UK-based Cairn Energy has agreed to take back all cases against India within a couple of days of getting a $1 billion refund resulting from the scrapping of a retrospective tax law.

Cairn accepts $1 bn refund offer to drop cases against India

A Japanese soy sauce giant is wading into the Indian market. They want to make soy sauce the 'Indian ketchup'. But local vendors and chefs say 'no thanks'. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Soy sauce giant's Indian dream

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme.&nbsp;

Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus.&nbsp;

Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours.&nbsp;

In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality.&nbsp;

Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money.&nbsp;

In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers.&nbsp;The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right.

Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs.&nbsp; 
Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs.&nbsp;

The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility.&nbsp;

A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound.&nbsp;

Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly.

It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala.&nbsp;

It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours.&nbsp;

The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population.

This is despite having acquired land from there.

It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of

Rupees are also handed to the locals.&nbsp;

According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing.&nbsp;

Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”.

The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s.

The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess.

It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue.&nbsp;

It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred. VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme. Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus. Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours. In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality. Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money. In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers. The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right. Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs. Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs. The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility. A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound. Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly. It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala. It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours. The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population. This is despite having acquired land from there. It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of Rupees are also handed to the locals. According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing. Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”. The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s. The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess. It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue. It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

Head-load workers and locals block ISRO’s cargo and demand money for unloading

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders.

Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak.

Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave.

The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

"There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added.

Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752.

The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23.

The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said. The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders. Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak. Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave. The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days "There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added. Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752. The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23. The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India plans 50% increase in oxygen production amid fears of third wave

Schools reopened in&nbsp;India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday&nbsp;as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus.

Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday.

India&nbsp;reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined. India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus. But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus. Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday. India reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopen in parts of India in further easing of restrictions

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world.&nbsp;

Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats.

As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets. The GI tagging will also help in increasing the prices of the Kashmir willow bats.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4f4aad5-cc92-40a6-b88a-e1879069773e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_Image_0.jpeg" />

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7ff9cf0-55a7-41ce-937b-e7e9f32cac27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2.jpeg" />

<img alt="Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3a62e75-2419-42d3-9393-0a92b13e295e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.jpeg" />

A study released recently by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;deemed as "Indian Sports Goods Industry: Strategies for Tapping the Export Potential" revealed that "Kashmir willow bat is one such product, which holds significance". This is because it is made from some of the "best quality wood in the world".&nbsp;

The bat makers in Kashmir are eagerly waiting for the GI Tag.

''It's a good step by the government and we have been expecting it. The government is helping the small scale industries at the moment and due to this Kashmir willow will get the recognition it deserves. The English willow is considered good but the Kashmir willow is as good. And if we get the tagging it would help us. The top grade willow bats are good and need to be promoted as much. If we have GI Tag, the sales will go up.'' said Asif Majeed Parray, Owner MS Bat Factory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-kashmirs-budgam-brick-kiln-owners-taking-up-apple-cultivation-thanks-to-govts-new-initiative-409976">Also read |&nbsp;In Kashmir’s Budgam, brick kiln owners taking up apple cultivation thanks to govt’s new initiative</a>

There are more than 200 bat making factories in Kashmir and hundreds of people earning their livelihoods.&nbsp;

The ongoing pandemic had badly hit the industry and there were hardly any new orders. However, now the makers are hoping that things will change after GI Tagging.&nbsp;

''If the government takes this step, the GI tag will benefit us a lot, it would be great for us. The maximum number of bats are made in Kashmir. Now with the tagging, we can send our bats to every country. We can sell online with the tag and earn customer trust. We make more than 2 lakh bats every month in Kashmir in around 200 factories. It will be our honour to make bats that will be picked by international players. Our bats have recently been taken by two specially-abled Kashmiris who are selected in the Indian team to play in an ODI in Bangladesh.'' said Javaid Ahmad, MJS Bat Factory Owner.&nbsp;

The Kashmir willow bats fetch a maximum of Rs 3,500 rupees per bat, as against the English willow bats whose retail price range is between $220 to $450 per bat in the international markets.

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world. Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats. As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets.

