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Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state.

The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion.

According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up.

Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said.

"Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence. After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion. According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up. Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said. "Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.

Priyanka Gandhi meets UP Congress leaders; discusses political situation

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi.

BSP in an official statement said, "BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, has appointed office bearers for district committee and metropolitan (city) committee for several districts in Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadoi and Kaushambi."

In the recent appointments, Chintamani Verma and Chaudhary Saeed Ahmed have been appointed as the District Chief and City President respectively for Allahabad.

Abhishek Pratap Singh has been appointed as the District Head for Fatehpur District and Omkar Nath will look after the Kaushambi district as a District Chief.Sushil Kumar Gautam and B Sagar have been appointed as the District Head for Pratapgarh and Sonbhadra district respectively.

Rajesh Gautam and Kamlashankar Bharti will look after Mirzapur and Bhadohi district as district presidents of these two districts respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi. BSP in an official statement said, "BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, has appointed office bearers for district committee and metropolitan (city) committee for several districts in Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadoi and Kaushambi." In the recent appointments, Chintamani Verma and Chaudhary Saeed Ahmed have been appointed as the District Chief and City President respectively for Allahabad. Abhishek Pratap Singh has been appointed as the District Head for Fatehpur District and Omkar Nath will look after the Kaushambi district as a District Chief.Sushil Kumar Gautam and B Sagar have been appointed as the District Head for Pratapgarh and Sonbhadra district respectively. Rajesh Gautam and Kamlashankar Bharti will look after Mirzapur and Bhadohi district as district presidents of these two districts respectively.

Uttar Pradesh: BSP chief Mayawati constitutes district committees, appoints office-bearers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry.

Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government."

Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club.

Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better.

"We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said.

"Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said.

PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames".

"This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm."

Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground."

Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?"

"Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government." Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club. Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better. "We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said. "Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said. PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames". "This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm." Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground." Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?" "Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.

New India is about participative democracy, citizen centric government: PM Modi

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir.

Thakur, who is known for making controversial statements, said, "Ram Mandir will be built in Ayodhya, the same way Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir. Nothing will happen to me till the construction of the shrine in Ayodhya."

"Everyone believes now that removal of Article 370 has united the country. Now a grand Ram Temple will be built and we all witness it soon," she said while speaking to reporters in Indore.

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Bharala gave a statement on similar lines.

He told ANI, "Temple of Lord Ram will be built during the tenure of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is a decisive man, he will be the one to build the temple with his own hands, he has 'apaar shakti'&nbsp;in him."

"The day-to-day hearing on Ayodhya matter is taking place in the Supreme Court and a decision will be taken soon in the favour of the construction of Ram temple... Even the Muslim community supports this," he claimed.

Fourteen appeals are pending before the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict which ordered equal division of the 2.77-acre disputed land in Ayodhya among the three parties- Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The 16th-century Babri Masjid was demolished on 6 December 1992.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir. Thakur, who is known for making controversial statements, said, "Ram Mandir will be built in Ayodhya, the same way Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir. Nothing will happen to me till the construction of the shrine in Ayodhya." "Everyone believes now that removal of Article 370 has united the country. Now a grand Ram Temple will be built and we all witness it soon," she said while speaking to reporters in Indore. Recently, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Bharala gave a statement on similar lines. He told ANI, "Temple of Lord Ram will be built during the tenure of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is a decisive man, he will be the one to build the temple with his own hands, he has 'apaar shakti' in him." "The day-to-day hearing on Ayodhya matter is taking place in the Supreme Court and a decision will be taken soon in the favour of the construction of Ram temple... Even the Muslim community supports this," he claimed. Fourteen appeals are pending before the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict which ordered equal division of the 2.77-acre disputed land in Ayodhya among the three parties- Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The 16th-century Babri Masjid was demolished on 6 December 1992.

After removal of Article 370, Ram temple will now be built in Ayodhya: Pragya Thakur

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda".

Addressing a programme on Ayush and Yoga, he said that there are "professional hazards" related to politics in terms of health, which are to be taken care of with the help of Naturopathy and Yoga.

"Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is on visits to villages and is working hard and the result can be see while his voice has become sore. These are the professional hazards and at the time of elections I also undergo through the same," said Modi.

"I must tell you my secret- Yoga, Pranayam and Ayurveda kept the vehicle of my life running," said Modi.

"A day after Fit India movement is started, coming to the programme of Ayush and Yoga is a great opportunity. Ayush and Yoga are strong pillars of Fit India movement. This is not only associated with our practice, culture and heritage and also related to our health care infrastructure," he said&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda".

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda". Addressing a programme on Ayush and Yoga, he said that there are "professional hazards" related to politics in terms of health, which are to be taken care of with the help of Naturopathy and Yoga. "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is on visits to villages and is working hard and the result can be see while his voice has become sore. These are the professional hazards and at the time of elections I also undergo through the same," said Modi. "I must tell you my secret- Yoga, Pranayam and Ayurveda kept the vehicle of my life running," said Modi. "A day after Fit India movement is started, coming to the programme of Ayush and Yoga is a great opportunity. Ayush and Yoga are strong pillars of Fit India movement. This is not only associated with our practice, culture and heritage and also related to our health care infrastructure," he said

Yoga, Pranayam, Ayurveda have kept me running : PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the government is aiming at building 12,500 AYUSH Centres across the country.

"Out of the target of 12,500 AYUSH Centres, 10 were inaugurated today in Haryana," the Prime Minister said while addressing a programme at the AYUSH Ministry.

PM Modi said that AYUSH and Yoga are strong pillars of FIT India movement launched recently in the country.

Speaking about Ayushman Bharat Yojna, Modi said, "Under the scheme people have benefitted from free health services, if they were not covered by this scheme then they would have spent Rs 12,000 crore for their treatment. In a way, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has saved Rs 12,000 crore of lakhs of poor people in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the government is aiming at building 12,500 AYUSH Centres across the country. "Out of the target of 12,500 AYUSH Centres, 10 were inaugurated today in Haryana," the Prime Minister said while addressing a programme at the AYUSH Ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the government is aiming at building 12,500 AYUSH Centres across the country. "Out of the target of 12,500 AYUSH Centres, 10 were inaugurated today in Haryana," the Prime Minister said while addressing a programme at the AYUSH Ministry. PM Modi said that AYUSH and Yoga are strong pillars of FIT India movement launched recently in the country. Speaking about Ayushman Bharat Yojna, Modi said, "Under the scheme people have benefitted from free health services, if they were not covered by this scheme then they would have spent Rs 12,000 crore for their treatment. In a way, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has saved Rs 12,000 crore of lakhs of poor people in the country.

We aim to build 12,500 AYUSH Centres in the country, says PM Modi

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday called upon Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to take "firm and immediate action" in the case where a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-priests-daughter-abducted-in-pakistan-forcibly-converted-into-islam-as-parents-file-fir-246414">Sikh priest's daughter forcibly converted to Islam</a> in Lahore's Nankana Sahib.

The Chief Minister has also requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up the issue with his Pakistani counterpart at the earliest.

"Shocking incident of a Sikh girl being kidnapped &amp; forced to convert to Islam in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. Call upon Imran Khan to take firm and immediate action against the perpetrators. Request S Jaishankar to strongly take up the issue with his counterpart at the earliest," Amarinder Singh tweeted.

The Sikh girl, who was missing for several days, surfaced on Thursday after she was forcibly converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim man in Nankana Sahib area of Lahore.

Jagjit Kaur, 19, is the daughter of Bhagwan Singh, a 'granthi' (priest) of Gurudwara Tambu Sahib and was converted to Islam at gunpoint. 
Family of Jagjit Kaur said they will self immolate in-front of the Governor house in Pakistan's Punjab if their daughter was not released.

Surinder Singh, brother of Jagjit Kaur said, "Our family has faced a tragic incident as some goons forcibly entered our house and abducted my younger daughter. They tortured her and forcibly converted her to Islam."

He added, "We went to a police station to register a complaint. We met many senior officials but they have not listened to our complaint. The goons again came to our house and forced us to withdraw our complaint and threatened that they will also force us to convert to Islam if we persisted with the complaint."

