Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13&nbsp;to 15.

Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit.&nbsp;10 dialogue partner of ASEAN are&nbsp;Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the United States, and the European Union.

India has increased its engagement with ASEAN and earlier this year, new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted. Last year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;launched 1,000 doctoral fellowships for ASEAN students at Indian institutes of technology which will help in the development of ASEAN’s human capital.

The summit which happens in the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis and Chinese aggressiveness is bound to be the focal point of the world's attention. This especially since, the Quad foreign ministers in recent&nbsp;meet had reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo pacific construct.

Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Thailand in November for the ASEAN summit.&nbsp;

Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13 to 15. Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit.

Vietnam has invited India to take part in the ASEAN virtual summit that will take place from November 13 to 15. Hanoi, which is the chair of the ASEAN for 2020 has invited all 10 dialogue partners for the annual summit. 10 dialogue partner of ASEAN are Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the United States, and the European Union. India has increased its engagement with ASEAN and earlier this year, new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted. Last year, India launched 1,000 doctoral fellowships for ASEAN students at Indian institutes of technology which will help in the development of ASEAN’s human capital. The summit which happens in the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis and Chinese aggressiveness is bound to be the focal point of the world's attention. This especially since, the Quad foreign ministers in recent meet had reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the Indo pacific construct. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Thailand in November for the ASEAN summit.

Vietnam invites India for ASEAN virtual summit in November

PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday re-established the gravity of the coronavirus crisis in the country and urged caution ahead of the festive season, starting with the Navratri celebrations.

He said this is not the time to be careless as the novel coronavirus is still around and even a small negligence can dampen the festive spirit.

In his seventh address to the nation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said many videos have surfaced in recent times that show many people having stopped taking precautions. "This is not the right thing to do," he said.

PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation,&nbsp;vaccine update

"If you are careless and moving around without mask, you are putting yourself, children and the elderly at risk," the prime minister said.

Modi&nbsp;said, "Markets are lit and crowded again but we need to remember that the lockdown might have ended but coronavirus still persists. With efforts of every Indian over last seven-eight months, India is in a stable situation we must not let it deteriorate."

"People of India in their fight against coronavirus have come a long way from the Janata Curfew to today," he added.

The prime minister further asked&nbsp;media personnel, influencers and people on social media to campaign to spread&nbsp;awareness among the masses&nbsp;for following national guidelines on&nbsp;COVID-19.

In Europe, America and other countries, the number of cases have seen a hike yet again after seeing a decline in the past, he noted.

"COVID-19 fatality rate in India is 83 for one million population, while this is more than 600 in countries like USA, Brazil, Spain," Modi said in his 12-minute long address, adding, "the&nbsp;government is making all efforts to ensure that vaccine, whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian."

"We all must remember, there can be no laxity till a medicine is found," PM Modi said.

PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday re-established the gravity of the coronavirus crisis in the country and urged caution ahead of the festive season, starting with the Navratri celebrations.

PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday re-established the gravity of the coronavirus crisis in the country and urged caution ahead of the festive season, starting with the Navratri celebrations. He said this is not the time to be careless as the novel coronavirus is still around and even a small negligence can dampen the festive spirit. In his seventh address to the nation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said many videos have surfaced in recent times that show many people having stopped taking precautions. "This is not the right thing to do," he said. PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation, vaccine update "If you are careless and moving around without mask, you are putting yourself, children and the elderly at risk," the prime minister said. Modi said, "Markets are lit and crowded again but we need to remember that the lockdown might have ended but coronavirus still persists. With efforts of every Indian over last seven-eight months, India is in a stable situation we must not let it deteriorate." "People of India in their fight against coronavirus have come a long way from the Janata Curfew to today," he added. The prime minister further asked media personnel, influencers and people on social media to campaign to spread awareness among the masses for following national guidelines on COVID-19. In Europe, America and other countries, the number of cases have seen a hike yet again after seeing a decline in the past, he noted. "COVID-19 fatality rate in India is 83 for one million population, while this is more than 600 in countries like USA, Brazil, Spain," Modi said in his 12-minute long address, adding, "the government is making all efforts to ensure that vaccine, whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian." "We all must remember, there can be no laxity till a medicine is found," PM Modi said.

