India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country.

Details about these restrictions:

Starting with foreign nationals:

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	All existing visas of foreign nationals from across the world have been suspended until April 15.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Only diplomats and officials from organisations like the united nations will continue to have an active visa.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	The move will come into effect from 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time tomorrow.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	But if a foreign national is already in India, they should not be worried their visa will still be valid and they can even seek an extension if they want.
	</li>
</ul>

For overseas citizens of India:

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Visa-free travel back to India has been suspended until April 15 (this move will also come into effect tomorrow)</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	All travellers who are coming to India after visiting a virus-hit country will be quarantined for 14 days (this move will apply to Indian nationals as well)
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	So if a citizen has been to Italy, or china or some other virus-hit country on or after February 15.&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	They will be quarantined upon your arrival in India.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	At land borders, entry into India will only be permitted at designated immigration checkpoints and these checkpoints will have screening facilities to ensure that travellers don't show symptoms of coronavirus.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Indian nationals have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel abroad.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	If for some pressing reason they do visit a foreign nation, they can be quarantined upon your return for a minimum of 14 days.
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

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So the message for everyone in India is to stay put and avoid travelling abroad unless it is unavoidable.

The message is the same for the Indian nationals who are currently abroad.

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Avoid all non-essential travel
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Stay indoors as much as you can
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	If you do decide to return home, you can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country.

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country. Details about these restrictions: Starting with foreign nationals: All existing visas of foreign nationals from across the world have been suspended until April 15. Only diplomats and officials from organisations like the united nations will continue to have an active visa. The move will come into effect from 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time tomorrow. But if a foreign national is already in India, they should not be worried their visa will still be valid and they can even seek an extension if they want. For overseas citizens of India: Visa-free travel back to India has been suspended until April 15 (this move will also come into effect tomorrow) All travellers who are coming to India after visiting a virus-hit country will be quarantined for 14 days (this move will apply to Indian nationals as well) So if a citizen has been to Italy, or china or some other virus-hit country on or after February 15. They will be quarantined upon your arrival in India. At land borders, entry into India will only be permitted at designated immigration checkpoints and these checkpoints will have screening facilities to ensure that travellers don't show symptoms of coronavirus. Indian nationals have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. If for some pressing reason they do visit a foreign nation, they can be quarantined upon your return for a minimum of 14 days. So the message for everyone in India is to stay put and avoid travelling abroad unless it is unavoidable. The message is the same for the Indian nationals who are currently abroad. Avoid all non-essential travel Stay indoors as much as you can If you do decide to return home, you can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.

Indian government announces multiple visa restrictions and updates its travel advisory

Italy is one of the worst affected countries from the Wuhan Coronavirus. Indians stuck in Italy are raising demands for an evacuation by the Indian government. Take a look at this exclusive story.

Gravitas: Indians in Italy call for help, Wuhan Coronavirus

Government employees under suspension or granted sanction of prosecution over corruption charges will not be able to get a passport, according to an official order.

The move follows a review of the existing guidelines by the Personnel Ministry, in consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It is required to check the vigilance clearance of such government servants for grant of passport, said the order issued by the Personnel Ministry to secretaries of all central government departments.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-likely-to-revoke-indian-passports-that-went-missing-from-pakistan-mission-over-fear-of-misuse-184362">Government likely to revoke Indian passports that went missing from Pakistan mission over fear of misuse</a>

Accordingly, it has been decided that vigilance clearance can be withheld if an officer is under suspension or a charge sheet has been filed in a court by the investigating agency in a criminal case, it said.

The vigilance clearance for obtaining a passport can also be denied to employees after grant of sanction by the competent authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other criminal matter and taken cognizance of by a court of law, the order added.

All departments have been asked to check as to whether any provision of the section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967 is attracted in case of employees who are working under them while obtaining an Indian passport.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-travelled-on-revoked-indian-passport-as-recently-as-june-12-145173">Nirav Modi travelled on revoked Indian passport as recently as June 12</a>

The section allows authorities to refuse passports to an applicant if his/her presence outside India may prejudice the friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or if the central government is of the opinion that the issue of travel document to the applicant will not be in the public interest, among others.

Passports can also be refused in case a warrant or summons for appearance or a warrant for arrest of the applicant has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in force or that an order prohibiting the departure from India of the applicant has been made by any such court, according to the Act.

Government employees under suspension or granted sanction of prosecution over corruption charges will not be able to get a passport, according to an official order.