The family also appealed to Imran Khan and Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa for the safe return of Jagjit Kaur.

The members of the Sikh community in Pakistan have condemned the horrific incident and conducted a meeting at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib. They have decided to organise a protest on Friday at Governor House while an international conference related to Kartarpur Corridor is scheduled to be held there.

A video of Jagjit Kaur has also surfaced where she was forcibly converted to Islam and renamed as Ayesha. The 'maulvi' also arranged her marriage with a Muslim man.

In Pakistan, many such incidents are regularly reported where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday called upon Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to take "firm and immediate action" in the case where a Sikh priest's daughter forcibly converted to Islam in Lahore's Nankana Sahib.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday called upon Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to take "firm and immediate action" in the case where a Sikh priest's daughter forcibly converted to Islam in Lahore's Nankana Sahib. The Chief Minister has also requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up the issue with his Pakistani counterpart at the earliest. "Shocking incident of a Sikh girl being kidnapped & forced to convert to Islam in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. Call upon Imran Khan to take firm and immediate action against the perpetrators. Request S Jaishankar to strongly take up the issue with his counterpart at the earliest," Amarinder Singh tweeted. The Sikh girl, who was missing for several days, surfaced on Thursday after she was forcibly converted to Islam and made to marry a Muslim man in Nankana Sahib area of Lahore. Jagjit Kaur, 19, is the daughter of Bhagwan Singh, a 'granthi' (priest) of Gurudwara Tambu Sahib and was converted to Islam at gunpoint. Family of Jagjit Kaur said they will self immolate in-front of the Governor house in Pakistan's Punjab if their daughter was not released. Surinder Singh, brother of Jagjit Kaur said, "Our family has faced a tragic incident as some goons forcibly entered our house and abducted my younger daughter. They tortured her and forcibly converted her to Islam." He added, "We went to a police station to register a complaint. We met many senior officials but they have not listened to our complaint. The goons again came to our house and forced us to withdraw our complaint and threatened that they will also force us to convert to Islam if we persisted with the complaint." The family also appealed to Imran Khan and Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa for the safe return of Jagjit Kaur. The members of the Sikh community in Pakistan have condemned the horrific incident and conducted a meeting at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib. They have decided to organise a protest on Friday at Governor House while an international conference related to Kartarpur Corridor is scheduled to be held there. A video of Jagjit Kaur has also surfaced where she was forcibly converted to Islam and renamed as Ayesha. The 'maulvi' also arranged her marriage with a Muslim man. In Pakistan, many such incidents are regularly reported where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men.

After Sikh girl's forced conversion in Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh urges Imran Khan to take action

A Banda court has said that it will grant bail to a person accused of creating nuisance on condition that they will have to plant five saplings.

The clause is an addition to the existing punishment prescribed under the law.

"People are appreciating it and following the orders. The accused are granted bail after they submit photos of the saplings being planted by them to the court every month for the next six months," said Vandita Srivastava, Sub-District Magistrate (SDM).

In the last 15 days, the SDM court has directed over 500 accused to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/modi-plants-sapling-at-presidents-secretariat-in-colombo-225714">plant the saplings</a>.

"I have not amended any provisions of the law, but simply added a necessary condition to avail the bail," Srivastava said.

Appreciating her work, the District Magistrate has now directed every court in the Banda district to take up the initiative.

A Banda court has said that it will grant bail to a person accused of creating nuisance on condition that they will have to plant five saplings. The clause is an addition to the existing punishment prescribed under the law.

A Banda court has said that it will grant bail to a person accused of creating nuisance on condition that they will have to plant five saplings. The clause is an addition to the existing punishment prescribed under the law. "People are appreciating it and following the orders. The accused are granted bail after they submit photos of the saplings being planted by them to the court every month for the next six months," said Vandita Srivastava, Sub-District Magistrate (SDM). In the last 15 days, the SDM court has directed over 500 accused to plant the saplings. "I have not amended any provisions of the law, but simply added a necessary condition to avail the bail," Srivastava said. Appreciating her work, the District Magistrate has now directed every court in the Banda district to take up the initiative.

'Eco-friendly verdict': Plant 5 saplings to get bail, orders Uttar Pradesh court

Cannabis plantation on nearly 18 bighas of land was destroyed on Thursday by a joint team of police and Central Narcotics, police said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Kullu, Gaurav Singh said that destruction of the cannabis plantation is being carried out in a bid to end the drug menace in the state with the help of Central Narcotics team, police and the local youth organisations.

Till now cannabis plantation on 150 bighas of land in the Kullu district has been destroyed as part of a campaign that was launched on August 6.

The campaign to tackle the drug menace will continue till September 22, the police official added.

Cannabis plantation on nearly 18 bighas of land was destroyed on Thursday by a joint team of police and Central Narcotics, police said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kullu, Gaurav Singh said that destruction of the cannabis plantation is being carried out in a bid to end the drug menace in the state with the help of Central Narcotics team, police and the local youth organisations.

Cannabis plantation on nearly 18 bighas of land was destroyed on Thursday by a joint team of police and Central Narcotics, police said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kullu, Gaurav Singh said that destruction of the cannabis plantation is being carried out in a bid to end the drug menace in the state with the help of Central Narcotics team, police and the local youth organisations. Till now cannabis plantation on 150 bighas of land in the Kullu district has been destroyed as part of a campaign that was launched on August 6. The campaign to tackle the drug menace will continue till September 22, the police official added.

Himachal anti-drug drive: Police destroy cannabis plantation on 150 bigha land

Not many people may have heard about him but Abhay Kumar Singh is an MLA in the western Russian city of Kursk. He came here 30 years ago from Patna and fell in love with the country, eventually joining politics and fighting elections from the ticket of President Vladimir Putin's party--the United Russia party.&nbsp;

Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Abhay Singh in Moscow on politics and his journey.

WION: Tell us about your journey from Patna to Kursk in Russia?

Abhay Kumar Singh: I came to Russia for studies in 1991. So, when I started my studies in 1990 there was a lot of vacant space for business and opportunities here as the Soviet Union had collapsed, a new country came out--Russia. I started my business parallel to my studies and after finishing my studies, I was fully involved in the business. After doing business for some time, I joined politics. I fought for MLA elections and won.

WION: And you fought from Russian President Vladimir Putin's party.

Abhay Kumar Singh: I am proud of Vladimir Putin and happy that I belong to his party, United Russia party, and I am very happy to see him in party conferences.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India and Russia ties?

Abhay Kumar Singh: Relationship between India and Russia is more than friendship and it is&nbsp;a tradition. As a schoolboy, I went to the Russian book fairs in India. Somewhere in my heart, there was Russia, and I love this country.&nbsp;

WION: How many Indians live in Russia and&nbsp;with the lack of English is it a problem to settle here?

Abhay Kumar Singh: There is a language problem and I think, Russia is a tough country like in other countries people accept foreigners so simply. I am an example of how Russia has accepted people.

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WION: You faced any problems of acceptance by people here? Are you an outsider in Russian politics?

Abhay Kumar Singh: I don't feel any problem. I don't know why but Russians accepted me very well. My opponent in elections was defeated by a big margin. People voted for me only. In Russia, 15,000 Indian people are working and in addition around&nbsp;40,000 students are studying in different universities especially in medical. I don't think there is racism now, it had been there during the 1990s.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the future of Russia?

Abhay Kumar Singh: In Russia, our President Putin is a very strong man and I think he is not only a Russian leader but a world leader. Now, Russia is at the top in&nbsp;the world, our country is very strong and any problem will be solved.

WION: How do you see India&nbsp;and PM Modi. He will be visiting Russia next week?

Abhay Kumar Singh: In Russia, a lot of people like him. He is a strong leader and most welcome him to Russia. We are happy to see him.&nbsp;

Not many people may have heard about him but Abhay Kumar Singh is an MLA in the western Russian city of Kursk. He came here 30 years ago from Patna and fell in love with the country, eventually joining politics and fighting elections from the ticket of President Vladimir Putin's party--the United Russia party.

