering the fact that despite the lapse of statutory time limit to complete investigation, charge sheet in the instant matter is not filed till date, both the accused persons are entitled to be released on bail,” the judge said, while granting the relief on a personal bond of 1 lakh each and two sureties of like amount.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-spy-drone-carrying-weapons-shot-down-by-bsf-at-jammu-and-kashmirs-kathua-307250">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua</a>

Singh, however, will remain in jail since he has yet not secured bail in the case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation to his arrest on January 10 this year while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway.The case was initially lodged by J&amp;K police which was later taken over by the NIA. Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year.

In the current case, filed by the special cell of Delhi Police under section 18 (conspiracy for terror acts) of stringent UAPA and section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, Singh and Mir were arrested on March 14 and 19 respectively. The special cell had brought Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir. The case relates to planning/ execution of terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country.

According to Delhi Police,Sayed Naveed Mushtaq, the commander of Shopian district of Hizbul Mujahiddeen, and others were planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country as well as carry out targeted killings of protected persons. The FIR said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities.

The FIR also mentioned the mafia's D Company and Chhota Shakeel. According to the FIR, Delhi Police's Special Cell had received an input that the D Company, run by fugitive Indian underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, is funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab. Davinder Singh was taken in custody under the same FIR.

Suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year, was granted bail on Friday by a court here in another terror case filed by Delhi Police after it failed to file a charge sheet within the prescribed time period.

Suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year, was granted bail on Friday by a court here in another terror case filed by Delhi Police after it failed to file a charge sheet within the prescribed time period. Singh and another accused in the case - Irfan Shafi Mir - were granted the relief by Special Judge Dharmender Rana in the case filed by the special cell of Delhi police, who noted that it failed to file the charge sheet within 90 days from their arrest, as prescribed under the law. In the bail applications filed on behalf of the accused, their lawyer M S Khan said that neither the police filed charge sheet within statutory period of 90 days, nor any permission was sought from the court to extend that period.“Considering the fact that despite the lapse of statutory time limit to complete investigation, charge sheet in the instant matter is not filed till date, both the accused persons are entitled to be released on bail,” the judge said, while granting the relief on a personal bond of 1 lakh each and two sureties of like amount. Also read: Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua Singh, however, will remain in jail since he has yet not secured bail in the case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation to his arrest on January 10 this year while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway.The case was initially lodged by J&K police which was later taken over by the NIA. Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year. In the current case, filed by the special cell of Delhi Police under section 18 (conspiracy for terror acts) of stringent UAPA and section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, Singh and Mir were arrested on March 14 and 19 respectively. The special cell had brought Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir. The case relates to planning/ execution of terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country. According to Delhi Police,Sayed Naveed Mushtaq, the commander of Shopian district of Hizbul Mujahiddeen, and others were planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country as well as carry out targeted killings of protected persons. The FIR said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. The FIR also mentioned the mafia's D Company and Chhota Shakeel. According to the FIR, Delhi Police's Special Cell had received an input that the D Company, run by fugitive Indian underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, is funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab. Davinder Singh was taken in custody under the same FIR.

Suspended J&K DSP Davinder Singh gets bail in terror case after police fails to file charge sheet

India on Saturday rejected China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, asserting that attempts by the Chinese side to "advance exaggerated and untenable" claims were not at all acceptable.

Ministry of&nbsp;External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said China's claim over Galwan Valley was not in accordance with its own position in the past, noting that attempts of transgression by Chinese side were invariably met with appropriate response from the Indian troops.

"The position with regard to the Galwan Valley area has been historically clear. Attempts by the Chinese side to now advance exaggerated and untenable claims with regard to Line of Actual Control (LAC) there are not acceptable. They are not in accordance with China's own position in the past," he said.

The Galwan Valley was the site of the violent clash between the two militaries on Monday evening in which a Colonel and 19 other Indian Army soldiers were killed. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered during the cross-border clash, the worst in 45 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/attempts-are-made-to-give-mischievous-interpretation-to-remarks-by-pm-at-all-party-meet-pmo-307273">Also read |&nbsp;Attempts are made to give 'mischievous interpretation' to remarks by PM at all-party meet: PMO</a>

Srivastava said Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the LAC in all sectors of the India-China border areas, including in the Galwan Valley.

