Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders.

According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi.

Also, Pakistan is reportedly set to add eight Chinese-made Type-039B Yuan Class warships to its fleet. 
Satellite imageries picked up by private intelligence consultancy named ShadowBreak Intl confirmed that Pakistan Navy’s Agosta-90B type submarine – Hashmat-class – was docked next to Chinese ships near Karachi.

The Forbes report say the Chinese naval ships were on a joint exercise with the Pakistani fleet in January, called ‘Sea Guardian-2020’. The submarine exercise was conducted in one of Karachi’s cordoned-off commercial docks, not their usual ones.

Islamabad operates five French-designed Agosta-class submarines, of which three are improved versions with the Air independent Power (AIP) technology. This class of submarines is potent and one of the more modern machines in the Pakistani arsenal.&nbsp;

Besides the AIP, the subs have AS-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and state-of-the-art combat systems. It’s also expected to be the launchpad for the country’s homegrown Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders. According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi.

Pakistan continues to engage with China and conduct military exercises -- and that too, not far away from India’s coastal borders. According to a Forbes report, Pakistani Navy submarines were seen parked in the middle of Chinese Navy warships near Karachi. Also, Pakistan is reportedly set to add eight Chinese-made Type-039B Yuan Class warships to its fleet. Satellite imageries picked up by private intelligence consultancy named ShadowBreak Intl confirmed that Pakistan Navy’s Agosta-90B type submarine – Hashmat-class – was docked next to Chinese ships near Karachi. The Forbes report say the Chinese naval ships were on a joint exercise with the Pakistani fleet in January, called ‘Sea Guardian-2020’. The submarine exercise was conducted in one of Karachi’s cordoned-off commercial docks, not their usual ones. Islamabad operates five French-designed Agosta-class submarines, of which three are improved versions with the Air independent Power (AIP) technology. This class of submarines is potent and one of the more modern machines in the Pakistani arsenal. Besides the AIP, the subs have AS-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles and state-of-the-art combat systems. It’s also expected to be the launchpad for the country’s homegrown Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Satellite images show Pakistan’s military build-up at sea, says report

In the signs of escalating tensions between India and China, the Indian government-owned oil companies have decided to stop chartering transport tankers owned or operated by Chinese companies. Watch report.

India-China tensions: Indian state oil companies ban usage of Chinese tankers

Observing that the current situation was "not at all conducive" to reopening of places of worship, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order directing that temples in Maharashtra be opened for public.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice PV Tavade said the COVID-19 situation in the state had not improved and people must therefore, pray at home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tally-crosses-24-lakh-mark-with-64553-new-cases-in-last-24-hours-320388">India tally crosses 24 lakh-mark with 64,553 new cases in last 24-hours</a>

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation filed through advocate Dipesh Siroya seeking that the Maharashtra government be directed to reopen temples for public.

The state government could open temples and allow only a limited number of worshippers at a time in accordance with its COVID-19 lockdown guidelines, Siroya argued.

The bench, however, asked Siroya which temple he considered personally, to be the "biggest?"

"The biggest temple is humanity," Siroya said.

To which, the bench responded saying, "If you have any love for humanity, do not press for such prayers then."

"For the love and safety of humanity, pray at home," it said.

The state government pointed out that on August 12, it had submitted a detailed reply before another bench of the high court explaining how COVID-19 cases were still on the rise and that opening temples or any other places of worship was not feasible currently.

The state government said it had prohibited public gatherings for celebrations for Gudi Padwa and Janmashtami, and people had been asked to pray at home.

When Siroya pointed out that several other states had reopened some places of worship, and that the COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra was improving, the bench said, it did not think the situation had improved.

"If the situation improves, this temple of justice will be the first to open its doors to the public. The current situation is not at all conducive to opening doors (of places of worship) to the public," it said.&nbsp;

Observing that the current situation was "not at all conducive" to reopening of places of worship, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order directing that temples in Maharashtra be opened for public.