PM Modi reviews coronavirus situation, urges caution against complacency

The Quad now has a distinct military dimension. Australia will now join India, US, and Japan in the Malabar Exercise next month. While Japan is arming a rival of China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how an Indo-Pacific alliance against China is taking shape.

Gravitas: Countering the Dragon: How an Indo-Pacific alliance is taking shape

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs.

Bachelet regretted what she called the application of vaguely worded laws that constrain NGOs' activities and restrict foreign funding.

"India has long had a strong civil society, which has been at the forefront of groundbreaking human rights advocacy," the former Chilean president said.

"But I am concerned that vaguely defined laws are increasingly being used to stifle these voices."

Bachelet took aim at the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which prohibits the receipt of foreign funds "for any activities prejudicial to the public interest".

"The FCRA has been invoked over the years to justify an array of highly intrusive&nbsp;measures," she said, including "official raids on NGO offices and freezing of bank accounts".

"I am concerned that such actions based on the grounds of vaguely defined 'public interest' leave this law open to abuse, and that it is indeed actually being used to deter or punish NGOs for human rights reporting and advocacy that the authorities perceive as critical in nature."

Bachelet said that activists and human rights defenders had come under mounting pressure in recent months, particularly those involved in mass protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

More than 1,500 people have reportedly been arrested, she said, including 83-year-old Catholic priest Stan Swamy.

"I urge the government to ensure that no one else is detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Bachelet said, as she called for the release of those charged for "simply exercising basic human rights."

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs. Bachelet regretted what she called the application of vaguely worded laws that constrain NGOs' activities and restrict foreign funding. "India has long had a strong civil society, which has been at the forefront of groundbreaking human rights advocacy," the former Chilean president said. "But I am concerned that vaguely defined laws are increasingly being used to stifle these voices." Bachelet took aim at the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which prohibits the receipt of foreign funds "for any activities prejudicial to the public interest". "The FCRA has been invoked over the years to justify an array of highly intrusive measures," she said, including "official raids on NGO offices and freezing of bank accounts". "I am concerned that such actions based on the grounds of vaguely defined 'public interest' leave this law open to abuse, and that it is indeed actually being used to deter or punish NGOs for human rights reporting and advocacy that the authorities perceive as critical in nature." Bachelet said that activists and human rights defenders had come under mounting pressure in recent months, particularly those involved in mass protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. More than 1,500 people have reportedly been arrested, she said, including 83-year-old Catholic priest Stan Swamy. "I urge the government to ensure that no one else is detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Bachelet said, as she called for the release of those charged for "simply exercising basic human rights."

UN 'dismayed' at India arrests, NGO restrictions

Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.”

A joint release by Australian foreign and defense ministry said," “It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region.”

The invitation for participation in the exercises was sent by New Delhi to Canberra in last one week. The exercises which will take place in November will see all four quad member countries participating in exercises in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds said," “High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific".

The sentiment was echoed by Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, who said, “This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Modi agreed on 4 June 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo."

Australia last participated in Exercises in 2007 and this will be after a decade it will be back in the exercises which is bound to irk China. China has already been upset with quad, calling it Asian Nato, and coming together of all 4 quad countries under Malabar exercises umbrella is bound to draw a sharp reaction from Beijing.

Indian and Australian Navies already have bilateral exercises and the Indian navy has been going to Australian waters for multilateral exercises. Interestingly, New Delhi has LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with all 3 countries--US, Japan and Australia.

Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.

Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.” A joint release by Australian foreign and defense ministry said," “It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region.” The invitation for participation in the exercises was sent by New Delhi to Canberra in last one week. The exercises which will take place in November will see all four quad member countries participating in exercises in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds said," “High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific". The sentiment was echoed by Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, who said, “This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Modi agreed on 4 June 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo." Australia last participated in Exercises in 2007 and this will be after a decade it will be back in the exercises which is bound to irk China. China has already been upset with quad, calling it Asian Nato, and coming together of all 4 quad countries under Malabar exercises umbrella is bound to draw a sharp reaction from Beijing. Indian and Australian Navies already have bilateral exercises and the Indian navy has been going to Australian waters for multilateral exercises. Interestingly, New Delhi has LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with all 3 countries--US, Japan and Australia.