Not many people may have heard about him but Abhay Kumar Singh is an MLA in the western Russian city of Kursk. He came here 30 years ago from Patna and fell in love with the country, eventually joining politics and fighting elections from the ticket of President Vladimir Putin's party--the United Russia party. Our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Abhay Singh in Moscow on politics and his journey. WION: Tell us about your journey from Patna to Kursk in Russia? Abhay Kumar Singh: I came to Russia for studies in 1991. So, when I started my studies in 1990 there was a lot of vacant space for business and opportunities here as the Soviet Union had collapsed, a new country came out--Russia. I started my business parallel to my studies and after finishing my studies, I was fully involved in the business. After doing business for some time, I joined politics. I fought for MLA elections and won. WION: And you fought from Russian President Vladimir Putin's party. Abhay Kumar Singh: I am proud of Vladimir Putin and happy that I belong to his party, United Russia party, and I am very happy to see him in party conferences. WION: How do you see India and Russia ties? Abhay Kumar Singh: Relationship between India and Russia is more than friendship and it is a tradition. As a schoolboy, I went to the Russian book fairs in India. Somewhere in my heart, there was Russia, and I love this country. WION: How many Indians live in Russia and with the lack of English is it a problem to settle here? Abhay Kumar Singh: There is a language problem and I think, Russia is a tough country like in other countries people accept foreigners so simply. I am an example of how Russia has accepted people. Watch video- × WION: You faced any problems of acceptance by people here? Are you an outsider in Russian politics? Abhay Kumar Singh: I don't feel any problem. I don't know why but Russians accepted me very well. My opponent in elections was defeated by a big margin. People voted for me only. In Russia, 15,000 Indian people are working and in addition around 40,000 students are studying in different universities especially in medical. I don't think there is racism now, it had been there during the 1990s. WION: How do you see the future of Russia? Abhay Kumar Singh: In Russia, our President Putin is a very strong man and I think he is not only a Russian leader but a world leader. Now, Russia is at the top in the world, our country is very strong and any problem will be solved. WION: How do you see India and PM Modi. He will be visiting Russia next week? Abhay Kumar Singh: In Russia, a lot of people like him. He is a strong leader and most welcome him to Russia. We are happy to see him.

From Patna to Kursk! Indian origin MLA Abhay Singh says he was never an outsider in Russia

Giving a stern reply to Pakistan over its continuous rant about Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the neighbouring country has no locus-standi on matters related to the region.&nbsp;

Addressing the 26th 'Kisan-Jawan Vigyan Mela' in Leh, Singh underlined that Islamabad's cries over Kashmir were uncalled for as the region was never a part of Pakistan. "I want to ask Pakistan when was Kashmir yours that you cry for it? Pakistan itself was carved out of India. We respect Pakistan's existence but that doesn't mean they can make any statements regarding Kashmir," Singh said.&nbsp;

''Pakistan has no locus standi on this matter,'' 'Rajnath Singh further&nbsp;added.

On August 5, the Centre had abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, doing away with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was also re-organised into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature and Ladakh without legislature.

Pakistan has been rattled by the Indian government's move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue.

Since New Delhi's landmark decision, Pakistan has ramped up its anti-India rhetoric.&nbsp;

Despite focusing on the dwindling economy and terrorism emanating from its soil, Islamabad has been crying hoarse over Kashmir and also went to the extent of threatening nuclear war.&nbsp;

India has maintained that Kashmir is New Delhi's internal matter but the neighbouring country has downgraded bilateral ties with and said it will consider all steps to counter what it described "illegal steps".

Giving a stern reply to Pakistan over its continuous rant about Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the neighbouring country has no locus-standi on matters related to the region.

Giving a stern reply to Pakistan over its continuous rant about Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the neighbouring country has no locus-standi on matters related to the region. Addressing the 26th 'Kisan-Jawan Vigyan Mela' in Leh, Singh underlined that Islamabad's cries over Kashmir were uncalled for as the region was never a part of Pakistan. "I want to ask Pakistan when was Kashmir yours that you cry for it? Pakistan itself was carved out of India. We respect Pakistan's existence but that doesn't mean they can make any statements regarding Kashmir," Singh said. ''Pakistan has no locus standi on this matter,'' 'Rajnath Singh further added. On August 5, the Centre had abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, doing away with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was also re-organised into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature and Ladakh without legislature. Pakistan has been rattled by the Indian government's move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue. Since New Delhi's landmark decision, Pakistan has ramped up its anti-India rhetoric. Despite focusing on the dwindling economy and terrorism emanating from its soil, Islamabad has been crying hoarse over Kashmir and also went to the extent of threatening nuclear war. India has maintained that Kashmir is New Delhi's internal matter but the neighbouring country has downgraded bilateral ties with and said it will consider all steps to counter what it described "illegal steps".

Pakistan has no local standi on Kashmir: Defence minister Rajnath Singh

Pakistan on Thursday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Mendhar sector of Poonch district.

Officials said at about 1130 hours, Pakistan initiated ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Mendhar.

Indian Army is retaliating befittingly.

Pakistan had violated ceasefire in Poonch on Tuesday as well.

Pakistan on Thursday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Mendhar sector of Poonch district. Officials said at about 1130 hours, Pakistan initiated ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Mendhar.

Pakistan on Thursday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Mendhar sector of Poonch district. Officials said at about 1130 hours, Pakistan initiated ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Mendhar. Indian Army is retaliating befittingly. Pakistan had violated ceasefire in Poonch on Tuesday as well.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Mendhar sector of Poonch district

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed the Cabinet decision to liberalise sourcing norms for single-brand retail.

"The big companies of single-brand retail have put up small factories in India. They are not able to get economies of scale. They cannot get contract manufacturing done from third parties. Their domestic sourcing too remains limited," he said.

India has integrated itself to the laws prevailing at an international level. The new norms will give India a certain place in the global value chain, he said.

"Going forward, this holistic and comprehensive approach will encourage exports, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will come in bigger numbers, and big manufacturing opportunities which is the need of the hour will come," said Goyal on Wednesday.

The new norms will give a boost to the Make in India initiative. "For that, this is an important decision," he said.

The Union Cabinet liberalised sourcing norms for single-brand retail and allowed 26 per cent FDI in the digital media. It also decided that single-brand retail trading entities can do retail online trade prior to the opening of brick-and-mortar stores.

Goyal had said the decisions have been taken to make the country an attractive destination for FDI. Referring to the decision to ease local sourcing norms for FDI in Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT), he said that it had been announced in the Union Budget.

"This will lead to greater flexibility and ease of operations for SBRT entities besides creating a level-playing field for companies with higher exports in a base year," he had said.

The minister said that extant FDI Policy provides that 30 per cent of the value of goods has to be procured from India if SBRT entity has FDI more than 51 per cent. As regards local sourcing requirement, the same can be met as an average during the first five years and thereafter annually towards its India operations.

"It has been decided that all procurements made from India by the SBRT entity for that single brand shall be counted towards local sourcing, irrespective of whether the goods procured are sold in India or exported. The current cap of considering exports for five years only is proposed to be removed, to give an impetus to exports."

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed the Cabinet decision to liberalise sourcing norms for single-brand retail. "The big companies of single-brand retail have put up small factories in India.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed the Cabinet decision to liberalise sourcing norms for single-brand retail. "The big companies of single-brand retail have put up small factories in India. They are not able to get economies of scale. They cannot get contract manufacturing done from third parties. Their domestic sourcing too remains limited," he said. India has integrated itself to the laws prevailing at an international level. The new norms will give India a certain place in the global value chain, he said. "Going forward, this holistic and comprehensive approach will encourage exports, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will come in bigger numbers, and big manufacturing opportunities which is the need of the hour will come," said Goyal on Wednesday. The new norms will give a boost to the Make in India initiative. "For that, this is an important decision," he said. The Union Cabinet liberalised sourcing norms for single-brand retail and allowed 26 per cent FDI in the digital media. It also decided that single-brand retail trading entities can do retail online trade prior to the opening of brick-and-mortar stores. Goyal had said the decisions have been taken to make the country an attractive destination for FDI. Referring to the decision to ease local sourcing norms for FDI in Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT), he said that it had been announced in the Union Budget. "This will lead to greater flexibility and ease of operations for SBRT entities besides creating a level-playing field for companies with higher exports in a base year," he had said. The minister said that extant FDI Policy provides that 30 per cent of the value of goods has to be procured from India if SBRT entity has FDI more than 51 per cent. As regards local sourcing requirement, the same can be met as an average during the first five years and thereafter annually towards its India operations. "It has been decided that all procurements made from India by the SBRT entity for that single brand shall be counted towards local sourcing, irrespective of whether the goods procured are sold in India or exported. The current cap of considering exports for five years only is proposed to be removed, to give an impetus to exports."