Observing that the current situation was "not at all conducive" to reopening of places of worship, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to pass any interim order directing that temples in Maharashtra be opened for public. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice PV Tavade said the COVID-19 situation in the state had not improved and people must therefore, pray at home. Also read | India tally crosses 24 lakh-mark with 64,553 new cases in last 24-hours The bench was hearing a public interest litigation filed through advocate Dipesh Siroya seeking that the Maharashtra government be directed to reopen temples for public. The state government could open temples and allow only a limited number of worshippers at a time in accordance with its COVID-19 lockdown guidelines, Siroya argued. The bench, however, asked Siroya which temple he considered personally, to be the "biggest?" "The biggest temple is humanity," Siroya said. To which, the bench responded saying, "If you have any love for humanity, do not press for such prayers then." "For the love and safety of humanity, pray at home," it said. The state government pointed out that on August 12, it had submitted a detailed reply before another bench of the high court explaining how COVID-19 cases were still on the rise and that opening temples or any other places of worship was not feasible currently. The state government said it had prohibited public gatherings for celebrations for Gudi Padwa and Janmashtami, and people had been asked to pray at home. When Siroya pointed out that several other states had reopened some places of worship, and that the COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra was improving, the bench said, it did not think the situation had improved. "If the situation improves, this temple of justice will be the first to open its doors to the public. The current situation is not at all conducive to opening doors (of places of worship) to the public," it said.

COVID-19 situation not conducive to reopening of temples: HC

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks.

"We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused global disruption on a scale that has not been experienced before by this generation," India said in a statement to the High-Level open debate of the UN Security Council on 'Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace' on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-been-brought-to-our-knees-by-coronavirus-says-united-nations-314360">Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations</a>

The pandemic has "impacted adversely almost all initiatives which usually go on to contribute to peacebuilding. In some ways, it has served to exacerbate conflict situations to the extent that we now have to tackle more strife and conflict as well as a growing humanitarian crisis rather than address some of the other important issues relating to peacebuilding,"&nbsp;India said.

"This is where our current challenge lies. How do we prioritize between various needs."

India recalled that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had outlined several trends related to the pandemic with implications for conflict prevention, including erosion of trust in public institutions and rise in societal tensions associated with national government's response measures.

"Some conflict actors are also exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks,"&nbsp;India said.

India further stressed that peacebuilders must mobilize to identify and counter misinformation.

"Community engagement and effective communication are critical to combat the 'infodemic' of false information that often drives fear and division,"&nbsp;the statement said.

In the context of the pandemic, India suggested that the immediate focus of the international community should be on ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the community which are in a conflict are met so that lack of availability of minimum needs itself does not become a matter of greater conflict.

"National governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion," India, among the largest Troop Contributing Countries to the UN peacekeeping operations, suggested.

India also called for donors and international organizations to sustain financial support to and partnership with local peacebuilders during the crisis, adding that they should also provide flexibility for rapid program re-design, as well as re-direction of resources to respond to emergency situations.

In his remarks, Guterres said the international community's responses to the pandemic must be conflict-sensitive, starting with a multidimensional analysis that looks at how the pandemic affects underlying risks that drive conflict. 
India underlined that if peacebuilding has to endure then it should rest on institutions and not on individuals.

"It is only when institutions are strong can other factors, like addressing equitably the needs of the conflicted communities and strengthening of human rights, can be effective."

India stressed that need of the hour is human-centered and cooperative approaches, which are at the core of peacebuilding work. "We also need resilience approaches that can enhance local capacities, skills, and attributes, and enable communities to not just "bounce back"&nbsp;but "build back better".

"These locally owned, conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed peacebuilding approaches are highly cost-effective and sustainable. They must not be sacrificed due to short-term reallocation of funds to what is deemed as 'immediate' pandemic responses. Short- and long-term responses to COVID-19 must be aligned."