The Kashmir Willow cricket bats are famous across the world. Now, the government is in process of getting a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Kashmiri Bats. As per a recent study, this will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets. The GI tagging will also help in increasing the prices of the Kashmir willow bats. A study released recently by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman deemed as "Indian Sports Goods Industry: Strategies for Tapping the Export Potential" revealed that "Kashmir willow bat is one such product, which holds significance". This is because it is made from some of the "best quality wood in the world". The bat makers in Kashmir are eagerly waiting for the GI Tag. ''It's a good step by the government and we have been expecting it. The government is helping the small scale industries at the moment and due to this Kashmir willow will get the recognition it deserves. The English willow is considered good but the Kashmir willow is as good. And if we get the tagging it would help us. The top grade willow bats are good and need to be promoted as much. If we have GI Tag, the sales will go up.'' said Asif Majeed Parray, Owner MS Bat Factory. Also read | In Kashmir’s Budgam, brick kiln owners taking up apple cultivation thanks to govt’s new initiative There are more than 200 bat making factories in Kashmir and hundreds of people earning their livelihoods. The ongoing pandemic had badly hit the industry and there were hardly any new orders. However, now the makers are hoping that things will change after GI Tagging. ''If the government takes this step, the GI tag will benefit us a lot, it would be great for us. The maximum number of bats are made in Kashmir. Now with the tagging, we can send our bats to every country. We can sell online with the tag and earn customer trust. We make more than 2 lakh bats every month in Kashmir in around 200 factories. It will be our honour to make bats that will be picked by international players. Our bats have recently been taken by two specially-abled Kashmiris who are selected in the Indian team to play in an ODI in Bangladesh.'' said Javaid Ahmad, MJS Bat Factory Owner. The Kashmir willow bats fetch a maximum of Rs 3,500 rupees per bat, as against the English willow bats whose retail price range is between $220 to $450 per bat in the international markets.

Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging, study reveals this will serve as a great marketing strategy

Gravitas Plus with WION's Palki Sharma | India takes pride in its Guru-Shishya Parampara. It takes pride in being home to great teachers like Guru Dronacharya and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. But have teachers in India lost the respect they once commanded? Has learning become a business? Who is to be blamed for it?

Gravitas Plus: Thoughts on Teachers' Day 2021

Turkey's envoy spoke to WION on India-Turkey ties. He said that there is a significant potential for cooperation in key areas. Speaking on Afghanistan, he opined that stability is the need in Afghanistan and that India and Turkey has made immense contribution to Afghanistan and can continue to do so.

Turkish envoy Firat Sunel speaks to WION on India-Turkey ties and the contribution to Afghanistan

Nepal and Indian Army personnel will participate in the 15th edition of two-week joint military exercise Suryakiran from September 20. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Nepal Army Spokesperson Santosh Ballav Poudyal said the event will take place in Pithoragadh of India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nepali Army personnel participating in the exercise will travel to Pithoragadh in India. The event will take place from September 20 to October 3. As many as 300 Nepali Army personnel will participate along with similar number of Indian Army personnel,” Poudyal told WION.

Watch |&nbsp;MEA: India's concern is to prevent use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities&nbsp;

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The Army Spokesperson said this comes after the series of discussion that took place during the visit of Nepalese army delegation to India recently to meet their Indian counterparts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Suryakiran is the biggest of cross-country military exercise that Nepal participates in, in terms of the number of personnel involved. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He confirmed that Nepal and India alternately host each edition of the exercise. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/nepal-government-objects-to-burning-of-indian-pm-modis-effigy-in-kathmandu-410851" hreflang="en">Nepal government objects to burning of Indian PM Modi's effigy in Kathmandu</a>

“The area of focus in the exercise will be counter insurgency and general warfare technique. The exercise had to be postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Poudyal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

When asked what safety protocols will be carried out due to Covid, he said, “All personnel will be double vaccinated and PCR tests will be conducted before they join the event. Of course, all other COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.” &nbsp;

Speaking about the invitation of Indian Army to retired Nepali Army Chiefs of Staff, he said, “Around eight retired Army Chiefs have been invited and not everybody has confirmed their participation. The programme will take place in New Delhi this September.”&nbsp;

Nepal and Indian Army personnel will participate in the 15th edition of two-week joint military exercise Suryakiran from September 20. Speaking to WION, Nepal Army Spokesperson Santosh Ballav Poudyal said the event will take place in Pithoragadh of India.

Nepal and Indian Army personnel will participate in the 15th edition of two-week joint military exercise Suryakiran from September 20. Speaking to WION, Nepal Army Spokesperson Santosh Ballav Poudyal said the event will take place in Pithoragadh of India. “Nepali Army personnel participating in the exercise will travel to Pithoragadh in India. The event will take place from September 20 to October 3. As many as 300 Nepali Army personnel will participate along with similar number of Indian Army personnel,” Poudyal told WION. Watch | MEA: India's concern is to prevent use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities × The Army Spokesperson said this comes after the series of discussion that took place during the visit of Nepalese army delegation to India recently to meet their Indian counterparts. Suryakiran is the biggest of cross-country military exercise that Nepal participates in, in terms of the number of personnel involved. He confirmed that Nepal and India alternately host each edition of the exercise. Also Read: Nepal government objects to burning of Indian PM Modi's effigy in Kathmandu “The area of focus in the exercise will be counter insurgency and general warfare technique. The exercise had to be postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Poudyal. When asked what safety protocols will be carried out due to Covid, he said, “All personnel will be double vaccinated and PCR tests will be conducted before they join the event. Of course, all other COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.” Speaking about the invitation of Indian Army to retired Nepali Army Chiefs of Staff, he said, “Around eight retired Army Chiefs have been invited and not everybody has confirmed their participation. The programme will take place in New Delhi this September.”