"They abide by it scrupulously here, as they do elsewhere. The Indian side has never undertaken any actions across the LAC. In fact, they have been patrolling this area for a long time without any incident," he said.

Srivastava said the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the western sector of the India-China border areas since mid-May.

"These attempts were invariably met with an appropriate response from us," he said.

Srivastava said India expects that Chinese side will sincerely follow the understanding reached between the foreign ministers of two countries recently to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

India on Saturday rejected China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, asserting that attempts by the Chinese side to "advance exaggerated and untenable" claims were not at all acceptable.

India on Saturday rejected China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, asserting that attempts by the Chinese side to "advance exaggerated and untenable" claims were not at all acceptable. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said China's claim over Galwan Valley was not in accordance with its own position in the past, noting that attempts of transgression by Chinese side were invariably met with appropriate response from the Indian troops. "The position with regard to the Galwan Valley area has been historically clear. Attempts by the Chinese side to now advance exaggerated and untenable claims with regard to Line of Actual Control (LAC) there are not acceptable. They are not in accordance with China's own position in the past," he said. The Galwan Valley was the site of the violent clash between the two militaries on Monday evening in which a Colonel and 19 other Indian Army soldiers were killed. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered during the cross-border clash, the worst in 45 years. Also read | Attempts are made to give 'mischievous interpretation' to remarks by PM at all-party meet: PMO Srivastava said Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the LAC in all sectors of the India-China border areas, including in the Galwan Valley. "They abide by it scrupulously here, as they do elsewhere. The Indian side has never undertaken any actions across the LAC. In fact, they have been patrolling this area for a long time without any incident," he said. Srivastava said the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the western sector of the India-China border areas since mid-May. "These attempts were invariably met with an appropriate response from us," he said. Srivastava said India expects that Chinese side will sincerely follow the understanding reached between the foreign ministers of two countries recently to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

India rejects China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in Ladakh

In Delhi, the COVID-19 treatment charges in private hospitals has been capped by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Now onwards, Cost of treatment in ICU to be between Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000 per day. For more information on this, watch this video.

Delhi: COVID-19 treatment charges in private hospitals capped by India's Home Affairs Ministry

Indian embassy officials in Beijing have said the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chief ministers on June 18 as well as the comments by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been deleted from two Chinese social media accounts, including Weibo.

The move comes in the backdrop of the violent face-off between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday in which 20 Indian military personnel were killed, significantly escalating the already volatile situation in the region.

<img alt="Blocked" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ad86ca4-8ed2-4e0f-9a0f-60f67c5bfd45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wechat.PNG" /> 
Indian Embassy officials said the transcript of the remarks of the MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava were found to have been removed from the Embassy's account of Sina Weibo on June 18.

After that the Indian officials re-published the screen shots of Srivastava's comments on June 19.

Sina Weibo which is similar to Twitter in China has millions of users and all embassies in Beijing besides several world leaders including Prime Minister Modi have opened their accounts to interact with the Chinese people.

The MEA spokesperson's remarks have also been removed from the official WeChat account. A note on WeChat says, "unable to view this content because it violates regulations."

In his comments, Srivastava had asked China to confine its activities to its side of the Line of Actual Control and that it must not take any unilateral action to alter it.

Prime Minister Modi's remarks of June 18 about the Indian soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley clash has also become inaccessible on WeChat. The page says that the "content has been deleted by the author," whereas the Embassy officials said they have not removed it.

Emphasising that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh will not go in vain, Modi said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.

Both the Weibo pages of the Indian embassy and its WeChat group have thousands of followers.

While the Weibo page was opened earlier, the WeChat group started in January this year.

Modi opened an account in Weibo during his visit here in 2015 and continued to make use of it to interact with the Chinese people. No posts related to the recent military confrontation were posted on his page.

Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the clashes with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.

While China has acknowledged casualties on their side, it has not specified the numbers. Beijing has not made any official statement on the casualties suffered by the People's Liberation Army during the face-off with the Indian Army.&nbsp;

Indian embassy officials in Beijing have said the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chief ministers on June 18 as well as the comments by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been deleted from two Chinese social media accounts, including Weibo.

