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Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a 4-day visit to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajapaksa arrived in New Delhi on Friday (February 7).

Mahinda Rajapaksa India visit: Defence & development on the agenda

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a four-day visit to India, held delegation-level talks with Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday.

This is Rajapaksa's first official visit abroad after taking office.

Defence and maritime security, trade, and tourism were on top of the agenda as the two leaders met.

''The scheduled meetings will build on the strong relationship that already exists between the two countries,'' he said ahead of his meeting with Modi. &nbsp;

Rajapaksa's visit to India follows President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit in November when India announced a 450 million dollars line of credit to the island nation.

Rajapaksa hopes to finalise its implementation.

With two Tamil ministers in the Rajapaksa government are reportedly in the 10-member delegation, impending political solutions concerning the Sri Lankan Tamils could be brought up, soruces said.

The Lankan PM is also expected to visit religious sites such as Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Tirupathi.

Earlier, Rajapaksa met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. He also attended ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan where Modi was present.

He also paid tribute to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a four-day visit to India, held delegation-level talks with Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a four-day visit to India, held delegation-level talks with Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. This is Rajapaksa's first official visit abroad after taking office. Defence and maritime security, trade, and tourism were on top of the agenda as the two leaders met. ''The scheduled meetings will build on the strong relationship that already exists between the two countries,'' he said ahead of his meeting with Modi. Rajapaksa's visit to India follows President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit in November when India announced a 450 million dollars line of credit to the island nation. Rajapaksa hopes to finalise its implementation. With two Tamil ministers in the Rajapaksa government are reportedly in the 10-member delegation, impending political solutions concerning the Sri Lankan Tamils could be brought up, soruces said. The Lankan PM is also expected to visit religious sites such as Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Tirupathi. Earlier, Rajapaksa met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. He also attended ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan where Modi was present. He also paid tribute to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Sri Lanka PM Rajapaksa, Modi hold delegation-level talks in Delhi 

The polling got underway on Saturday morning for the 70-member Delhi Assembly amid tight security.&nbsp;

Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates.

The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official.

There are over 81 lakh male voters, 66.80 lakh female voters, and 869 third-gender voters, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh has said.

Around 2.33 lakh voters are in the age group of 18-19, 2.04 lakh voters are senior citizens aged 80, while there are 11,608 service voters, according to officials.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Atishi and Raghav Chadha of the AAP; four former mayors -- Azad Singh, Yogender Chandolia, Ravinder Gupta and Khushi Ram -- of the BJP; and Shivani Chopra, daughter of Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra.

"Please go to cast vote. A special appeal to all the women - As your shoulder the responsibility at home, likewise, the responsibility of the country and Delhi is on your shoulders," Kejirwal tweeted.

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वोट डालने ज़रूर जाइये 
 
सभी महिलाओं से ख़ास अपील - जैसे आप घर की ज़िम्मेदारी उठाती हैं, वैसे ही मुल्क और दिल्ली की ज़िम्मेदारी भी आपके कंधों पर है। आप सभी महिलायें वोट डालने ज़रूर जायें और अपने घर के पुरुषों को भी ले जायें। पुरुषों से चर्चा ज़रूर करें कि किसे वोट देना सही रहेगा
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1225967935228768256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"All of you women do cast your vote and take along men with you. Do discuss with men about voting for whom will be right," the chief minister added.

BJP president J P Nadda also appealed to all the voters to vote in large numbers.

"Each vote of you is important for the unity and integrity of the country and holistic development of Delhi. Your vote only will be script the golden future of Delhi. 'Pehle Matdan, Phir Jalpan'. Jai Hind," Nadda tweeted.

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दिल्ली के सभी मतदाताओं से अपील करता हूँ कि अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान कर लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में भागीदार बने। 
देश की एकता, अखंडता और दिल्ली के सम्पूर्ण विकास के लिए आपका एक-एक वोट महत्वपूर्ण है। आपका वोट ही आपकी दिल्ली का सुनहरा भविष्य लिखेगा। 
“पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान” 
जय हिंद
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1225961434267340800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi.

"As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said.

Counting of votes will take place on Tuesday.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The polling got underway on Saturday morning for the 70-member Delhi Assembly amid tight security. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates.

The polling got underway on Saturday morning for the 70-member Delhi Assembly amid tight security. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates. The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official. There are over 81 lakh male voters, 66.80 lakh female voters, and 869 third-gender voters, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh has said. Around 2.33 lakh voters are in the age group of 18-19, 2.04 lakh voters are senior citizens aged 80, while there are 11,608 service voters, according to officials. Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Atishi and Raghav Chadha of the AAP; four former mayors -- Azad Singh, Yogender Chandolia, Ravinder Gupta and Khushi Ram -- of the BJP; and Shivani Chopra, daughter of Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra. "Please go to cast vote. A special appeal to all the women - As your shoulder the responsibility at home, likewise, the responsibility of the country and Delhi is on your shoulders," Kejirwal tweeted. वोट डालने ज़रूर जाइये सभी महिलाओं से ख़ास अपील - जैसे आप घर की ज़िम्मेदारी उठाती हैं, वैसे ही मुल्क और दिल्ली की ज़िम्मेदारी भी आपके कंधों पर है। आप सभी महिलायें वोट डालने ज़रूर जायें और अपने घर के पुरुषों को भी ले जायें। पुरुषों से चर्चा ज़रूर करें कि किसे वोट देना सही रहेगा — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 8, 2020 × "All of you women do cast your vote and take along men with you. Do discuss with men about voting for whom will be right," the chief minister added. BJP president J P Nadda also appealed to all the voters to vote in large numbers. "Each vote of you is important for the unity and integrity of the country and holistic development of Delhi. Your vote only will be script the golden future of Delhi. 'Pehle Matdan, Phir Jalpan'. Jai Hind," Nadda tweeted. दिल्ली के सभी मतदाताओं से अपील करता हूँ कि अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान कर लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में भागीदार बने। देश की एकता, अखंडता और दिल्ली के सम्पूर्ण विकास के लिए आपका एक-एक वोट महत्वपूर्ण है। आपका वोट ही आपकी दिल्ली का सुनहरा भविष्य लिखेगा। “पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान” जय हिंद — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 8, 2020 × There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi. "As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said. Counting of votes will take place on Tuesday. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi election: Voting for 70-member Delhi Assembly begins amid tight security 

Maldives has requested India for another vessel, Maldives defence minister Mariya Didi told WION. In December, India had gifted a patrol vessel Kaamiyab to the Maldives National Defence Forces. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mariya Didi, also lauded the role of New Delhi in evacuating its citizens from Wuhan in the aftermath of coronavirus outbreak in China.

WION: How was your visit to Def Expo in Lucknow and meet with Indian officials?