As the world grapples with the pandemic, India said it is equally essential to ensure performance in peacekeeping. 
"Troop Contributing Countries should entail adherence to training plans, including pre-deployment and in mission training, so that key mission tasks are not left to 'learning on the job'."

Underscoring that ensuring women's participation in peacebuilding is not only a matter of women's and girls' rights, India said women are crucial partners in shoring up three pillars of lasting peace: economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy.

"Gender capacity should be deployed in peacebuilding initiatives, gender-responsive analysis of key issues mainstreamed across mediation work and gender-inclusive language incorporated in peace agreements."

India noted that national efforts at peacebuilding and addressing the various facets of peacebuilding have been "weakened" since national resources are being diverted to tackle more immediate humanitarian issues of life and death and the scope for finding innovative solutions have also shrunk.

"While we are still in the early stages of adapting to the new reality of peacebuilding during a global pandemic, we must build back better to regain stability and spur peace and prosperity in a world that is perhaps changed forever,"&nbsp;India said.

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks.

India at the UN said that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and exacerbated conflict situations, stressing that some conflict actors are exploiting the current uncertain climate to press their agendas through misinformation and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks. "We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused global disruption on a scale that has not been experienced before by this generation," India said in a statement to the High-Level open debate of the UN Security Council on 'Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace' on Wednesday. Also read | Have been 'brought to our knees' by coronavirus, says United Nations The pandemic has "impacted adversely almost all initiatives which usually go on to contribute to peacebuilding. In some ways, it has served to exacerbate conflict situations to the extent that we now have to tackle more strife and conflict as well as a growing humanitarian crisis rather than address some of the other important issues relating to peacebuilding," India said. "This is where our current challenge lies. How do we prioritize between various needs." India recalled that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had outlined several trends related to the pandemic with implications for conflict prevention, including erosion of trust in public institutions and rise in societal tensions associated with national government's response measures. "Some conflict actors are also exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks," India said. India further stressed that peacebuilders must mobilize to identify and counter misinformation. "Community engagement and effective communication are critical to combat the 'infodemic' of false information that often drives fear and division," the statement said. In the context of the pandemic, India suggested that the immediate focus of the international community should be on ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the community which are in a conflict are met so that lack of availability of minimum needs itself does not become a matter of greater conflict. "National governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion," India, among the largest Troop Contributing Countries to the UN peacekeeping operations, suggested. India also called for donors and international organizations to sustain financial support to and partnership with local peacebuilders during the crisis, adding that they should also provide flexibility for rapid program re-design, as well as re-direction of resources to respond to emergency situations. In his remarks, Guterres said the international community's responses to the pandemic must be conflict-sensitive, starting with a multidimensional analysis that looks at how the pandemic affects underlying risks that drive conflict. India underlined that if peacebuilding has to endure then it should rest on institutions and not on individuals. "It is only when institutions are strong can other factors, like addressing equitably the needs of the conflicted communities and strengthening of human rights, can be effective." India stressed that need of the hour is human-centered and cooperative approaches, which are at the core of peacebuilding work. "We also need resilience approaches that can enhance local capacities, skills, and attributes, and enable communities to not just "bounce back" but "build back better". "These locally owned, conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed peacebuilding approaches are highly cost-effective and sustainable. They must not be sacrificed due to short-term reallocation of funds to what is deemed as 'immediate' pandemic responses. Short- and long-term responses to COVID-19 must be aligned." As the world grapples with the pandemic, India said it is equally essential to ensure performance in peacekeeping. "Troop Contributing Countries should entail adherence to training plans, including pre-deployment and in mission training, so that key mission tasks are not left to 'learning on the job'." Underscoring that ensuring women's participation in peacebuilding is not only a matter of women's and girls' rights, India said women are crucial partners in shoring up three pillars of lasting peace: economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy. "Gender capacity should be deployed in peacebuilding initiatives, gender-responsive analysis of key issues mainstreamed across mediation work and gender-inclusive language incorporated in peace agreements." India noted that national efforts at peacebuilding and addressing the various facets of peacebuilding have been "weakened" since national resources are being diverted to tackle more immediate humanitarian issues of life and death and the scope for finding innovative solutions have also shrunk. "While we are still in the early stages of adapting to the new reality of peacebuilding during a global pandemic, we must build back better to regain stability and spur peace and prosperity in a world that is perhaps changed forever," India said.