India integrated itself to laws prevailing at international level, new norms to give certain place in global value chain: Piyush Goyal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

"A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted.

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A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a> for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. <a href="https://t.co/Eno1n9cjLa">pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa</a>
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Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed.

"A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting.

They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week.

Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6.

The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki here on Wednesday and discussed ways in which mutual cooperation could benefit both the countries. "A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security," Jaishankar tweeted. A good meeting on arrival in Warsaw. Thank PM @MorawieckiM for receiving me. Discussed ways in which our mutual cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to global security. pic.twitter.com/Eno1n9cjLa — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2019 × Prior to this, he held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow where a wide range of issues were discussed. "A truly special and privileged strategic partnership. Discussed a wide range of issues in a very warm atmosphere with FM Lavrov. A meeting of minds on important questions of the day. Appreciated full understanding of India's core interests," Jaishankar had stated after the meeting. They also reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week. Modi will be the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok which will be held from September 4 to 6. The EEF is an international forum held each year since 2015 in September. The forum seeks to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East that is famous for the world's largest mineral and energy reserves.

Foreign minister Jaishankar holds meeting with Poland Prime Minister, discusses mutual cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a nation-wide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sports-minister-rijiju-expresses-happiness-over-fit-india-movements-launch-on-dhyan-chands-birth-anniversary-246358">'Fit India Movement'</a> at Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in the national capital.

The Prime Minister also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion.

'Fit India movement', was launched on the occasion of the National Sports Day -- the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, which aims to encourage people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives.

"On this day a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick," Modi said at the event.

Ahead of the launch, students from different schools presented a stellar performance before the Prime Minister and other attendees.

All educational institutes have been instructed to prepare and implement a fitness plan incorporating sports, exercises or other physical activities for fitness, into the daily routine.

Ahead of the event launch, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju tweeted, "As PM Narendra Modi ji is launching Fit India Movement, I'm extremely excited to see Chief Ministers making clarion call to citizens in their respective States for fitness. Here is the message of the CM of Tripura Biplab Deb Kumar ji."

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his happiness over fitness movement launch. He tweeted, "I am also happy to know that the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi himself is going to launch the #FitIndiaMovement today to mark the National Sports Day. I appeal to everyone to join this fitness movement and make a 'Fitter &amp; Better India'."

During his latest 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Modi had asked people to take part in the 'Fit India Movement'.

"During today's Mann Ki Baat, I have made some requests to my fellow Indians: Visit iconic places relating to Bapu as a part of his 150th Jayanti. Travel to places related to nature and wildlife. Strengthen Poshan Abhiyan. Be a part of Fit India movement," he had said.

This is not the first time that the Modi government has launched a fitness campaign. It was Prime Minister who, through the United Nations as a forum, urged the world to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 every year. The government last year had come up with #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign in which people from all walks of life participated by sharing their exercise regimes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a nation-wide 'Fit India Movement' at Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in the national capital. The Prime Minister also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a nation-wide 'Fit India Movement' at Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in the national capital. The Prime Minister also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion. 'Fit India movement', was launched on the occasion of the National Sports Day -- the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, which aims to encourage people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives. "On this day a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick," Modi said at the event. Ahead of the launch, students from different schools presented a stellar performance before the Prime Minister and other attendees. All educational institutes have been instructed to prepare and implement a fitness plan incorporating sports, exercises or other physical activities for fitness, into the daily routine. Ahead of the event launch, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju tweeted, "As PM Narendra Modi ji is launching Fit India Movement, I'm extremely excited to see Chief Ministers making clarion call to citizens in their respective States for fitness. Here is the message of the CM of Tripura Biplab Deb Kumar ji." Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his happiness over fitness movement launch. He tweeted, "I am also happy to know that the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi himself is going to launch the #FitIndiaMovement today to mark the National Sports Day. I appeal to everyone to join this fitness movement and make a 'Fitter & Better India'." During his latest 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Modi had asked people to take part in the 'Fit India Movement'. "During today's Mann Ki Baat, I have made some requests to my fellow Indians: Visit iconic places relating to Bapu as a part of his 150th Jayanti. Travel to places related to nature and wildlife. Strengthen Poshan Abhiyan. Be a part of Fit India movement," he had said. This is not the first time that the Modi government has launched a fitness campaign. It was Prime Minister who, through the United Nations as a forum, urged the world to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 every year. The government last year had come up with #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign in which people from all walks of life participated by sharing their exercise regimes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches 'Fit India Movement' on National Sports Day

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday expressed happiness over the launch of Fit India Movement on the 114th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player of India.

While addressing a gathering at Indira Gandhi International Stadium in New Delhi, Rijiju said, "I am happy that we are launching Fit India Movement on the birth anniversary of Major Dyan Chand. We will make efforts to take this programme to new heights. Every Indian should be mentally and physically fit in order to take the country forward."

"This is the first time a fitness movement is being launched with the participation of all the people, I want to thank all the people for this," he said in his concluding remark.

The Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister also informed that President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the National Sports Awards, National Adventure Awards, Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Award in the evening today to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Indian athlete.

Notably, each year, National Sports Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Major Dyan Chand. Across the country, several fitness programmes are conducted to spread awareness about the importance of sports and games in the lives of every individual.

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday expressed happiness over the launch of Fit India Movement on the 114th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player of India.

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday expressed happiness over the launch of Fit India Movement on the 114th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player of India. While addressing a gathering at Indira Gandhi International Stadium in New Delhi, Rijiju said, "I am happy that we are launching Fit India Movement on the birth anniversary of Major Dyan Chand. We will make efforts to take this programme to new heights. Every Indian should be mentally and physically fit in order to take the country forward." "This is the first time a fitness movement is being launched with the participation of all the people, I want to thank all the people for this," he said in his concluding remark. The Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister also informed that President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the National Sports Awards, National Adventure Awards, Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Award in the evening today to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Indian athlete. Notably, each year, National Sports Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Major Dyan Chand. Across the country, several fitness programmes are conducted to spread awareness about the importance of sports and games in the lives of every individual.

Sports minister Rijiju expresses happiness over Fit India Movement's launch on Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary

Poland has assured India its support to deal with cross border terror issue during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the country. EAM Jaishankar met his Polish counterpart Prof.

Poland has assured India its support to deal with cross border terror issue during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the country. EAM Jaishankar met his Polish counterpart Prof. Jacek Czaputowicz on Thursday. The India Poland Foreign Minister in a joint statement said, "FM Prof. Czaputowicz expressed the commitment of Poland to support global efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, particularly cross-border terrorism." During the half-an-hour face-to-face talks, Jaishankar appreciated Polish Presidency in United Nations Security Council. Poland as the UNSC chair had told Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi when he called him to brief on Kashmir that Warsaw is in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. "We exchanged views on a number of regional and global matters, especially in the context of Poland’s Security Council membership," Jaishanker said after press statements alongside the Polish foreign minister. This is the first visit by Indian foreign minister to Poland since 1987. Visiting Indian minister expressed New Delhi's desire to engage with Poland under the Visegrad format, something he had talked about during his visit to Hungary earlier this week. Visegrád is a group of four central and eastern European nations — Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. "We value Poland as a large and important country in Europe, as a key member of the European Union and as a pillar of the Visegrad-4. It is currently a member of the UN Security Council which is in itself a recognition of its stature", Jaishanker said. Polish national carrier LOT will be starting direct flights from Warsaw to New Delhi from September 12 and Deputy Polish Prime Minister Piotr Gliński himself would be leading the Polish delegation on the inaugural flight. During the visit, Jaishankar called on the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Deputy Polish PM Piotr Gliński. Jaishankar was on a three-nation visit this week to Hungary, Russia and Poland.