Mariya Didi: It went very well. The CDS Bipin Rawat whom I met recently when he was army chief, was friendly as well. He made the time to see me. We had a good talk. He was very forthcoming, very friendly, very frank. &nbsp;We had a good discussion. We look forward for many more defence cooperation together.

WION: Any request from the Maldives? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-warmly-welcome-the-maldives-in-the-commonwealth-pm-modi-278067">India </a>gifted vessel Kaamiyab to your country in December...

Mariya Didi: We are very keen to have another vessel as well. We have a good positive signal from your government. The aftercare of these vessels are also concerns.&nbsp;

WION: India evacuated seven&nbsp;of your citizens from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-chinese-whistleblower-doctor-who-flagged-coronavirus-dies-279173">Wuhan</a> which is the epicentre of the coronavirus in China...

Mariya Didi: We would like to thank the government of India, as soon as we requested, you all brought our people, together with your people. They were also treated well. They all tested negative and very soon the quarantine period will be over and we hope they will be travelling to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-bans-travellers-from-china-over-virus-fears-tourism-minister-278491">Maldives</a> soon. We did have a small child in the camp and I have been briefed that they are taken care off.

WION: How do you see Chinese presence in the region and its influence?

Mariya Didi: I don't think New Delhi has any reason to worry as far as the Chinese and us are concerned.

Maldives has requested India for another vessel, Maldives defence minister Mariya Didi told WION. In December, India had gifted a patrol vessel Kaamiyab to the Maldives National Defence Forces.

Maldives has requested India for another vessel, Maldives defence minister Mariya Didi told WION. In December, India had gifted a patrol vessel Kaamiyab to the Maldives National Defence Forces. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mariya Didi, also lauded the role of New Delhi in evacuating its citizens from Wuhan in the aftermath of coronavirus outbreak in China. WION: How was your visit to Def Expo in Lucknow and meet with Indian officials? Mariya Didi: It went very well. The CDS Bipin Rawat whom I met recently when he was army chief, was friendly as well. He made the time to see me. We had a good talk. He was very forthcoming, very friendly, very frank. We had a good discussion. We look forward for many more defence cooperation together. WION: Any request from the Maldives? India gifted vessel Kaamiyab to your country in December... Mariya Didi: We are very keen to have another vessel as well. We have a good positive signal from your government. The aftercare of these vessels are also concerns. WION: India evacuated seven of your citizens from Wuhan which is the epicentre of the coronavirus in China... Mariya Didi: We would like to thank the government of India, as soon as we requested, you all brought our people, together with your people. They were also treated well. They all tested negative and very soon the quarantine period will be over and we hope they will be travelling to the Maldives soon. We did have a small child in the camp and I have been briefed that they are taken care off. WION: How do you see Chinese presence in the region and its influence? Mariya Didi: I don't think New Delhi has any reason to worry as far as the Chinese and us are concerned.

As defence ties grow, Maldives requests another vessel from India

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.

Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election.

Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable".

Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies.

"After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said.

Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff.

In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said.

They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems.

He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19.

Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said.

The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election.

There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats.

Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed.

Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures.

This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added.

There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi.

"As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said.

Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said. 
Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day.

"The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said.

Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth.

Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility.

The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura.

According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate. 
Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015.

A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations.

The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled.

The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.&nbsp;

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas. Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election. Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable". Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies. "After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said. Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff. In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said. They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems. He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19. Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said. The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election. There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats. Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures. This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added. There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi. "As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said. Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said. Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day. "The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said. Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth. Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility. The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura. According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate. Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015. A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations. The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled. The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.

Delhi poll body gears up for assembly polls; EVMs foolproof, non-tamperable says Delhi CEO

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the coronavirus outbreak.

The health minister said that passengers are being screened at the airports and doctors are posted there.&nbsp;

"Check post on the Nepal border is also been screened," he said.

The health minister stated that India has been providing support to other countries in tackling coronavirus.&nbsp;

"The Indian Council of Medical Research has offered to test samples for other southeast Asian countries," he said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-chinese-tech-giants-launch-platforms-and-services-aimed-at-providing-verified-information-about-ncov-279244">Chinese tech giants launch platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about nCoV</a>

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Health Minister in RS: Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for sample testing has been agreed too. We've agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease&amp;screening of passengers (2/2) <a href="https://t.co/1ubnrkaUsn">https://t.co/1ubnrkaUsn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1225752747368017926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for sample testing has been agreed too. We've agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease and screening of passengers," Harsh Vardhan stated.&nbsp;

The minister hailed the evacuation operation of over 600 Indian nationals from Wuhan in China and lauded the team.&nbsp;

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The government decided to evacuate the Indian students from Wuhan in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan which is the epicentre of the deadly spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cure-found-by-indian-scientist-team-leader-at-csiro-cultured-the-first-viable-batch-279253">Coronavirus Cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch</a>

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"I take this opportunity to than Air India, its crew and our team of doctors and paramedical staff who executed this challenging operation," Harsh Vardhan said.&nbsp;

"After the evacuation, the people are presently been quarantined at the special facilities created by the Indian Army in Manesar and by the ITBP in Chawla camp," the minister added.&nbsp;

He said that none of the evacuees who were symptomatic has been shifted to isolation.&nbsp;

The health minister also informed the Rajya Sabha that a buffer stock of equipment and N95 mask are being maintained by various state governments as well as the Centre.&nbsp;

"As of now, 1035 samples have been tested, 20 are under process, 3 are found positive while remaining are found negative," he said.&nbsp;

The minister also said that the government of India is in constant touch with the World Health Organisation.&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the coronavirus outbreak. The health minister said that passengers are being screened at the airports and doctors are posted there.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the coronavirus outbreak. The health minister said that passengers are being screened at the airports and doctors are posted there. "Check post on the Nepal border is also been screened," he said. The health minister stated that India has been providing support to other countries in tackling coronavirus. "The Indian Council of Medical Research has offered to test samples for other southeast Asian countries," he said. Also read: Chinese tech giants launch platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about nCoV Health Minister in RS: Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for sample testing has been agreed too. We've agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease&screening of passengers (2/2) https://t.co/1ubnrkaUsn — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2020 × "Testing of samples from the Maldives has already been undertaken. Request from Afghanistan for sample testing has been agreed too. We've agreed to provide technical assistance to Bhutan in managing this infectious disease and screening of passengers," Harsh Vardhan stated. The minister hailed the evacuation operation of over 600 Indian nationals from Wuhan in China and lauded the team. × The government decided to evacuate the Indian students from Wuhan in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan which is the epicentre of the deadly spread of the virus. Also read: Coronavirus Cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch × "I take this opportunity to than Air India, its crew and our team of doctors and paramedical staff who executed this challenging operation," Harsh Vardhan said. "After the evacuation, the people are presently been quarantined at the special facilities created by the Indian Army in Manesar and by the ITBP in Chawla camp," the minister added. He said that none of the evacuees who were symptomatic has been shifted to isolation. The health minister also informed the Rajya Sabha that a buffer stock of equipment and N95 mask are being maintained by various state governments as well as the Centre. "As of now, 1035 samples have been tested, 20 are under process, 3 are found positive while remaining are found negative," he said. The minister also said that the government of India is in constant touch with the World Health Organisation.

Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on coronavirus 

"Nation's patience has been tested enough" in the Nirbhaya case due to delay tactics of the four death row convicts, the Centre told the Supreme Court Friday and said the court would have to lay down law on whether condemned prisoners can be hanged separately or not.

The Centre has challenged in the top court the February 5 order of the Delhi High Court which had dismissed its plea against the trial court's order staying the execution of the death sentence and said that all the four convicts have to be executed together and not separately.

"This is a case where ultimately this bench will have to lay down the law. Nation's patience has been tested enough now," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna.

The bench, which said the plea filed by the Centre and the Delhi government would be heard on February 11, did not heed to Mehta's request to issue notices to the four convicts and said it would further delay the matter.

The bench told Mehta that it would hear him on February 11 and it may consider whether notice needed to be issued to these convicts.

Mehta told the bench that one of the convicts, Mukesh Kumar Singh, has exhausted all his remedies including the mercy plea and the challenge to its rejection by the President in the apex court.

The mercy pleas of Akshay Kumar and Vinay Kumar Sharma have already been dismissed, he said, adding that the fourth convict Pawan Gupta has neither filed a curative petition nor a mercy plea.

"Pawan has chosen not to file a curative or a mercy petition. The question is, is the authority required to wait endlessly," Mehta said, adding, can a "calculated design" of one convict to delay the matter create uncertainty over the execution of other convicts.

Mehta said, in this case, there may be a situation where one convict "sits tight for five years" and the others then approach the apex court seeking commutation of the death penalty on the ground of delay in execution.

"The high court has granted them (convicts) one week time to avail all their remedies. This amply protects you," the bench said, adding, "No one can be compelled to take remedies."

While explaining the sequence of events, Mehta said the trial court had suspended the death warrants of the convicts.

To this, the bench said, "That was done as mercy petition of Vinay was pending then".

When the bench said it would hear the matter on February 11, Mehta urged the court to issue a notice to the four convicts and said, "Let them come to this court on Monday and say what they intend to do."

"Issuance of notice will not harm them. The high court had also issued notices to them. The court can have the benefit of their assistance on the issue. As an institution we are answerable to the society," he said, adding that the court can allow them to serve the copy of plea to the four convicts in jail itself.

To this, the bench said issuing notices to the convicts at this stage will further delay the matter.

"We want to hear you on merits," the bench told Mehta, who said he can argue on the merits "right now" but it would be better if convicts are represented in the court through their lawyers during the arguments.

"By the order of the high court, they (convicts) can take some steps," the bench said.

"In the impugned order, the Delhi High Court has granted one week time to the convicts to take steps if they wish to make any type of objections before any institutions/ authorities available under the law. Since one week time has been granted to the convicts which expires on February 11, list the matter on February 11 at 2 PM," the bench said.

The trial court had on January 31 stayed "till further orders" execution of the four convicts in the case -- Mukesh (32), Pawan (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail.

Later, the Centre had moved the high court against the stay on the execution of the convicts.

In its verdict rejecting the Centre's plea, the high court had faulted the authorities concerned for not taking steps for issuance of death warrants after the rejection of appeals of the convicts by the apex court in 2017.

The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital.

Six people including the four convicts, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were named as accused.

Ram Singh, the prime accused, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Tihar jail days after the trial began. The juvenile, who was said to be the most brutal of the attackers, was put in a correctional home for three years.

The juvenile was released in 2015 and sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns over a threat to his life. He, when released, was 20 years old.&nbsp;

"Nation's patience has been tested enough" in the Nirbhaya case due to delay tactics of the four death row convicts, the Centre told the Supreme Court Friday and said the court would have to lay down law on whether condemned prisoners can be hanged separately or not.

"Nation's patience has been tested enough" in the Nirbhaya case due to delay tactics of the four death row convicts, the Centre told the Supreme Court Friday and said the court would have to lay down law on whether condemned prisoners can be hanged separately or not. The Centre has challenged in the top court the February 5 order of the Delhi High Court which had dismissed its plea against the trial court's order staying the execution of the death sentence and said that all the four convicts have to be executed together and not separately. "This is a case where ultimately this bench will have to lay down the law. Nation's patience has been tested enough now," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench comprising Justices R Banumathi, Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna. The bench, which said the plea filed by the Centre and the Delhi government would be heard on February 11, did not heed to Mehta's request to issue notices to the four convicts and said it would further delay the matter. The bench told Mehta that it would hear him on February 11 and it may consider whether notice needed to be issued to these convicts. Mehta told the bench that one of the convicts, Mukesh Kumar Singh, has exhausted all his remedies including the mercy plea and the challenge to its rejection by the President in the apex court. The mercy pleas of Akshay Kumar and Vinay Kumar Sharma have already been dismissed, he said, adding that the fourth convict Pawan Gupta has neither filed a curative petition nor a mercy plea. "Pawan has chosen not to file a curative or a mercy petition. The question is, is the authority required to wait endlessly," Mehta said, adding, can a "calculated design" of one convict to delay the matter create uncertainty over the execution of other convicts. Mehta said, in this case, there may be a situation where one convict "sits tight for five years" and the others then approach the apex court seeking commutation of the death penalty on the ground of delay in execution. "The high court has granted them (convicts) one week time to avail all their remedies. This amply protects you," the bench said, adding, "No one can be compelled to take remedies." While explaining the sequence of events, Mehta said the trial court had suspended the death warrants of the convicts. To this, the bench said, "That was done as mercy petition of Vinay was pending then". When the bench said it would hear the matter on February 11, Mehta urged the court to issue a notice to the four convicts and said, "Let them come to this court on Monday and say what they intend to do." "Issuance of notice will not harm them. The high court had also issued notices to them. The court can have the benefit of their assistance on the issue. As an institution we are answerable to the society," he said, adding that the court can allow them to serve the copy of plea to the four convicts in jail itself. To this, the bench said issuing notices to the convicts at this stage will further delay the matter. "We want to hear you on merits," the bench told Mehta, who said he can argue on the merits "right now" but it would be better if convicts are represented in the court through their lawyers during the arguments. "By the order of the high court, they (convicts) can take some steps," the bench said. "In the impugned order, the Delhi High Court has granted one week time to the convicts to take steps if they wish to make any type of objections before any institutions/ authorities available under the law. Since one week time has been granted to the convicts which expires on February 11, list the matter on February 11 at 2 PM," the bench said. The trial court had on January 31 stayed "till further orders" execution of the four convicts in the case -- Mukesh (32), Pawan (25), Vinay (26) and Akshay (31), who are lodged in Tihar Jail. Later, the Centre had moved the high court against the stay on the execution of the convicts. In its verdict rejecting the Centre's plea, the high court had faulted the authorities concerned for not taking steps for issuance of death warrants after the rejection of appeals of the convicts by the apex court in 2017. The 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' (fearless), was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital. Six people including the four convicts, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were named as accused. Ram Singh, the prime accused, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Tihar jail days after the trial began. The juvenile, who was said to be the most brutal of the attackers, was put in a correctional home for three years. The juvenile was released in 2015 and sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns over a threat to his life. He, when released, was 20 years old.