Australia calls its participation in Malabar exercise a ‘milestone opportunity’

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November.

Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy"

Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia. The announcement comes weeks after Quad country foreign ministers met in person in Tokyo.

The exercise will be ‘non-contact - at sea’ format and will "strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the participating countries", the Indian defence ministry release said.

In fact,&nbsp;Malabar exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian Navy-US Navy exercise and Japan joined the exercises in 2015. In 2018, the exercise took place off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea, in 2019 off the coast the Japan.

The Indian Defence Ministry explained,&nbsp;"Participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 are engaging to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain."

Adding,"They collectively support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order."

The development will raise eyebrows in Beijing that sees coming together of Quad countries suspiciously.

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November. Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy" Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia.

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November. Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy" Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia. The announcement comes weeks after Quad country foreign ministers met in person in Tokyo. The exercise will be ‘non-contact - at sea’ format and will "strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the participating countries", the Indian defence ministry release said. In fact, Malabar exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian Navy-US Navy exercise and Japan joined the exercises in 2015. In 2018, the exercise took place off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea, in 2019 off the coast the Japan. The Indian Defence Ministry explained, "Participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 are engaging to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain." Adding,"They collectively support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order." The development will raise eyebrows in Beijing that sees coming together of Quad countries suspiciously.

Eyeing China, Australia to join India's annual Malabar drill

Australia is set to join the Malabar trilateral naval exercise comprising India, Japan and US. The naval exercises will have all 4 Quad members now.

News Alert: Australia to join Malabar naval exercise for the first time

A chinese soldier has been arrested by Indian security forces amid high tensions between India & China along the LAC. The arrest was made near Demchok area of Ladakh.

Breaking News: Chinese soldier with a PLA card arrested in India

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said.

The eighth edition of the annual SLINEX exercise will feature a series of complex drills including surface and anti-air weapon firings and cross deck flying operations with an aim to further fine-tune the "high degree" of inter-operability between the two navies, they said.

The Indian Navy will deploy anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS Kamorta and INS Kiltan as well as a sizeable number of advanced light helicopters, Chetak helicopter and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft in the exercise, the officials said.

The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by offshore patrol vessel Sayura and training ship Gajabahu.

The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019.

"SLINEX series of exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

"Interaction between the two navies has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India's policy of ?Neighbourhood First' and the prime minister's vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)," he said.

The Indian Navy has participated in a number of joint maritime exercises in the last few weeks including a three-day drill with Japanese navy from September 26-28.

Last month, Indian Navy also carried out a two-day mega exercise in the Indian Ocean Region with the Australian Navy that featured a range of complex naval manoeuvres, anti-aircraft drills and helicopter operations.

In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship.

India has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region with a plethora of warships and submarines following its border row with China in eastern Ladakh, ostensibly to send across a message to Beijing.&nbsp;

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said.

The navies of India and Sri Lanka will conduct a three-day military exercise off Trincomalee beginning Monday, in a show of growing congruence in their strategic interests and operational convergence in the region, officials said. The eighth edition of the annual SLINEX exercise will feature a series of complex drills including surface and anti-air weapon firings and cross deck flying operations with an aim to further fine-tune the "high degree" of inter-operability between the two navies, they said. The Indian Navy will deploy anti-submarine warfare corvettes INS Kamorta and INS Kiltan as well as a sizeable number of advanced light helicopters, Chetak helicopter and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft in the exercise, the officials said. The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by offshore patrol vessel Sayura and training ship Gajabahu. The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019. "SLINEX series of exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain," an Indian Navy spokesperson said. "Interaction between the two navies has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India's policy of ?Neighbourhood First' and the prime minister's vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)," he said. The Indian Navy has participated in a number of joint maritime exercises in the last few weeks including a three-day drill with Japanese navy from September 26-28. Last month, Indian Navy also carried out a two-day mega exercise in the Indian Ocean Region with the Australian Navy that featured a range of complex naval manoeuvres, anti-aircraft drills and helicopter operations. In July, the Indian Navy carried out a military exercise with a US Navy carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The USS Nimitz is the world's largest warship. India has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region with a plethora of warships and submarines following its border row with China in eastern Ladakh, ostensibly to send across a message to Beijing.