Conflict actors exploiting current uncertain climate through misinformation: India at UN

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The assistance will shore up liquidity, ease exchange rate fluctuations and provide the needed budgetary support to the government of Maldives to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

Last month, New Delhi said it would soon annouce "substantial financial assistance package" for Maldivian economy which will help the country in post-COVID economic recovery. &nbsp;

The was stated during a message from the Indian high commission in the Maldives on the occasion Maldivian Independence Day that will be celebrated on July 26. The message from the Indian mission said, "Ours is an all-weather friendship steeped in history and with a glorious future" and "India first policy of Maldives and Neighbourhood first policy of India has set the foundation of the growing relationship"

India has already extended an assistance of $400 million through extended currency swap arrangement that will help the Indian ocean Island country tide over liquidity crisis.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also provided 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines under Operation Sanjeevani and 600 tonnes of essential food items to the country amid the pandemic.

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

India has announced $250 million dollar support to Maldives through a soft loan arrangement. It was announced by India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The assistance will shore up liquidity, ease exchange rate fluctuations and provide the needed budgetary support to the government of Maldives to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Last month, New Delhi said it would soon annouce "substantial financial assistance package" for Maldivian economy which will help the country in post-COVID economic recovery. The was stated during a message from the Indian high commission in the Maldives on the occasion Maldivian Independence Day that will be celebrated on July 26. The message from the Indian mission said, "Ours is an all-weather friendship steeped in history and with a glorious future" and "India first policy of Maldives and Neighbourhood first policy of India has set the foundation of the growing relationship" India has already extended an assistance of $400 million through extended currency swap arrangement that will help the Indian ocean Island country tide over liquidity crisis. New Delhi has also provided 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines under Operation Sanjeevani and 600 tonnes of essential food items to the country amid the pandemic.

India announces $250 million support for Maldives

India's COVID-19 tally reached 23,29,639 today, with 60,963 cases being reported in a day. Recoveries rose to 15,83,490 according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India's COVID-19 tally rises to 2,329,639 | Over 56k patients cured in a day

The Indian tax department has busted a massive money laundering racket that involves certain Chinese companies based in India. Watch report.

Chinese money laundering racket busted: Chinese firms raided by Indian tax department

Shrinking for 4 months in a row India's industrial output has fallen 16.6 % in June. Though the monthly measure indicated some recovery in coronavirus hit the sector. Watch report.

India starting at an economic slowdown as industrial output shrinks | India News

Led by coronavirus induced lockdowns India's fuel demand has fallen 10.8% in July. Sales of Gasoline or petrol were 10% lower from last year. Watch report.

India's fuel demand fell 10.8% in July: Gasoline sales down 10.2%

Experience the kaleidoscope of Kashmir's rich culture and tradition, this week on WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle: Experience the kaleidoscope of Kashmir's rich culture and traditions

WION Wideangle: Experience the kaleidoscope of Kashmir's rich culture and tradition

Trouble is growing for India's low-cost air carrier Go Air as it has been put on cash and carrier model. Watch report.

Go India asked to clear daily dues: Move reflects a cash crunch

The central government has agreed to restore 4G Internet in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division on a trial basis, more than a year after high-speed internet services were suspended on August 5 last year.

Centre mulling 4G restoration in Jammu and Kashmir for two months

India has recorded a spike of 62,064 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24-hours, according to the report of the Union Health Ministry.&nbsp;

The rise in daily caseload took the tally to 22, 15,075 including 6, 34,945 active cases, 15, 35,744 cured or discharged and total 44,386 deaths.