India, Nepal to hold annual joint military exercise from September 20

Indian&nbsp;Embassy in Nepal and Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) signed&nbsp;MoUs&nbsp;for the reconstruction of 14 cultural heritage projects and 103 health sector projects across various districts in Nepal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Issuing a statement, the Indian Embassy said these projects, which were damaged during the 2015 earthquake, will be reconstructed at a cost of NRs 4200 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually

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“Under post-earthquake reconstruction package, Government of India (GoI) has allocated total grant of USD 250 million, including US $50 million each for education, cultural heritage and health sector, and USD 100 million for the housing sector,” said the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In total, 71 education sector projects, 28 cultural heritage sector projects in 7 districts, 147 health facilities in 10&nbsp;districts&nbsp;and&nbsp;construction of 50,000 houses in Gorkha and&nbsp;Nuwakot&nbsp;is being undertaken with&nbsp;GoI&nbsp;grant assistance,” it added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-closely-watching-pakistans-actions-in-afghanistan-says-foreign-secretary-shringla-410582" hreflang="en">India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

The&nbsp;MoUs&nbsp;were signed by both sides in the presence of Karun Bansal, First Secretary (Development Partnership and Reconstruction) and Shyam Kishore Singh, Project Director, CLPIU (Bldg).&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLPIU (Building) of NRA is the implementing agency for both health and cultural heritage sector projects.&nbsp;

Indian Embassy in Nepal and Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) signed MoUs for the reconstruction of 14 cultural heritage projects and 103 health sector projects across various districts in Nepal.

Indian Embassy in Nepal and Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) signed MoUs for the reconstruction of 14 cultural heritage projects and 103 health sector projects across various districts in Nepal. Issuing a statement, the Indian Embassy said these projects, which were damaged during the 2015 earthquake, will be reconstructed at a cost of NRs 4200 million. Watch: Indian PM Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually × “Under post-earthquake reconstruction package, Government of India (GoI) has allocated total grant of USD 250 million, including US $50 million each for education, cultural heritage and health sector, and USD 100 million for the housing sector,” said the statement. “In total, 71 education sector projects, 28 cultural heritage sector projects in 7 districts, 147 health facilities in 10 districts and construction of 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot is being undertaken with GoI grant assistance,” it added. Also Read: India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla The MoUs were signed by both sides in the presence of Karun Bansal, First Secretary (Development Partnership and Reconstruction) and Shyam Kishore Singh, Project Director, CLPIU (Bldg). CLPIU (Building) of NRA is the implementing agency for both health and cultural heritage sector projects.

India, Nepal sign MoUs worth NRs 4200 mn to reconstruct projects damaged in 2015 quake

India's Foreign Secretary visited Washington to discuss bilateral ties and the Afghan crisis. In Washington, Shrigla met his US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman.

India's Foreign Secretary visits Washington to discuss bilateral ties, Afghan crisis

Pakistan is all set to host this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for anti-terror exercises and India has decided not to participate in the event.

SCO's Anti-Terror Exercise: India not part of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation exercise

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes.&nbsp;

It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India.

Now, the government is promoting the horticulture Industry in the Union Territory.&nbsp;

Apricots from Ladakh are famous and of high quality.&nbsp;

For the first time, the government is exporting the fruit to Dubai. Apricots are one of the major fruits with a very distinctive taste and texture produced in Ladakh.&nbsp;Around half a dozen varieties of apricots are grown in Ladakh.&nbsp;

<img alt="Apricots " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a6ec9fd-e64a-4d39-85ad-9d533a9b7258" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%282%29.jpeg" />

Most of them are of high quality.

It is the primary cash crop for the farmers of Kargil and was never exported before.&nbsp;

However, this year, the government with help of a private farmer-centric firm undertook this task to market the apricots from Ladakh.

<img alt="apricot " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af49b58b-88e1-4ad8-a737-3814abd1ef1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%281%29.jpeg" />

''The event marks an important milestone for Kargil, the fruit has not only been sent to the Indian market but also to the international market, with their first order of 150 kg from Dubai. Paving the way for local entrepreneurs to participate in the value chain of Apricot, this initiative would also ensure that the farmers of Kargil benefit from reduced wastage and receive an immediate realisation of the value of their crop. Apricot has recently been identified as the primary crop for Kargil under the ODOC programme of the Government of India.'' said Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC LAHDC Kargil.