Nirbhaya case: Nation's patience tested by delay tactics of death row convicts, Centre tells SC

According to the media report, India has directed the US government's health agency CDC to stop funding research in India without government approval.

India stops US Nipah project with lab

Maldives has requested India for another vessel, Maldives defence minister Mariya Didi told WION. In December, India had gifted a patrol vessel Kaamiyab to the Maldives National Defence Forces. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mariya Didi, also lauded the role of New Delhi in evacuating its citizens from Wuhan in the aftermath of coronavirus outbreak in China.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the coronavirus outbreak. The health minister said that passengers are being screened at the airports and doctors are posted there. "Check post on the Nepal border is also been screened," he said.

Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on Coronavirus

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-rules-youtuber-to-pull-down-video-criticising-coconut-oil-275727">Bombay High Court</a> on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/special-court-issues-production-warrant-against-peter-mukerjea-for-involvement-in-inx-media-case-265356">Peter Mukerjea</a>, an accused arrested in the sensational <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Sheena Bora</a> murder case.

However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/special-court-issues-production-warrant-against-peter-mukerjea-for-involvement-in-inx-media-case-265356">Special court issues production warrant against Peter Mukerjea for involvement in INX media case</a>

Earlier, Justice Nitin W. Sambre granted him bail on a surety of Rs 200,000 to Mukerjea who was arrested over four years ago and was in jail since barring release briefly on medical grounds.

He has been granted on the "merits of the case and his medical conditions".&nbsp;He will not be allowed to contact his children Rahul and Vidhi.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Bombay high court refuses to grant bail to Peter Mukerjea, allows him to take post-operation therapy</a>

Peter Mukerjea has been&nbsp;accused of murdering his daughter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Sheena Bora</a> over a financial dispute in 2012.&nbsp;

The alleged crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which he was charged for conspiracy.

Mukerjea's wife <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Indrani</a> is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. 
&nbsp; 
The trial, in this case, has been taking place at the special <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">CBI </a>court.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, an accused arrested in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case. However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, an accused arrested in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case. However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter. Also read: Special court issues production warrant against Peter Mukerjea for involvement in INX media case Earlier, Justice Nitin W. Sambre granted him bail on a surety of Rs 200,000 to Mukerjea who was arrested over four years ago and was in jail since barring release briefly on medical grounds. He has been granted on the "merits of the case and his medical conditions". He will not be allowed to contact his children Rahul and Vidhi. Also read: Bombay high court refuses to grant bail to Peter Mukerjea, allows him to take post-operation therapy Peter Mukerjea has been accused of murdering his daughter Sheena Bora over a financial dispute in 2012. The alleged crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which he was charged for conspiracy. Mukerjea's wife Indrani is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. The trial, in this case, has been taking place at the special CBI court.

Bombay High Court grants bail to Peter Mukerjea in Sheena Bora murder case

Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Aslam Shaikh on Friday said the guidelines have been issued to the ports in the state, instructing them not to allow anyone coming from China to step out of the ports and if someone has to be allowed at all, he will have to undergo mandatory health screening.

Speaking to ANI, Aslam Shaikh said,&nbsp;"The ports, which are under Maharashtra government, are not passenger ports. Whatever ports we have and whatever vessels come into the state, strict guidelines have been given to all officers and departments to see that not a single person has the permission to enter the state."

"If they want to enter the state at all, then we will ensure that they visit the local hospital first," he said, saying the government is not allowing any person -- Chinese or Indian -- with the suspected symptoms of coronavirus to enter the state.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/screening-of-passengers-arranged-at-airports-nepal-border-also-under-check-health-minister-on-coronavirus-279259">Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check - Health Minister on coronavirus</a>&nbsp;

He said the state government has appointed doctors at every port to check the crew members coming from China and nearby countries.

The arrangements have been made to restrict the crew and send them back from the ports only.

Meanwhile, he also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting the Delhi poll over the issue of Shaheen Bagh instead of development and employment.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting the poll over the issue of Shaheen Bagh instead of development and employment. All BJP ministers are camped in Delhi for the election. In UP, there is a law and order situation but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is busy campaigning for Delhi polls," he said. 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Aslam Shaikh on Friday said the guidelines have been issued to the ports in the state, instructing them not to allow anyone coming from China to step out of the ports and if someone has to be allowed at all, he will have to undergo mandatory health screening.

Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Aslam Shaikh on Friday said the guidelines have been issued to the ports in the state, instructing them not to allow anyone coming from China to step out of the ports and if someone has to be allowed at all, he will have to undergo mandatory health screening. Speaking to ANI, Aslam Shaikh said, "The ports, which are under Maharashtra government, are not passenger ports. Whatever ports we have and whatever vessels come into the state, strict guidelines have been given to all officers and departments to see that not a single person has the permission to enter the state." "If they want to enter the state at all, then we will ensure that they visit the local hospital first," he said, saying the government is not allowing any person -- Chinese or Indian -- with the suspected symptoms of coronavirus to enter the state. Also read: Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check - Health Minister on coronavirus He said the state government has appointed doctors at every port to check the crew members coming from China and nearby countries. The arrangements have been made to restrict the crew and send them back from the ports only. Meanwhile, he also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fighting the Delhi poll over the issue of Shaheen Bagh instead of development and employment. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting the poll over the issue of Shaheen Bagh instead of development and employment. All BJP ministers are camped in Delhi for the election. In UP, there is a law and order situation but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is busy campaigning for Delhi polls," he said.