Government employees under suspension or granted sanction of prosecution over corruption charges will not be able to get a passport, according to an official order. The move follows a review of the existing guidelines by the Personnel Ministry, in consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It is required to check the vigilance clearance of such government servants for grant of passport, said the order issued by the Personnel Ministry to secretaries of all central government departments. Also Read: Government likely to revoke Indian passports that went missing from Pakistan mission over fear of misuse Accordingly, it has been decided that vigilance clearance can be withheld if an officer is under suspension or a charge sheet has been filed in a court by the investigating agency in a criminal case, it said. The vigilance clearance for obtaining a passport can also be denied to employees after grant of sanction by the competent authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other criminal matter and taken cognizance of by a court of law, the order added. All departments have been asked to check as to whether any provision of the section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967 is attracted in case of employees who are working under them while obtaining an Indian passport. Also Read: Nirav Modi travelled on revoked Indian passport as recently as June 12 The section allows authorities to refuse passports to an applicant if his/her presence outside India may prejudice the friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or if the central government is of the opinion that the issue of travel document to the applicant will not be in the public interest, among others. Passports can also be refused in case a warrant or summons for appearance or a warrant for arrest of the applicant has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in force or that an order prohibiting the departure from India of the applicant has been made by any such court, according to the Act.

Officials with corruption charges will not get a passport: Government

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-strengthens-pocso-act-approves-death-penalty-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-against-minors-187017">Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors</a>

According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal.

"As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh.

OPINION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-rape-crisis-are-we-part-of-the-problem-267388">India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem?</a>

In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme.

So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs.

"As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending.

According to proposed FTSCs, the&nbsp;maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu &amp; Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs.

In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed.

Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year.

The government on Wednesday said that there are over 2.4 lakh pending cases in courts related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country till December last year. Also read: Government strengthens POCSO Act, approves death penalty for aggravated sexual assault against minors According to a written reply in Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states with 66,994 pending rape cases followed by Maharashtra with 21,691 and 20,511 in West Bengal. "As per information received from High Courts, the status of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act, as on December 31, 2019, is 2,44,001," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed the Lower House in response to a query by Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh. OPINION: India rape crisis: Are we part of the problem? In furtherance to, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, a scheme was finalized for setting up of 1,023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across the country for expeditious trial and disposal of pending cases related to Rape and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in a time-bound manner under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme. So far, the Central's share of funds amounting to Rs 99.43 crore has been released during 2019-20 to 27 States/UTs which have so far consented to set up of 649 number of FTSCs. "As per information received from High Courts, 195 FTSCs have already been set up till January 31, 2020," the Ministry said. Surprisingly, not even a single FTSCs have been set up in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal where the maximum number of rape cases are pending. According to proposed FTSCs, the maximum number of 218 courts will be in Uttar Pradesh, 138 in Maharashtra and 123 in West Bengal. Andhra Pradesh will have 18, Telangana 36, Andaman and Nicobar Island 01, Arunachal Pradesh 03, Assam 27, Bihar 54, Chandigarh 01, Chhattisgarh 15, Goa 02, Gujrat 35, Haryana 16, Himachal Pradesh 06, Jammu & Kashmir 04, Jharkhand 22, Karnataka 31, Kerala 56, Madhya Pradesh 67, Manipur 02, Meghalaya 05, Mizoram 03, Nagaland 01, NCT of Delhi 16, Odisha 45, Punjab 12, Rajasthan 45, Tamil Nadu 14, Tripura 03 and Uttarakhand 04 FTSCs. In its reply, the minister said as per the scheme of FTSCs, each such Court is expected to dispose of 165 cases in a year for which States/UTs governments have been kept informed. Among 195 Fast Track Special Courts functional and established for Women and Girl children under the Scheme of FTSCs till January 2020, 56 are in Madhya Pradesh, 15 are in Chhattisgarh, 16 in Delhi, three in Tripura, 22 in Jharkhand, 26 in Rajasthan, nine in Telangana, 34 in Gujarat and 14 in Tamil Nadu.

Over 2.4 lakh cases relating to rape and POCSO pending in courts across country, says Government

Parents of Indian students stuck in Iran are appealing to the government of India to evacuate them immediately.

They also said that their children in Iran are facing shortage of&nbsp;medical supplies and food amidst the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

More than 300 Indian students are stuck in Iran.&nbsp;

In Kashmir, parents of the students took out rallies and made an appeal to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

With most classes being cancelled, the students are isolated to their hostel rooms.&nbsp;

The Indian government has promised to help all those who are stuck in Iran.