The farmers from Ladakh are happy that this initiative was taken by the government along with a private firm Krishak Agritech.&nbsp;

Earlier the farmers could not send across the fresh apricots from the Ladakh region.

''We are thankful to Krishak Agritech and It's because of them that we are able to export apricots. We only used to dry the apricots earlier but now we are able to send fresh apricots to dubai. People are extremely happy by this step.'' said Mohd Abbas, Farmer Kargil.

Krishak Agritech has exported 20 MT of fresh apricots procured from more than 200 farmers of UT of Ladakh.&nbsp;

The value of this is around 30 Lakh rupees and also generating an avenue of employment for the locals.

''We have a plan to set up a food processing unit before next season of apricot. We will also teach farmers how to hygienically dry the apricots," said &nbsp;Naveen Gahlawat, Founder, Krishak Agritech. &nbsp;

The government is now looking at other countries in the middle east to export the apricots.

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes. It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India.

Ladakh is among one of the topmost travelled destinations in the country, with breathtaking beautiful mountain ranges to freshwater lakes. It has been one of the most visited places by tourists in India. Now, the government is promoting the horticulture Industry in the Union Territory. Apricots from Ladakh are famous and of high quality. For the first time, the government is exporting the fruit to Dubai. Apricots are one of the major fruits with a very distinctive taste and texture produced in Ladakh. Around half a dozen varieties of apricots are grown in Ladakh. Most of them are of high quality. It is the primary cash crop for the farmers of Kargil and was never exported before. However, this year, the government with help of a private farmer-centric firm undertook this task to market the apricots from Ladakh. ''The event marks an important milestone for Kargil, the fruit has not only been sent to the Indian market but also to the international market, with their first order of 150 kg from Dubai. Paving the way for local entrepreneurs to participate in the value chain of Apricot, this initiative would also ensure that the farmers of Kargil benefit from reduced wastage and receive an immediate realisation of the value of their crop. Apricot has recently been identified as the primary crop for Kargil under the ODOC programme of the Government of India.'' said Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC LAHDC Kargil. The farmers from Ladakh are happy that this initiative was taken by the government along with a private firm Krishak Agritech. Earlier the farmers could not send across the fresh apricots from the Ladakh region. ''We are thankful to Krishak Agritech and It's because of them that we are able to export apricots. We only used to dry the apricots earlier but now we are able to send fresh apricots to dubai. People are extremely happy by this step.'' said Mohd Abbas, Farmer Kargil. Krishak Agritech has exported 20 MT of fresh apricots procured from more than 200 farmers of UT of Ladakh. The value of this is around 30 Lakh rupees and also generating an avenue of employment for the locals. ''We have a plan to set up a food processing unit before next season of apricot. We will also teach farmers how to hygienically dry the apricots," said Naveen Gahlawat, Founder, Krishak Agritech. The government is now looking at other countries in the middle east to export the apricots.

Ladakh exports its first batch of Apricots to Dubai

At a joint press conference along with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman,&nbsp;Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that India and Croatia shared a lot of common positions on issues like the Indo-Pacific, situation in Afghanistan and the two countries' resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The Indian external affairs minister said, "On international issues, we shared a lot of common positions and perspectives. It was very apparent in our discussions on Indo-Pacific, on Afghanistan, on our resolve how to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

Watch:&nbsp;India's Foreign Secretary visits Washington to discuss bilateral ties, Afghan crisis

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In a tweet about the meeting,&nbsp;Jaishankar said, "Fruitful talks with Croatia’s Foreign Minister&nbsp;Gordan Grlic Radman."

Talking about the issues discussed, he added, "Detailed exchanges on full range of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues.&nbsp;Committed to work with him to take our ties to a higher level."

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Fruitful talks with Croatia’s Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/grlicradman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grlicradman</a> . 
 
Detailed exchanges on full range of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues. 
 
Committed to work with him to take our ties to a higher level. <a href="https://t.co/bSPnNI4IlD">pic.twitter.com/bSPnNI4IlD</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1433878467636957185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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With increasing economic cooperation between the two countries on mind, the Indian minister said&nbsp;there are a lot of opportunities in pharmaceuticals, digital and infrastructure sectors. "We believe that Indian companies will find Croatia a very good platform to operate and invest," minister added.