Maharashtra intensifies screening for coronavirus at ports, restricts entry of anyone from China into state

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-over-635-president-xi-says-china-starting-peoples-war-279156">As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war'</a>

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b33696b8-bc26-4c81-9452-db4cd0ac207b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_48.jpg" /> 
The death toll in&nbsp;China's&nbsp;coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-over-635-president-xi-says-china-starting-peoples-war-279156">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-killed-chief-of-al-qaeda-in-arabian-peninsula-in-yemen-trump-279162">US killed chief of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula in Yemen: Trump</a>

<img alt="Military chief of Al-Qaeda network in Yemen Qassim al-Rimi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23caa27f-945e-46d6-acc4-759cf9c13807" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127729-qassim1main.jpg" />

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-killed-chief-of-al-qaeda-in-arabian-peninsula-in-yemen-trump-279162">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-palestinians-killed-16-israelis-hurt-in-violence-over-trump-plan-279166">At&nbsp;least&nbsp;two&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;killed,&nbsp;16&nbsp;Israelis&nbsp;hurt&nbsp;in&nbsp;violence&nbsp;over&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;plan</a>

<img alt="A Palestinian hurls stones at Israeli troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="108cbef5-458a-485f-8775-9cf9ed5112a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_23.jpg" />

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;two&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the occupied West Bank and&nbsp;16&nbsp;Israelis&nbsp;were&nbsp;hurt&nbsp;on Thursday in a surge of&nbsp;violence&nbsp;that erupted amid Palestinian anger at a&nbsp;US&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-palestinians-killed-16-israelis-hurt-in-violence-over-trump-plan-279166">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basque-double-dumps-barcelona-and-real-madrid-out-of-copa-del-rey-279158">Basque double dumps Barcelona and Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey</a>

<img alt="Real Madrid and Barcelona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb818dda-eb2b-4f94-a576-45acac5327fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127726-113918-untitled-design-60.jpg" /> 
Barcelona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Real Madrid&nbsp;both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basque-double-dumps-barcelona-and-real-madrid-out-of-copa-del-rey-279158">Read more</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jet-skids-off-runway-in-istanbul-279154">Gravitas: Jet skids off runway in Istanbul</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jet-skids-off-runway-in-istanbul-279154/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war' The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war' The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. Read more US killed chief of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula in Yemen: Trump US President Donald Trump has confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi. Read more At least two Palestinians killed, 16 Israelis hurt in violence over Trump plan At least two Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank and 16 Israelis were hurt on Thursday in a surge of violence that erupted amid Palestinian anger at a US peace plan. Read more Basque double dumps Barcelona and Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey Barcelona and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. Read more Gravitas: Jet skids off runway in Istanbul

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll rises, US kills Al-Qaeda chief in Arabian Peninsula and more

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence.&nbsp;

According to reports, advertisements for magic remedies and drugs that promote fair skin, enhanced sexual performance, infertility in women, premature ageing, among others will land a jail term of up to five years and a monetary fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.&nbsp;

The draft amendment has also proposed some additions to the list of existing diseases, disorders, conditions in the Act.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compensation-apology-can-undo-that-humiliation-auckland-woman-tells-wion-after-not-letting-on-plane-owing-to-her-weight-277838">No apology can undo that humiliation - Auckland woman tells WION after denied entry on plane owing to her weight</a>

The current list of conditions includes sexual impotence, premature greying of hair, stammering, sterility in women, disorders of menstrual flow along with issues concerning sexual performance, height improvement, obesity, et cetera.

Under the Act, the first conviction will lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fine or both with subsequent offences escalating the jail term to maximum five years and the monetary fine to as much as Rs 50 lakh.&nbsp;

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence.

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence. According to reports, advertisements for magic remedies and drugs that promote fair skin, enhanced sexual performance, infertility in women, premature ageing, among others will land a jail term of up to five years and a monetary fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. The draft amendment has also proposed some additions to the list of existing diseases, disorders, conditions in the Act. Also read: No apology can undo that humiliation - Auckland woman tells WION after denied entry on plane owing to her weight The current list of conditions includes sexual impotence, premature greying of hair, stammering, sterility in women, disorders of menstrual flow along with issues concerning sexual performance, height improvement, obesity, et cetera. Under the Act, the first conviction will lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fine or both with subsequent offences escalating the jail term to maximum five years and the monetary fine to as much as Rs 50 lakh.

5-year jail term, Rs 50 lakh fine for advertising fairness products and magic remedies for obesity: Govt

The Indian parliament was adjourned till Monday after lawmakers nearly came to blows in the lower house after Union Minister Harsh Vardhan tried to make a statement on congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Chaos in LS after Rahul Gandhi's jibe against PM Modi

A young woman police officer in Kashmir is winning hearts and praises for her action in countering the drug abuse in central Kashmir's Budgam district by arresting drug traders and seizing illegal drugs from youth as young as 16 to 25 years. Nilza shot to fame after her video, where a large crowd can be seen cheering her in Budgam district for her work in countering drug menace, went viral.

Why this young woman cop is winning hearts in Kashmir?

The Government of India has informed the Madras High Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has full powers, freedom to decide on the mercy plea of AG Perarivalan, one of the convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassination.&nbsp;

The release of the seven convicts has been pending since September 2018, when the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution for their release and handed it over to Governor Banwarilal Purohit for his assent, which has not been assented to till date.

Owing to the Governor not having assented to the resolution, one of the convicts Nalini Sriharan had filed a Habeas Corpus plea in the High Court stating that she was being kept in jail without legal grounds and that she must be allowed to appear in court and that a decision on her release be taken. The plea also mentioned the pending action by the Governor of Tamil Nadu on the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu government which recommended the release of all the seven convicts in the case - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Nalini.

In response to Nalini’s petition, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the plea by the government of Tamil Nadu to release the seven persons convicted in the case has already been rejected by the central government. Adding that the only mercy petition pending before the Governor is that of AG Perarivalan and urged the High Court to dismiss the habeas corpus filed by Nalini.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has already rejected the proposal of the Tamil Nadu government under Section 453 of the CrPC for the release of the above named 7 convicts in the case. The mercy petition is pending with the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Governor is a Constitutional functionary and he has the discretion to decide on the petition under the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of India,” reads the counter affidavit filed by the MHA.

The government of Tamil Nadu had earlier proposed the release of the convicts to the Central Government, which was rejected by the Ministry of Home Affairs in April 2018 citing section 453 of the CrPC. The Supreme Court in September 2018 directed the Tamil Nadu Governor to consider the mercy petition of Perarivalan. Following which, the government of Tamil Nadu passed an Assembly Resolution that recommended the governor to take action in the case under Article 161 (Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases) of the Constitution of India.

Speaking to WION, Nalini’s advocate Radhakrishnan said, “State cabinet has passed a resolution in September 2018 and it is binding on the Governor and all seven of them should have been released on 9th September 2018. Three earlier cases were adjudged by a Constitutional bench, where it was ruled that the Governor has no discretion under Article 161. The Governor merely is a signing authority. We maintain that they are under illegal detention since September 2018 and should be released.”