Addressing the media, Indian Health Minister Dr Harhsh Vardhan said that India was setting up testing labs for coronavirus in Iran. He also assured that all indians in iran would be taken care of and that nobody would be without any help.

As of now, over 2900 people are infected and 92 &nbsp;people have died due to coronavirus in Iran alone. Apart from 300 students, around 400 Indian fishermen appealed to the Indian embassy in Tehran to help.

The government of India has already set up seven&nbsp;labs in Iran and has guaranteed everybody's safety.

The Helpline Number for coronavirus: +91-11-23978046

The Helpline Email ID for coronavirus: ncov2019@gmail.com&nbsp;

Parents of Indian students stuck in Iran are appealing to the government of India to evacuate them immediately. They also said that their children in Iran are facing shortage of medical supplies and food amidst the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Parents of Indian students stuck in Iran are appealing to the government of India to evacuate them immediately. They also said that their children in Iran are facing shortage of medical supplies and food amidst the deadly coronavirus outbreak. More than 300 Indian students are stuck in Iran. In Kashmir, parents of the students took out rallies and made an appeal to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. With most classes being cancelled, the students are isolated to their hostel rooms. The Indian government has promised to help all those who are stuck in Iran. Addressing the media, Indian Health Minister Dr Harhsh Vardhan said that India was setting up testing labs for coronavirus in Iran. He also assured that all indians in iran would be taken care of and that nobody would be without any help. As of now, over 2900 people are infected and 92 people have died due to coronavirus in Iran alone. Apart from 300 students, around 400 Indian fishermen appealed to the Indian embassy in Tehran to help. The government of India has already set up seven labs in Iran and has guaranteed everybody's safety. The Helpline Number for coronavirus: +91-11-23978046 The Helpline Email ID for coronavirus: ncov2019@gmail.com

Coronavirus: Parents of Indian students in Iran ask govt to evacuate them immediately 

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament.

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament. "The government has said that the aircraft to evacuate them (Nepali citizens) are kept ready. Then when will they fly-off for China? It's already been 5 days that the Nepal government has been searching on for a place to keep those to-be-evacuated from China. No location has been identified until now. Should we vacate the Parliament building?" Yadav said. "Let's vacate it (the Parliament building) and keep those returning from China here. Let's move our parliamentary meeting out under the tarpaulins," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms Nepal is working to evacuate its citizens from China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak that has reported 426 deaths. As many as 180 Nepalis, including three children, have approached the country's embassy in Beijing, demanding their evacuation from the country, as per a list of names published by the embassy. The country is yet to finalise on places where the evacuees would be kept for a quarantine period of at least two weeks. Responding to Yadav in the Parliament, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Minister of Health and Population said that the government has "surveyed many places" and "is inching closer to finalise the place where the students to be evacuated would be kept. "Some of those locations are near residential areas and the government believes that places far from the urban settlement would be appropriate," Dhakal said. Several countries, including India, have airlifted their citizens from China while more are planning the evacuation of their people.

Let's vacate Parliament to shelter evacuees: Nepali lawmaker jabs government over failure to set up quarantine facilities

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india.../indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un- resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">India</a>&nbsp;will operate two flights to evacuate its&nbsp;citizens from the epicentre of coronavirus in Wuhan in China.

Also Read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-china-accepts-indias-request-to-evacuate-nationals-from-wuhan-277138">Coronavirus: China accepts India's request to evacuate nationals from Wuhan</a>

According to the Ministry of Health, Only those without any symptoms of flu are to be evacuated with mandatory isolation of 28 days instead of 14 days incubation period in the country. 
&nbsp; 
India is also preparing isolation wards in Manesar,&nbsp;near Delhi.&nbsp;The government will be evacuating around&nbsp;300 citizens.&nbsp;

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The wards have been set up by the defence and labour ministries along with the Indo-Tibetan border police.

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The government plans to quarantine most of the evacuees from China at the Defence Facility in Manesar, as it located far from residential areas.

Isolation wards have also been set up in Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital.

Patients' samples will be tested at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

Let's also understand the evacuation plan.

300 Indian citizens including 200 students will be evacuated from Wuhan. However, only those with no symptoms will be allowed to leave China.

Two aircraft will be deployed for the mission. The staff will wear special protective gear and N-95 masks to avoid contracting the infection.

The evacuation will begin once India gets a clearance from China.

Meanwhile, joining a slew of international airlines, Air India and indigo have also suspended all flights to China.