Indian embassy officials in Beijing have said the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chief ministers on June 18 as well as the comments by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been deleted from two Chinese social media accounts, including Weibo. The move comes in the backdrop of the violent face-off between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday in which 20 Indian military personnel were killed, significantly escalating the already volatile situation in the region. Indian Embassy officials said the transcript of the remarks of the MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava were found to have been removed from the Embassy's account of Sina Weibo on June 18. After that the Indian officials re-published the screen shots of Srivastava's comments on June 19. Sina Weibo which is similar to Twitter in China has millions of users and all embassies in Beijing besides several world leaders including Prime Minister Modi have opened their accounts to interact with the Chinese people. The MEA spokesperson's remarks have also been removed from the official WeChat account. A note on WeChat says, "unable to view this content because it violates regulations." In his comments, Srivastava had asked China to confine its activities to its side of the Line of Actual Control and that it must not take any unilateral action to alter it. Prime Minister Modi's remarks of June 18 about the Indian soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley clash has also become inaccessible on WeChat. The page says that the "content has been deleted by the author," whereas the Embassy officials said they have not removed it. Emphasising that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh will not go in vain, Modi said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated. Both the Weibo pages of the Indian embassy and its WeChat group have thousands of followers. While the Weibo page was opened earlier, the WeChat group started in January this year. Modi opened an account in Weibo during his visit here in 2015 and continued to make use of it to interact with the Chinese people. No posts related to the recent military confrontation were posted on his page. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the clashes with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. While China has acknowledged casualties on their side, it has not specified the numbers. Beijing has not made any official statement on the casualties suffered by the People's Liberation Army during the face-off with the Indian Army.

Chinese social media sites delete PM Modi's speech, MEA spokesman's remarks on border crisis

Nepal on Saturday said it was confident that both its "friendly neighbours" India and China will resolve their border stand-off at the Line of Actual Control through peaceful means, keeping in mind the stability of the region and world peace.

The Himalayan nation, sandwiched between the two Asian giants, said it has always stood firmly for regional and world peace and expressed confidence that the differences between India and China will be resolved in the "spirit of good neighbourliness".

"Nepal maintains that disputes between the countries should be resolved through peaceful means," the foreign ministry said in a statement, two days after the Nepal government completed the process of redrawing the country's political map through a Constitutional amendment, incorporating three strategically important Indian areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura in a move that could severely jolt bilateral relations with New Delhi.

The foreign ministry statement noted that Nepal has always stood firmly for regional and world peace.

"In the context of recent developments in the Galwan Valley area between our friendly neighbours India and China, Nepal is confident that both the neighbouring countries will resolve, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, their mutual differences through peaceful means in favour of bilateral, regional and world peace and stability," it said.

Nepal's statement comes in the backdrop of clashes that have taken place between the forces of two countries in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.

Nepal on Saturday said it was confident that both its "friendly neighbours" India and China will resolve their border stand-off at the Line of Actual Control through peaceful means, keeping in mind the stability of the region and world peace.

Nepal on Saturday said it was confident that both its "friendly neighbours" India and China will resolve their border stand-off at the Line of Actual Control through peaceful means, keeping in mind the stability of the region and world peace. The Himalayan nation, sandwiched between the two Asian giants, said it has always stood firmly for regional and world peace and expressed confidence that the differences between India and China will be resolved in the "spirit of good neighbourliness". "Nepal maintains that disputes between the countries should be resolved through peaceful means," the foreign ministry said in a statement, two days after the Nepal government completed the process of redrawing the country's political map through a Constitutional amendment, incorporating three strategically important Indian areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura in a move that could severely jolt bilateral relations with New Delhi. The foreign ministry statement noted that Nepal has always stood firmly for regional and world peace. "In the context of recent developments in the Galwan Valley area between our friendly neighbours India and China, Nepal is confident that both the neighbouring countries will resolve, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, their mutual differences through peaceful means in favour of bilateral, regional and world peace and stability," it said. Nepal's statement comes in the backdrop of clashes that have taken place between the forces of two countries in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.