In the meeting, the two leaders discussed numerous topics of mutual interest, which included situation in Afghanistan, economic and cultural cooperation, EU-India relations&nbsp;and post-COVID-19 recovery.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/militants-may-use-afghan-chaos-to-infiltrate-us-eu-nato-410633" hreflang="en">Militants may use Afghan chaos to infiltrate US, EU: NATO</a>

After completing two-day visit to Slovenia, the minister reached&nbsp;Croatia where Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic&nbsp;received him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At a joint press conference along with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that India and Croatia shared a lot of common positions on issues like the Indo-Pacific, situation in Afghanistan and the two countries' resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

At a joint press conference along with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that India and Croatia shared a lot of common positions on issues like the Indo-Pacific, situation in Afghanistan and the two countries' resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Indian external affairs minister said, "On international issues, we shared a lot of common positions and perspectives. It was very apparent in our discussions on Indo-Pacific, on Afghanistan, on our resolve how to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." Watch: India's Foreign Secretary visits Washington to discuss bilateral ties, Afghan crisis × In a tweet about the meeting, Jaishankar said, "Fruitful talks with Croatia’s Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman." Talking about the issues discussed, he added, "Detailed exchanges on full range of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues. Committed to work with him to take our ties to a higher level." Fruitful talks with Croatia’s Foreign Minister @grlicradman . Detailed exchanges on full range of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues. Committed to work with him to take our ties to a higher level. pic.twitter.com/bSPnNI4IlD — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 3, 2021 × With increasing economic cooperation between the two countries on mind, the Indian minister said there are a lot of opportunities in pharmaceuticals, digital and infrastructure sectors. "We believe that Indian companies will find Croatia a very good platform to operate and invest," minister added. In the meeting, the two leaders discussed numerous topics of mutual interest, which included situation in Afghanistan, economic and cultural cooperation, EU-India relations and post-COVID-19 recovery. Also Read | Militants may use Afghan chaos to infiltrate US, EU: NATO After completing two-day visit to Slovenia, the minister reached Croatia where Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic received him. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Croatia share common position on Afghanistan situation, says Jaishankar

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that India's immediate focus is to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities directed against it.

MEA: India's concern is to prevent use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities

The government on Thursday said that India was not aware of any details or nature of the government that could be formed in Afghanistan by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Addressing a briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the evacuation operation that has remained halted since the past few days would resume once the Kabul airport became operational.

“Currently Kabul airport is not operational. We will resume our operation to evacuate people from Kabul as soon the airport service will resume,” he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-be-reliable-partner-of-russia-in-developing-its-far-east-region-pm-modi-410445">Also read |&nbsp;India will be reliable partner of Russia in developing its Far East region: PM Modi</a>

He further added that India's current priority is the safety of its people in Kabul.

India established its first formal contact with the Taliban on Tuesday when the Indian ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal met the head of Taliban's political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, in Doha at the Indian mission.

Talks were reportedly held on the safety of Indians, especially minorities, in the war-torn country. Mittal also urged the Taliban that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against India.

The government on Thursday said that India was not aware of any details or nature of the government that could be formed in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Addressing a briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the evacuation operation that has remained halted since the past few days would resume once the Kabul airport became operational.

The government on Thursday said that India was not aware of any details or nature of the government that could be formed in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Addressing a briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the evacuation operation that has remained halted since the past few days would resume once the Kabul airport became operational. “Currently Kabul airport is not operational. We will resume our operation to evacuate people from Kabul as soon the airport service will resume,” he said. Also read | India will be reliable partner of Russia in developing its Far East region: PM Modi He further added that India's current priority is the safety of its people in Kabul. India established its first formal contact with the Taliban on Tuesday when the Indian ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal met the head of Taliban's political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, in Doha at the Indian mission. Talks were reportedly held on the safety of Indians, especially minorities, in the war-torn country. Mittal also urged the Taliban that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against India.

Evacuation of Indian citizens priority in Afghanistan: MEA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 6th Eastern Economic Forum. He said that India will be a reliable partner of Moscow in realising its vision in developing the country's Far East region.

6th Eastern Economic Forum: 'India will be a reliable partner of Russia', says PM Modi

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will be a reliable partner of Moscow&nbsp;in realising its vision in developing the country's Far East region.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, PM Modi&nbsp;said, "I am delighted to address Eastern Economic Forum and thank

President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;for this honour." While recalling his 2019 visit to Vladivostok, PM Modi praised Putin's vision for the development of the Russian Far East.

"In Indian history and civilisation, 'sangam' has a special meaning. It means confluence or coming together of rivers, people and ideas. In my view, Vladivostok is truly a 'sangam' of Eurasia and Pacific," he said.

During a 2019 visit to the Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok, PM Modi had announced that New Delhi would provide a USD 1 billion loan to aid the region's economic development. He had also signed a memorandum to establish a direct maritime corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mysterious-tunnel-from-british-era-discovered-at-legislative-assembly-of-indias-capital-410399">Also read |&nbsp;Mysterious tunnel from British-era discovered at Legislative Assembly of India's capital</a>

"I applaud President Putin's vision for the development of the Russian Far East. India will be a reliable partner for Russia in realising this vision. In 2019, when I had visited Vladivostok to attend the forum, I had announced India's commitment to enact Far East Policy," said PM Modi.

During his brief speech, Prime Minister announced that India's biggest shipyards will partner with Zvezda for the construction of some of the most important commercial ships in the world.