Active coronavirus cases in worst-hit Maharashtra have now reached 1, 45,865.

Taking to Twitter, the Union Health Ministry informed that India's COVID-19 recoveries cross the historic peak of 1.5 million and the infection is now concentrated in 10 States that contribute more than 80 per cent of the new cases.

"India's #COVID19 recoveries cross the historic peak of 1.5 million. Recovery of more than 15 lakh has been made possible because of the policy of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively &amp; TREATING efficiently. Better ambulance services, focus on Standard of Care &amp; use of non-invasive oxygen have given desired results," MoHFW tweeted.

"#COVID19 infection still remains concentrated in 10 States that contribute more than 80% of the new cases," the ministry tweeted.

(With inputs from ANI)

India has recorded a spike of 62,064 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24-hours, according to the report of the Union Health Ministry. The rise in daily caseload took the tally to 22, 15,075 including 6, 34,945 active cases, 15, 35,744 cured or discharged and total 44,386 deaths.

India has recorded a spike of 62,064 cases and 1,007 deaths in the past 24-hours, according to the report of the Union Health Ministry. The rise in daily caseload took the tally to 22, 15,075 including 6, 34,945 active cases, 15, 35,744 cured or discharged and total 44,386 deaths. Active coronavirus cases in worst-hit Maharashtra have now reached 1, 45,865. Taking to Twitter, the Union Health Ministry informed that India's COVID-19 recoveries cross the historic peak of 1.5 million and the infection is now concentrated in 10 States that contribute more than 80 per cent of the new cases. "India's #COVID19 recoveries cross the historic peak of 1.5 million. Recovery of more than 15 lakh has been made possible because of the policy of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively & TREATING efficiently. Better ambulance services, focus on Standard of Care & use of non-invasive oxygen have given desired results," MoHFW tweeted. "#COVID19 infection still remains concentrated in 10 States that contribute more than 80% of the new cases," the ministry tweeted. (With inputs from ANI)

India records 62,064 fresh cases, over 1,000 deaths in last 24-hours

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people.

India's envoy to United Nations TS&nbsp;Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19. We are immediately sending more relief and humanitarian material of medicines, foodstuff and other essential items to do whatever we can to alleviate the difficulties on the ground. We are discussing with the Government of Lebanon on how we can contribute further."

He was speaking at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA meeting on Lebanon.

Extending India's condolences to Lebanon on the "terrible human tragedy", Envoy Tirumurti said, "We are shocked by the loss of human lives and the widespread destruction this has caused in Beirut. We pray for strength to families to overcome their great loss."

Recalling his visit to the city of Beirut last year and India’s close relations, including through "our peacekeepers" in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) , he added, "I admire the resilience of the people and the dedication of the rescue workers to cope with this tragedy".

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19.

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19. We are immediately sending more relief and humanitarian material of medicines, foodstuff and other essential items to do whatever we can to alleviate the difficulties on the ground. We are discussing with the Government of Lebanon on how we can contribute further." He was speaking at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA meeting on Lebanon. Extending India's condolences to Lebanon on the "terrible human tragedy", Envoy Tirumurti said, "We are shocked by the loss of human lives and the widespread destruction this has caused in Beirut. We pray for strength to families to overcome their great loss." Recalling his visit to the city of Beirut last year and India’s close relations, including through "our peacekeepers" in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) , he added, "I admire the resilience of the people and the dedication of the rescue workers to cope with this tragedy".

Beirut blast: India to send relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon

India's novel coronavirus tally crossed the 22-lakh mark on Monday with 62,064 new cases in the last 24 hours.

India: COVID-19 cases cross 22 Lakh mark; Death toll surpasses 44,000

One of the areas that have seen extensive reform in the last few years is trade facilitation. The steps have recorded India is recording massive improvement in the trading across border ranking. Watch report.

Documentary compliance costs high in India: Improving trading across borders

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.&nbsp;

The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday.

Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains.

To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times.

"We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter.

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We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1292161051023118337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people.