Nepal confident India, China will resolve differences through peaceful means

Hundreds of Indian crew aboard cruise ships docked on the UK coast have appealed for repatriation to India amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

UK port authorities boarded the Astoria cruise ship at Tilbury port in Essex near London along with five others earlier this week amid concerns for the welfare of crew members.

The All India Seafarer and General Workers Union claims that around 1,500 crew members from India have been stranded at UK ports across these ships.

"This is regarding 164 crew members stranded Indian citizens on the vessel MV Astoria, which is (in) Tilbury Port in United Kingdom," notes a letter from the union addressed to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in reference to one of the vessels.

"In this pandemic coronavirus outbreak, our Indian citizens stuck in foreign waters from past 90 days, and need help. The schedule flight was cancelled due to lack of documentation. Many of them start hunger strike on-board vessel," notes the letter dated June 16.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has since detained that particular cruise ship at the port of Tilbury pending an inspection. After boarding, the MCA issued detentions to the Astoria and four other vessels in the operator's fleet " the Astor, Colombus, Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo.

"The detention is a preventative measure in line with UK regulations, in order that a full inspection of the ship related to the maritime labour convention can be carried out before its intended departure. It cannot leave the port until the inspection is completed," the MCA said in a statement.

"Five other ships in the same [ship management] company -- Global Cruise Lines Ltd -- four others based at Tilbury and one at Bristol, are also being inspected. Acting as the port state control authority for the UK, the MCA has taken this action following a number of serious concerns which were raised about the welfare of the crew," the statement said.

According to reports, MCA surveyors found a number of expired and invalid Seafarers Employment Agreements, late payment of wages and seafarers who had been on board for over 12 months.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued a statement this week to say that the UK government would look into the welfare of seafarers.

"The welfare of seafarers is of the utmost importance and we take any reports of safety concerns around crew incredibly seriously," he said.

"We will not hesitate to continue to use every power within our control to safeguard the health and happiness of every seafarer currently working in the UK," he said.

The ships have been stranded since the start of the coronavirus outbreak and also involved crew from Europe, Indonesia and Myanmar, some of whom have been repatriated or are in the process of being repatriated to their countries.

Hundreds of Indian crew aboard cruise ships docked on the UK coast have appealed for repatriation to India amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. UK port authorities boarded the Astoria cruise ship at Tilbury port in Essex near London along with five others earlier this week amid concerns for the welfare of crew members.

Hundreds of Indian crew aboard cruise ships docked on the UK coast have appealed for repatriation to India amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. UK port authorities boarded the Astoria cruise ship at Tilbury port in Essex near London along with five others earlier this week amid concerns for the welfare of crew members. The All India Seafarer and General Workers Union claims that around 1,500 crew members from India have been stranded at UK ports across these ships. "This is regarding 164 crew members stranded Indian citizens on the vessel MV Astoria, which is (in) Tilbury Port in United Kingdom," notes a letter from the union addressed to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in reference to one of the vessels. "In this pandemic coronavirus outbreak, our Indian citizens stuck in foreign waters from past 90 days, and need help. The schedule flight was cancelled due to lack of documentation. Many of them start hunger strike on-board vessel," notes the letter dated June 16. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has since detained that particular cruise ship at the port of Tilbury pending an inspection. After boarding, the MCA issued detentions to the Astoria and four other vessels in the operator's fleet " the Astor, Colombus, Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo. "The detention is a preventative measure in line with UK regulations, in order that a full inspection of the ship related to the maritime labour convention can be carried out before its intended departure. It cannot leave the port until the inspection is completed," the MCA said in a statement. "Five other ships in the same [ship management] company -- Global Cruise Lines Ltd -- four others based at Tilbury and one at Bristol, are also being inspected. Acting as the port state control authority for the UK, the MCA has taken this action following a number of serious concerns which were raised about the welfare of the crew," the statement said. According to reports, MCA surveyors found a number of expired and invalid Seafarers Employment Agreements, late payment of wages and seafarers who had been on board for over 12 months. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued a statement this week to say that the UK government would look into the welfare of seafarers. "The welfare of seafarers is of the utmost importance and we take any reports of safety concerns around crew incredibly seriously," he said. "We will not hesitate to continue to use every power within our control to safeguard the health and happiness of every seafarer currently working in the UK," he said. The ships have been stranded since the start of the coronavirus outbreak and also involved crew from Europe, Indonesia and Myanmar, some of whom have been repatriated or are in the process of being repatriated to their countries.

Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation

Officials believe the extradition of Tahawwur Rana will throw some light on the activities of Pakistan's ISI.

Rana was recently arrested in the US for his alleged involvement in Mumbai's 26/11 attacks that killed more than 150 people, and injured over 300&nbsp;people.

The Pakistan-origin Canadian businessman was rearrested in Los Angeles on June 10, based on an extradition request by India, which had declared him a fugitive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-witness-who-had-identified-ajmal-kasab-dies-in-mumbai-301463">Also read:&nbsp;Key witness who had identified Ajmal Kasab dies in Mumbai</a>

Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has claimed that Rana&nbsp;has been charged with larger criminal conspiracy for carrying out terror activities in India.

"Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, during his deposition before a court here via video link, had accepted that Rana knew the entire criminal conspiracy of 26/11 Mumbai attacks," Nikam said.

"Headley had also admitted that Rana used to finance him," he added.

The 59-year-old suspect was released from jail on compassionate ground after he told a US court that he has tested positive for COVID-19. However, he was rearrested in Los Angeles 10 days back on India's request.

Rana has been accused of conspiring with his childhood friend Headley and others from pakistan, to provide assistance to LeT and&nbsp;Harakat ul-Jihad-e-Islami.

Officials believe the extradition of Tahawwur Rana will throw some light on the activities of Pakistan's ISI. Rana was recently arrested in the US for his alleged involvement in Mumbai's 26/11 attacks that killed more than 150 people, and injured over 300 people.

Officials believe the extradition of Tahawwur Rana will throw some light on the activities of Pakistan's ISI. Rana was recently arrested in the US for his alleged involvement in Mumbai's 26/11 attacks that killed more than 150 people, and injured over 300 people. The Pakistan-origin Canadian businessman was rearrested in Los Angeles on June 10, based on an extradition request by India, which had declared him a fugitive. Also read: Key witness who had identified Ajmal Kasab dies in Mumbai Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has claimed that Rana has been charged with larger criminal conspiracy for carrying out terror activities in India. "Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, during his deposition before a court here via video link, had accepted that Rana knew the entire criminal conspiracy of 26/11 Mumbai attacks," Nikam said. "Headley had also admitted that Rana used to finance him," he added. The 59-year-old suspect was released from jail on compassionate ground after he told a US court that he has tested positive for COVID-19. However, he was rearrested in Los Angeles 10 days back on India's request. Rana has been accused of conspiring with his childhood friend Headley and others from pakistan, to provide assistance to LeT and Harakat ul-Jihad-e-Islami.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will throw light on ISI activities: Nikam

Prime Minister Office has clarified on PM Modi's remarks over India-China Face-off and Chinese occupation on Indian territory. PMO clarified, 'no Chinese presence post-face off'.

India-China Face-off: PMO clarifies on PM Modi's remarks, 'no Chinese presence post face-off'

The US Senate has confirmed eminent Indian-American scientist Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan as the Director of the National Science Foundation, a top American body supporting fundamental research in non-medical fields of science and engineering. 
Panchanathan, 58, from the Arizona State University, would head the NSF, the top American science funding body that has an annual budget of USD 7.4 billion.

Known as "Panch" among his friends and family, he is considered as a transformational leader whose human-centered efforts have led to positive changes on a global scale.

His unanimous confirmation on Friday by the US Senate at a time of bitter political divide is rare in the current Congress and reflective of his popularity as a top scientist. In fact, his nomination process was fast tracked by the Senate.

He would replace France C'rdova, whose six-year term ended in March, as the 15th director of the NSF. He is expected to take office on July 6.

"My personal mission is to inspire, empower and serve humanity through life-changing innovations that have the potential to alter the face of how we view 'different abilities' on a global scale," Panchanathan was quoted as saying on his personal website.