"Today I'm delighted that one of India's biggest shipyards, Mazagon docks limited will partner with Zvezda for the construction of some of the most important commercial ships in the world," he said.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of the bilateral relationship and said the India-Russia energy partnership can help bring stability to the global energy market. "India-Russia energy partnership can help bring stability to the global energy market. My Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Puri is in Vladivostok to represent India at this forum," he said.

"India has a talented and dedicated workforce, while the Far East is rich in resources. So, there is tremendous scope for Indian talent to contribute to the development of the Russian Far East," he added.

PM Modi even extended an invite for the Governors of 11 regions of the Russian Far East to visit India. Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other senior officials in Moscow. During his visit, he had said that one of the primary aims of his trip was to discuss bolstering economic cooperation in the Russian Far East.

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will be a reliable partner of Moscow in realising its vision in developing the country's Far East region.

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will be a reliable partner of Moscow in realising its vision in developing the country's Far East region. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, PM Modi said, "I am delighted to address Eastern Economic Forum and thank President Vladimir Putin for this honour." While recalling his 2019 visit to Vladivostok, PM Modi praised Putin's vision for the development of the Russian Far East. "In Indian history and civilisation, 'sangam' has a special meaning. It means confluence or coming together of rivers, people and ideas. In my view, Vladivostok is truly a 'sangam' of Eurasia and Pacific," he said. During a 2019 visit to the Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok, PM Modi had announced that New Delhi would provide a USD 1 billion loan to aid the region's economic development. He had also signed a memorandum to establish a direct maritime corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok. Also read | Mysterious tunnel from British-era discovered at Legislative Assembly of India's capital "I applaud President Putin's vision for the development of the Russian Far East. India will be a reliable partner for Russia in realising this vision. In 2019, when I had visited Vladivostok to attend the forum, I had announced India's commitment to enact Far East Policy," said PM Modi. During his brief speech, Prime Minister announced that India's biggest shipyards will partner with Zvezda for the construction of some of the most important commercial ships in the world. "Today I'm delighted that one of India's biggest shipyards, Mazagon docks limited will partner with Zvezda for the construction of some of the most important commercial ships in the world," he said. PM Modi emphasised the importance of the bilateral relationship and said the India-Russia energy partnership can help bring stability to the global energy market. "India-Russia energy partnership can help bring stability to the global energy market. My Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Puri is in Vladivostok to represent India at this forum," he said. "India has a talented and dedicated workforce, while the Far East is rich in resources. So, there is tremendous scope for Indian talent to contribute to the development of the Russian Far East," he added. PM Modi even extended an invite for the Governors of 11 regions of the Russian Far East to visit India. Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other senior officials in Moscow. During his visit, he had said that one of the primary aims of his trip was to discuss bolstering economic cooperation in the Russian Far East.

India will be reliable partner of Russia in developing its Far East region: PM Modi

As per the reports, Pakistan-based terror outfits are infiltrating India's Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the security threat, India's MEA has reiterated that India's primary concern is to prevent the use of Afghan soil for anti-India activity.

Amid security threat, MEA reiterates concern on rising terrorism

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September.&nbsp;

They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension.

The decision comes after a number of foreigners who came to India on various types of visas prior to March 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations due to COVID-19.

In a statement, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Due to the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, a number of foreigners who had come to India on various types of visas prior to March, 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations. The Central Government had facilitated the stay of such foreign nationals within India by giving deemed extension of their regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-calls-new-zealand-stabbing-terrorist-attack-suspect-shot-dead-410375">Also read |&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead</a>

This facility which is presently available till August 31, 2021 has now been extended by the Central Government till September 30, 2021".

The government further added that if someone wanted visa extension beyond 30 September, they may apply on the online e-FRRO platform on a payment basis.&nbsp;

This would be considered by the authorities, subject to the eligibility as per the extant guidelines.

"Before exiting, they may apply online for exit permission on e-FRRO portal, which would be granted by FRRO/FRO concerned on gratis basis without levy of overstay penalty," the MHA statement read.

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September. They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension.

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September. They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension. The decision comes after a number of foreigners who came to India on various types of visas prior to March 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations due to COVID-19. In a statement, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Due to the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, a number of foreigners who had come to India on various types of visas prior to March, 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations. The Central Government had facilitated the stay of such foreign nationals within India by giving deemed extension of their regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty. Also read | Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead This facility which is presently available till August 31, 2021 has now been extended by the Central Government till September 30, 2021". The government further added that if someone wanted visa extension beyond 30 September, they may apply on the online e-FRRO platform on a payment basis. This would be considered by the authorities, subject to the eligibility as per the extant guidelines. "Before exiting, they may apply online for exit permission on e-FRRO portal, which would be granted by FRRO/FRO concerned on gratis basis without levy of overstay penalty," the MHA statement read.