India will operate two flights to evacuate its citizens from the epicentre of coronavirus in Wuhan in China. Also Read- Coronavirus: China accepts India's request to evacuate nationals from Wuhan According to the Ministry of Health, Only those without any symptoms of flu are to be evacuated with mandatory isolation of 28 days instead of 14 days incubation period in the country.

India will operate two flights to evacuate its citizens from the epicentre of coronavirus in Wuhan in China. Also Read- Coronavirus: China accepts India's request to evacuate nationals from Wuhan According to the Ministry of Health, Only those without any symptoms of flu are to be evacuated with mandatory isolation of 28 days instead of 14 days incubation period in the country. India is also preparing isolation wards in Manesar, near Delhi. The government will be evacuating around 300 citizens. × The wards have been set up by the defence and labour ministries along with the Indo-Tibetan border police. × The government plans to quarantine most of the evacuees from China at the Defence Facility in Manesar, as it located far from residential areas. Isolation wards have also been set up in Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital. Patients' samples will be tested at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Let's also understand the evacuation plan. 300 Indian citizens including 200 students will be evacuated from Wuhan. However, only those with no symptoms will be allowed to leave China. Two aircraft will be deployed for the mission. The staff will wear special protective gear and N-95 masks to avoid contracting the infection. The evacuation will begin once India gets a clearance from China. Meanwhile, joining a slew of international airlines, Air India and indigo have also suspended all flights to China.

Coronavirus outbreak: India preparing to evacuate 300 citizens stuck in Wuhan

Air India is up for sale again. The government is inviting bids for a 100% stake.

Gravitas: Indian Government puts up Air India for sale, again

The Chinese city of Wuhan has been the epicentre of the 'coronavirus' outbreak. The fatal virus is spreading across the globe. It has claimed 80 lives and more than 2,744 have been infected. 461 people are said to be in a critical situation. 
 
The virus which is said could be spread through human contact has reached many countries. India has seen a few suspected cases of coronavirus as of now. 
 
Recently a video resurfaced on the internet caught the attention of many. 
 
In the video, we could see three Indian students who pleaded the Indian Government with folded hands asking them to evacuate Indians stranded in Wuhan. They said all the markets have been closed, the city has gone into a total shutdown and they are running out of food reserves.

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Recently, the American Government has contacted Beijing in terms of evacuating Americans from the region and a sign for evacuation by the Indian Government is seen after the embassy has asked the Indian residents in China, who do not possess their passports at the moment, &nbsp;to share their passport number and to whom (Chinese Authority) has it been submitted/deposited.

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...passports are requested to intimate us with the following details: 
Name; 
Passport number; 
To whom (which Chinese authority) has the passport been submitted to; 
and Date on which the passport was submitted...
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing/status/1221699821930549248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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... These details may please be furnished urgently to Mr. Sondhi, who is an official with <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EOIBeijing</a> (WeChat ID: sondhi_0808)<a href="https://twitter.com/VikramMisri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VikramMisri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SecySanjay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecySanjay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CPVIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CPVIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cgiguangzhou?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cgiguangzhou</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInShanghai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInShanghai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CGIHongKong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CGIHongKong</a>
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing/status/1221699823444774913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nearly 700 Indian students are studying in Universities in Wuhan and its nearby areas. 
 
A majority of them are said to have left Wuhan during the Chinese New Year holidays a few weeks ago. 
 
Almost 300 students are still feared stuck in Wuhan. The Indian embassy in China has opened a third hotline number for these students.

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We have opened a third hotline-+8618610952903, 
+8618612083629, 
+8618612083617 
to respond to concerns. Please continue to follow us for further updates. <a href="https://twitter.com/CGIHongKong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CGIHongKong</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cgiguangzhou?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cgiguangzhou</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInShanghai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInShanghai</a>
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing/status/1221352486314758145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian Embassy in China has asked the Indians facing food shortage to contact, they tweeted "Indian nationals in Wuhan/Hubei province are urged to inform @EOIBeijing if they encounter a shortage of food, water and other essential supplies and provide us with the exact location so that @EOIBeijing could work with the Chinese authorities to ensure that such essential supplies are sustained."

The Chinese city of Wuhan has been the epicentre of the 'coronavirus' outbreak. The fatal virus is spreading across the globe. It has claimed 80 lives and more than 2,744 have been infected.

