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WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 10 February 2020 | World News | English News

The Union Minister of India for Health Dr Harsh Vardhan briefs Lok Sabha over the global outbreak of Coronavirus and the steps India is taking to avert the disease. He says 'Anyone coming from China will be quarantined'.

India: Union Home Minister Harsh Vardhan briefs Lok Sabha over Coronavirus

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | February 09, 2020

The polling for Delhi Assembly election is currently underway. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates. The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official.

Delhi Election 2020: Top Union Ministers cast their vote

Delhi Election 2020: PM Modi urges people to go out & vote

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a four-day visit to India. This is Sri Lankan Prime Minister's first official visit abroad after taking office.

India - Sri Lanka agreed to fight against terrorism

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the coronavirus outbreak. The health minister said that passengers are being screened at the airports and doctors are posted there. "Check post on the Nepal border is also been screened," he said.

Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on Coronavirus

The Indian Government told the Supreme Court that the Indian Army is not ready for Women commanders. Judges of the Supreme Court asked the government to change its mindset. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why centre's arguments in court are unacceptable in the 21st century.

Gravitas: Is India not ready for Women commanders?

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists.

Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of&nbsp; ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bhutan-hold-talks-on-development-cooperation-265490">India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation</a> 
 
Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day.&nbsp;

Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area.

To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts.

The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ad031aa-96f5-4f88-bd8b-364db7d3c428" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_73.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP</h6>

 
According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. 
 
However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers.

The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts.

 
Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. 
 
Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly&nbsp;1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020.

The Bhutanese government is ending the decade-old provision of free entry for Indian tourists. Thimphu has decided to levy a daily fee of ₹1,200 ($17) for ''regional tourists'' from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, starting July 2020. Dubbed as a ''Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)'', the entry fee is envisioned to help the government deal with the influx of tourists and to regulate the tourism industry. Also read: India, Bhutan hold talks on development cooperation Passed in the National Assembly yesterday, the ''Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan'' will come into force this summer. Even though it's a considerable daily amount, Bhutan charges $65 to other foreign tourists, with an additional ''cover charge'' of $250 per day. Most people prefer to visit the western region of Bhutan, which is seen as a more developed area. To divert the tourists to even the eastern region, the government of Bhutan has dropped SDF for people visiting 11 out of 20 eastern districts. The provision has different rules for children, for people aged five and below are not expected to pay the amount, while those falling in the age-bracket of six-twelve years old will have to pay ₹600 each. This photo taken on December 7, 2019 shows Thai tourists taking pictures with Bhutanese tour guides in Punakha province in Bhutan | AFP According to Dorji Dhradul, the Council Director of Bhutanese tourism, this move will help provide better facilities to regional tourists, The Hindu reported. However, tour operators think that this fee will prevent people from coming to the country and would also impact the rush season numbers. The Hindu also reported that the discussions regarding the fee had already taken place between Indian and Bhutanese counterparts. Rising concerns about tourism in connection with pollution, environment, preservation of culture may be the reason for the fee. Out of the 2,74,000 tourists who visited Bhutan in 2018, nearly 1,80,000 were from India. Earlier, tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives had to pay no fee.

Indian tourists visiting Bhutan will have to pay ₹1200 per day starting July

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference?

Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. &nbsp;

He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. 
 
So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units.&nbsp;

Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores.

But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons:

First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget.&nbsp;

Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades.&nbsp;

The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons.

Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases.

All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US.

Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals.

Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms.

But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled.

The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems.

First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer.

This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget.

The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases.

Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically. So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference? Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished? For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units. Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores. But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons: First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget. Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades. The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons. Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases. All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US. Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals. Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms. But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled. The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems. First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer. This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing. Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget. The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases. Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India's defence manufacturing gaps

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.&nbsp;

Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims.&nbsp;

On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the&nbsp;Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-issued-summons-over-anti-social-elements-remark-on-tuticorin-violence-firing-278579">Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing</a>

Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it.&nbsp;

On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/celebrity-news-rajinikanth-is-fine-after-shooting-for-man-vs-wild-with-bear-grylls-tweets-thank-you-love-you-277301">Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you'</a>

When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire.

Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn.&nbsp;

In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.”

Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups.