Poland assures India support in dealing with cross border terrorism

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Imran Khan</a> is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-kashmir-issue-third-time-246030">Kashmir,</a> and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country.

After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan.

The test will be tracked at the national development complex ground control station in Sindh.

These tests are a last-ditch effort from Pakistan to try and internationalise Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks.

Now Pakistan had closed its airspace for the period from August twenty-eight to August thirty-first, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken.

The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests.

Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile.

Reports also indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August twenty-sixth, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005.

According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests, three days before the actual testing.

The Indian government, however, seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests.

The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.

So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

Imran Khan is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to Kashmir, and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country. After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan.

Imran Khan is on a desperate mission to draw international attention to Kashmir, and to satisfy the jihadi elements within his own country. After failed diplomatic efforts, threats of nuclear war Pakistan is reportedly going to test its Ghaznavi surface-to-surface missile from a flight test range in Balochistan. The test will be tracked at the national development complex ground control station in Sindh. These tests are a last-ditch effort from Pakistan to try and internationalise Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks. Now Pakistan had closed its airspace for the period from August twenty-eight to August thirty-first, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken. The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests. Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile. Reports also indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August twenty-sixth, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005. According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests, three days before the actual testing. The Indian government, however, seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests. The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action. So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

After failed diplomatic efforts and nuke threats Pakistan to test ballistic missile

Ministry of External Affairs'&nbsp;spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive.&nbsp;

He stated that there has been no communication from Pakistan on complete closure of airspace, "certain sectors have been temporarily closed and notifications were received on certain routes and diversions."

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on letter by Pakistan Minister Shireen Mazari to the United Nations: The letter is not even worth the paper on which it was written. Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting. <a href="https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ">https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5sgc09Tjn">pic.twitter.com/M5sgc09Tjn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167024335774576640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Pak Human Rights Shireen Mazari's letter to the president of UN Rights Council Kumar said, "don't want to lend any credence to the letter by acting, the letter is not even worth the paper on which it has has been written."

On the matter of Pakistan trained commandos' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ports-in-gujarat-on-high-alert-after-pakistan-commandos-enter-kutch-area-246375">intrusion in Kutch</a>, he said, "ask relevant authorities on this matter, our security forces are ready to deal with any eventualities."

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: What we understand is perhaps there were certain sectors which were temporarily closed, there have been NOTAM (A notice to airmen) which were issued that too for a certain period. There has been no statement from Pakistan confirming closure of airspace. <a href="https://t.co/mKlZI22aVF">pic.twitter.com/mKlZI22aVF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167026005069811714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Terrorism is an instrument of Pakistan's policy, their statements instigate violence," he added.&nbsp;

India slammed Pakistan for its irresponsible statements which include resorting to war and has asked the country to act like a normal neighbour by not supporting terror in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Pakistan railway minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that there could be a war between the two countries towards the end of the year.

Pak Minister Fawad Chowdhary had said that Islamabad had considered closing airspace for India though Pakistani foreign ministry has clarified that no such decision has been taken. The use of Pak airspace for PM Modi's plane during France visit was given by Islamabad to New Delhi despite its rhetoric on Kashmir after August 5.

Asking Pakistan to behave like "a normal neighbour", Kumar said "What do normal neighbours do, they don't push terrorist in the neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade".

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/after-failure-at-diplomatic-front-pakistan-test-fires-ghaznavi-missile-246365">missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan</a>.

The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: It is important for them (Pakistan) to now start behaving like a normal neighbour. What do normal neighbours do? You don't push terrorists into a neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade.This is not something which is happening from Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/kx9SXLCteq">pic.twitter.com/kx9SXLCteq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167031583640965120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres. It can deliver multiple types of warheads.

Meanwhile, Mundra port has been put on high alert after Pakistan trained commandos entered the Gulf of Kutch and Kutch area through Harami Nala creek area.&nbsp;

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Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi: Pakistan has not yet decided to close its airspace to India. PM is the final authority to take a decision on this. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/8U6Ttp7lPK">pic.twitter.com/8U6Ttp7lPK</a>
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The coast guard alert said the commandos were trained in "underwater attacks". The coast guard had received the input that has been shared with private companies to take safety measures.&nbsp;

"It is therefore directed to take utmost measures of security and prevent any untoward situation in Gujarat state," Adani said in a statement.

All ships at the Mundra port have been asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to marine control station and port operation centre immediately.

The development came days after Islamabad deployed medium-range artillery and mobilised its army along the LoC.

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive.

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive. He stated that there has been no communication from Pakistan on complete closure of airspace, "certain sectors have been temporarily closed and notifications were received on certain routes and diversions." Raveesh Kumar, MEA on letter by Pakistan Minister Shireen Mazari to the United Nations: The letter is not even worth the paper on which it was written. Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting. https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ pic.twitter.com/M5sgc09Tjn — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × On Pak Human Rights Shireen Mazari's letter to the president of UN Rights Council Kumar said, "don't want to lend any credence to the letter by acting, the letter is not even worth the paper on which it has has been written." On the matter of Pakistan trained commandos' intrusion in Kutch, he said, "ask relevant authorities on this matter, our security forces are ready to deal with any eventualities." Raveesh Kumar, MEA: What we understand is perhaps there were certain sectors which were temporarily closed, there have been NOTAM (A notice to airmen) which were issued that too for a certain period. There has been no statement from Pakistan confirming closure of airspace. pic.twitter.com/mKlZI22aVF — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × "Terrorism is an instrument of Pakistan's policy, their statements instigate violence," he added. India slammed Pakistan for its irresponsible statements which include resorting to war and has asked the country to act like a normal neighbour by not supporting terror in the neighbouring country. Earlier this week, Pakistan railway minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that there could be a war between the two countries towards the end of the year. Pak Minister Fawad Chowdhary had said that Islamabad had considered closing airspace for India though Pakistani foreign ministry has clarified that no such decision has been taken. The use of Pak airspace for PM Modi's plane during France visit was given by Islamabad to New Delhi despite its rhetoric on Kashmir after August 5. Asking Pakistan to behave like "a normal neighbour", Kumar said "What do normal neighbours do, they don't push terrorist in the neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade". Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: It is important for them (Pakistan) to now start behaving like a normal neighbour. What do normal neighbours do? You don't push terrorists into a neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade.This is not something which is happening from Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/kx9SXLCteq — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres. It can deliver multiple types of warheads. Meanwhile, Mundra port has been put on high alert after Pakistan trained commandos entered the Gulf of Kutch and Kutch area through Harami Nala creek area. Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi: Pakistan has not yet decided to close its airspace to India. PM is the final authority to take a decision on this. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/8U6Ttp7lPK — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × The coast guard alert said the commandos were trained in "underwater attacks". The coast guard had received the input that has been shared with private companies to take safety measures. "It is therefore directed to take utmost measures of security and prevent any untoward situation in Gujarat state," Adani said in a statement. All ships at the Mundra port have been asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to marine control station and port operation centre immediately. The development came days after Islamabad deployed medium-range artillery and mobilised its army along the LoC.

India reacts to Pak Ghaznavi missile test, says forces are ready to deal with any eventuality

India has proposed a meeting between Indian and Pakistan's officials in the first week of September at Attari on the Indian side to discuss Kartarpur Corridor. If Pakistan agrees, this will be the third such meet, the first was held in March while the second took place in July.

The meeting will focus on finalising the agreement on the modalities for the Kartarpur corridor and will follow a technical-level meeting to finalise the alignment of the temporary road, as agreed by Pakistan in July for the corridor.&nbsp;

During the second round of talks between India and Pakistan, that took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow all-weather pilgrimage to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib throughout the year.