Visas of foreigners stuck in India extended till September end: Centre

To boost horticulture in the Kashmir valley, the government is bringing in new scientific techniques and methods for the farmers to produce world-class fruits. Horticulture is one of the many industries in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and contributes to around eight percent of the GDP.

India: Government introduces scientific ways for apple farming

Authorities in India's Ladakh organised a nomadic tribes festival.

This was done to bring unique eastern tribes' cultures and traditions on the tourist map.

The festival mainly focused on 'sustainable development.'

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A glimpse of the first -ever "Ladakh Nomadic Festival" held at Korzok Phu on August 30-31 
 
PC: Nawang Dorjey <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ladakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ladakh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nomads?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nomads</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/korzok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#korzok</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tsomoriri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tsomoriri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/incredibleindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@incredibleindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tourismgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tourismgoi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MinOfCultureGoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinOfCultureGoI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DIPR_Leh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DIPR_Leh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DIPR_Kargil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DIPR_Kargil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ut_ladakh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ut_ladakh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PBLadakh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PBLadakh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airnewsalerts</a> <a href="https://t.co/UV2QQYOFJo">pic.twitter.com/UV2QQYOFJo</a>
— Ladakh Tourism (@utladakhtourism) <a href="https://twitter.com/utladakhtourism/status/1433009199357722624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It witnessed the participation of several nomadic tribes and included events like cosplaying, singing, Yak dancing, spinning, weaving, playing dice, and other types of art.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

The festival will also showcase competitions like archery and horse racing.

Ladakh, the Himalayan desert, bordering China's Tibetan autonomous region, is a Buddhist dominated union territory, ruled by India.&nbsp;

The culture of Ladakh is similar to the Tibetan culture and is also home to several Himalayan tribes.

Authorities in India's Ladakh organised a nomadic tribes festival. This was done to bring unique eastern tribes' cultures and traditions on the tourist map. The festival mainly focused on 'sustainable development.

Authorities in India's Ladakh organised a nomadic tribes festival. This was done to bring unique eastern tribes' cultures and traditions on the tourist map. The festival mainly focused on 'sustainable development.' A glimpse of the first -ever "Ladakh Nomadic Festival" held at Korzok Phu on August 30-31 PC: Nawang Dorjey #Ladakh #nomads #korzok #tsomoriri @incredibleindia @tourismgoi @MinOfCultureGoI @DIPR_Leh @DIPR_Kargil @ut_ladakh @PBLadakh @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/UV2QQYOFJo — Ladakh Tourism (@utladakhtourism) September 1, 2021 × It witnessed the participation of several nomadic tribes and included events like cosplaying, singing, Yak dancing, spinning, weaving, playing dice, and other types of art. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually The festival will also showcase competitions like archery and horse racing. Ladakh, the Himalayan desert, bordering China's Tibetan autonomous region, is a Buddhist dominated union territory, ruled by India. The culture of Ladakh is similar to the Tibetan culture and is also home to several Himalayan tribes.

Ladakh hosts nomadic tribes festival with the aim of preserving culture, tradition

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths.

This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common.

"With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala.&nbsp;

India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

"A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose.

The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season.

India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season. Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths. This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common. "With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala. India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent. "A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose. The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season. India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus

India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is set to hit a&nbsp;record&nbsp;this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;curbs.

Shunning trains, buses and planes, safety-conscious Indians are buying more cars and increasingly using personal vehicles to commute as they embark on 'revenge travel' flocking to tourist destinations after months of restrictions, despite&nbsp;record&nbsp;high fuel prices.

Annual passenger vehicle sales in India rose by 45% to 264,442 units in July, driven by pent-up&nbsp;demand, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

The stronger-than-expected&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;consumption growth could prompt Indian refiners to import the fuel or boost gas oil exports in coming months. Indian refineries are traditionally configured to maximise production of diesel, where&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is still below pre-COVID&nbsp;levels, hurt by an uneven economic recovery.&nbsp;

"We may have to import some quantity of petrol if momentum in&nbsp;demand&nbsp;continues," said an official at an Indian state-run refiner, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

"We cannot increase&nbsp;crude throughput as some refiners have high levels of diesel inventory and export margins for diesel are not attractive."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

The expected rise in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;imports could support Asian refiners' margins for the fuel. The country, which has a refining surplus, has shunned&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;imports since May and raised gas oil exports by a fifth in July from April, government data showed.

Sluggish diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;has forced some refiners to cut crude oil processing as their fuel storage were full. That reduced&nbsp;India's&nbsp;July crude oil imports to their lowest in a year.

Changes in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;patterns are crucial for global oil markets as Asia's third-largest economy is&nbsp;seen&nbsp;as the main driver of rising&nbsp;demand&nbsp;for energy over the next two decades, the International Energy Agency said in February.