The next hearing in the case will be on February 12.

The Government of India has informed the Madras High Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has full powers, freedom to decide on the mercy plea of AG Perarivalan, one of the convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassination.

The Government of India has informed the Madras High Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has full powers, freedom to decide on the mercy plea of AG Perarivalan, one of the convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassination. The release of the seven convicts has been pending since September 2018, when the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution for their release and handed it over to Governor Banwarilal Purohit for his assent, which has not been assented to till date. Owing to the Governor not having assented to the resolution, one of the convicts Nalini Sriharan had filed a Habeas Corpus plea in the High Court stating that she was being kept in jail without legal grounds and that she must be allowed to appear in court and that a decision on her release be taken. The plea also mentioned the pending action by the Governor of Tamil Nadu on the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu government which recommended the release of all the seven convicts in the case - Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan, Jayakumar, Ravichandran, Robert Payas and Nalini. In response to Nalini’s petition, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the plea by the government of Tamil Nadu to release the seven persons convicted in the case has already been rejected by the central government. Adding that the only mercy petition pending before the Governor is that of AG Perarivalan and urged the High Court to dismiss the habeas corpus filed by Nalini. “The Ministry of Home Affairs has already rejected the proposal of the Tamil Nadu government under Section 453 of the CrPC for the release of the above named 7 convicts in the case. The mercy petition is pending with the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Governor is a Constitutional functionary and he has the discretion to decide on the petition under the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of India,” reads the counter affidavit filed by the MHA. The government of Tamil Nadu had earlier proposed the release of the convicts to the Central Government, which was rejected by the Ministry of Home Affairs in April 2018 citing section 453 of the CrPC. The Supreme Court in September 2018 directed the Tamil Nadu Governor to consider the mercy petition of Perarivalan. Following which, the government of Tamil Nadu passed an Assembly Resolution that recommended the governor to take action in the case under Article 161 (Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases) of the Constitution of India. Speaking to WION, Nalini’s advocate Radhakrishnan said, “State cabinet has passed a resolution in September 2018 and it is binding on the Governor and all seven of them should have been released on 9th September 2018. Three earlier cases were adjudged by a Constitutional bench, where it was ruled that the Governor has no discretion under Article 161. The Governor merely is a signing authority. We maintain that they are under illegal detention since September 2018 and should be released.” The next hearing in the case will be on February 12.

Tamil Nadu Governor has complete liberty to decide on Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict’s mercy plea, says Government of India

A young woman police officer in Kashmir is winning hearts and praises for her action in countering the drug abuse in central Kashmir's Budgam district by arresting drug traders and seizing illegal drugs from youth as young as 16 to 25 years.

Nilza shot to fame after her video, where a large crowd can be seen cheering her in Budgam district for her work in countering drug menace, went viral. The drug use by youth has been a cause of concern for the locals in the area where the young officer is deployed.

Hailing from a far-flung village in Ladakh, Nilza is a fresh face in the ranks of Jammu and Kashmir police. She says that she has taken a pledge to fight against the menace of drug abuse in Kashmir.

"I never imagined that this video will get such a great response. This is just the tip of an iceberg. There is more to do and my senior officers have been doing the commendable job before me to control drug abuse," said Nilza Angmo, DySP in her first interview in the uniform.

In just a month, Nilza has arrested nearly a dozen youth along with drugs that include Corex bottles, diazepam tablets and other banned drugs which are commonly used by addicts.

"Drugs and drug abuse has become an evil in our society which is threatening. For more than a year, we have launched a sustained strategy to counter this and at least 40 to 45 FIRs have been registered in a year in the district," says Amod Ashok Nagpure, Superintendent of Police Budgam district, adding that these efforts are paying returns.

The locals of the surrounding villages are praising the police and the officer for her work and expect more stringent against the drug suppliers in Kashmir valley.

"There can be no better service than this. Our youth is getting ruined because of these drugs. I want to thank the police officer for her action and hope police will continue to counter drug abuse," says young Aqib, who hails from the village where people praised the officer.

A young woman police officer in Kashmir is winning hearts and praises for her action in countering the drug abuse in central Kashmir's Budgam district by arresting drug traders and seizing illegal drugs from youth as young as 16 to 25 years.

A young woman police officer in Kashmir is winning hearts and praises for her action in countering the drug abuse in central Kashmir's Budgam district by arresting drug traders and seizing illegal drugs from youth as young as 16 to 25 years. Nilza shot to fame after her video, where a large crowd can be seen cheering her in Budgam district for her work in countering drug menace, went viral. The drug use by youth has been a cause of concern for the locals in the area where the young officer is deployed. Hailing from a far-flung village in Ladakh, Nilza is a fresh face in the ranks of Jammu and Kashmir police. She says that she has taken a pledge to fight against the menace of drug abuse in Kashmir. "I never imagined that this video will get such a great response. This is just the tip of an iceberg. There is more to do and my senior officers have been doing the commendable job before me to control drug abuse," said Nilza Angmo, DySP in her first interview in the uniform. In just a month, Nilza has arrested nearly a dozen youth along with drugs that include Corex bottles, diazepam tablets and other banned drugs which are commonly used by addicts. "Drugs and drug abuse has become an evil in our society which is threatening. For more than a year, we have launched a sustained strategy to counter this and at least 40 to 45 FIRs have been registered in a year in the district," says Amod Ashok Nagpure, Superintendent of Police Budgam district, adding that these efforts are paying returns. The locals of the surrounding villages are praising the police and the officer for her work and expect more stringent against the drug suppliers in Kashmir valley. "There can be no better service than this. Our youth is getting ruined because of these drugs. I want to thank the police officer for her action and hope police will continue to counter drug abuse," says young Aqib, who hails from the village where people praised the officer.

Meet young woman police officer who is winning hearts in Kashmir

Finance Minister Nirmala <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2020-21-gross-enrolment-ratio-for-girls-is-now-higher-than-boys-says-sitharaman-278001">Sitharaman</a> on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus.

Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-increase-spending-capacity-nirmala-sitharaman-278011">Also Read:&nbsp;Wanted to increase spending capacity, says Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020</a>

It can be noted that some constituencies have expressed disappointment with the Budget for not having any big announcements, especially at a time when growth has slipped to a decadal low.

"Based on the experiences that we had in the last round of government trying to provide stimulus, we've essentially made sure that we are doing it in a very discreet and considered manner," Sitharaman said at the interaction.

"We kept the macroeconomic fundamentals in mind and made sure that the necessary stimulus which was the demand of the time, both for increasing consumption and also for ensuring investments in long-term asset building as a means to providing stimulus will be taken up," she added.

