As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security.

India takes up United Nations Security Council presidency, to hold key signature events

Top Indian and Chinese officers met in the Ladakh sector on Saturday in the latest attempt to reduce border tensions between the two countries. The 12th round of military talks began at 10.30am and ended at 7.30pm at Moldo on the Chinese side of the LAC. India and China have been locked in a border row for almost 14 months now.

Top Indian and Chinese Commandos hold disengagement talks along LAC

Located only a stone's throw away from Dal Lake in Srinagar, lies this cafe Winterfell. It's inspired by a television fantasy drama. The interior sport a medieval era brick and wood theme. Watch this video to know more.

Jammu And Kashmir: A cafe inspired by a television fantasy drama near Dal Lake

In another step towards ever strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, commercial services on the Haldibari and Chilahati railway link between the two countries, which had been defunct since 1965, started on Sunday.

Bangladesh: First goods train from India's Haldibari reaches Chilahati

People living in the rural areas of Jammu-Kashmir will be provided with the same medical facilities that are available in cities. Government is constructing 30 new oxygen plants in these far-flung areas and also providing high standard medical equipment to these primary health hospitals.

India: Health infrastructure upgraded in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir

As India, Bangladesh connectivity firms up, goods train from Haldibari in India reached Chilahati in Bangladesh on Sunday (August 1). The rail link brought with it construction material, and heralded commercial engagement between the two sides. The service between the two sides is expected to be around 20 times per month.

First goods train from India's Haldibari reaches Bangladesh's Chilahati

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is expected to travel to New York and will be chairing two important debates, one on technology and peacekeeping and another will be a discussion on Secretary General’s 13th strategic-level report on ISIS. &nbsp;

India is expected to launch a mobile tech platform ‘UNITE AWARE’ during its presidency for UN Peacekeepers. The platform will increase situational awareness and provides terrain-related information to peacekeepers. New Delhi has contributed $1.64 million towards it and has been working with the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the development of the platform. India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions. &nbsp;

India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a period of two years, which began on January 1, 2021. Speaking to WION last week, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "We have taken a forward-looking approach on various issues of peace and security" and "provided the much-needed balance in the deliberations within the council." &nbsp;

Other issues that will dominate the agenda of the council will be Syria, renewal of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq when it comes to West Asia. Africa, as always will be the key focus, with the renewal of the mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mali, the situation in Ethiopia's Tigray as key areas. In the neighborhood, Myanmar will come up for discussion. &nbsp;

Monday will be the first working day of the council and will see the adoption of the agenda and press conference by Indian envoy Tirumurti. India has been the president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.&nbsp;

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is expected to travel to New York and will be chairing two important debates, one on technology and peacekeeping and another will be a discussion on Secretary General’s 13th strategic-level report on ISIS. India is expected to launch a mobile tech platform ‘UNITE AWARE’ during its presidency for UN Peacekeepers. The platform will increase situational awareness and provides terrain-related information to peacekeepers. New Delhi has contributed $1.64 million towards it and has been working with the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the development of the platform. India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a period of two years, which began on January 1, 2021. Speaking to WION last week, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "We have taken a forward-looking approach on various issues of peace and security" and "provided the much-needed balance in the deliberations within the council." Other issues that will dominate the agenda of the council will be Syria, renewal of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq when it comes to West Asia. Africa, as always will be the key focus, with the renewal of the mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mali, the situation in Ethiopia's Tigray as key areas. In the neighborhood, Myanmar will come up for discussion. Monday will be the first working day of the council and will see the adoption of the agenda and press conference by Indian envoy Tirumurti. India has been the president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.

India's UNSC Presidency: PM Modi to address council on maritime security

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council.

Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of&nbsp;work for the month.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainUNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainUNSC</a> 
 
Thank you Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/NDeRiviere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDeRiviere</a>, PR of France for steering the UN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SecurityCouncil</a> for the month of July. 👏 
 
India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaembFrance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/franceonu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@franceonu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranceinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/afpfr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afpfr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoshita_Singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yoshita_Singh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fCAdYj244g">pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g</a>
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1421660603513454592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July.

