India took a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka by crushing the home side by 38 runs on Sunday. They ruled their adversaries to win the series opener easily.&nbsp;

For Sri Lanka, it is a chance to approach the series and head into the third match that will be the series decider. Yet, generally, this series is tied in with getting an opportunity to test their backbone ahead of the ICC World T20.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ajinkya-rahane-showing-signs-of-recovery-from-the-hamstring-niggle-400827" hreflang="en">Cricket: Ajinkya Rahane showing signs of recovery from the hamstring niggle</a>

<h2>Sri Lanka&nbsp;</h2>

24-year-old Charith Asalanka, one of the finds of the series for Sri Lanka, is likewise doubtful to play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury he endured an injury during the first T20I. Lahiru Udara could make his debut.&nbsp;

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who was struck on the finger by Hardik Pandya during his game dominating 65 in the third ODI, has been ruled out of the entire series.&nbsp;

All-rounder Ishan Jayaratne could likewise make his debut. While Akila Dananjaya ought to get another game, Praveen Jayawickrama's form in the third ODI allows him a thin opportunity of making it to the XI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-you-cant-chase-160-at-home-where-will-you-ramiz-raja-thrashes-sri-lanka-400826" hreflang="en">'If you can't chase 160 at home, where will you?': Ramiz Raja thrashes Sri Lanka</a>

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

Hardik Pandya's exhibitions in this series haven't been that incredible, and there have been calls to drop him from the team. Although, considering the equilibrium he brings to this team and his capability with the bat, India should endure with him.

The bowling department is strong.&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar Kumar appears to have discovered the touch in his death bowling and spinners have been tight and viable.&nbsp;

Given the type of the bowlers and the capability in the batting, India will indeed be throwing questions at the hosts who might have the overwhelming errand of taking the series to the last game.

India took a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka by crushing the home side by 38 runs on Sunday. They ruled their adversaries to win the series opener easily.

India took a 1-0 lead in their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka by crushing the home side by 38 runs on Sunday. They ruled their adversaries to win the series opener easily. For Sri Lanka, it is a chance to approach the series and head into the third match that will be the series decider. Yet, generally, this series is tied in with getting an opportunity to test their backbone ahead of the ICC World T20. ALSO READ: Cricket: Ajinkya Rahane showing signs of recovery from the hamstring niggle Sri Lanka 24-year-old Charith Asalanka, one of the finds of the series for Sri Lanka, is likewise doubtful to play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury he endured an injury during the first T20I. Lahiru Udara could make his debut. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who was struck on the finger by Hardik Pandya during his game dominating 65 in the third ODI, has been ruled out of the entire series. All-rounder Ishan Jayaratne could likewise make his debut. While Akila Dananjaya ought to get another game, Praveen Jayawickrama's form in the third ODI allows him a thin opportunity of making it to the XI. ALSO READ: 'If you can't chase 160 at home, where will you?': Ramiz Raja thrashes Sri Lanka India Hardik Pandya's exhibitions in this series haven't been that incredible, and there have been calls to drop him from the team. Although, considering the equilibrium he brings to this team and his capability with the bat, India should endure with him. The bowling department is strong. Bhuvneshwar Kumar appears to have discovered the touch in his death bowling and spinners have been tight and viable. Given the type of the bowlers and the capability in the batting, India will indeed be throwing questions at the hosts who might have the overwhelming errand of taking the series to the last game.

IND vs SL: Preview - Sri Lanka hope to keep the series afloat against the Indian side

India has condemned Turkey's move to reopen Varosha, an abandoned city in Cyprus. A 1984 UN resolution prohibits any resettlement of Varosha by outsiders. So why is Erdogan pushing ahead with his plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India rejects Turkish designs on Cyprus ghost city

What is the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken doing in India? The agenda of the visit is primarily Afghanistan, but a top US govt official says 'human rights' issues in India could be raised during the visit. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: US Secretary of State on a 2-day visit to India

India: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in New Delhi last night for his two-day maiden visit. It will be his first visit to India after holding office under Biden Administration. According to sources, Mr. Blinken will be holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EAM S. Jaishankar to deepen bilateral ties, enhancing mutual cooperation.

U.S. troops pullout to dominate Blinken-New Delhi talks?

Blinken is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Wednesday noon and PM Modi at 4 pm, before flying to Kuwait later in the evening. Blinken is also likely to meet NSA Ajit Doval.

Antony Blinken in India: What's on the agenda?

The Government Of India is now planning to inoculate children as the nation braces for the third wave of COVID-19. The possibility of another wave of COVID is still not assured but according to health experts, 'this time children are more vulnerable'. Many other countries around the globe already started vaccinating children in order to break the chain of transmission.