Actor Rajinikanth has come out in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that it will not affect Indian Muslims who have chosen India as their motherland during partition, adding that there was a lot of misleading information that was being spread due to ulterior motives of political parties and religious groups. Rajini added that he would be the first to step out and rise in protest if and when CAA affects Indian Muslims. On the National Population Register(NPR), Rajini said that, it is very necessary for the country. "It is a must to conduct a census of the Indian population in 2021. Don't we need to know who are Indians and who are from outside? This is very important and I don't know what is the issue with this is." Also read: Rajinikanth issued summons over ‘anti-social elements’ remark on Tuticorin violence, firing Regarding the NRC, Rajini said that the procedure for NRC hasn't started and that deliberations were still underway about it. On the protests that have been taking place across major parts of the country over CAA-NRC, the actor cautioned students to not get misled by the false propaganda. He urged students to think well and make informed decisions after consulting with their elders, faculty before embarking on protests. Also read: Rajinikanth is fine after shooting for Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls, tweets 'Thank you, love you' When asked about CAA not having included Sri Lankan Tamils, Rajini stated that he was in favour of citizenship being granted to Tamil refugees who are living in camps across Tamil Nadu for several years. However, he also added that the Tamils living in Sri Lanka must not be considered as they have been living there since the time of the Chola empire. Rajini’s comments come at a time when the DMK and their allies are involved in a state-wide signature campaign against the CAA. DMK and their allies have been collecting signatures of those opposed to the CAA, to hand it over to the president of India and demand that the CAA be withdrawn. In an apparent response to Rajini(without stating him by name), who stated that students were being misled by political parties, DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “It brings happiness to know that students themselves are voicing out against the CAA and taking part in the signature campaign. Voices of dominance which suggest that political parties are instigating students aren’t new, they are similar to those that spoke during anti-Hindi agitation. Just like during the anti-Hindi agitation our peaceful protests will be successful.” Speaking to reporters, Stalin’s son and DMK Youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “nobody is forcing the students, across the country students are coming out and protesting on their own. As Rajini is still an actor, he hasn’t understood politics. After he floats a political party, I will respond to him.”

Rajinikanth comes out in support of CAA & NPR, says youth being misled into protests

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus.

India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems.

The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-suspected-case-of-coronavirus-admitted-to-isolation-ward-of-haryana-based-hospital-278783">Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital</a>

The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment.

According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China.

The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients.

There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications.

<h6><img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccef328c-4a3b-477e-8c15-eb415e50ee43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_30.jpg" /> 
Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for&nbsp;coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients.

The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China.

Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity.

The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644" hreflang="en">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts.

A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar.

The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital.

A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-china-is-fighting-novel-war-on-coronavirus-through-twitter-278807">How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter</a>

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries.

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems. The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections. Also read: Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment. According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China. The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients. There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications. Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients. The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China. Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity. The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts. A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak. Also read: How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter

India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed

Family of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shaheen-bagh-shooter-sent-to-police-remand-for-two-days-278174">Shaheen Bagh shooter</a> Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shaheen-bagh-gunmans-photo-with-aap-leaders-exposes-the-party-says-bjp-278595">Gujjar is associated with&nbsp;AAP</a> based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party.

"AAP has nothing to do with anyone from my family. They came to us during Lok Sabha elections. They made us wear AAP caps. I was in BSP in 2012. Later, I quit politics," Gaje Singh, Kapil's father stated. The photos, recovered from Kapil's phone, show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders such as Atishi and Sanjay Singh and are allegedly from 2019 on the day when the father-son duo joined AAP.

"AAP came to our village during Lok Sabha elections. They gave us AAP caps as respect. We have nothing to do with AAP and neither are we a member of it. We are being defamed," Kapil's brother said. Commenting on the controversy, Kapil's uncle Ajab Singh also echoed a similar view and said: "No one from our family is a member of AAP. An issue is being made out of this to target Kapil. BJP wants to win the election. He has nothing to do with any party."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-person-open-fires-at-shaheen-bagh-shouting-sirf-hinduon-ki-chalegi-278057">A person open fires at Shaheen Bagh shouting "Sirf Hinduon Ki Chalegi"</a>

CP Crime Branch, Delhi Police, Rajesh Deo said Kapil, at the beginning of the investigation, had disclosed the fact that he had joined AAP in 2019 but added that the influence of any politicians on Kapil would become clear only after further investigations.

Kapil, according to the official, had told the Crime Branch that he had brought the pistol almost seven years ago for celebratory firing during his brother's wedding. Earlier today, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur sent Kapil, who is a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, to two-day police custody.