French and Russian ambassadors &nbsp;congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.”

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Delighted that India is today taking over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. <a href="https://t.co/f91aWoBjUQ">pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ</a>
— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1421668132167426060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted:&nbsp;“Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!”&nbsp;

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Congratulations on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s taking over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful &amp; effective work. Wishing many happy returns &amp; all the success! <a href="https://t.co/1f8tDfbxel">pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel</a>
— Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) <a href="https://twitter.com/NKudashev/status/1421672163149422593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. &nbsp;India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. &nbsp;

In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day."

India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. &nbsp;

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council. Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of work for the month. #IndiainUNSC Thank you Ambassador @NDeRiviere, PR of France for steering the UN #SecurityCouncil for the month of July. 👏 India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ @MEAIndia @IndiaembFrance @franceonu @FranceinIndia @afpfr @Yoshita_Singh pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) August 1, 2021 × In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July. French and Russian ambassadors congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.” Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ — Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) August 1, 2021 × Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted: “Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!” Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success! pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel — Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) August 1, 2021 × As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day." India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012.

India takes over UN Security Council presidency for August  

The Indian women's hockey team in Tokyo has created history by turning into the first side from the country to come to the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games.&nbsp;

The Indians completed fourth back in Moscow in 1980, a rivalry that didn't include a knock-out game. They failed to qualify for the second edition of the Games until Rio in 2016 when they ended up last after losing all their league matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-simone-biles-withdraws-from-another-olympic-final-usa-gymnastics-402104" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020- Simone Biles withdraws from another Olympic final: USA Gymnastics</a>

The Indians started their 2021 Olympic mission with a 5-1 loss against the Netherlands and neglected to get points against Germany and Great Britain also.&nbsp;

They then beat South Africa by a 4-3 edge in a hard-battled clash yet required Great Britain to beat Ireland to make their quarterfinal way.&nbsp;

Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash as Susannah Townsend and Hannah Martin score one goal each.&nbsp;

The Indian women's hockey team is good to go to confront the strong Australians in the women's hockey quarterfinals at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Indians sealed their qualification spot after the Irish group's 2-0 loss to Great Britain.

In spite of losing three games on the jog, the Indian team showed flexibility and prevailed in two must-win matches to meet all requirements for the following stage.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tokyo-2020-olympics-novak-djokovic-smashes-racket-during-bronze-medal-match-402078" hreflang="en">Watch: Tokyo 2020 Olympics — Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match</a>

India has not had the best of competitions up until now. In the five games, the Indian team has scored a sum of 15 goals, which summarizes the group's cautious omissions. Going into the knockout the group can't make such blunders, as they anticipate some elite adversaries there.&nbsp;

The Indian team's success against South Africa might have without doubt assisted them with booking their spot in the quarters. Although, they score three goals against a tea that had just scored two goals in the whole tournament. The solitary positive from the game against South Africa was a thrilling hat-trick from Vandana Katariya.&nbsp;

The Indian Team will require something almost identical from the youngster in the game against Australia. Their adversaries are probably the best team in the world.&nbsp; 
Australia came into the quarters completing as the number 1 group in Pool B. They scored a sum of 13 goals in five games and conceded just a single time.&nbsp;

The Indian women's hockey team in Tokyo has created history by turning into the first side from the country to come to the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. The Indians completed fourth back in Moscow in 1980, a rivalry that didn't include a knock-out game.