The Chinese city of Wuhan has been the epicentre of the 'coronavirus' outbreak. The fatal virus is spreading across the globe. It has claimed 80 lives and more than 2,744 have been infected. 461 people are said to be in a critical situation. The virus which is said could be spread through human contact has reached many countries. India has seen a few suspected cases of coronavirus as of now. Recently a video resurfaced on the internet caught the attention of many. In the video, we could see three Indian students who pleaded the Indian Government with folded hands asking them to evacuate Indians stranded in Wuhan. They said all the markets have been closed, the city has gone into a total shutdown and they are running out of food reserves. × Recently, the American Government has contacted Beijing in terms of evacuating Americans from the region and a sign for evacuation by the Indian Government is seen after the embassy has asked the Indian residents in China, who do not possess their passports at the moment, to share their passport number and to whom (Chinese Authority) has it been submitted/deposited. ...passports are requested to intimate us with the following details: Name; Passport number; To whom (which Chinese authority) has the passport been submitted to; and Date on which the passport was submitted... — India in China (@EOIBeijing) January 27, 2020 × ... These details may please be furnished urgently to Mr. Sondhi, who is an official with @EOIBeijing (WeChat ID: sondhi_0808)@VikramMisri @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @SecySanjay @CPVIndia @cgiguangzhou @IndiaInShanghai @CGIHongKong — India in China (@EOIBeijing) January 27, 2020 × Nearly 700 Indian students are studying in Universities in Wuhan and its nearby areas. A majority of them are said to have left Wuhan during the Chinese New Year holidays a few weeks ago. Almost 300 students are still feared stuck in Wuhan. The Indian embassy in China has opened a third hotline number for these students. We have opened a third hotline-+8618610952903, +8618612083629, +8618612083617 to respond to concerns. Please continue to follow us for further updates. @CGIHongKong @cgiguangzhou @IndiaInShanghai — India in China (@EOIBeijing) January 26, 2020 × Indian Embassy in China has asked the Indians facing food shortage to contact, they tweeted "Indian nationals in Wuhan/Hubei province are urged to inform @EOIBeijing if they encounter a shortage of food, water and other essential supplies and provide us with the exact location so that @EOIBeijing could work with the Chinese authorities to ensure that such essential supplies are sustained."

Indian students plead Government with folded hands to evacuate them from Wuhan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far.&nbsp;

The Indian authorities have stepped up vigilance to control the spread and the Health Ministry has also set up a 24*7 call centre under the National entre for Disease Control (NCDC ). People can call + 91 - 11 - 23978046 to get any information about the mysterious virus and its symptoms.

The Health Ministry has extended its travel advisory to 12 more airports in addition to the 7 airports.&nbsp;

19 Indian airports are now thermal screening all those coming from China, reports said.

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Private doctors have been asked to alert authorities if they observe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-win-the-battle-against-coronavirus-epidemic-presidnet-xi-jinping-276528">symptoms of coronavirus</a> in any of their patients.

And all India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi has prepared an isolation ward and separate beds for possible patients.

The Indian embassy in China has set up a hotline for Indians in China. An airport health office number has also been put out for those feeling sick on the return flight.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;in India, seven people have been placed under observation in hospitals in Kerala. Two persons in Mumbai and one person in Hyderabad and Bengaluru are being observed for possible exposure.

These 11 people under observation are among the passengers who returned from China recently and are hospital to check for possible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">exposure to the virus</a>.

Officials have said that 20,844 passengers from 96 flights have been screened so far.

Meanwhile, India has requested China to permit Indians to leave from the city of Wuhan

More than 250 Indian students have been stuck in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The families of the students said that they were stranded with food supplies running out.

Most of the students did not manage to get out before the travel restrictions were put in place. The Indian embassy in Beijing has responded to the queries saying that they are in constant contact with the student community in Wuhan city.

There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in India till now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high-level meeting with the health ministry officials over the deadly coronavirus which has claimed 56 lives so far. The Indian authorities have stepped up vigilance to control the spread and the Health Ministry has also set up a 24*7 call centre under the National entre for Disease Control (NCDC ). People can call + 91 - 11 - 23978046 to get any information about the mysterious virus and its symptoms. The Health Ministry has extended its travel advisory to 12 more airports in addition to the 7 airports. 19 Indian airports are now thermal screening all those coming from China, reports said. × Private doctors have been asked to alert authorities if they observe symptoms of coronavirus in any of their patients. And all India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi has prepared an isolation ward and separate beds for possible patients. The Indian embassy in China has set up a hotline for Indians in China. An airport health office number has also been put out for those feeling sick on the return flight. Meanwhile, in India, seven people have been placed under observation in hospitals in Kerala. Two persons in Mumbai and one person in Hyderabad and Bengaluru are being observed for possible exposure. These 11 people under observation are among the passengers who returned from China recently and are hospital to check for possible exposure to the virus. Officials have said that 20,844 passengers from 96 flights have been screened so far. Meanwhile, India has requested China to permit Indians to leave from the city of Wuhan More than 250 Indian students have been stuck in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The families of the students said that they were stranded with food supplies running out. Most of the students did not manage to get out before the travel restrictions were put in place. The Indian embassy in Beijing has responded to the queries saying that they are in constant contact with the student community in Wuhan city. There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in India till now.