Accompanied by all the secretaries in the ministry, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-breaks-record-of-longest-budget-speech-278005">Sitharaman </a>said unlike the past instances of providing for a stimulus, the remedies that the budget have provided are "very focused, very clear that it is going in a well chalked out path with a clear intention of spending responsibly in building capital assets".

She pointed out that the rural and farm sector had got attention through the 16-point agenda, startups have been given a fillip and infrastructure investments have also been taken up.

"The remedy is a considered remedy. I'm sure discerning people will be able to see why it is so," she said.

Sitharaman said divestments are necessary to get transparency in the working of companies by making necessary disclosures.

She added that the government will only sell those companies where it sees no strategic rationale in running those.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus. Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the budget presented by her last week provides a "discreet and considered" stimulus. Speaking to industry representatives in Mumbai, Sitharaman said the Budget draws on experiences of all the past instances of a slowdown in growth where the government has had to provide for a booster. Also Read: Wanted to increase spending capacity, says Nirmala Sitharaman on Budget 2020 It can be noted that some constituencies have expressed disappointment with the Budget for not having any big announcements, especially at a time when growth has slipped to a decadal low. "Based on the experiences that we had in the last round of government trying to provide stimulus, we've essentially made sure that we are doing it in a very discreet and considered manner," Sitharaman said at the interaction. "We kept the macroeconomic fundamentals in mind and made sure that the necessary stimulus which was the demand of the time, both for increasing consumption and also for ensuring investments in long-term asset building as a means to providing stimulus will be taken up," she added. Accompanied by all the secretaries in the ministry, Sitharaman said unlike the past instances of providing for a stimulus, the remedies that the budget have provided are "very focused, very clear that it is going in a well chalked out path with a clear intention of spending responsibly in building capital assets". She pointed out that the rural and farm sector had got attention through the 16-point agenda, startups have been given a fillip and infrastructure investments have also been taken up. "The remedy is a considered remedy. I'm sure discerning people will be able to see why it is so," she said. Sitharaman said divestments are necessary to get transparency in the working of companies by making necessary disclosures. She added that the government will only sell those companies where it sees no strategic rationale in running those.

We ensured discreet and considered stimulus in Union Budget: Nirmala Sitharaman

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya </a>case because of the stay on their execution.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Supreme Court</a> on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday.

The government moved the top court seeking an urgent listing of its appeal against high court's verdict rejecting its plea against stay on execution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Nirbhaya gang-rape case: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-news-nirbhaya-gangrape-case-delhi-court-defers-convicts-execution-until-further-orders-277801">Delhi High Court </a>had, on Wednesday, granted a week's time to the four death row convicts to avail all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime.

The High Court had passed the order while hearing petitions filed by the centre and Tihar jail authorities challenging the Patiala House Court's order which had stayed "till further order" the execution of the four convicts in the matter.

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the Nirbhaya case because of the stay on their execution. The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday.

The central government said that it is unable to hang the convicts of the Nirbhaya case because of the stay on their execution. The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear the government's appeal on Friday. The government moved the top court seeking an urgent listing of its appeal against high court's verdict rejecting its plea against stay on execution. Also read: Nirbhaya gang-rape case: Delhi court defers convicts' execution until further orders Delhi High Court had, on Wednesday, granted a week's time to the four death row convicts to avail all legal remedies available to them and said that the convicts cannot be hanged separately since they were convicted for the same crime. The High Court had passed the order while hearing petitions filed by the centre and Tihar jail authorities challenging the Patiala House Court's order which had stayed "till further order" the execution of the four convicts in the matter.

Unable to hang Nirbhaya convicts due to stay on execution: Government tells Supreme Court

During the Union Budget announcement on February 1, Twitter witnessed 11 lakh related tweets between January 30 and February 3, 2020. According to Twitter, The Economic Survey, which was also released during the same, also continued to trend on the website for a while.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/20-key-budget-highlights-you-must-know-278059" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/20-key-budget-highlights-you-must-know-278059&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiL5tvTrrznAhU0yzgGHfqYAg4QFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw11NKz5U2TGTn-UBDdYbWP-" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/20-key-budget-highlights-you-must-know-278059" target="_blank">20 key Budget highlights you must know</a>

According to Twitter, there were 12 live streams of the budget on the website using a feature called the ''caurosel'', which facilitated conversations among policymakers, influencers, and journalists.

This year's Budget speech was also the longest speech ever made by a Finance Minister in the history of India.

The conversation on Twitter wasn't restricted just to the English language, as local languages including Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil also brought some traction to the portal.

<h6><img alt="ppppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f017a6ad-5004-495e-9a2a-805de1e7a432" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_31.jpg" /> 
In this handout photograph taken and released by India's Presidential Palace on February 1, 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (R) poses for photographs along with President Ram Nath Kovind (C) at Rashtrapati Bhavan - the Presidential Palace, before presenting at the Parliament the 2020 union budget, in New Delhi | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

In the budget, over Rs&nbsp;17,300 crore has been allocated for the Ministry of External Affairs, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the strategic Chabahar Port project in southeastern Iran that gives India connectivity to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The total aid to countries has decreased by about Rs 56 crore from Rs 6,963 revised estimates of 2019-20 to Rs 6,907crore in Budget 2020-21.

While Nepal saw a cut of Rs 400 crore in aid by India from Rs 1,200 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 800 crore in 2020-21, Myanmar saw a hike in allocation from Rs 170 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 300 crore for the next fiscal.

The aid for the strategically-important Chabahar Port which was zero in the revised estimates of 2019-20 has gone up to Rs 100 crore for the next fiscal.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="792929c5-cf3c-431d-bd05-c0d1e7c23aad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_23.jpg" />

The Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan.

The aid allocation for Bhutan has gone up from Rs 2,674.51 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,884.65 crore in the next fiscal.

Aid allocation to the Maldives has been reduced by Rs 75 crore to Rs 1,025 crore in the next fiscal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-find-out-what-will-you-lose-in-new-tax-regime-278054" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-find-out-what-will-you-lose-in-new-tax-regime-278054&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj68vjErrznAhX8yzgGHalIAocQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0NoV-JcE2LclL0h_tPbNtt" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2020-find-out-what-will-you-lose-in-new-tax-regime-278054" target="_blank">Budget 2020:&nbsp;Find out&nbsp;what&nbsp;will you lose&nbsp;in&nbsp;new tax regime</a>

In the budget 2020-21, aid allocation for African countries is Rs 350 crore, Rs 200 crore for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Rs 140 crore for Seychelles, Rs 20 crore to Latin American countries and Rs 2 crore to Mongolia.

The primary hashtag used to consolidate all things budget, users employed #UnionBudget2020 and #IndiaBudget2020.

During the Union Budget announcement on February 1, Twitter witnessed 11 lakh related tweets between January 30 and February 3, 2020. According to Twitter, The Economic Survey, which was also released during the same, also continued to trend on the website for a while.