India: Expert panel recommends GOI to inoculate children

Antony Blinken arrives in New Delhi; focus on expansion of ties

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries aimed to enhance cooperation on a range of issues.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed travel challenges during pandemic

The remaining two T20Is between India and Sri Lanka will be going on and the second match of the series will be played later tonight.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/from-salary-to-endorsements-mind-boggling-net-worth-of-virat-kohli-400574">From salary to endorsements: Mind-boggling net worth of Virat Kohli</a>

Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and eight players -- Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Chahar, Manish Pandey, Ishan Kishan, and K Gowtham were identified as close contacts and hence they would not be playing the remaining two T20Is.

"The second T20I will go ahead later today and the last T20I will be played tomorrow," a source in the know of developments told ANI on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka was postponed to a day later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed.

India all-rounder Krunal Pandya has tested positive following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning."The second T20I between Sri Lanka and India originally scheduled to be played on July 27 has been pushed forward by a day and will now take place on Wednesday, July 28," BCCI said in a statement.

"Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts. The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad," it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, ANI had reported that Krunal had tested COVID-19 positive and that forced the two teams to go into isolation till reports come in of the rest of the players.

"Krunal has tested positive and the T20I on Tuesday has been postponed and will happen on Wednesday if all the others test negative. The players are currently isolating," the source said.

This put a question mark on opener Prithvi Shaw as well as Suryakumar Yadav as they were set to travel to England as a replacement for the Test series against England.

The BCCI on Monday informed that the All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav as replacements for the upcoming Test series against England as all-rounder Washington Sundar, batsman Shubman Gill and pacer Avesh Khan have been ruled out of the tour due to injuries.&nbsp;

The remaining two T20Is between India and Sri Lanka will be going on and the second match of the series will be played later tonight. ALSO READ: From salary to endorsements: Mind-boggling net worth of Virat Kohli Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and eight players -- Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Chahar, Manish Pandey, Ishan Kishan, and K Gowtham were identified as close contacts and hence they would not be playing the remaining two T20Is.

The remaining two T20Is between India and Sri Lanka will be going on and the second match of the series will be played later tonight. ALSO READ: From salary to endorsements: Mind-boggling net worth of Virat Kohli Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and eight players -- Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Chahar, Manish Pandey, Ishan Kishan, and K Gowtham were identified as close contacts and hence they would not be playing the remaining two T20Is. "The second T20I will go ahead later today and the last T20I will be played tomorrow," a source in the know of developments told ANI on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka was postponed to a day later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed. India all-rounder Krunal Pandya has tested positive following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning."The second T20I between Sri Lanka and India originally scheduled to be played on July 27 has been pushed forward by a day and will now take place on Wednesday, July 28," BCCI said in a statement. "Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts. The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad," it added. Earlier on Tuesday, ANI had reported that Krunal had tested COVID-19 positive and that forced the two teams to go into isolation till reports come in of the rest of the players. "Krunal has tested positive and the T20I on Tuesday has been postponed and will happen on Wednesday if all the others test negative. The players are currently isolating," the source said. This put a question mark on opener Prithvi Shaw as well as Suryakumar Yadav as they were set to travel to England as a replacement for the Test series against England. The BCCI on Monday informed that the All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav as replacements for the upcoming Test series against England as all-rounder Washington Sundar, batsman Shubman Gill and pacer Avesh Khan have been ruled out of the tour due to injuries.

SL vs IND: Remaining two T20Is to go ahead, 2nd match to be played later today

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken arrived in India on Tuesday. He is on a two-day visit for talks on strengthening Indo-Pacific engagement as well as New Delhi's human rights record among other issues.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to hold talks with PM Modi, EAM S Jaishankar in Delhi

Tensions have escalated along the border of two North-East states of India. The policemen of Assam and Mizoram fired at each other during which 5 personnel of Assam police were killed and 50 others were injured.

Assam-Mizoram border dispute: 5 Assam policemen killed in violent clashes with Mizoram

The 2nd T20I match of India's visit through Sri Lanka is set to be rescheduled following a&nbsp;positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Indian cricket team, confirmed&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a tweet.

India's cricket board further informed that the entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad.&nbsp;

"Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts," read a media advisory as published by BCCI.&nbsp;

The second T20 international match between Sri Lanka vs India at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium tonight (July 27) has been halted after Pandya tested positive for COVID. The match will now be played on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-always-good-to-get-runs-in-the-white-kit-says-kl-rahul-ahead-of-england-series-400923" hreflang="en">Cricket: Always good to get runs in the white kit, says KL Rahul ahead of England serie</a>

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NEWS : Krunal Pandya tests positive. 
 