The Indian women's hockey team in Tokyo has created history by turning into the first side from the country to come to the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. The Indians completed fourth back in Moscow in 1980, a rivalry that didn't include a knock-out game. They failed to qualify for the second edition of the Games until Rio in 2016 when they ended up last after losing all their league matches. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020- Simone Biles withdraws from another Olympic final: USA Gymnastics The Indians started their 2021 Olympic mission with a 5-1 loss against the Netherlands and neglected to get points against Germany and Great Britain also. They then beat South Africa by a 4-3 edge in a hard-battled clash yet required Great Britain to beat Ireland to make their quarterfinal way. Great Britain crushed Ireland 2-0 in their last Group A clash as Susannah Townsend and Hannah Martin score one goal each. The Indian women's hockey team is good to go to confront the strong Australians in the women's hockey quarterfinals at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Indians sealed their qualification spot after the Irish group's 2-0 loss to Great Britain. In spite of losing three games on the jog, the Indian team showed flexibility and prevailed in two must-win matches to meet all requirements for the following stage. ALSO READ: Watch: Tokyo 2020 Olympics — Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match India has not had the best of competitions up until now. In the five games, the Indian team has scored a sum of 15 goals, which summarizes the group's cautious omissions. Going into the knockout the group can't make such blunders, as they anticipate some elite adversaries there. The Indian team's success against South Africa might have without doubt assisted them with booking their spot in the quarters. Although, they score three goals against a tea that had just scored two goals in the whole tournament. The solitary positive from the game against South Africa was a thrilling hat-trick from Vandana Katariya. The Indian Team will require something almost identical from the youngster in the game against Australia. Their adversaries are probably the best team in the world. Australia came into the quarters completing as the number 1 group in Pool B. They scored a sum of 13 goals in five games and conceded just a single time.

Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals

India crushed Great Britain 3-1 in the men's hockey quarter-final to acquire a spot in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics. The Manpreet Singh-drove side will go head to head against the 2018 titleholders Belgium in the keep going four on Tuesday.&nbsp;

India took advantage of the defensive mistakes from Great Britain since the beginning of the match. A relaxed exertion from the Britain defense permitted Simranjeet Singh to put his stick and take the ball. He passed it to Dilpreet Singh who was not being covered by anybody and he scored his second goal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-another-medal-for-india-pv-sindhu-batters-chinas-he-to-win-bronze-402223" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Another medal for India, PV Sindhu batters China's He to win bronze</a>

India's subsequent goal came towards the beginning of the second quarter as Indian midfield captured a pass from Britain and made a long pass to Gurjant Singh inside the circle. Gurjant picked the ball, contorted, turned, and struck it into the net to double India's lead.&nbsp;

India's defense stayed prevailing for the vast majority of the second and second from last quarter. A penalty corner in the last couple of minutes of the second from last quarter permitted Sam Ward to get a goal back, pushing India in for a brazen last 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Skipper Manpreet Singh was given a yellow card, and India went one man down, maybe Britain may push the match to a shootout. Yet, Hardik Singh created a moment of mastery with 3.25 minutes left on the clock, as he scored another goal to stretch out India's lead to 3-1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inspirational-champion-twitter-reacts-as-pv-sindhu-wins-bronze-at-tokyo-olympics-402231" hreflang="en">'Inspirational champion': Twitter reacts as PV Sindhu wins Bronze at Tokyo Olympics</a>

Amidst rehashed attempts, Britain couldn't get another in the last three minutes and were dispensed with. Indian players enjoyed and emotionally celebrated on the turf, having made it to the semifinals.&nbsp;

It has been a decent excursion for India men's hockey group in Tokyo Olympics up until this point, crushing New Zealand 3-2 in their initial group game, and then getting wins upon Germany (2-0), Spain (3-1), Argentina (3-1), and Japan (5-3) in the group matches. Apart from the 7-1 loss against Australia, India have dominated all their matches.

India crushed Great Britain 3-1 in the men's hockey quarter-final to acquire a spot in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics. The Manpreet Singh-drove side will go head to head against the 2018 titleholders Belgium in the keep going four on Tuesday.