During the Union Budget announcement on February 1, Twitter witnessed 11 lakh related tweets between January 30 and February 3, 2020. According to Twitter, The Economic Survey, which was also released during the same, also continued to trend on the website for a while. Also read: 20 key Budget highlights you must know According to Twitter, there were 12 live streams of the budget on the website using a feature called the ''caurosel'', which facilitated conversations among policymakers, influencers, and journalists. This year's Budget speech was also the longest speech ever made by a Finance Minister in the history of India. The conversation on Twitter wasn't restricted just to the English language, as local languages including Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil also brought some traction to the portal. In this handout photograph taken and released by India's Presidential Palace on February 1, 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (R) poses for photographs along with President Ram Nath Kovind (C) at Rashtrapati Bhavan - the Presidential Palace, before presenting at the Parliament the 2020 union budget, in New Delhi | AFP In the budget, over Rs 17,300 crore has been allocated for the Ministry of External Affairs, with Rs 100 crore earmarked for the strategic Chabahar Port project in southeastern Iran that gives India connectivity to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan. The total aid to countries has decreased by about Rs 56 crore from Rs 6,963 revised estimates of 2019-20 to Rs 6,907crore in Budget 2020-21. While Nepal saw a cut of Rs 400 crore in aid by India from Rs 1,200 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 800 crore in 2020-21, Myanmar saw a hike in allocation from Rs 170 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 300 crore for the next fiscal. The aid for the strategically-important Chabahar Port which was zero in the revised estimates of 2019-20 has gone up to Rs 100 crore for the next fiscal. The Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan. The aid allocation for Bhutan has gone up from Rs 2,674.51 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,884.65 crore in the next fiscal. Aid allocation to the Maldives has been reduced by Rs 75 crore to Rs 1,025 crore in the next fiscal. Also read: Budget 2020: Find out what will you lose in new tax regime In the budget 2020-21, aid allocation for African countries is Rs 350 crore, Rs 200 crore for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Rs 140 crore for Seychelles, Rs 20 crore to Latin American countries and Rs 2 crore to Mongolia. The primary hashtag used to consolidate all things budget, users employed #UnionBudget2020 and #IndiaBudget2020.

Twitter recorded 11 lakh-Budget related tweets between Jan 30-Feb 3

Jaipur was formally accorded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-victorian-gothic-art-deco-buildings-get-unesco-world-heritage-tag-148123">World Heritage</a> City status on Wednesday by UNESCO.

UNESCO Director-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/audrey-azoulay-confirmed-to-head-unesco-23935">Audrey Azoulay</a> presented the World <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-declares-ahmedabad-mandu-best-heritage-city-168086">Heritage Certificate</a> for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-names-jaipur-city-world-heritage-site-233594\">UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site</a>

"UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal. Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage." Also Read: UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site "UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Walled city of Jaipur formally accorded World Heritage City status by UNESCO

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-health-department-registers-fir-against-fortis-hospital-26358">admitted in hospitals</a>, while samples of two have been found negative for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Coronavirus</a>.

In a press release, Vij said, "Out of 136 people who have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-bans-export-of-protective-masks-clothing-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-277861">returned from China</a> in the state, three people have been admitted to hospitals in different districts, however, the presence of Coronavirus infection in two cases is negative, while the report of one is pending."

The Health Minister said, "Out of these remaining three people, one person is admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Gurugram, the second person is admitted to a hospital Karnal, and the third person is admitted to a hospital in Hisar."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-settles-on-standard-treatment-protocol-as-third-case-of-coronavirus-confirmed-278848">India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed</a>

"The Government has issued helpline numbers of all the districts, on which any person can give information in this regard," he added. 
The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world.

China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were admitted in hospitals, while samples of two have been found negative for Coronavirus.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said that out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, 133 were found healthy. He said that three were admitted in hospitals, while samples of two have been found negative for Coronavirus. In a press release, Vij said, "Out of 136 people who have returned from China in the state, three people have been admitted to hospitals in different districts, however, the presence of Coronavirus infection in two cases is negative, while the report of one is pending." The Health Minister said, "Out of these remaining three people, one person is admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Gurugram, the second person is admitted to a hospital Karnal, and the third person is admitted to a hospital in Hisar." Also Read: India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed "The Government has issued helpline numbers of all the districts, on which any person can give information in this regard," he added. The virus originated in Wuhan in December and has since then spread to various parts around the world. China has imposed quarantine and travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate.

133 out of 136 people who returned from China found healthy, says Haryana Health Minister

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">Police have arrested</a> the main conspirator Maulana Tahir Madani, National General Secretary of Ulema Council and 18 other miscreants, while three main absconders include Ulema council leaders Nurul Hoda, Mirza Shane Alam and Osama.

Police have also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/akhilesh-yadav-files-nomination-from-azamgarh-211489">absconders</a>. "Section 144 is in force in the district. Some women and children had gathered to protest on Tuesday. When police tried to disperse them, some rowdies pelted stones at police," said Triveni Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-br-ambedkars-statue-vandalised-in-azamgarh-35301">Ambedkar's statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh</a>

"A few women were misled and gathered in the park yesterday without taking any prior permission. Children were also present there. We had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Women were safely dispersed from there," he added.

At the same time, police have also started monitoring social sites through the cyber cell. Search for 16 other people, who have been named in the FIR along with 100 unknown people involved in the incident, is underway.

Hundreds of women reached the Maulana Jauhar Park in Bilariaganj on Tuesday to protest against the CAA, proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) along with children.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested as many as 19 people including the National General Secretary of Ulema Council, for allegedly pelting stones at cops during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Bilariyaganj here. Police have arrested the main conspirator Maulana Tahir Madani, National General Secretary of Ulema Council and 18 other miscreants, while three main absconders include Ulema council leaders Nurul Hoda, Mirza Shane Alam and Osama. Police have also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each on the three absconders. "Section 144 is in force in the district. Some women and children had gathered to protest on Tuesday. When police tried to disperse them, some rowdies pelted stones at police," said Triveni Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP). Also Read: Ambedkar's statue vandalised in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh "A few women were misled and gathered in the park yesterday without taking any prior permission. Children were also present there. We had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Women were safely dispersed from there," he added. At the same time, police have also started monitoring social sites through the cyber cell. Search for 16 other people, who have been named in the FIR along with 100 unknown people involved in the incident, is underway. Hundreds of women reached the Maulana Jauhar Park in Bilariaganj on Tuesday to protest against the CAA, proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) along with children.

19 in police custody for pelting stones at law enforcement in UP's Azamgarh

More than 1000 companies are participating in the Defence Expo. Major companies are making a 'Make in India' pitch to bag big defence deals. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the Defence Expo.

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