Indian and Sri Lankan navies to carry out three-day military drill beginning Monday

Two Durga Puja Pandals in India's West Bengal have decided to pay tribute to migrant workers of the country and their struggles amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

India: Two Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal depict migrant workers

The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast.

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said in a statement: "Yesterday's well marked low pressure area over eastcentral Arabian Sea off north Maharashtra coast moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression."

It is very likely to move nearly westwards during the next 48 hours and weaken gradually thereafter.&nbsp;

"As the system is very likely to move away from the Indian coast no adverse weather associated with this system is likely over the west coast of India," the statement added.

The IMD has, however, cautioned fishermen from venturing into the central and north Arabian Sea.

It said light to moderate rainfall at a few places is very likely over coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch during next 24 hours.

Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea on October 17 and over central and northwest Arabian Sea on October 18.

The cyclonic circulation had hit the Andhra Pradesh coast earlier this week as a deep depression bringing heavy rains over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa and leaving a trail of destruction.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast.

The low pressure over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression on Saturday but is moving away from the Indian coast and no adverse weather is likely over the west coast. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said in a statement: "Yesterday's well marked low pressure area over eastcentral Arabian Sea off north Maharashtra coast moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression." It is very likely to move nearly westwards during the next 48 hours and weaken gradually thereafter. "As the system is very likely to move away from the Indian coast no adverse weather associated with this system is likely over the west coast of India," the statement added. The IMD has, however, cautioned fishermen from venturing into the central and north Arabian Sea. It said light to moderate rainfall at a few places is very likely over coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch during next 24 hours. Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea on October 17 and over central and northwest Arabian Sea on October 18. The cyclonic circulation had hit the Andhra Pradesh coast earlier this week as a deep depression bringing heavy rains over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa and leaving a trail of destruction. (with inputs)

Low pressure over Arabian Sea intensifies into depression, IMD says

Indian government has issued notices to e-commerce majors Amazon & Flipkart for not mandatorily displaying information, including country of origin, on products sold on their platforms in India.

Indian govt issues notice to Amazon, Flipkart over non-compliance

As the country is witnessing a massive surge in air pollution, will the coming winter season make COVID-19 more lethal?

COVID-19 and air pollution: Will pollution make COVID more lethal?

The Indian Army said that it has restored an old and damaged grave of a Pakistani officer in the Naugam sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani officer was killed in 1972 close to the fence on the Line of Control (LoC).

Indian Army restores Pakistan's Lt. Major Mohd Shabir Khan's grave

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, while hearing a plea highlighting the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, said that the court is only concerned that the citizens of Delhi-NCR get to breathe clean and fresh air.

The bench said that the new committee, which will monitor the stubble burning and take preventive steps, will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states.

"We have been made aware of steps by Punjab and Haryana for stopping stubble burning including the development of an app which can help in identification and notification of a particular field in which someone has burnt stubble... In spite of measures, reported an increase in stubble burning which will pollute the atmosphere of Delhi-NCR inevitably. We are not inclined to make an assessment of which measure has been effective or not," the bench said.

The bench also asked the heads of National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, and Bharat Scouts and Guides to put the young force at Justice Lokur`s disposal to help locate stubble burning in the three states and bring it to the notice of authorities to prevent the same.

"There needs to be some monitoring of stubble burning before it assumes unhealthy proportions. Accordingly, we find that the suggestion of a former Judge of this court is appointed to monitor the situation in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh," the bench said.

"We accordingly accept the suggestion and appoint Justice Madan B Lokur, former Supreme Court Judge to act as the one-man monitoring Committee to prevent stubble burning in the State," it added.