Indian government on high alert amid looming coronavirus threat

The Indian government has issued the travel advisory for all citizens as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads across Japan & Thailand. 2 people have been killed & 41 got infected already in China's city Wuhan. Now, W.H.O issues alert on SARS coronavirus.

W.H.O issues alert on SARS coronavirus emerged from China

The Indian government has issued the travel advisory for all citizens as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads across Japan & Thailand. 2 people have been killed & 41 got infected already in China's city Wuhan.

Indian govt issues travel advisory as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads in other countries

Why was Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos snubbed by the Indian Government during his recent visit? The company is leading the e-commerce market in India, but it may face challenging times ahead. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Why the Indian government snubbed Amazon

Recently India taught Malaysia a lesson for commenting on the Citizenship law. The government changed rules to bar the import of palm oil from Malaysia. Now, reports show that Turkey is also on India's radar. Is India weaponising trade? WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: First Malaysia, Now Turkey: Is Indian Government Weaponising Trade?

15 Foreign envoys from Latin America, Africa and the Asian region are being hosted by the Indian government. The envoys reached Jammu after travelling to Srinagar yesterday. #ForeignEnvoysInIndia #KashmirCrisis #WIONNews

Foreign envoys in Jammu today

Ministry of External Affairs held a press conference on trip of 16 foreign envoys, including US ambassador Kenneth Juster, to Jammu & Kashmir. Watch report to know more information. #India #IndianGovernment #MEA #

Indian govt briefing on envoys' visit to J&K

PM Modi addresses in the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament. Let's listen in...

PM Modi addresses the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament

Indian Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says that government will retain control of BPCL.

Indian government to divest stake in BPCL

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-snoop-row-how-pegasus-broke-into-whatsapp-260055">Whatsapp-</a>Pegasus&nbsp;snooping scandal has created uproar in the Indian Parliament, with opposition lawmakers cornering the central government on what has essentially become one of the biggest cyber-attacks on Indian soil.&nbsp;

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislator&nbsp;and former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran asked the government whether it had used the Israeli spyware Pegasus to snoop on multiple activists, politicians, and journalists.

In the official Government of India response to the question of Whatsapp tapping, the government responded by asserting Section 69 of the Information Technology Act. The section empowers the Central Government or a state government to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order.

The response additionally mentions that only ten security agencies in India are empowered to carry out the monitoring and mass surveillance to protect the country's interests.

These organisations are Intelligence Bureau, the National Investigation Agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, RAW - the Research and Analysis Wing, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Central Board of Direct Taxes, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

According to the government's response, any interception or monitoring or decryption of any information from any computer resource can be done only by these authorised agencies.

Most of these are agencies at the top of the pecking order and carry out functions of national importance.

And the Ministry also says that any interception of information from citizens can be done only as per the established laws and safeguards which have been enshrined in the Indian telegraph rules and the information technology laws.

Today, a 31-member parliamentary panel led by opposition legislator Shashi Tharoor, a member of the Indian National Congress&nbsp;will examine the snooping row, and seek details from top officials on what measures the government is taking to ensure that such cyber-attacks are never repeated.

On the question of whether the Indian government used the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-sc-seeking-nia-investigation-against-whatsapp-others-for-snooping-259948">Pegasus software to snoop on people</a>, the authorities chose not to respond. Out of the seven queries submitted to the government, six were answered. 
&nbsp;

The Whatsapp-Pegasus snooping scandal has created uproar in the Indian Parliament, with opposition lawmakers cornering the central government on what has essentially become one of the biggest cyber-attacks on Indian soil.