Second Sri Lanka-India T20I postponed to July 28. 
 
The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1419972701490384899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Coronavirus gave an unprecedented shock to cricket fans who were waiting for the second T20 match between Sri Lanka and India.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID. With this, the organisers decided to postpone today's match to Wednesday.

The 2nd T20I of three-match series, which was scheduled to start today is currently liable to be rescheduled for 28th i.e. tomorrow.&nbsp;

The Indian team won the first T20 match by 38 runs. Krunal Pandya, who took one wicket for 16 runs in the first T20I, bowled three runs off three balls.

The 2nd T20I match of India's visit through Sri Lanka is set to be rescheduled following a positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Indian cricket team, confirmed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a tweet.

The 2nd T20I match of India's visit through Sri Lanka is set to be rescheduled following a positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Indian cricket team, confirmed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a tweet. India's cricket board further informed that the entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad. "Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts," read a media advisory as published by BCCI. The second T20 international match between Sri Lanka vs India at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium tonight (July 27) has been halted after Pandya tested positive for COVID. The match will now be played on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Cricket: Always good to get runs in the white kit, says KL Rahul ahead of England serie NEWS : Krunal Pandya tests positive. Second Sri Lanka-India T20I postponed to July 28. The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad.#SLvIND — BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2021 × The Coronavirus gave an unprecedented shock to cricket fans who were waiting for the second T20 match between Sri Lanka and India. All-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID. With this, the organisers decided to postpone today's match to Wednesday. The 2nd T20I of three-match series, which was scheduled to start today is currently liable to be rescheduled for 28th i.e. tomorrow. The Indian team won the first T20 match by 38 runs. Krunal Pandya, who took one wicket for 16 runs in the first T20I, bowled three runs off three balls.

Cricket: Sri Lanka vs India 2nd T20I postponed after Krunal Pandya tests positive for COVID-19

India sent oxygen express trains to Bangladesh to help its hospitals save lives as the country faced an oxygen crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move is expected to strengthen ties between Dhaka and Delhi.

India supplies oxygen to Bangladesh to help cope up with COVID-19

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will pay a two-day visit to India on July 27-28 to discuss a range of issues including the situation in Afghanistan, counter-China efforts. Blinken will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EAM S Jaishankar. It will be Blinken's first visit to India after assuming charge as the US Secretary of State.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit India, meet PM Modi

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India on July 27. This will be his first visit to India. Blinken will have meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

US Secy of State Antony Blinken to visit India, meet PM Modi

Heavy rainfall activity is expected over north and east India during the next three-four days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

The low pressure area over northwest Madhya Pradesh has become less marked.&nbsp;However, the associated cyclonic circulation over northwest Madhya Pradesh and neighbourhood persists.

Another cyclonic circulation lies over North Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over North Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood around July 28.

Due to the influence of these two systems, widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is very likely over Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh till July 29 and its intensity will reduce thereafter.

Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on July 27 and 28 and over northwest Uttar Pradesh on July 27.

Fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls are likely to continue over east Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh till July 26 and reduce thereafter.

There will be an enhanced rainfall activity with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy falls likely over east and adjoining central India including Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand from July 27.

Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls are very likely over Konkan, Goa, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra during the next three days and increase to isolated heavy to very heavy falls over the region from July 29.

Scores of lives have been lost due to landslides and floods in Maharashtra in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall activity is expected over north and east India during the next three-four days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The low pressure area over northwest Madhya Pradesh has become less marked.

Heavy rainfall activity is expected over north and east India during the next three-four days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The low pressure area over northwest Madhya Pradesh has become less marked. However, the associated cyclonic circulation over northwest Madhya Pradesh and neighbourhood persists. Another cyclonic circulation lies over North Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over North Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood around July 28. Due to the influence of these two systems, widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is very likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh till July 29 and its intensity will reduce thereafter. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on July 27 and 28 and over northwest Uttar Pradesh on July 27. Fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls are likely to continue over east Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh till July 26 and reduce thereafter. There will be an enhanced rainfall activity with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy falls likely over east and adjoining central India including Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand from July 27. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls are very likely over Konkan, Goa, the ghat areas of central Maharashtra during the next three days and increase to isolated heavy to very heavy falls over the region from July 29. Scores of lives have been lost due to landslides and floods in Maharashtra in the last two weeks.