India crushed Great Britain 3-1 in the men's hockey quarter-final to acquire a spot in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics. The Manpreet Singh-drove side will go head to head against the 2018 titleholders Belgium in the keep going four on Tuesday. India took advantage of the defensive mistakes from Great Britain since the beginning of the match. A relaxed exertion from the Britain defense permitted Simranjeet Singh to put his stick and take the ball. He passed it to Dilpreet Singh who was not being covered by anybody and he scored his second goal. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Another medal for India, PV Sindhu batters China's He to win bronze India's subsequent goal came towards the beginning of the second quarter as Indian midfield captured a pass from Britain and made a long pass to Gurjant Singh inside the circle. Gurjant picked the ball, contorted, turned, and struck it into the net to double India's lead. India's defense stayed prevailing for the vast majority of the second and second from last quarter. A penalty corner in the last couple of minutes of the second from last quarter permitted Sam Ward to get a goal back, pushing India in for a brazen last 15 minutes. Skipper Manpreet Singh was given a yellow card, and India went one man down, maybe Britain may push the match to a shootout. Yet, Hardik Singh created a moment of mastery with 3.25 minutes left on the clock, as he scored another goal to stretch out India's lead to 3-1. ALSO READ: 'Inspirational champion': Twitter reacts as PV Sindhu wins Bronze at Tokyo Olympics Amidst rehashed attempts, Britain couldn't get another in the last three minutes and were dispensed with. Indian players enjoyed and emotionally celebrated on the turf, having made it to the semifinals. It has been a decent excursion for India men's hockey group in Tokyo Olympics up until this point, crushing New Zealand 3-2 in their initial group game, and then getting wins upon Germany (2-0), Spain (3-1), Argentina (3-1), and Japan (5-3) in the group matches. Apart from the 7-1 loss against Australia, India have dominated all their matches.

Tokyo Olympics: Indian men's hockey team advances to semifinals after beating Great Britain

PV Sindhu defeated He Bingjiao of China to become the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals. Sindhu defeated He Bingjiao 21-13 and 21-15 in the bronze medal match.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: World champion PV Sindhu wins Women's single bronze medal at Tokyo 2020

A coffee shop at the Kaman Aman Setu, has been established by Indian Army. This coffee shop will be hosting people from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and also people from all across the country.

Jammu And Kashmir: Indian Army opens new cafe at Kaman Aman Setu

India has taken over the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of August with plans to focus on Maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts.

India begins UNSC presidency; focus on maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism

The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari-Chilahati rail link departed from Damdim station of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Saturday.

With this, the commercial services on the railway link between India and Bangladesh, which had been defunct since 1965, have started.

The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link between India and then East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) was operational till 1965. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the rail link.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regular train services could not be started on the section.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-president-joe-biden-nominates-first-muslim-as-his-international-religious-freedom-envoy-402074">Also read |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden nominates first Muslim as his International Religious Freedom envoy</a>

"The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari --Chilahati rail link leaves from Damdim station of Alipurduar Division in NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) on 31.07.2021," the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in a statement said.

The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was part of the broad gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri but the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links.

The rail link will provide a shorter route for the transit of goods into Bangladesh from Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, the NFR said.

This rail link will enhance rail network access to the main ports, dry ports, and land borders to support the growth in regional trade and to encourage economic and social development of the region.

"Economic activities of these South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this new rail link," the statement read.

The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari-Chilahati rail link departed from Damdim station of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Saturday.

The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari-Chilahati rail link departed from Damdim station of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Saturday. With this, the commercial services on the railway link between India and Bangladesh, which had been defunct since 1965, have started. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link between India and then East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) was operational till 1965. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the rail link. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regular train services could not be started on the section. Also read | US President Joe Biden nominates first Muslim as his International Religious Freedom envoy "The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari --Chilahati rail link leaves from Damdim station of Alipurduar Division in NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) on 31.07.2021," the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in a statement said. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was part of the broad gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri but the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links. The rail link will provide a shorter route for the transit of goods into Bangladesh from Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, the NFR said. This rail link will enhance rail network access to the main ports, dry ports, and land borders to support the growth in regional trade and to encourage economic and social development of the region. "Economic activities of these South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this new rail link," the statement read.