Credit rating agency Moody's India unit ICRA expects&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;consumption to rise 14% to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;31.9 million tonnes (739,000 bpd) in the fiscal year to March 2022, higher than the 12.2% growth estimates by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the oil ministry.

Consultancy FGE now forecasts quarterly&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;will rise by 20,000 barrels per day&nbsp;to 760,000 bpd for October to December, up from an earlier estimate of 740,000 bpd. This brings FGE's annual forecast to March 2022 to 725,000 bpd, up 11% from the previous year.

"Owning a personal vehicle used to be a status symbol but because of the hunger to travel during the pandemic, people are buying cars and scooters, and driving up&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand," Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia oil at FGE said.

India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;rebound follows that of China, where consumption of the fuel is expected to rise by 11% to 13% this year to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;3.8 million to 4.1 million bpd.

DIESEL

On the other hand, gas oil consumption, which accounts for two-fifths of refined fuel use in the country and is a barometer of industrial activity&nbsp;is expected to take well into the fourth quarter or even next year to recover to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

India is also gradually cutting dependence on diesel as it looks to fully electrify its vast railway network by end-2023, allow trucks to carry more weight, and increase&nbsp;power generation capacity from cleaner fuel sources.

Mukesh Surana, chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) said diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;could reach pre-COVID&nbsp;levels on a monthly basis later this year but for the fiscal year it would still remain below pre-pandemic level.

"There has to be a complete recovery of the industrial and construction sectors and whole&nbsp;demand&nbsp;and supply chain should come to full swing, until that happens you will not get the full impact of recovery on the diesel side," Surana said.

India's gasoline demand is set to hit a record this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of COVID-19 curbs.

India's gasoline demand is set to hit a record this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of COVID-19 curbs. Shunning trains, buses and planes, safety-conscious Indians are buying more cars and increasingly using personal vehicles to commute as they embark on 'revenge travel' flocking to tourist destinations after months of restrictions, despite record high fuel prices. Annual passenger vehicle sales in India rose by 45% to 264,442 units in July, driven by pent-up demand, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. The stronger-than-expected gasoline consumption growth could prompt Indian refiners to import the fuel or boost gas oil exports in coming months. Indian refineries are traditionally configured to maximise production of diesel, where demand is still below pre-COVID levels, hurt by an uneven economic recovery. "We may have to import some quantity of petrol if momentum in demand continues," said an official at an Indian state-run refiner, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak to the media. "We cannot increase crude throughput as some refiners have high levels of diesel inventory and export margins for diesel are not attractive." Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually The expected rise in India's gasoline imports could support Asian refiners' margins for the fuel. The country, which has a refining surplus, has shunned gasoline imports since May and raised gas oil exports by a fifth in July from April, government data showed. Sluggish diesel demand has forced some refiners to cut crude oil processing as their fuel storage were full. That reduced India's July crude oil imports to their lowest in a year. Changes in India's fuel demand patterns are crucial for global oil markets as Asia's third-largest economy is seen as the main driver of rising demand for energy over the next two decades, the International Energy Agency said in February. Credit rating agency Moody's India unit ICRA expects India's gasoline consumption to rise 14% to a record 31.9 million tonnes (739,000 bpd) in the fiscal year to March 2022, higher than the 12.2% growth estimates by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the oil ministry. Consultancy FGE now forecasts quarterly gasoline demand will rise by 20,000 barrels per day to 760,000 bpd for October to December, up from an earlier estimate of 740,000 bpd. This brings FGE's annual forecast to March 2022 to 725,000 bpd, up 11% from the previous year. "Owning a personal vehicle used to be a status symbol but because of the hunger to travel during the pandemic, people are buying cars and scooters, and driving up gasoline demand," Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia oil at FGE said. India's gasoline demand rebound follows that of China, where consumption of the fuel is expected to rise by 11% to 13% this year to a record 3.8 million to 4.1 million bpd. DIESEL On the other hand, gas oil consumption, which accounts for two-fifths of refined fuel use in the country and is a barometer of industrial activity is expected to take well into the fourth quarter or even next year to recover to pre-pandemic levels. India is also gradually cutting dependence on diesel as it looks to fully electrify its vast railway network by end-2023, allow trucks to carry more weight, and increase power generation capacity from cleaner fuel sources. Mukesh Surana, chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) said diesel demand could reach pre-COVID levels on a monthly basis later this year but for the fiscal year it would still remain below pre-pandemic level. "There has to be a complete recovery of the industrial and construction sectors and whole demand and supply chain should come to full swing, until that happens you will not get the full impact of recovery on the diesel side," Surana said.

India's gasoline demand seen hitting record as COVID-19 curbs ease

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