Another focus point will be the modalities on the exchange of information about using the corridor and modalities to deal with the emergencies such as medical cases, during the operation of the corridor.

The development comes ahead of the fourth round of technical meet on Kartarpur that will happen on the 30th of this month at the 'zero-point' on India, Pakistan border in Punjab.&nbsp;

Pakistan, despite stated commitments, was delaying its confirmation on the meet which India had proposed in the first week of August. Despite repeated reminders, it took almost one month for Pakistan to decide on the meeting.

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side of the Kartarpur corridor with Indian officials monitoring daily progress. India is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal.

Both the sides are keen to open the corridor, which was agreed upon last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019.

India has proposed a meeting between Indian and Pakistan's officials in the first week of September at Attari on the Indian side to discuss Kartarpur Corridor. If Pakistan agrees, this will be the third such meet, the first was held in March while the second took place in July.

India has proposed a meeting between Indian and Pakistan's officials in the first week of September at Attari on the Indian side to discuss Kartarpur Corridor. If Pakistan agrees, this will be the third such meet, the first was held in March while the second took place in July. The meeting will focus on finalising the agreement on the modalities for the Kartarpur corridor and will follow a technical-level meeting to finalise the alignment of the temporary road, as agreed by Pakistan in July for the corridor. During the second round of talks between India and Pakistan, that took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow all-weather pilgrimage to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib throughout the year. Another focus point will be the modalities on the exchange of information about using the corridor and modalities to deal with the emergencies such as medical cases, during the operation of the corridor. The development comes ahead of the fourth round of technical meet on Kartarpur that will happen on the 30th of this month at the 'zero-point' on India, Pakistan border in Punjab. Pakistan, despite stated commitments, was delaying its confirmation on the meet which India had proposed in the first week of August. Despite repeated reminders, it took almost one month for Pakistan to decide on the meeting. Work is on in full swing on the Indian side of the Kartarpur corridor with Indian officials monitoring daily progress. India is building a 4-lane highway and a passenger bus terminal. Both the sides are keen to open the corridor, which was agreed upon last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019.

New Delhi proposes third round of India-Pakistan talks on Kartarpur 

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient.

Here are excerpts from the conversation.&nbsp;

WION: How far have we come as far as the 'Rally for Rivers' initiative is concerned and how are we taking it forward from here?

Sadhguru: Rally for Rivers essentially was an awareness campaign and thanks to people of India, 162 million people endorsed their support. Because of the support, the Government took it up and within two and a half months, the policy recommendations that we made became official. Niti Aayog sent these recommendations for all 29 states. 4 states are already in an aggressive mode of implementation while other states are in different levels of debate and discussion.

WION: What is the 'Cauvery Calling' initiative all about?&nbsp;

Sadhguru: 'Cauvery Calling' is a different type of a project, we involve farmers, government and the larger society. Farmers shift to 1/3rd agro-forestry. We have converted 69,760 farmers in Tamil Nadu into agroforestry in last 18 years. In 5-7 years, farmers' income will increase anywhere between 300-800 per cent. Nearly 70,000 farmers are there like that. At the current rate of conversion of 3000-5000 farmers per year, it will take 80 to 100 years for 1/3rd of the land to come under agroforestry. Cauvery Calling is an effort to crush this 100-year possibility to a 12-year project. For this, we needed an incentive from the government for the farmers.

First 4 years, when they shift to agroforestry, there is a little bit of loss of revenue, for that we wanted a subsidy. We have been working on this for the last 2 years. Both governments gave a clear positive signal that they will bring about an economic incentive for farmers to move from regular farming to agroforestry.

Right now 42 per cent of agri land in Tamil Nadu has been declared as fallow land, most fertile land is declared fallow and moving towards desertification. If this has to change, we need to put organic content into the soil - leaves and animal waste. Right now we are looking at transforming the Cauvery basin. 1/3rd of it must come under some shade, so we need to plant 242 crore trees. That is a big number but the farmers are going to plant it. The government is giving subsidy for the transition for 4 years, now the challenge is to raise that many saplings. We are looking at crowd-sourcing the funds as it costs 42 rupees per sapling. We want to raise saplings on a war footing. We are training farmers to use this as an enterprise, if they grow healthy saplings we will buy back and use it for agroforestry purposes.&nbsp;

WION: There have been a lot of clamouring calls for river Interlinking across the country, how do you view the viability of the project?&nbsp;

Sadhguru: If it is done for flood mitigation for certain rivers in certain parts of the country it is ok, for small projects. Large scale projects of river interlinking will be a disaster for this nation because our rivers are not of that volume. In a tropical nation, if you try to transport water in open canals, the loss that happens due to evaporation and thirsty land which sucks it out. It is not a viable thing and even economically it is not viable. These are European and North American models, it can’t be implemented here as we have a different climate and soil condition. River linking on a large scale won’t work. If you need to transport water for human consumption, it has to happen in a closed pipeline, it cannot happen in an open canal.

 
WION: The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-looks-to-neighbours-for-amazon-support-defends-record-246468">lungs of the earth, the Amazon</a>, have been burning. What is the lesson that India and the World can learn?

Sadhguru: Look at the images of the burning Amazon and Central Africa, people are saying the rain forest is burning. But rainforest cannot burn, there is too much humidity in the rain forest for it to burn. These are forests where all timber has been removed, only undergrowth and few small trees are left and that is burning. Probably they want it to burn because they are trying to turn it into cow pastures. All those importing beef from Brazil must know if they need to grow that many beef cattle they need plains and grasslands. That’s what they are trying to do. Which is what every developed nation did in the past. If you want to save ecology and put forests back, eat sensibly. We are not eating sensible, our way of food consumption is ecologically too expensive. It is for beef cultivation that they are clearing the forest. Instead of just telling them don’t clear the forest, see the source and augment the nation. If not forestry put agroforestry back

 
WION: You were there at ISRO, Sriharikota watching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-lunar-bound-orbit-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-performed-successfully-isro-246182">Chandrayaan-2 launch</a>, there’s barely a week to go for the moon landing now, your thoughts?

Sadhguru: Its an exciting moment for India, fantastic for Indian scientists. Meeting leaders and scientists of ISRO has been an eye-opener for me. The general image of most government-related institutions is that they don’t perform. This is a phenomenal example of an organization functioning. It is not just about landing on the Moon, its the way they are operating, the passion, involvement, the cost at which it is being done. When I walk into ISRO, I have tears in my eyes; looking at these people, as simple as they seem, as brilliant as they are, what they are doing is fantastic. It is a great pride of the nation, our nation has so many problems and issues to settle, but ISRO is a bright spot for India.&nbsp;

WION: How do you view the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-rahul-gandhi-should-listen-to-his-constructive-critics-246267">abrogation of Article 370</a> and the communications blockade in Jammu and Kashmir?