India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries.

The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck.

It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated.

India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

The Air India Express passenger plane crash came as a shared loss for both New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as the flight was repatriating Indians stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. The Boeing-737 flight from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, carrying 190 passengers and crew, overshot the runway in heavy rain near the southern city of Kozhikode on Friday. Eighteen of the 190 passengers and crew, including both pilots, died, officials said on Saturday. Kerala is also grappling with rising number of coronavirus cases, and flooding and landslides due to heavy rains. To this end, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, tweeted to show solidarity with "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these trying times. "We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times," he posted on Twitter. We share our heartfelt condolences with our friend PM @narendramodi and all the people of India affected by the tragic plane accident, and the recent flooding. You remain in our prayers during these difficult times. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 8, 2020 × It was India’s worst passenger aircraft accident since 2010, when another Air India Express flight from Dubai overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore, a city in the south, and slid down a hill, killing 158 people. India's relations with the UAE are "at their best ever" as bilateral ties have been elevated from a mere "buyer-seller" to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the last four years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said last year as he highlighted the excellent rapport between the leadership of the two countries. The two nations quite often indulge in exchanging workforce. Many Indians are happily settled in UAE and had been earning well until the coronavirus pandemic struck. It was only after the lockdown started to wreak havoc on the economy that several firms in UAE dried up, and the Indian nationals had to be repatriated. India had closed international travel on March 25 as part of the nationwide lockdown. The Narendra Modi-led government then commenced the world’s largest repatriation operations from May 7, in a bid to help stranded people reach their destinations amid the pandemic.

UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed sends condolences to 'friend' PM Modi after Air India plane crash

A major mishap at India Kozhikode airport has left 18 people dead and over 100 injured after an Air India Express aircraft arriving from Dubai crashed at Calicut International Airport. Watch report.

Calicut Plane Crash: 18 dead in the crash, What is a tabletop runway?

India has recorded its second-highest daily surge with 61,537 cases of the Wuhan virus in just the last 24-hours. Watch this report to understand the trajectory of the pandemic.

India COVID-19 Tracker: Over 61, 537 cases in last 24 hours

Atleast 21 people have died in a rainfall triggered landslide in Idukki district, Kerala. Still facing flood like situation due to heavy and continuous rainfall over the past few days.

Kerala: Major landslide hits Idukki district, atleast 21 people died

The world has been facing an omnipresent enemy called terrorism. India recently raised the issue at United Nations Security Council. Major General (Retd) Shashi Asthana explains what this means.

Video opinion: Terrorism and the global response to it

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-crosses-20-lakh-with-highest-single-day-spike-of-62538-318766">India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538</a>

With 1,236 patients being discharged from hospitals during the day, the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increased to 93,897, the BMC added.

The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is 77 per cent, it said.

The city has 20,143 active coronavirus patients.

Over 5.53 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the city so far.

The growth rate of COVID-19 cases in the city has decreased to 0.82 per cent, while the doubling rate of cases has improved to 85 days, the civic body said.

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said.

The number of coronavirus cases In Mumbai rose to 1,21,027 on Friday with 862 new patients being reported, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The death toll due to the pandemic in the country's financial capital reached 6,690 with 45 new fatalities, it said. Also read | India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538 With 1,236 patients being discharged from hospitals during the day, the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increased to 93,897, the BMC added. The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is 77 per cent, it said. The city has 20,143 active coronavirus patients. Over 5.53 lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the city so far. The growth rate of COVID-19 cases in the city has decreased to 0.82 per cent, while the doubling rate of cases has improved to 85 days, the civic body said.

Mumbai records more 850 coronavirus cases

An Air India Express plane with over 190 people on board has crashed at an airport in the southern state of Kerala. The aircraft, en route from Dubai, skidded off the runway and broke in two at Calicut airport upon landing, India's aviation authority said. Watch report.

Air India flight skids off runway | Kerala | Over 190 people onboard | 2 lives lost

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