Heavy rainfall likely over north, east India for three to four days: IMD

Bangladesh: India delivers LMO to B'desh under the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'

For the first time Indian Railways' "Oxygen Express" will cross international border and supply 200 MTs of liquid oxygen in 10 containers to neighbouring Bangladesh. The operation is being undertaken by South Eastern Railway with the train leaving Tatanagar and reaching Benapole in Bangladesh on Sunday.

COVID-19: India supplies medical oxygen to Bangladesh

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The active cases have declined to 4,08,212 and comprise 1.30 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 97.36 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A decline of 765 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 17,18,756 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 45,62,89,567.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for 34 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.24 per cent.

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,05,43,138, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 43.31 crore under the nationwide vaccination drive. 
The 535 new fatalities include 224 from Maharashtra and 98 from Kerala.

A total of 4,20551 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,31,429 from Maharashtra, 36,352 from Karnataka, 33,889 from Tamil Nadu, 25,041 from Delhi, 22,749 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,064 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India added 39,742 new cases of coronavirus infection taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,13,71,901, while the death toll rose to 4,20,551 with 535 fresh fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The active cases have declined to 4,08,212 and comprise 1.30 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 97.36 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A decline of 765 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 17,18,756 tests were conducted on Saturday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 45,62,89,567. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for 34 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.24 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,05,43,138, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. Cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 43.31 crore under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 535 new fatalities include 224 from Maharashtra and 98 from Kerala. A total of 4,20551 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,31,429 from Maharashtra, 36,352 from Karnataka, 33,889 from Tamil Nadu, 25,041 from Delhi, 22,749 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,064 from West Bengal. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

COVID-19: India logs 39,742 new cases, 535 fresh fatalities

In order to commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers in the war where the Indian Army recaptured all the Indian posts in Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistan's army, July 26 every year is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas.&nbsp;

The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil district.&nbsp;

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Tomorrow, 26th July, our nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. 
 
Let us pay tributes to those who made our nation proud in 1999. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfeF9RMX0d">pic.twitter.com/hfeF9RMX0d</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1419169202397581314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It started when Pakistani troops and terrorists infiltrated Indian territory.&nbsp;They positioned themselves in key locations.&nbsp;

This was done so that they get a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict.&nbsp;

Based on information provided by local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch what is termed as 'Operation Vijay'.

It started when on May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak.

This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side.

The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. &nbsp;

Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kargil-war-shepherd-who-informed-indian-army-of-pakistan-infiltration-still-awaits-recognition-238499">Also read |&nbsp;Kargil War: Shepherd who informed Indian army of Pakistan infiltration still awaits recognition</a>

However, the victory for the Indian army came at a high price as the death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453.

"Operation Vijay was a perfect blend of strong and determined political, military and diplomatic actions which enabled us to transform an adverse situation into a military and diplomatic victory," VP Malik who was the Army Chief during Kargil War summed up in a 2002 article.

Pakistan faced global pressure, with the then US President Bill Clinton persuading Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to pull out from Kargil in early July through a telephonic conversation.&nbsp;

The Kargil War officially ended on July 26.

As per an Indian Express article which is available in the MEA archives there is a part of a paper by Bruce Riedel, a director on the Bill Clinton administration's National Security Council.&nbsp;

It says that the conflict saw “furious artillery clashes, air battles and costly infantry assaults by Indian troops against well dug-in Pakistani forces. Pakistan denied its troops were involved, claiming that only Kashmiri militants were doing the fighting — a claim not taken seriously anywhere.”

In order to commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers in the war where the Indian Army recaptured all the Indian posts in Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistan's army, July 26 every year is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

In order to commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers in the war where the Indian Army recaptured all the Indian posts in Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistan's army, July 26 every year is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas. The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil district. Tomorrow, 26th July, our nation will mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. Let us pay tributes to those who made our nation proud in 1999. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/hfeF9RMX0d — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 25, 2021 × It started when Pakistani troops and terrorists infiltrated Indian territory. They positioned themselves in key locations. This was done so that they get a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict. Based on information provided by local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch what is termed as 'Operation Vijay'. It started when on May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak. This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side. The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage. Also read | Kargil War: Shepherd who informed Indian army of Pakistan infiltration still awaits recognition However, the victory for the Indian army came at a high price as the death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453. "Operation Vijay was a perfect blend of strong and determined political, military and diplomatic actions which enabled us to transform an adverse situation into a military and diplomatic victory," VP Malik who was the Army Chief during Kargil War summed up in a 2002 article. Pakistan faced global pressure, with the then US President Bill Clinton persuading Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to pull out from Kargil in early July through a telephonic conversation. The Kargil War officially ended on July 26. As per an Indian Express article which is available in the MEA archives there is a part of a paper by Bruce Riedel, a director on the Bill Clinton administration's National Security Council. It says that the conflict saw “furious artillery clashes, air battles and costly infantry assaults by Indian troops against well dug-in Pakistani forces. Pakistan denied its troops were involved, claiming that only Kashmiri militants were doing the fighting — a claim not taken seriously anywhere.”