Sadhguru: I am no expert in constitutional matters. Every Indian, mainly the youth, our next generation should know which is India, which is not India. If I think this is my chair on which you are sitting unnecessarily, I get worked up. Tell me clearly if this is my chair or not. Why keep this in suspense? When they wrote the article, they clearly said it is temporary and transient. Please define to me, what is the idea of temporary and transient in this country. Are 72 years enough temporary, or do you want to wait for 700 years? If you make that clear for all the people of India and the soldiers who are dying on the borders, in this friction of not knowing which is what, like the families who are suffering. End everything temporary and transient if you are looking for sustainable development of this nation.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient. Here are excerpts from the conversation. WION: How far have we come as far as the 'Rally for Rivers' initiative is concerned and how are we taking it forward from here? Sadhguru: Rally for Rivers essentially was an awareness campaign and thanks to people of India, 162 million people endorsed their support. Because of the support, the Government took it up and within two and a half months, the policy recommendations that we made became official. Niti Aayog sent these recommendations for all 29 states. 4 states are already in an aggressive mode of implementation while other states are in different levels of debate and discussion. WION: What is the 'Cauvery Calling' initiative all about? Sadhguru: 'Cauvery Calling' is a different type of a project, we involve farmers, government and the larger society. Farmers shift to 1/3rd agro-forestry. We have converted 69,760 farmers in Tamil Nadu into agroforestry in last 18 years. In 5-7 years, farmers' income will increase anywhere between 300-800 per cent. Nearly 70,000 farmers are there like that. At the current rate of conversion of 3000-5000 farmers per year, it will take 80 to 100 years for 1/3rd of the land to come under agroforestry. Cauvery Calling is an effort to crush this 100-year possibility to a 12-year project. For this, we needed an incentive from the government for the farmers. First 4 years, when they shift to agroforestry, there is a little bit of loss of revenue, for that we wanted a subsidy. We have been working on this for the last 2 years. Both governments gave a clear positive signal that they will bring about an economic incentive for farmers to move from regular farming to agroforestry. Right now 42 per cent of agri land in Tamil Nadu has been declared as fallow land, most fertile land is declared fallow and moving towards desertification. If this has to change, we need to put organic content into the soil - leaves and animal waste. Right now we are looking at transforming the Cauvery basin. 1/3rd of it must come under some shade, so we need to plant 242 crore trees. That is a big number but the farmers are going to plant it. The government is giving subsidy for the transition for 4 years, now the challenge is to raise that many saplings. We are looking at crowd-sourcing the funds as it costs 42 rupees per sapling. We want to raise saplings on a war footing. We are training farmers to use this as an enterprise, if they grow healthy saplings we will buy back and use it for agroforestry purposes. WION: There have been a lot of clamouring calls for river Interlinking across the country, how do you view the viability of the project? Sadhguru: If it is done for flood mitigation for certain rivers in certain parts of the country it is ok, for small projects. Large scale projects of river interlinking will be a disaster for this nation because our rivers are not of that volume. In a tropical nation, if you try to transport water in open canals, the loss that happens due to evaporation and thirsty land which sucks it out. It is not a viable thing and even economically it is not viable. These are European and North American models, it can’t be implemented here as we have a different climate and soil condition. River linking on a large scale won’t work. If you need to transport water for human consumption, it has to happen in a closed pipeline, it cannot happen in an open canal. WION: The lungs of the earth, the Amazon, have been burning. What is the lesson that India and the World can learn? Sadhguru: Look at the images of the burning Amazon and Central Africa, people are saying the rain forest is burning. But rainforest cannot burn, there is too much humidity in the rain forest for it to burn. These are forests where all timber has been removed, only undergrowth and few small trees are left and that is burning. Probably they want it to burn because they are trying to turn it into cow pastures. All those importing beef from Brazil must know if they need to grow that many beef cattle they need plains and grasslands. That’s what they are trying to do. Which is what every developed nation did in the past. If you want to save ecology and put forests back, eat sensibly. We are not eating sensible, our way of food consumption is ecologically too expensive. It is for beef cultivation that they are clearing the forest. Instead of just telling them don’t clear the forest, see the source and augment the nation. If not forestry put agroforestry back WION: You were there at ISRO, Sriharikota watching Chandrayaan-2 launch, there’s barely a week to go for the moon landing now, your thoughts? Sadhguru: Its an exciting moment for India, fantastic for Indian scientists. Meeting leaders and scientists of ISRO has been an eye-opener for me. The general image of most government-related institutions is that they don’t perform. This is a phenomenal example of an organization functioning. It is not just about landing on the Moon, its the way they are operating, the passion, involvement, the cost at which it is being done. When I walk into ISRO, I have tears in my eyes; looking at these people, as simple as they seem, as brilliant as they are, what they are doing is fantastic. It is a great pride of the nation, our nation has so many problems and issues to settle, but ISRO is a bright spot for India. WION: How do you view the abrogation of Article 370 and the communications blockade in Jammu and Kashmir? Sadhguru: I am no expert in constitutional matters. Every Indian, mainly the youth, our next generation should know which is India, which is not India. If I think this is my chair on which you are sitting unnecessarily, I get worked up. Tell me clearly if this is my chair or not. Why keep this in suspense? When they wrote the article, they clearly said it is temporary and transient. Please define to me, what is the idea of temporary and transient in this country. Are 72 years enough temporary, or do you want to wait for 700 years? If you make that clear for all the people of India and the soldiers who are dying on the borders, in this friction of not knowing which is what, like the families who are suffering. End everything temporary and transient if you are looking for sustainable development of this nation.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev speaks to WION on Amazon fires, Article 370 and much more 

Following days of restrictions, mobile phone services have been resumed in five districts of Jammu region.

Starting Wednesday night, the services were restored in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch districts. The services were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, given security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.

Defending restrictions on the use of mobile phones and internet, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had said that the curb has been imposed as these facilities were abused as "a weapon" against the country and mostly exploited by terrorists to mobilise the people.

"There is much hullabaloo over the absence of telephone facilities. I want to say that people should wait for 10 more days. For us every life is important. Please try to understand the reasons behind these restrictions. Who uses phone and internet? It is of little use for us but is mostly exploited by terrorists and Pakistanis," Malik said.&nbsp;

Following days of restrictions, mobile phone services have been resumed in five districts of Jammu region. Starting Wednesday night, the services were restored in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Following days of restrictions, mobile phone services have been resumed in five districts of Jammu region. Starting Wednesday night, the services were restored in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch districts. The services were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, given security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. Defending restrictions on the use of mobile phones and internet, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had said that the curb has been imposed as these facilities were abused as "a weapon" against the country and mostly exploited by terrorists to mobilise the people. "There is much hullabaloo over the absence of telephone facilities. I want to say that people should wait for 10 more days. For us every life is important. Please try to understand the reasons behind these restrictions. Who uses phone and internet? It is of little use for us but is mostly exploited by terrorists and Pakistanis," Malik said.

Mobile phone services restored in five districts of Jammu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-fit-india-movement-on-national-sports-day-246360">Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations</a>. But the question remains, how fit the country is?&nbsp;

While India's obesity rate has been on the rise, cases of cancer are also growing at an alarming rate. Here's a report on India's health index as we break down the numbers for you.&nbsp;

India's health

A report on India's health situation shows an increasingly obese population, especially in the cities. The number of overweight men and women in the cities has grown in the last decade, also indicating that the richest have the poorest health whereas the middle-aged are the worst hit.&nbsp;

It is also revealed that women are more likely to be overweight or obese than men after the age of 30.&nbsp;

Not surprisingly, the metros have a higher share of overweight men and women than the national average. Mumbai comes out as the worst performer on the national health index, followed by Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

Globally, India ranks 120th in a list of 169 nations as per a 2019 healthiest country index.

Our neighbours China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal continue to be healthier. Spain has emerged as the world’s healthiest nation.&nbsp;

What's ailing India?&nbsp;

Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are some of the leading lifestyle diseases plaguing the Indian population. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, more Indians are now dying due of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). &nbsp;

National Family Health survey reveals 11 per cent Indian women and 15 per cent Indian men have high blood pressure with over 60 per cent of those surveyed who had never got their blood pressure tested.&nbsp;

The number of cancer patients and deaths due to cancer have increased in the last 5 years. Over 7 crore people in India are likely to suffer from cancer by 2021.

Central government's Fit India movement is a multi-ministry effort introducing basic fitness practices in the daily lives of Indians - a majority of who lack access to sports or fitness infrastructure in their neighbourhoods.

PM Modi said that due to advancing technology, physical activity has reduced, hence, this movement was the need of the hour.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. But the question remains, how fit the country is?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. But the question remains, how fit the country is? While India's obesity rate has been on the rise, cases of cancer are also growing at an alarming rate. Here's a report on India's health index as we break down the numbers for you. India's health A report on India's health situation shows an increasingly obese population, especially in the cities. The number of overweight men and women in the cities has grown in the last decade, also indicating that the richest have the poorest health whereas the middle-aged are the worst hit. It is also revealed that women are more likely to be overweight or obese than men after the age of 30. Not surprisingly, the metros have a higher share of overweight men and women than the national average. Mumbai comes out as the worst performer on the national health index, followed by Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Globally, India ranks 120th in a list of 169 nations as per a 2019 healthiest country index. Our neighbours China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal continue to be healthier. Spain has emerged as the world’s healthiest nation. What's ailing India? Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are some of the leading lifestyle diseases plaguing the Indian population. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, more Indians are now dying due of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). National Family Health survey reveals 11 per cent Indian women and 15 per cent Indian men have high blood pressure with over 60 per cent of those surveyed who had never got their blood pressure tested. The number of cancer patients and deaths due to cancer have increased in the last 5 years. Over 7 crore people in India are likely to suffer from cancer by 2021. Central government's Fit India movement is a multi-ministry effort introducing basic fitness practices in the daily lives of Indians - a majority of who lack access to sports or fitness infrastructure in their neighbourhoods. PM Modi said that due to advancing technology, physical activity has reduced, hence, this movement was the need of the hour.