He is the second Indian-American ever to be nominated to the prestigious science position with the first being Dr Subra Suresh who served from October 2010 to March 2013. 
"He has a universal support with Republicans and Democrats. A unanimous approved confirmation in the Senate" this shows a great guy for the job. The Indiaspora community is so proud that someone like him is representing not just us but the greater community," Indiaspora founder and eminent venture capitalist M R Rangaswami told PTI.

Panchanathan, who has been an active member of Indiaspora, is the right person for the job especially at a time when the country is facing challenges from China, Rangaswami said, adding that the NSF needs to play an even more critical role as "we move ahead". 
Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee said that at this important moment in the Foundation's history, "we pause" to celebrate the past 70 years of transformative discoveries while keeping eyes on the challenges ahead.

"I have great confidence that Dr Panchanathan's proven leadership and vision for disrupting the status quo will help usher in a bright future of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of the American people. I look forward to working with him to advance the foundation's critical research and STEM education mission in the years ahead," Johnson said.

Panchanathan's years of experience in research and academia have prepared him for this role, said House Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas.

"I'm looking forward to working with him on our shared goal of keeping America the world leader in science and technology.

"I'm glad Dr Panchanathan's confirmation was fast-tracked so that he can begin work as soon as possible. NSF's work has always been critical to America's scientific progress and technological competitiveness," Lucas said.

Panchanathan is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). He was Chair of the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and Co-Chair of the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils.

He was appointed as Senior Advisor for Science and Technology by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in 2018.

A Fellow of the NAI, American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Society of Optical Engineering, he earned a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Madras in 1981 and in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science in 1984.

He then earned his master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1986 and a Ph.D. In Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Ottawa in 1989.&nbsp;

The US Senate has confirmed eminent Indian-American scientist Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan as the Director of the National Science Foundation, a top American body supporting fundamental research in non-medical fields of science and engineering.

The US Senate has confirmed eminent Indian-American scientist Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan as the Director of the National Science Foundation, a top American body supporting fundamental research in non-medical fields of science and engineering. Panchanathan, 58, from the Arizona State University, would head the NSF, the top American science funding body that has an annual budget of USD 7.4 billion. Known as "Panch" among his friends and family, he is considered as a transformational leader whose human-centered efforts have led to positive changes on a global scale. His unanimous confirmation on Friday by the US Senate at a time of bitter political divide is rare in the current Congress and reflective of his popularity as a top scientist. In fact, his nomination process was fast tracked by the Senate. He would replace France C'rdova, whose six-year term ended in March, as the 15th director of the NSF. He is expected to take office on July 6. "My personal mission is to inspire, empower and serve humanity through life-changing innovations that have the potential to alter the face of how we view 'different abilities' on a global scale," Panchanathan was quoted as saying on his personal website. He is the second Indian-American ever to be nominated to the prestigious science position with the first being Dr Subra Suresh who served from October 2010 to March 2013. "He has a universal support with Republicans and Democrats. A unanimous approved confirmation in the Senate" this shows a great guy for the job. The Indiaspora community is so proud that someone like him is representing not just us but the greater community," Indiaspora founder and eminent venture capitalist M R Rangaswami told PTI. Panchanathan, who has been an active member of Indiaspora, is the right person for the job especially at a time when the country is facing challenges from China, Rangaswami said, adding that the NSF needs to play an even more critical role as "we move ahead". Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee said that at this important moment in the Foundation's history, "we pause" to celebrate the past 70 years of transformative discoveries while keeping eyes on the challenges ahead. "I have great confidence that Dr Panchanathan's proven leadership and vision for disrupting the status quo will help usher in a bright future of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of the American people. I look forward to working with him to advance the foundation's critical research and STEM education mission in the years ahead," Johnson said. Panchanathan's years of experience in research and academia have prepared him for this role, said House Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas. "I'm looking forward to working with him on our shared goal of keeping America the world leader in science and technology. "I'm glad Dr Panchanathan's confirmation was fast-tracked so that he can begin work as soon as possible. NSF's work has always been critical to America's scientific progress and technological competitiveness," Lucas said. Panchanathan is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). He was Chair of the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and Co-Chair of the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils. He was appointed as Senior Advisor for Science and Technology by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in 2018. A Fellow of the NAI, American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Society of Optical Engineering, he earned a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Madras in 1981 and in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science in 1984. He then earned his master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in 1986 and a Ph.D. In Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Ottawa in 1989.