The Whatsapp-Pegasus snooping scandal has created uproar in the Indian Parliament, with opposition lawmakers cornering the central government on what has essentially become one of the biggest cyber-attacks on Indian soil. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislator and former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran asked the government whether it had used the Israeli spyware Pegasus to snoop on multiple activists, politicians, and journalists. In the official Government of India response to the question of Whatsapp tapping, the government responded by asserting Section 69 of the Information Technology Act. The section empowers the Central Government or a state government to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order. The response additionally mentions that only ten security agencies in India are empowered to carry out the monitoring and mass surveillance to protect the country's interests. These organisations are Intelligence Bureau, the National Investigation Agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, RAW - the Research and Analysis Wing, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Central Board of Direct Taxes, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. According to the government's response, any interception or monitoring or decryption of any information from any computer resource can be done only by these authorised agencies. Most of these are agencies at the top of the pecking order and carry out functions of national importance. And the Ministry also says that any interception of information from citizens can be done only as per the established laws and safeguards which have been enshrined in the Indian telegraph rules and the information technology laws. Today, a 31-member parliamentary panel led by opposition legislator Shashi Tharoor, a member of the Indian National Congress will examine the snooping row, and seek details from top officials on what measures the government is taking to ensure that such cyber-attacks are never repeated. On the question of whether the Indian government used the Pegasus software to snoop on people, the authorities chose not to respond. Out of the seven queries submitted to the government, six were answered.

Ten agencies allowed to intercept information: Government in Lok Sabha on Pegasus-WhatsApp row

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that WhatsApp has informed that the full extent of targeting of mobile phone users, including 121 from India, using Israeli <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-snoop-row-how-pegasus-broke-into-whatsapp-260055">Pegasus spyware</a> may never be known and the Computer Emergency

Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a formal notice to the social media platform seeking submission of details and information.

In a written reply, Prasad said that attempts to malign the Government of India for the reported breach are completely misleading.

He said the government has taken note of the fact that a "spyware/malware has affected some Whatsapp users".

The minister said according to WhatsApp, this spyware was developed by an Israel based company NSO Group and that it had developed and used

Pegasus spyware to attempt to reach mobile phones of a possible number of 1400 users globally that includes 121 users from India.

Also watch:&nbsp;All about NSO'S super weapon: Pegasus

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&nbsp;

He said there are adequate provisions in the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 to deal with hacking, spyware etc.

The minister said that CERT-In published a vulnerability note on May 17, 2019, advising countermeasures to users regarding a vulnerability in WhatsApp.

"Subsequently, on May 20, 2019, WhatsApp reported an incident to the CERT-In stating that WhatsApp had identified and promptly fixed a vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices and that the vulnerability can no longer be exploited to carry out attacks," the minister said.

"On September 5, 2019, WhatsApp wrote to CERT-In mentioning an update to the security incident reported in May 2019, that while the full extent of this attack may never be known, WhatsApp continued to review the available information. It also mentioned that WhatsApp believes it is likely that devices of approximately one hundred and twenty-one users in India may have been attempted to be reached," he added.

He said CERT-In has issued a formal notice to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whastapp-replies-to-government-says-alerted-about-privacy-breach-in-september-259803">WhatsApp </a>seeking submission of relevant details and information based on media reports on October 31, 2019, about such targeting of mobile devices of Indian citizens through WhatsApp by spyware Pegasus.

Referring to reports in a section of media, he said: "attempts to malign the Government of India for the reported breach are completely misleading". 
"The government is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to privacy. The government operates strictly as per provisions of law and laid down protocols," said he.

The minister said that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is also working on the Personal Data Protection Bill to safeguard the privacy of citizens, and it is proposed to table it in Parliament.

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that WhatsApp has informed that the full extent of targeting of mobile phone users, including 121 from India, using Israeli Pegasus spyware may never be known and the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a formal notice to the social media platform seeking submission of details and information.

Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that WhatsApp has informed that the full extent of targeting of mobile phone users, including 121 from India, using Israeli Pegasus spyware may never be known and the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a formal notice to the social media platform seeking submission of details and information. In a written reply, Prasad said that attempts to malign the Government of India for the reported breach are completely misleading. He said the government has taken note of the fact that a "spyware/malware has affected some Whatsapp users". The minister said according to WhatsApp, this spyware was developed by an Israel based company NSO Group and that it had developed and used Pegasus spyware to attempt to reach mobile phones of a possible number of 1400 users globally that includes 121 users from India. Also watch: All about NSO'S super weapon: Pegasus × He said there are adequate provisions in the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 to deal with hacking, spyware etc. The minister said that CERT-In published a vulnerability note on May 17, 2019, advising countermeasures to users regarding a vulnerability in WhatsApp. "Subsequently, on May 20, 2019, WhatsApp reported an incident to the CERT-In stating that WhatsApp had identified and promptly fixed a vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices and that the vulnerability can no longer be exploited to carry out attacks," the minister said. "On September 5, 2019, WhatsApp wrote to CERT-In mentioning an update to the security incident reported in May 2019, that while the full extent of this attack may never be known, WhatsApp continued to review the available information. It also mentioned that WhatsApp believes it is likely that devices of approximately one hundred and twenty-one users in India may have been attempted to be reached," he added. He said CERT-In has issued a formal notice to WhatsApp seeking submission of relevant details and information based on media reports on October 31, 2019, about such targeting of mobile devices of Indian citizens through WhatsApp by spyware Pegasus. Referring to reports in a section of media, he said: "attempts to malign the Government of India for the reported breach are completely misleading". "The government is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to privacy. The government operates strictly as per provisions of law and laid down protocols," said he. The minister said that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is also working on the Personal Data Protection Bill to safeguard the privacy of citizens, and it is proposed to table it in Parliament.