Fit India movement: Where does India stand on health index? 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan.

The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe.

Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal."Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the east-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning.

The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan. The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan. The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal."Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the east-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Chattisgarh, Odisha likely to receive heavy rainfall: India Meteorological Department

India has reacted to Chinese intrusion into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone where India's ONGC and Russia's Rosneft have their blocks stationed. New Delhi has called for unimpeded lawful commerce in the region and that differences should be resolved peacefully.&nbsp;

Reacting to a question during the weekly Ministry of External Affairs presser in Delhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reacts-on-pak-missile-test-says-forces-are-ready-to-deal-with-any-eventuality-246403">spokesperson Raveesh Kumar</a> said, "the South China Sea is part of the global commons. India, therefore, has an abiding interest in the peace and stability in the region."

Reiterating India's stand for "freedom of navigation and over-flight, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, notably UNCLOS", Raveesh said, "differences must be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes, and without resorting to threat or use of force".

While Russia hasn't issued any official statement, it has taken cognizance of the development.&nbsp;

The intrusion that began on August 13, the second of its kind this year, saw Bejing placing two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. Overall, in the second intrusion, 6 coast guard ships, 10 fishing ships and 2 service ships along with H6 bomber, fighter aircraft and mid-air refuelers have spotted hovering in the area. The first intrusion began on July 3 and Chinese ships left on August 7.&nbsp;

This is the third major intrusion by the Chinese since 2011. In 2011, the Chinese had cut Vietnamese cables; in 2014, Beijing had placed a drilling platform which was later withdrawn. 
&nbsp;

India has reacted to Chinese intrusion into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone where India's ONGC and Russia's Rosneft have their blocks stationed. New Delhi has called for unimpeded lawful commerce in the region and that differences should be resolved peacefully.

India has reacted to Chinese intrusion into Vietnam's exclusive economic zone where India's ONGC and Russia's Rosneft have their blocks stationed. New Delhi has called for unimpeded lawful commerce in the region and that differences should be resolved peacefully. Reacting to a question during the weekly Ministry of External Affairs presser in Delhi, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "the South China Sea is part of the global commons. India, therefore, has an abiding interest in the peace and stability in the region." Reiterating India's stand for "freedom of navigation and over-flight, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, notably UNCLOS", Raveesh said, "differences must be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes, and without resorting to threat or use of force". While Russia hasn't issued any official statement, it has taken cognizance of the development. The intrusion that began on August 13, the second of its kind this year, saw Bejing placing two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. Overall, in the second intrusion, 6 coast guard ships, 10 fishing ships and 2 service ships along with H6 bomber, fighter aircraft and mid-air refuelers have spotted hovering in the area. The first intrusion began on July 3 and Chinese ships left on August 7. This is the third major intrusion by the Chinese since 2011. In 2011, the Chinese had cut Vietnamese cables; in 2014, Beijing had placed a drilling platform which was later withdrawn.

India reacts to presence of Chinese coast guard ships near ONGC blocks; says differences should be resolved peacefully 

Russia has said payment issues regarding defence deal is not an issue and the rupee-ruble mechanism is working with the system adapting to newer reality.&nbsp;

"Very successfully. I would say it's a non-issue. It is no more an issue. There were initial difficulties due to banking restrictions.. but then we took to G2G level and we use a different currency," Victor N Kladov, director of International Cooperation and regional policy of Russian state corporation or Rostec said.&nbsp;

Rostec is an umbrella organisation for all defence companies of Russia.&nbsp;

India and Russia last year announced the S-400 deal and given the American sanctions on the latter, payments was an issue. India will be getting Russian S-400 by April 2023.

Lauding India for standing to the US on S-400 deal Kladov speaking at MAKS Air Show near Moscow said, "India is a powerful big country, speaks equally to America..and when it comes to S-400 Indian government has explained to the American counterpart that it is required for national defence." 
&nbsp; 
India can face American sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law but so far Washington hasn't announced any.&nbsp;

Kladov further said, "India can make an interface.. a command...but secrets are well protected...secrets are inside technology and they also inside agreements.. whereby Indian end-user is obliged to keep secrets".&nbsp;

New Delhi is negotiating short-range theatre defence from US.

The major push will be given for the signing of Kamov Ka-226 or Ka 226 T --Russian utility helicopter contract during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum.&nbsp;

"Yes we are hopefull this meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will bring new development in K 226 T Project..major push will be made definitely, regarding the K 226T all technical and commercial talks are already finished but the contract has not been signed, there is no delay, we are expecting final okay from the ministry of defence of India. Everything is ready," Kladov said.

Many parts of Kamov Ka-226 helicopters will be produced domestically in India, giving a boost to India's ''Make in India'' defence initiative.&nbsp;

Major partner is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and in the supply chain, more Indian companies will be present. First, 60 helicopters will be assembled in Russia, next 140 will be assembled in India.&nbsp;

Asked if Russia has offered its fifth-generation fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-57, Kladov said, "We have never cancelled the agreement with the Indian government. The fifth-generation project has been delayed by the Indian side, not by the Russian side because Indian airforce has its strategy of development so, for the time being, we don't have talks"

India and Russia had planned to develop it but New Delhi backed out due to the huge cost.

Russia has said payment issues regarding defence deal is not an issue and the rupee-ruble mechanism is working with the system adapting to newer reality. "Very successfully.

Russia has said payment issues regarding defence deal is not an issue and the rupee-ruble mechanism is working with the system adapting to newer reality. "Very successfully. I would say it's a non-issue. It is no more an issue. There were initial difficulties due to banking restrictions.. but then we took to G2G level and we use a different currency," Victor N Kladov, director of International Cooperation and regional policy of Russian state corporation or Rostec said. Rostec is an umbrella organisation for all defence companies of Russia. India and Russia last year announced the S-400 deal and given the American sanctions on the latter, payments was an issue. India will be getting Russian S-400 by April 2023. Lauding India for standing to the US on S-400 deal Kladov speaking at MAKS Air Show near Moscow said, "India is a powerful big country, speaks equally to America..and when it comes to S-400 Indian government has explained to the American counterpart that it is required for national defence." India can face American sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law but so far Washington hasn't announced any. Kladov further said, "India can make an interface.. a command...but secrets are well protected...secrets are inside technology and they also inside agreements.. whereby Indian end-user is obliged to keep secrets". New Delhi is negotiating short-range theatre defence from US. The major push will be given for the signing of Kamov Ka-226 or Ka 226 T --Russian utility helicopter contract during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum. "Yes we are hopefull this meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will bring new development in K 226 T Project..major push will be made definitely, regarding the K 226T all technical and commercial talks are already finished but the contract has not been signed, there is no delay, we are expecting final okay from the ministry of defence of India. Everything is ready," Kladov said. Many parts of Kamov Ka-226 helicopters will be produced domestically in India, giving a boost to India's ''Make in India'' defence initiative. Major partner is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and in the supply chain, more Indian companies will be present. First, 60 helicopters will be assembled in Russia, next 140 will be assembled in India. Asked if Russia has offered its fifth-generation fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-57, Kladov said, "We have never cancelled the agreement with the Indian government. The fifth-generation project has been delayed by the Indian side, not by the Russian side because Indian airforce has its strategy of development so, for the time being, we don't have talks" India and Russia had planned to develop it but New Delhi backed out due to the huge cost.

Payment issues regarding defence deal with India not an issue: Russia

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