Senate confirms Indian-American scientist as head of US top science funding body

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh.

In a statement, the PMO&nbsp;said the focus of Modi's remarks at the meeting on Friday was the events of June 15 at Galwan that led to the loss of lives of 20 Indian military personnel.

"The prime minister's observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces," it said.

The Congress as well as a number of strategic affairs experts raised questions over Modi's remarks asking if there was no transgression by the Chinese military in Galwan Valley then where did Indian soldiers die. They also wondered whether Modi gave a clean chit to China over the standoff.

"The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day," the PMO said.

"The words of the prime minister 'those who tried to transgress our land were taught a befitting lesson by our brave sons of soil', succinctly summed up the ethos and the values of our armed forces," it said.

The PMO said Modi assured that India's armed forces will leave no stone unturned to protect the country's borders.

"Attempts are being made in some quarters to give a mischievous interpretation to remarks by the prime minister at the all-party meeting on Friday," it said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh. In a statement, the PMO said the focus of Modi's remarks at the meeting on Friday was the events of June 15 at Galwan that led to the loss of lives of 20 Indian military personnel. "The prime minister's observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces," it said. The Congress as well as a number of strategic affairs experts raised questions over Modi's remarks asking if there was no transgression by the Chinese military in Galwan Valley then where did Indian soldiers die. They also wondered whether Modi gave a clean chit to China over the standoff. "The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day," the PMO said. "The words of the prime minister 'those who tried to transgress our land were taught a befitting lesson by our brave sons of soil', succinctly summed up the ethos and the values of our armed forces," it said. The PMO said Modi assured that India's armed forces will leave no stone unturned to protect the country's borders. "Attempts are being made in some quarters to give a mischievous interpretation to remarks by the prime minister at the all-party meeting on Friday," it said. (With inputs from PTI)

Attempts are made to give 'mischievous interpretation' to remarks by PM at all-party meet: PMO

Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate.

Meanwhile, China has once again laid claim to the Galwan river valley in Ladakh which has become a flashpoint between India and China.

The Chinese&nbsp;foreign ministry said 'the Galwan valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control&nbsp;in the west section of the China-India boundary.

For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region'. This is the second time China has made a claim over Galwan valley. China says that its troops have patrolled the river valley for many years. But the ground reality is that Galwan valley lies on the Indian side of the LAC and has never before been a point of contention between the two sides. It was the PLA&nbsp;that first claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley immediately after the faceo-ff was confirmed. The Indian foreign ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated and untenable.

Beijing once again blamed India for triggering Monday's standoff. The foreign ministry statement went on to say that since April this year Indian troops have unilaterally built roads, bridges and other facilities in Galwan valley. China accused Indian troops of deliberately trying to change the status quo at the border.

Meanwhile, China has also conducted a military drill in Tibet autonomous region, amid tensions along the border between China and India.

The drills by both nations at an altitude of more than 4,700 meters is to test the firepower of the troops.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate. Meanwhile, China has once again laid claim to the Galwan river valley in Ladakh which has become a flashpoint between India and China. The Chinese foreign ministry said 'the Galwan valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the west section of the China-India boundary. For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region'. This is the second time China has made a claim over Galwan valley. China says that its troops have patrolled the river valley for many years. But the ground reality is that Galwan valley lies on the Indian side of the LAC and has never before been a point of contention between the two sides. It was the PLA that first claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley immediately after the faceo-ff was confirmed. The Indian foreign ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated and untenable. Beijing once again blamed India for triggering Monday's standoff. The foreign ministry statement went on to say that since April this year Indian troops have unilaterally built roads, bridges and other facilities in Galwan valley. China accused Indian troops of deliberately trying to change the status quo at the border. Meanwhile, China has also conducted a military drill in Tibet autonomous region, amid tensions along the border between China and India. The drills by both nations at an altitude of more than 4,700 meters is to test the firepower of the troops.

Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China

india-news

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

india news