Kapil was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident and an FIR was registered against him. He had, on February 1, opened fire in the air at Shaheen Bagh, where protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are going on for over 50 days.

Family of Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil Gujjar is associated with AAP based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party.

Family of Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar has denied links of any of its members being connected with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This came after the Crime Branch of Delhi Police revealed that Kapil Gujjar is associated with AAP based on photographs recovered from his phone in which Gujjar and his father are seen along with prominent leaders of the party. "AAP has nothing to do with anyone from my family. They came to us during Lok Sabha elections. They made us wear AAP caps. I was in BSP in 2012. Later, I quit politics," Gaje Singh, Kapil's father stated. The photos, recovered from Kapil's phone, show him and his father Gaje Singh with AAP leaders such as Atishi and Sanjay Singh and are allegedly from 2019 on the day when the father-son duo joined AAP. "AAP came to our village during Lok Sabha elections. They gave us AAP caps as respect. We have nothing to do with AAP and neither are we a member of it. We are being defamed," Kapil's brother said. Commenting on the controversy, Kapil's uncle Ajab Singh also echoed a similar view and said: "No one from our family is a member of AAP. An issue is being made out of this to target Kapil. BJP wants to win the election. He has nothing to do with any party." Also Read: A person open fires at Shaheen Bagh shouting "Sirf Hinduon Ki Chalegi" CP Crime Branch, Delhi Police, Rajesh Deo said Kapil, at the beginning of the investigation, had disclosed the fact that he had joined AAP in 2019 but added that the influence of any politicians on Kapil would become clear only after further investigations. Kapil, according to the official, had told the Crime Branch that he had brought the pistol almost seven years ago for celebratory firing during his brother's wedding. Earlier today, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur sent Kapil, who is a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, to two-day police custody. Kapil was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident and an FIR was registered against him. He had, on February 1, opened fire in the air at Shaheen Bagh, where protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are going on for over 50 days.

Shaheen Bagh shooter Kapil Gujjar's family denies any connection to AAP

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 04, 2020

Some good news for the Indian economy. For the month of January, manufacturing in India has expanded at its quickest pace in nearly eight years. WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: India's manufacturing activity touches a new high

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 03, 2020

650 Indians have been evacuated from the epicentre of the coronavirus - Wuhan, in the Chinese province of Hubei. However, six people who were down with fever have not been evacuated.&nbsp;

They were expected to board the second Air India flight carrying Indians back into the country, but that did not work out.

According to estimates, around 50,000 Indians live in China. Most of them study medicine.&nbsp;

The 650 Indian nationals were brought back to India in two phases.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="[[[" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8092c295-0909-41b3-8d7f-f4600333810c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_68.jpg" /> 
Staff members wearing protective masks check a passenger at Shanghai railway station | Reuters</h6>

According to official sources, the evacuation process is ''complete''. Six Indians who had fever and showed flu-like symptoms were not allowed to board the flight.

Since the coronavirus broke ground in the city of Wuhan last year, more than 360 people have been killed in the country alone, with one death reported outside of the country in the Philippines.

For people to be able to board the flight, medical clearance after undergoing screening was necessary. Naturally, those with fever failed the screening and shall continue to receive treatment in China.

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Wuhan, with an approximate population of 11 million people, has been placed under complete lockdown. More than 15,000 remain infected in the city.

Earlier, the Indian government had shared consent forms online. These referred to ''conditional evacuation'' on the grounds that the evacuation could be rejected based on a preliminary medical examination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

Everybody who arrives into the country as part of these evacuation measures will be placed under quarantine, the government had mentioned.

Many students have decided to stay back in China to avoid the costs of continuous travelling.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as international efforts to contain the virus intensify, Indian authorities claim that they're closely monitoring the situation. Around 50,000 Indians reside in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-evacuees-from-wuhan-dance-at-indian-armys-quarantine-facility-in-manesar-278164">Watch: Indian evacuees from Wuhan dance at Indian Army's quarantine facility in Manesar</a>

650 Indians have been evacuated from the epicentre of the coronavirus - Wuhan, in the Chinese province of Hubei. However, six people who were down with fever have not been evacuated.