The bench, in its order, said that it considers it appropriate for the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to enable Justice Lokur in order to devise additional means and methods for preventing burning or stubble.

It further said that the states shall provide adequate facilities to the committee for carrying out its job including secretarial assistance and transportation if necessary and added that the Committee will submit a report fortnightly or as and when required.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the petitioner, a class 12 student Aditya Dubey, said the prayer in the plea is that a one-man commission of Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur can be appointed because he has dealt with many environmental issues.

The state agencies and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority are not empowered and don`t have any teeth to take action, he said.

Singh further contended that let a one-man commission of Justice Madan B Lokur be appointed and let him formulate teams to tackle this for continuous monitoring and he can take assistance from NGOs or NCC for the creation of mobile teams that can monitor and identify instances of stubble burning.

The plea, which referred to a Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild COVID-19 infection into an acute one, had contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi.

It had sought directions to ban stubble burning in the states neighbouring the national capital as it cases massive air pollution in the winters. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Friday appointed Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur, a former judge of the top court, to act as the one-man monitoring committee to prevent stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde, while hearing a plea highlighting the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, said that the court is only concerned that the citizens of Delhi-NCR get to breathe clean and fresh air. The bench said that the new committee, which will monitor the stubble burning and take preventive steps, will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states. "We have been made aware of steps by Punjab and Haryana for stopping stubble burning including the development of an app which can help in identification and notification of a particular field in which someone has burnt stubble... In spite of measures, reported an increase in stubble burning which will pollute the atmosphere of Delhi-NCR inevitably. We are not inclined to make an assessment of which measure has been effective or not," the bench said. The bench also asked the heads of National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, and Bharat Scouts and Guides to put the young force at Justice Lokur`s disposal to help locate stubble burning in the three states and bring it to the notice of authorities to prevent the same. "There needs to be some monitoring of stubble burning before it assumes unhealthy proportions. Accordingly, we find that the suggestion of a former Judge of this court is appointed to monitor the situation in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh," the bench said. "We accordingly accept the suggestion and appoint Justice Madan B Lokur, former Supreme Court Judge to act as the one-man monitoring Committee to prevent stubble burning in the State," it added. The bench, in its order, said that it considers it appropriate for the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to enable Justice Lokur in order to devise additional means and methods for preventing burning or stubble. It further said that the states shall provide adequate facilities to the committee for carrying out its job including secretarial assistance and transportation if necessary and added that the Committee will submit a report fortnightly or as and when required. During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the petitioner, a class 12 student Aditya Dubey, said the prayer in the plea is that a one-man commission of Justice (retd) Madan B Lokur can be appointed because he has dealt with many environmental issues. The state agencies and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority are not empowered and don`t have any teeth to take action, he said. Singh further contended that let a one-man commission of Justice Madan B Lokur be appointed and let him formulate teams to tackle this for continuous monitoring and he can take assistance from NGOs or NCC for the creation of mobile teams that can monitor and identify instances of stubble burning. The plea, which referred to a Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild COVID-19 infection into an acute one, had contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi. It had sought directions to ban stubble burning in the states neighbouring the national capital as it cases massive air pollution in the winters.

Supreme Court appoints retired SC judge to monitor stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and UP

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations.&nbsp;

The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit.&nbsp;

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"The Chief of Army Staff will travel to Nepal early next month. The dates of his visit are being finalised," said an official, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-nepal-re-elected-as-unhrc-members-china-also-elected-335110">Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected</a>

Officials also said during Naravane's visit, he would be conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' by the Nepalese President, a traditional gesture that started first in 1950. &nbsp;

India also confers the honorary rank of 'General of Indian Army' to the chief of the Nepalese Army.&nbsp;

Naravane will also hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa and other senior military officials.&nbsp;

"Ways to further deepen defence cooperation between the two countries will be explored during the Chief of Army Staff's visit to Kathmandu," said a senior official.

The relations between both the neighbours first took a slide after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula on May in Uttarakhand.

Nepal protested the move claiming that it passed via Nepalese territory.&nbsp;

Days later, Nepal approved a constitutional amendment to make new changes in its map with the inclusion of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations. The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit.