22 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas: Here is all you need to know

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J&nbsp;Blinken's&nbsp;India visit, Washington has described India as a&nbsp;'critical partner in the region'&nbsp;with both countries having a&nbsp;'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;will be in Delhi on&nbsp;July&nbsp;27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security,&nbsp;defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation."&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;is the&nbsp;second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of&nbsp;Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his&nbsp;fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;met in London, Washington and Italy.&nbsp;

Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to&nbsp;realise&nbsp;that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war."&nbsp;

Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's&nbsp;external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.&nbsp;

Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week".&nbsp; The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing.&nbsp;

State Department said,&nbsp;"Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded.&nbsp; We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the&nbsp;second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies.&nbsp;

Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.&nbsp;

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'.

Ahead of US Secretary of state Antony J Blinken's India visit, Washington has described India as a 'critical partner in the region' with both countries having a 'shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan'. Blinken will be in Delhi on July 27 and 28, his first to the Indian capital since the new Biden administration took charge. In India, he will call on PM Modi and hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. In a briefing ahead of the visit, Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson said, "Our bilateral discussions with our Indian partners will focus on expanding our security, defence, cyber, and counterterrorism cooperation." Blinken is the second Biden Administration official to visit Delhi this year, after United States Secretary of Defence, General (Retd.) Lloyd J Austin. This will also be his fourth meeting with EAM Jaishankar. They have earlier met in London, Washington and Italy. Afghanistan remains the top focus, with Thompson pointing out, "We welcome India’s shared commitment to peace and supporting economic development in Afghanistan." He explained, "We expect that all the countries in the region have a shared interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan going forward" and so "we will certainly be looking at talking with our Indian partners about how we can work together to realise that goal, to find ways to bring the parties together, and continue to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the longstanding war." Both sides have continued to engage on the issue. Earlier this month, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Special Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit. Other key issues will be Quad, with Thompson highlighting, "I expect the Quad and ideas about our engagements with the Quad to definitely factor into our conversations next week". The US is set to host the first in-person Quad summit later this year. March saw the first virtual leadership level meet in which the key outcome was the Quad vaccine partnership. Under the initiative, the plan is to roll out a billion doses of vaccines in 2020, with India as the base of manufacturing. State Department said, "Quad leaders agreed on a shared vision for the region, one that’s free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values and respect for human rights, and where sovereignty is safeguarded. We’re working with India and other friends and partners in the region to advance this shared vision of the Indo-Pacific". The ongoing Covid crisis remains part of the ongoing discussion. Washington had sent assistance to Delhi amid the second wave of crisis. Since March 2020, the US has allocated more than $226 million in Covid relief to India, additionally, $400 million has been contributed by American citizens and US companies. Other issues like climate change will also be part of the talks. In April this year, US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership was launched.

India critical partner in the region, says US State dept ahead of Blinken visit 

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Turkey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island,&nbsp;which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern&nbsp;Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;only by Ankara.&nbsp;

The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July&nbsp;20&nbsp;on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of&nbsp;Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements".&nbsp;

The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;to UN Administration."&nbsp;

At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of&nbsp;two&nbsp;years starting January&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis."&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> today on Cyprus &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_CYPRUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_CYPRUS</a>, I said: 
🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> resolutions 
🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 
🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1417891713310396418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of&nbsp;Varosha."&nbsp;

Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October&nbsp;9,&nbsp;2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus."&nbsp;

Globally, India joins the US,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UK, Russia, France,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UN,&nbsp;the&nbsp;EU, Norway, Israel, Greece&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.&nbsp;

Curiously,&nbsp;Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries in the last&nbsp;two&nbsp;years.&nbsp;

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara.

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara. The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July 20 on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements". The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of Varosha to UN Administration." At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of two years starting January 1, 2021. Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council. Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis." In #UNSC today on Cyprus & @UN_CYPRUS, I said: 🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to #UNSC resolutions 🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) July 21, 2021 × Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of Varosha." Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October 9, 2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus." Globally, India joins the US, the UK, Russia, France, the UN, the EU, Norway, Israel, Greece and Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen Varosha was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly criticised by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Curiously, Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the two countries in the last two years.

India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue

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