650 Indians have been evacuated from the epicentre of the coronavirus - Wuhan, in the Chinese province of Hubei. However, six people who were down with fever have not been evacuated. They were expected to board the second Air India flight carrying Indians back into the country, but that did not work out. According to estimates, around 50,000 Indians live in China. Most of them study medicine. The 650 Indian nationals were brought back to India in two phases. Staff members wearing protective masks check a passenger at Shanghai railway station | Reuters According to official sources, the evacuation process is ''complete''. Six Indians who had fever and showed flu-like symptoms were not allowed to board the flight. Since the coronavirus broke ground in the city of Wuhan last year, more than 360 people have been killed in the country alone, with one death reported outside of the country in the Philippines. For people to be able to board the flight, medical clearance after undergoing screening was necessary. Naturally, those with fever failed the screening and shall continue to receive treatment in China. Wuhan, with an approximate population of 11 million people, has been placed under complete lockdown. More than 15,000 remain infected in the city. Earlier, the Indian government had shared consent forms online. These referred to ''conditional evacuation'' on the grounds that the evacuation could be rejected based on a preliminary medical examination. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines Everybody who arrives into the country as part of these evacuation measures will be placed under quarantine, the government had mentioned. Many students have decided to stay back in China to avoid the costs of continuous travelling. Meanwhile, as international efforts to contain the virus intensify, Indian authorities claim that they're closely monitoring the situation. Around 50,000 Indians reside in China. Watch: Indian evacuees from Wuhan dance at Indian Army's quarantine facility in Manesar

Wuhan evacuation: 650 Indians brought back, 6 with fever 'snubbed'

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced&nbsp;in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries&nbsp;have&nbsp;raised the matter of harassment.

On January 21, the Belarusian diplomatic mission received a threatening email against one of its diplomats. The email from a certain Muhammad Ahmed Rashid labelled a certain diplomat from the mission as&nbsp;''anti-Pakistan'' and asked for him to be thrown out.&nbsp;

The Belarus mission raised the matter with Pakistani authorities seeking protection of the premises of the mission and demanding improved&nbsp;security.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

The mission,&nbsp;in a strong message, asked the Pakistani foreign office to take action against the person who dropped the mail&nbsp;as a&nbsp;preventive measure.

2019 and 2018 saw several cased of harassment of Indian diplomats. From increased surveillance to cutting off electricity in cold winters of Islamabad to aggressively questioning anyone who visited the houses of Indian diplomats was increasingly becoming a norm.

In 2019, a major case of harassment of Indian diplomats&nbsp;by Pakistani security was witnessed. Within this, they physically stopped anyone attending an Iftar party hosted by the Indian mission.

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries have raised the matter of harassment.

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries have raised the matter of harassment. On January 21, the Belarusian diplomatic mission received a threatening email against one of its diplomats. The email from a certain Muhammad Ahmed Rashid labelled a certain diplomat from the mission as ''anti-Pakistan'' and asked for him to be thrown out. The Belarus mission raised the matter with Pakistani authorities seeking protection of the premises of the mission and demanding improved security. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts The mission, in a strong message, asked the Pakistani foreign office to take action against the person who dropped the mail as a preventive measure. 2019 and 2018 saw several cased of harassment of Indian diplomats. From increased surveillance to cutting off electricity in cold winters of Islamabad to aggressively questioning anyone who visited the houses of Indian diplomats was increasingly becoming a norm. In 2019, a major case of harassment of Indian diplomats by Pakistani security was witnessed. Within this, they physically stopped anyone attending an Iftar party hosted by the Indian mission.

After Indian diplomats, Belarusian diplomats face harassment in Islamabad

In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed. Did China hide on Coronavirus outbreak earlier?

Third Coronavirus case confirmed in India

Its a diplomatic victory for India. The vote on 6 anti-CAA resolutions in the European Parliament has been postponed to March. Palki S Upadhyay tells you want went down at the plenary session in Brussels.

Gravitas: EU postpones voting on anti-CAA resolutions

A student from Kerala has been diagnosed with the Wuhan coronavirus. How does the Indian government preparing to deal with this threat? Palki S Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas: China's deadly virus reaches India

India snatched the fourth Twenty20 against New Zealand on Friday after yet another super over was needed to separate the two sides after the scores were tied following the regulation 20 overs.

New Zealand, batting first in the decider, made 13 with Tim Seifert dropped twice before he was eventually dismissed.

In reply, Indian captain Virat Kohli hit the winning runs with a ball to spare.

The third match also ended in a super over with Rohit Sharma hitting sixes off the last two balls to get India home.