First goods train through revived Haldibari-Chilahati rail link set in motion

Is the developed world trying to turn India into its dustbin? E-waste from Western Europe and Australia has been dumped illegally in India. Palki Sharma tells you how the toxic trash is poisoning our water, land & people.

Gravitas: Is the developed world trying to turn India into its dustbin?

Climate change has killed over 160 people in India in just one week. A study claims 83 million people will die over the next 80 years because of global warming. The pollution emitted by every 3 US residents in their lifetime will kill another person. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Heavy rains kill over 160 people in India

India is aggressively pursuing artefacts stolen from the country in the last century. Will former colonial powers agree to return the loot, or will they keep it locked up in their museums? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Australia to return stolen artefacts to India

India is now the world's third-largest e-waste producer. With the pandemic pushing up the sales of gadgets, the crisis of e-waste is only set to get bigger. How can India tackle the problem? Palki Sharma shares some ideas.

Gravitas: India's growing E-waste crisis

Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Director of Tibet house Geshe Dorji Damdul said that India and the US must come together to stop Chinese expansionism.

India, US must come together to stop Chinese expansionism: Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director, Tibet house

Air India has announced new additional flights connecting Indian cities with Maldives and Malaysia. This comes as the countries eased travel restrictions with India.

As part of the Vande Bharat mission, Air India will operate flights from Delhi to Malé via Mumbai every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning from July 28.&nbsp;

There will also be a flight from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to Malé every Monday and Thursday, beginning from July 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-cruises-from-england-to-restart-from-august-2-401358">Also read |&nbsp;International cruises from England to restart from August 2</a>

Air India Express has also announced flights between India and Kuala Lumpur from August.

The airline aims at connecting Trichy, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Chennai with Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp; 
Bookings for these flights are open on Air India’s website and call centres.

Recently, Air India had also announced several international flights to Middle Eastern countries, including, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Air India has announced new additional flights connecting Indian cities with Maldives and Malaysia. This comes as the countries eased travel restrictions with India.

Air India has announced new additional flights connecting Indian cities with Maldives and Malaysia. This comes as the countries eased travel restrictions with India. As part of the Vande Bharat mission, Air India will operate flights from Delhi to Malé via Mumbai every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning from July 28. There will also be a flight from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to Malé every Monday and Thursday, beginning from July 29. Also read | International cruises from England to restart from August 2 Air India Express has also announced flights between India and Kuala Lumpur from August. The airline aims at connecting Trichy, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Chennai with Kuala Lumpur. Bookings for these flights are open on Air India’s website and call centres. Recently, Air India had also announced several international flights to Middle Eastern countries, including, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Air India announces new flights to Maldives, Malaysia

The Indian government has extended the ban on international flights till August 31.&nbsp;

The earlier announcement said that the ban on international commercial flights to and from India was ending on July 31.

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However, the ban on scheduled overseas flights was to end on 30 July following a 16-months-gap.

The DGCA circular read, "International scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis".&nbsp;

As per the civil aviation watchdog, cargo flights and flights under the bilateral air bubble pacts with select countries will continue to operate.&nbsp;

More details are awaited.

The Indian government has extended the ban on international flights till August 31. The earlier announcement said that the ban on international commercial flights to and from India was ending on July 31.

The Indian government has extended the ban on international flights till August 31. The earlier announcement said that the ban on international commercial flights to and from India was ending on July 31. pic.twitter.com/UOo8tqVoky — DGCA (@DGCAIndia) July 30, 2021 × However, the ban on scheduled overseas flights was to end on 30 July following a 16-months-gap. The DGCA circular read, "International scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis". As per the civil aviation watchdog, cargo flights and flights under the bilateral air bubble pacts with select countries will continue to operate. More details are awaited.