121 Indian users targeted in Pegasus spyware attack, full extent may never be known: Whatsapp

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Will the Opposition support the Citizenship Amendment Bill? Will the issue of the economy, unemployment bother the government?

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec

Today is the first day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session. Let's listen in...

First day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices.

Citing health risks, India in September banned the import, manufacture, sale, advertisement, storage and distribution of e-cigarettes, dashing future plans of companies such as US-based Juul Labs and Philip Morris International.

India's decision, however, did not ban the use of such devices outright, and a senior Health Ministry official told Reuters after the announcement that e-cigarette use would not be barred.

However, in a November 5 filing in a Kolkata court, where the government is defending two legal challenges against the ban, the ministry said it was "completely baseless" to say only the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and vaping devices was barred, and not use.

"The ordinance is aimed at banning the product. Once the import, production, manufacture, distribution and storage of e-cigarettes is prohibited, it is implied that the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited," said the court filing, which has been reviewed by Reuters and has not been made public.

The Health Ministry official said on Monday the court document was "factually correct", without giving further details due to the court proceedings.

The official added the authorities would not take action against the "personal use" of e-cigarettes.

The filing, however, has unnerved users, who argue against the ban and say they fear police action if they continue using the devices.

"This filing goes against the Health Ministry's announcements that personal use is not banned," said Samrat Chowdhery of Association of Vapers India. He added India should add a clause to its ban order to exclude personal use.

India banned the sale of e-cigarettes as it fears they could lead to increased nicotine addiction. Advocates for e-cigarettes say vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco.

India's 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, make it an attractive market for companies such as Juul, which had plans to launch its device in the country.

"As Juul, an e-cigarette giant, was entering India and would flood the Indian markets (the ban order) became all the more imminent and necessary," the Health Ministry said in one of its court filings.

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices.

The Indian government has told a court that its federal ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes implies that their use is also prohibited, legal documents seen by Reuters showed, in a further clampdown on the devices. Citing health risks, India in September banned the import, manufacture, sale, advertisement, storage and distribution of e-cigarettes, dashing future plans of companies such as US-based Juul Labs and Philip Morris International. India's decision, however, did not ban the use of such devices outright, and a senior Health Ministry official told Reuters after the announcement that e-cigarette use would not be barred. However, in a November 5 filing in a Kolkata court, where the government is defending two legal challenges against the ban, the ministry said it was "completely baseless" to say only the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and vaping devices was barred, and not use. "The ordinance is aimed at banning the product. Once the import, production, manufacture, distribution and storage of e-cigarettes is prohibited, it is implied that the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited," said the court filing, which has been reviewed by Reuters and has not been made public. The Health Ministry official said on Monday the court document was "factually correct", without giving further details due to the court proceedings. The official added the authorities would not take action against the "personal use" of e-cigarettes. The filing, however, has unnerved users, who argue against the ban and say they fear police action if they continue using the devices. "This filing goes against the Health Ministry's announcements that personal use is not banned," said Samrat Chowdhery of Association of Vapers India. He added India should add a clause to its ban order to exclude personal use. India banned the sale of e-cigarettes as it fears they could lead to increased nicotine addiction. Advocates for e-cigarettes say vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco. India's 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, make it an attractive market for companies such as Juul, which had plans to launch its device in the country. "As Juul, an e-cigarette giant, was entering India and would flood the Indian markets (the ban order) became all the more imminent and necessary," the Health Ministry said in one of its court filings.

India says e-cigarette ban implies use of devices also prohibited

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Govt to push for Citizenship bill in the winter session of the Parliament.

Govt's focus in winter session of the Parliament: 'Citizenship Amendment Bill'

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