"What's happened in the last two games is unbelievable," Kohli said.

"It feels good when you are out of the game and then somehow find a way to come back and that shows the character of the team."

The win puts India 4-0 up in the five-match series with New Zealand stand-in captain Tim Southee not happy that his side could not wrap the game up in the 20 overs.

"It's very tough, especially in the position we got ourselves into and then to give them a chance at the end, they're going to grab it with both hands," he said.

New Zealand, chasing India's 165 for eight, went into their last over only needing seven runs to win and with seven wickets in hand.

However, they were restricted to six runs and lost four wickets to finish 165 for seven and set up the super over.

New Zealand had already suffered an earlier setback with talismanic captain Kane Williamson a late scratching having not fully recovered from a shoulder injury suffered while fielding in game three.

It was left to lusty hitting by Colin Munro and Seifert to provide the backbone of their innings with Munro making 64 and Seifert out in the final over for 57.

India sent into bat first, made 165 for eight on a flat track at Wellington stadium with the innings anchored by an unbeaten 50 from Manish Pandey and his partnerships with Thakur and Navdeep Saini.

India were six for 88 in the 12th over before Pandey and Thakur arrested the slide in a 43-run stand with Thakur contributing 20.&nbsp;

Saini, who was not out 11 in his first appearance on the tour, put on 22 with Pandey off the last 13 deliveries.&nbsp;

In a slow start to their reply, New Zealand were 23 for one after five overs.

But in the sixth over, when Thakur wound back the pace to under 140 kilometres per hour (87mph), Munro found his timing with a six and two fours to get the scoreboard moving.

In partnership with Seifert they put on 72 off 44 deliveries before Munro was run out in a smart piece of relay fielding involving Thakur and Kohli who threw down the stumps.

India snatched the fourth Twenty20 against New Zealand on Friday after yet another super over was needed to separate the two sides after the scores were tied following the regulation 20 overs.

India snatched the fourth Twenty20 against New Zealand on Friday after yet another super over was needed to separate the two sides after the scores were tied following the regulation 20 overs. New Zealand, batting first in the decider, made 13 with Tim Seifert dropped twice before he was eventually dismissed. In reply, Indian captain Virat Kohli hit the winning runs with a ball to spare. The third match also ended in a super over with Rohit Sharma hitting sixes off the last two balls to get India home. "What's happened in the last two games is unbelievable," Kohli said. "It feels good when you are out of the game and then somehow find a way to come back and that shows the character of the team." The win puts India 4-0 up in the five-match series with New Zealand stand-in captain Tim Southee not happy that his side could not wrap the game up in the 20 overs. "It's very tough, especially in the position we got ourselves into and then to give them a chance at the end, they're going to grab it with both hands," he said. New Zealand, chasing India's 165 for eight, went into their last over only needing seven runs to win and with seven wickets in hand. However, they were restricted to six runs and lost four wickets to finish 165 for seven and set up the super over. New Zealand had already suffered an earlier setback with talismanic captain Kane Williamson a late scratching having not fully recovered from a shoulder injury suffered while fielding in game three. It was left to lusty hitting by Colin Munro and Seifert to provide the backbone of their innings with Munro making 64 and Seifert out in the final over for 57. India sent into bat first, made 165 for eight on a flat track at Wellington stadium with the innings anchored by an unbeaten 50 from Manish Pandey and his partnerships with Thakur and Navdeep Saini. India were six for 88 in the 12th over before Pandey and Thakur arrested the slide in a 43-run stand with Thakur contributing 20. Saini, who was not out 11 in his first appearance on the tour, put on 22 with Pandey off the last 13 deliveries. In a slow start to their reply, New Zealand were 23 for one after five overs. But in the sixth over, when Thakur wound back the pace to under 140 kilometres per hour (87mph), Munro found his timing with a six and two fours to get the scoreboard moving. In partnership with Seifert they put on 72 off 44 deliveries before Munro was run out in a smart piece of relay fielding involving Thakur and Kohli who threw down the stumps.

India snatch another super over T20 victory against New Zealand

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children&nbsp;hostage,&nbsp;after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail.

The community later beat his wife to death, despite intervention from the police officers on site. Standoff between Batham and the police went for 10 hours before the cops forced their way into the building and killed him in a shootout. All the children were brought to safety.