India extends ban on international flights till August 31

On Thursday, the India men's hockey team crushed reigning Olympic Champions Argentina 3-1 in their fourth group A game here at Oi Hockey Stadium - North Pitch. With this success, the group has qualified for the quarterfinals in the Olympics.&nbsp;

After goalless initial two quarters, India broke the gridlock in the 43rd moment through Varun Kumar before Vivek Sagar Prasad (58th) and Harmanpreet Singh (59th) struck in the end minutes of the match to seal the challenge.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-wake-up-call-for-us-manpreet-singh-on-australia-thrashing-401361" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics- 'Wake-up call for us': Manpreet Singh on Australia thrashing</a>

India have solidified their spot in the second spot of Pool A with three successes and one loss out of four games, behind Australia.&nbsp;

Argentina are battling at the fifth spot in the six-group pool and need to beat New Zealand in their final group match on Friday to remain in the chase for a quarterfinal.&nbsp;

The best four make the last-eight phase from each group. India will play Japan in their last pool match on Friday.&nbsp;

The Indians were forceful and squeezed the Argentine defense from the start, attacking in numbers. India totally overwhelmed the first quarter, mounting a large number of attacks yet the Argentines shielded strongly to baffle their rivals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-63-member-australian-athletics-team-in-isolation-after-us-pole-vaulter-tests-positive-for-covid-19-401354" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: 63-member Australian athletics team in isolation after US pole-vaulter tests positive for COVID-19</a>

The Indians ruled possession and infiltrated the Argentine circle on various events yet the final pass was absent. However, The absence of inventiveness in the striking circle stays a worry for India, which has neglected to improve, particularly down the right flank with passes that were all around unsurprising.&nbsp;

Manpreet and co. will be facing solid European sides like Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany in the knock-out game and all have a lot of involvement with their defensive line-ups. India should consolidate better in and around the striking circle.&nbsp;

What was cheering, nevertheless, was the way where young Dilpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar joined to score India's subsequent goal, which viably was the defining moment of the game.

On Thursday, the India men's hockey team crushed reigning Olympic Champions Argentina 3-1 in their fourth group A game here at Oi Hockey Stadium - North Pitch. With this success, the group has qualified for the quarterfinals in the Olympics.

On Thursday, the India men's hockey team crushed reigning Olympic Champions Argentina 3-1 in their fourth group A game here at Oi Hockey Stadium - North Pitch. With this success, the group has qualified for the quarterfinals in the Olympics. After goalless initial two quarters, India broke the gridlock in the 43rd moment through Varun Kumar before Vivek Sagar Prasad (58th) and Harmanpreet Singh (59th) struck in the end minutes of the match to seal the challenge. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics- 'Wake-up call for us': Manpreet Singh on Australia thrashing India have solidified their spot in the second spot of Pool A with three successes and one loss out of four games, behind Australia. Argentina are battling at the fifth spot in the six-group pool and need to beat New Zealand in their final group match on Friday to remain in the chase for a quarterfinal. The best four make the last-eight phase from each group. India will play Japan in their last pool match on Friday. The Indians were forceful and squeezed the Argentine defense from the start, attacking in numbers. India totally overwhelmed the first quarter, mounting a large number of attacks yet the Argentines shielded strongly to baffle their rivals. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: 63-member Australian athletics team in isolation after US pole-vaulter tests positive for COVID-19 The Indians ruled possession and infiltrated the Argentine circle on various events yet the final pass was absent. However, The absence of inventiveness in the striking circle stays a worry for India, which has neglected to improve, particularly down the right flank with passes that were all around unsurprising. Manpreet and co. will be facing solid European sides like Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany in the knock-out game and all have a lot of involvement with their defensive line-ups. India should consolidate better in and around the striking circle. What was cheering, nevertheless, was the way where young Dilpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar joined to score India's subsequent goal, which viably was the defining moment of the game.