Amid strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, Army chief General MM Naravane will travel Nepal in the first week of November in a bid to mend relations. The Indian army chief's visit would be the first high-profile visit since the relations between the two Himalayan neighbours took a hit. Also read | Nepal PM Oli continues to hold meetings despite his close aides testing positive for Covid "The Chief of Army Staff will travel to Nepal early next month. The dates of his visit are being finalised," said an official, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also read | Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected Officials also said during Naravane's visit, he would be conferred upon the honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army' by the Nepalese President, a traditional gesture that started first in 1950. India also confers the honorary rank of 'General of Indian Army' to the chief of the Nepalese Army. Naravane will also hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa and other senior military officials. "Ways to further deepen defence cooperation between the two countries will be explored during the Chief of Army Staff's visit to Kathmandu," said a senior official. The relations between both the neighbours first took a slide after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula on May in Uttarakhand. Nepal protested the move claiming that it passed via Nepalese territory. Days later, Nepal approved a constitutional amendment to make new changes in its map with the inclusion of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories.

Indian army chief Naravane to be conferred honorary rank of 'General of the Nepal Army'

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda.&nbsp;

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform."

Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines,&nbsp;blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region.

Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same".

Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre&nbsp;of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations."

Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy.

Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said,&nbsp;&nbsp;that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people."

On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate."

Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction &amp; Confidence Building Measures in Asia.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform.

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform." Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines, blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region. Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same". Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations." Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy. Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said, that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people." On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate." Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction & Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China.&nbsp;

The group that&nbsp;includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met&nbsp;for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday.

The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well.

Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC.

A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet&nbsp;called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible."

So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday. The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well. Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC. A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible." So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

China Study Group discusses 7th Corps Commander meet

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning.

“At first everyone in the family thought he was mentally disturbed, but he kept at it and everyone eventually came around,” said Vivek Bukka, a cousin of the farmer, Bussa Krishna.

When Trump announced he had the coronavirus, it devastated Krishna. The farmer posted a tearful video on Facebook in which he said: “I feel very sad that my god, Trump, has contracted the coronavirus. I ask everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/telangana-ardent-fan-of-donald-trump-dies-depressed-after-us-presidents-covid-19-infection-335200" hreflang="en">Telangana: Ardent fan of Donald Trump dies 'depressed' after US President's Covid-19 infection</a>

He stopped eating to show solidarity with his idol’s suffering from COVID-19, his family said. He fell into a deep depression. On Sunday, he died of cardiac arrest.

Krishna’s devotion had made him into a minor celebrity, and he was the subject of some national headlines. His death made news across India.

Vivek said his cousin had been physically fit and had no health problems or history of heart disease. There is no evidence linking Krishna’s death to his fasting.

There is no indication that the White House or Trump — who said he had recovered from the virus and felt “powerful” after being treated with a cocktail of drugs — was aware of his biggest fan in India. Many of the country’s urban intellectuals dislike the U.S. president, and he is regularly mocked on Indian social media platforms.

But the president has support in other corners of Indian society. A February study by the Pew Research Center found that 56% of people surveyed in India said that Trump would “do the right thing when it comes to world affairs,” up from 16% when he was elected.

Trump’s popularity in some parts of India is striking because the cult of personality he has tried to cultivate — of an unapologetically brash figure leading the United States to a bright new future while espousing “America First” — mirrors how India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, projects himself to his own supporters.

Krishna, a widowed farmer in his thirties who lived in the village of Konne in the southern state of Telangana, had been a Trump devotee for about four years. He became a fan when the president appeared to him in a dream, his relatives said, and predicted that India’s national cricket squad would beat its archrival, Pakistan, in a match the next day.

India won, Vivek said, “and from that day he started worshipping Donald Trump.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/give-you-a-big-fat-kiss-donald-trump-dances-at-florida-rally-post-virus-treatment-335141" hreflang="en">'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment</a>

But the farmer also admired the president as a leader, said Vivek, a 25-year-old accountant who lives near the southern city of Hyderabad. His cousin did not speak English, and the local news outlets where he lived paid scant attention to U.S. politics. So he relied on Vivek to translate articles and videos for him.