Locals attacked Batham's wife with bricks and stones as she tried to flee. She was taken to the nearby hospital with head injuries and blood loss and later died of her injuries. Her involvement in the hostage situation is still unclear.

Also Read:&nbsp;

According to reports, the police attempted to convince him to surrender to several hours. Special forces were called in after the failed attempt of local law enforcement. Local residents stated that it was Batham's belief that the community was responsible for his arrest in the murder case and that this was an attempt to exact revenge.

One girl was allowed out after seven hours had passed, and Batham handed her to a neighbour from a balcony. He began shooting from the house after the police arrived at the scene. Two officers and a bystander were also injured in the shootout that soon followed.

According to reports, Batham had complained to the local District Magistrate about the lack of toilet facilities in his house, stating that he had been denied government housing. He tried to make his case by saying that he was a labourer and had an ailing mother who was forced to defecate in the open due to his current situation. 
&nbsp;

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children hostage, after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail.

Farrukhabad police shot and killed a man who held more than 20 children hostage, after staging a fake birthday party for his one-year-old daughter. Subhash Batham, the deceased criminal was accused of murder but had been out on bail. The community later beat his wife to death, despite intervention from the police officers on site. Standoff between Batham and the police went for 10 hours before the cops forced their way into the building and killed him in a shootout. All the children were brought to safety. Locals attacked Batham's wife with bricks and stones as she tried to flee. She was taken to the nearby hospital with head injuries and blood loss and later died of her injuries. Her involvement in the hostage situation is still unclear. Also Read: According to reports, the police attempted to convince him to surrender to several hours. Special forces were called in after the failed attempt of local law enforcement. Local residents stated that it was Batham's belief that the community was responsible for his arrest in the murder case and that this was an attempt to exact revenge. One girl was allowed out after seven hours had passed, and Batham handed her to a neighbour from a balcony. He began shooting from the house after the police arrived at the scene. Two officers and a bystander were also injured in the shootout that soon followed. According to reports, Batham had complained to the local District Magistrate about the lack of toilet facilities in his house, stating that he had been denied government housing. He tried to make his case by saying that he was a labourer and had an ailing mother who was forced to defecate in the open due to his current situation.

Farrukhabad police killed hostage-taker whose wife was later beaten to death

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-death-row-convict-challenges-rejection-of-mercy-petition-in-supreme-court-276531">filed a review petition</a> in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence.&nbsp;

The top court had observed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-nirbhaya-convict-files-mercy-plea-with-president-277402">there were no grounds</a> to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact.

AP Singh, the convict's lawyer, had stated that Pawan's age was 17 years, 1 month and 20 days when the offence was committed, that's why his role should be considered as a juvenile in the case. The Delhi High Court had rejected the review petition of Pawan and he had challenged this before the apex court on January 17.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nibhaya-case-death-row-convict-claims-he-was-juvenile-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-275125">Nibhaya case: Death-row convict claims he was juvenile, Supreme Court to hear plea</a>

Meanwhile, a plea is also being heard in a Delhi court seeking a stay on the execution of the convicts contending that none of those convicted in a case can be hanged until all of them have exhausted all legal options available to them.

Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later.

One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea.

Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, Pawan Gupta, on Friday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its earlier order which dismissed his juvenile plea. The apex court had on January 20, rejected Gupta's petition challenging a Delhi High Court order, which had dismissed his claim of being a juvenile at the time of the offence. The top court had observed that there were no grounds to interfere with the High Court order. Earlier, Pawan had claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime and that the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact. AP Singh, the convict's lawyer, had stated that Pawan's age was 17 years, 1 month and 20 days when the offence was committed, that's why his role should be considered as a juvenile in the case. The Delhi High Court had rejected the review petition of Pawan and he had challenged this before the apex court on January 17. Also Read: Nibhaya case: Death-row convict claims he was juvenile, Supreme Court to hear plea Meanwhile, a plea is also being heard in a Delhi court seeking a stay on the execution of the convicts contending that none of those convicted in a case can be hanged until all of them have exhausted all legal options available to them. Four convicts - Akshay Thakur, Mukesh Singh, Pawan Gupta, and Vinay Sharma - are facing execution on February 1. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus on the chilling night of December 16, 2012, by six people including a juvenile in Delhi. The woman died at a Singapore hospital a few days later. One of the five adults accused, Ram Singh had allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail during the trial of the case.

Nirbhaya convict to challenge SC order dismissing juvenility plea

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