Tokyo 2020: India beat defending champions Argentina 3-1 and advance to the quarter-finals

It will be a humdinger of a clash in Colombo after Sri Lanka secured a spine chiller to win the second T20I by four wickets. The series decider is currently between a young Indian unit and a floated Sri Lankan team.&nbsp;

After India handled four debutants in their playing XI on Wednesday and posted an unobtrusive 132 for 5 in their 20 overs, the hosts rushed home with two balls to save and had Dhananjaya de Silva's 34-ball 40 to thank for the series-evening out win.&nbsp;

The series decider or the third T20I will be played today at a similar venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-archer-atanu-das-cruises-into-next-round-after-beating-yu-cheng-dang-6-4-401323" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020: Archer Atanu Das cruises into next round after beating Yu-Cheng Dang 6-4</a>

<h2>Pitch Report&nbsp;</h2>

The surface at the R Premadasa Stadium has progressively eased back down all through the series, and we're probably going to see another slow and sultry playing surface for the third T20I. More slow balls should turn out to be extremely successful after the ball loses its shine, with spinners liable to get some turn.&nbsp;

<h2>Sri Lanka&nbsp;</h2>

Having enrolled a necessary T20I win, Sri Lanka should adhere to the same team that they played for the second T20I. They'll trust that their batsmen can keep their levelheadedness when it is important the most and backing their bowlers, who have done a very great job all through the series.&nbsp;

Wanindu Hasaranga has scalped 29 T20I wickets at an economy of 6.82, and he has scored 178 runs with the bat. He is in splendid form.&nbsp;

Akila Dhananjaya will be a player to look out for from Sri Lanka. He has scalped nine T20I wickets at this venue at an economy of 7.7.&nbsp;

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

With Navdeep Saini experiencing a shoulder injury last evening, one of the net bowlers is probably going to highlight today.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan and Sanju Samson will see to utilize their experience as the senior batsmen in the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal need to take their chances.&nbsp;

India will trust that their debutants' nerves would have settled and that they can create a more guaranteed execution in the third T20I that will be the series decider.

It will be a humdinger of a clash in Colombo after Sri Lanka secured a spine chiller to win the second T20I by four wickets. The series decider is currently between a young Indian unit and a floated Sri Lankan team.

It will be a humdinger of a clash in Colombo after Sri Lanka secured a spine chiller to win the second T20I by four wickets. The series decider is currently between a young Indian unit and a floated Sri Lankan team. After India handled four debutants in their playing XI on Wednesday and posted an unobtrusive 132 for 5 in their 20 overs, the hosts rushed home with two balls to save and had Dhananjaya de Silva's 34-ball 40 to thank for the series-evening out win. The series decider or the third T20I will be played today at a similar venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Archer Atanu Das cruises into next round after beating Yu-Cheng Dang 6-4 Pitch Report The surface at the R Premadasa Stadium has progressively eased back down all through the series, and we're probably going to see another slow and sultry playing surface for the third T20I. More slow balls should turn out to be extremely successful after the ball loses its shine, with spinners liable to get some turn. Sri Lanka Having enrolled a necessary T20I win, Sri Lanka should adhere to the same team that they played for the second T20I. They'll trust that their batsmen can keep their levelheadedness when it is important the most and backing their bowlers, who have done a very great job all through the series. Wanindu Hasaranga has scalped 29 T20I wickets at an economy of 6.82, and he has scored 178 runs with the bat. He is in splendid form. Akila Dhananjaya will be a player to look out for from Sri Lanka. He has scalped nine T20I wickets at this venue at an economy of 7.7. India With Navdeep Saini experiencing a shoulder injury last evening, one of the net bowlers is probably going to highlight today. Shikhar Dhawan and Sanju Samson will see to utilize their experience as the senior batsmen in the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal need to take their chances. India will trust that their debutants' nerves would have settled and that they can create a more guaranteed execution in the third T20I that will be the series decider.

Cricket: Preview, 3rd T20I - India takes on Sri Lanka in the series decider

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