Vemula Venkat Goud, Konne’s village headman, said that the young farmer had also been drawn to Trump’s “straightforward ways and blunt speech.”

Neighbors did not know much about U.S. politics and had no opinion of Trump, he added. But since Krishna was such a huge fan, they embraced his cause as a courtesy, even if it struck them as a little odd.

As Krishna’s devotion to Trump intensified, he began fasting every Friday in support, and he commissioned the construction of a shrine in his backyard with the life-size statue, Vivek said. He worshipped it with Hindu rituals for an hour or two each morning, as one might when praying to Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha or other gods in the Hindu pantheon.

One video of Krishna that has circulated widely online shows him performing a prayer ritual, or pooja, before an altar that holds a picture of Trump.

In another, he wears a T-shirt that reads “Trump” in white block letters as he pours water over the head of the statue, which is wearing a red tie and giving a thumbs-up. The Trump statue has a garland of fresh flowers around its neck and a red tilak — a traditional symbol that is made of vermilion or sandal paste, and used in religious ceremonies — on its forehead.

Krishna’s creation of a statue in Trump’s likeness is not unique. An architect built a giant wooden statue of Trump with vampire’s teeth in Slovenia, the native country of the first lady, Melania Trump. Some critics denounced it as a “waste of wood.”

That statue’s creator, Tomaz Schlegl, an architect, had a clear vision, and message, in mind. “I want to alert people to the rise of populism, and it would be difficult to find a bigger populist in this world than Donald Trump,” he told Reuters.

A life-size wooden sculpture of Trump near the town of Sevnica in eastern Slovenia, where she grew up, was set on fire. The commissioning artist replaced it with a bronze statue.

As for Krishna, he made a valiant attempt to meet his idol. He traveled to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi before Trump’s trip to India in February to try to arrange a meeting, Venkat, the village headman, said.

“It’s really sad that his dream never came true,” he added.

Trump later addressed a stadium packed with 100,000 cheering attendees in Ahmedabad, the heart of Modi’s political home base.

Krishna kept the faith until the end.

When he learned of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, he locked himself in his room, Vivek said.

“We tried to force him to eat, but he barely ate anything,” he said.

On Sunday, Krishna collapsed, and his relatives took him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Krishna is survived by his parents and his 7-year-old son.

Venkat said villagers were discussing how best to maintain their neighbor’s Trump shrine.

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning.

In India, where many admire President Donald Trump, one rural farmer worshipped him like a god, praying to a life-size statue of Trump in his backyard every morning. “At first everyone in the family thought he was mentally disturbed, but he kept at it and everyone eventually came around,” said Vivek Bukka, a cousin of the farmer, Bussa Krishna. When Trump announced he had the coronavirus, it devastated Krishna. The farmer posted a tearful video on Facebook in which he said: “I feel very sad that my god, Trump, has contracted the coronavirus. I ask everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.” Also read: Telangana: Ardent fan of Donald Trump dies 'depressed' after US President's Covid-19 infection He stopped eating to show solidarity with his idol’s suffering from COVID-19, his family said. He fell into a deep depression. On Sunday, he died of cardiac arrest. Krishna’s devotion had made him into a minor celebrity, and he was the subject of some national headlines. His death made news across India. Vivek said his cousin had been physically fit and had no health problems or history of heart disease. There is no evidence linking Krishna’s death to his fasting. There is no indication that the White House or Trump — who said he had recovered from the virus and felt “powerful” after being treated with a cocktail of drugs — was aware of his biggest fan in India. Many of the country’s urban intellectuals dislike the U.S. president, and he is regularly mocked on Indian social media platforms. But the president has support in other corners of Indian society. A February study by the Pew Research Center found that 56% of people surveyed in India said that Trump would “do the right thing when it comes to world affairs,” up from 16% when he was elected. Trump’s popularity in some parts of India is striking because the cult of personality he has tried to cultivate — of an unapologetically brash figure leading the United States to a bright new future while espousing “America First” — mirrors how India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, projects himself to his own supporters. Krishna, a widowed farmer in his thirties who lived in the village of Konne in the southern state of Telangana, had been a Trump devotee for about four years. He became a fan when the president appeared to him in a dream, his relatives said, and predicted that India’s national cricket squad would beat its archrival, Pakistan, in a match the next day. India won, Vivek said, “and from that day he started worshipping Donald Trump.” Also read: 'Give you a big fat kiss': Donald Trump 'dances' at Florida rally post-virus treatment But the farmer also admired the president as a leader, said Vivek, a 25-year-old accountant who lives near the southern city of Hyderabad. His cousin did not speak English, and the local news outlets where he lived paid scant attention to U.S. politics. So he relied on Vivek to translate articles and videos for him. Vemula Venkat Goud, Konne’s village headman, said that the young farmer had also been drawn to Trump’s “straightforward ways and blunt speech.” Neighbors did not know much about U.S. politics and had no opinion of Trump, he added. But since Krishna was such a huge fan, they embraced his cause as a courtesy, even if it struck them as a little odd. As Krishna’s devotion to Trump intensified, he began fasting every Friday in support, and he commissioned the construction of a shrine in his backyard with the life-size statue, Vivek said. He worshipped it with Hindu rituals for an hour or two each morning, as one might when praying to Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha or other gods in the Hindu pantheon. One video of Krishna that has circulated widely online shows him performing a prayer ritual, or pooja, before an altar that holds a picture of Trump. In another, he wears a T-shirt that reads “Trump” in white block letters as he pours water over the head of the statue, which is wearing a red tie and giving a thumbs-up. The Trump statue has a garland of fresh flowers around its neck and a red tilak — a traditional symbol that is made of vermilion or sandal paste, and used in religious ceremonies — on its forehead. Krishna’s creation of a statue in Trump’s likeness is not unique. An architect built a giant wooden statue of Trump with vampire’s teeth in Slovenia, the native country of the first lady, Melania Trump. Some critics denounced it as a “waste of wood.” That statue’s creator, Tomaz Schlegl, an architect, had a clear vision, and message, in mind. “I want to alert people to the rise of populism, and it would be difficult to find a bigger populist in this world than Donald Trump,” he told Reuters. A life-size wooden sculpture of Trump near the town of Sevnica in eastern Slovenia, where she grew up, was set on fire. The commissioning artist replaced it with a bronze statue. As for Krishna, he made a valiant attempt to meet his idol. He traveled to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi before Trump’s trip to India in February to try to arrange a meeting, Venkat, the village headman, said. “It’s really sad that his dream never came true,” he added. Trump later addressed a stadium packed with 100,000 cheering attendees in Ahmedabad, the heart of Modi’s political home base. Krishna kept the faith until the end. When he learned of Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, he locked himself in his room, Vivek said. “We tried to force him to eat, but he barely ate anything,” he said. On Sunday, Krishna collapsed, and his relatives took him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Krishna is survived by his parents and his 7-year-old son. Venkat said villagers were discussing how best to maintain their neighbor’s Trump shrine.

From rural India, he worshipped Trump and built a shrine

India's financial city Mumbai is now facing a complete blackout. It is currently being said that a grid failure has caused a massive power outage in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

India: Citywide power outage in Mumbai due to grid failure

China has reacted to India's big infrastructural push along the LAC in Ladakh. China said that the Indian side has been ramping up intracultural development along the border and stepping up military deployment. Watch report.

India-China border standoff: Infrastructure along LAC, cause of tensions

India and China are holding the seventh round of Corps-Commander level meet on Monday in Chushul in eastern Ladakh, amidst the continuing stalemate along the LAC.

India, China hold seventh Corps-Commander level talks in Chushul

Indian GST council is about to hold a meet on Monday to iron compensation issue. The council will be chaired by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

World Business Watch: GST council meet to discuss compensation issues in India

China said, India has been ramping up infrastructure along the border and infrastructure along LAC is the cause of tension between both sides. Watch this video to know more.

China: India has been ramping up infrastructure along the border

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