Reindeer herders in Russia have found an immaculately preserved carcass of an Ice Age cave bear, with its teeth and even its nose intact. The remains, revealed by the melting permafrost, were discovered on Great Lyakhovsky Island.

Intact Ice Age cave bear found in Arctic Russia

India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to defuse tensions between the countries and said the current situation in the border areas of Ladakh is not in the interest of either side. They agreed that the border troops of both sides should “continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions”.

India-China border dispute: India-China reach 5-point consensus to solve disputes

What is the India-China 5-point consensus and what did India tell China?

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting on September 10. Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. Russia is going to play a major role in acting as a mediator between India and China.

SCO meet: India-China foreign ministers meeting on the sidelines

Russian police carried out searches at the Moscow office of the Open Russia opposition group and the homes of several activists running in local elections this weekend. Watch report.

Russian police raid opposition leaders in Moscow

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Can India-China meet be a breakthrough? SCO meet in Moscow

Indian Foreign Ministry briefing ahead of Foreign Ministers' SCO meet

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both countries hasn’t improved.

WION Dispatch: Moscow takes 'Non Interference' approach on India-China

Can India-China meet be an breakthrough?

As the India-China border situation remains tense, the focus is now in Moscow. The foreign ministers of nations that are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are meeting in Moscow. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will be attending the SCO meet.

What can we expect from SCO meet in Moscow?

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Earlier today, India and China held another round of military level talks. But there was no progress. The Indian side has spotted a build-up of Chinese troops in the Chushul sector at the Line of Actual Control.&nbsp; According to satellite images, the standoff area is close to these two sites - Rechin La and Rezang La.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-china-indulged-in-provocative-action-throughout-tuesday-326354" hreflang="en">LAC standoff: China indulged in 'provocative action' throughout Tuesday</a>

Indian troops have set up camps close to these two areas and are positioned on the hills, from where they can monitor the ground and quickly detect any Chinese advances.

However, Chinese soldiers have attempted four incursions in the recent weeks, only to be stopped by the Indian soldiers. The People’s Liberation Army has only one option - to retreat and de-escalate, as opposed to what the Chinese media is saying.

China’s mouthpiece Global Times today said that the PLA is increasing its deployment. This build up includes: forces, bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and even infantry units.

According to s report, they are being pulled in from different parts of China. If true, it would mean that China is planning a major military provocation. The report also adds that Chinese side is conducting long-distance manoeuvres, deployment exercises and live fire drills.

Starting June this year, Chinese media's reportage on India has changed tremendously. After the clashes in Galwan, the Chinese media was largely silent, probably because China did not reveal its casualties. It still hasn't acknowledged any casualties from that escalation, but accounts suggest that&nbsp; it suffered more than India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-bombers-paratroopers-and-special-forces-deployed-in-plateau-region-amid-border-tensions-says-global-times-326328" hreflang="en">Bombers, special forces deployed in 'plateau region', says Global Times</a>

A few months back, experts said this may be China's way of negotiating without losing face. But that no longer appears to be true. The stories from China are becoming increasingly more provocative. The Global Times has practically declared a war with India.

A lot depends on how things go in Moscow. Where the foreign ministers of the SCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are gathering. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached last night, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is there too.

They are expected to participate in common engagements, with reports of a possible meeting on the sidelines. But there is no confirmation of engagement yet.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved. Earlier today, India and China held another round of military level talks. But there was no progress. The Indian side has spotted a build-up of Chinese troops in the Chushul sector at the Line of Actual Control. According to satellite images, the standoff area is close to these two sites - Rechin La and Rezang La. Also read: LAC standoff: China indulged in 'provocative action' throughout Tuesday Indian troops have set up camps close to these two areas and are positioned on the hills, from where they can monitor the ground and quickly detect any Chinese advances. However, Chinese soldiers have attempted four incursions in the recent weeks, only to be stopped by the Indian soldiers. The People’s Liberation Army has only one option - to retreat and de-escalate, as opposed to what the Chinese media is saying. China’s mouthpiece Global Times today said that the PLA is increasing its deployment. This build up includes: forces, bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and even infantry units. According to s report, they are being pulled in from different parts of China. If true, it would mean that China is planning a major military provocation. The report also adds that Chinese side is conducting long-distance manoeuvres, deployment exercises and live fire drills. Starting June this year, Chinese media's reportage on India has changed tremendously. After the clashes in Galwan, the Chinese media was largely silent, probably because China did not reveal its casualties. It still hasn't acknowledged any casualties from that escalation, but accounts suggest that it suffered more than India. Also read: Bombers, special forces deployed in 'plateau region', says Global Times A few months back, experts said this may be China's way of negotiating without losing face. But that no longer appears to be true. The stories from China are becoming increasingly more provocative. The Global Times has practically declared a war with India. A lot depends on how things go in Moscow. Where the foreign ministers of the SCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are gathering. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached last night, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is there too. They are expected to participate in common engagements, with reports of a possible meeting on the sidelines. But there is no confirmation of engagement yet.

Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"EAM @DrSJaishankar landed in Moscow; received by Ambassador and senior officers from Russian Foreign Ministry," the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted.

His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members.

During his stay in Moscow, Mr Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO. It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO.

On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe here on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues.

It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May.

On his way to Russia, Mr Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.

"A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," he tweeted.

The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in "all aspects".

Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). "EAM @DrSJaishankar landed in Moscow; received by Ambassador and senior officers from Russian Foreign Ministry," the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted. His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members. During his stay in Moscow, Mr Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO. It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe here on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues. It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May. On his way to Russia, Mr Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments. "A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," he tweeted. The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in "all aspects". Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar arrives in Moscow to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’</a> 
 
Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.

Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here. ALSO READ: Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’ Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India, China to meet in Moscow: Chinese foreign ministry

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.&nbsp;

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-rajnath-singh-meet-chinese-defence-minister-following-beijings-request-325136">Also read:&nbsp;Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request?</a>

Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo."

Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet. Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet. Also read: Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request? Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened. Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo." Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

LAC tensions: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow shortly

Moscow's famed Bolshoi Theatre gets ready for opening the ballet repertoire of the 245th season. The season will start with an unscheduled premiere of a project "Four Characters in Search of a Plot" which includes four one-act ballets staged by young foreign choreographers - The Ninth Wave by Bryan Arias, Just by Simone Valastro, Fading by Dimo Milev, and Silentium by Martin Chaix.

Bolshoi dancers try on ballet shoes as theatre prepares for opening after months of lockdown

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer.

Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-considers-imposing-sanctions-on-seven-belarusian-officials-324869">Also watch|&nbsp;US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials</a>

The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin.

In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification.&nbsp;

On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer.

"We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries.

"This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said.

Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-warns-of-bloodbath-in-belarus-if-opposition-assumes-power-324763">Also read|&nbsp;Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power</a>

Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties.

"We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration.

London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow.

"Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee. The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Also watch| US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin. In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification. On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer. "We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries. "This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said. Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks. Also read| Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties. "We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans. The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration. London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow. "Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus leader replaces security chiefs as Russia PM visits

A longtime critic of President Vladimir Putin, Alexei Navalny has been hospitalized after what has been described as an apparent case of poisoning. Alexei Navalny was on a flight from Serbia to Moscow.

Alexei Navalny poisoned on a flight to Moscow, claims spokesperson

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday.

100 medical students from Tamil Nadu had exhausted all their options to fly back home, as they had to wait in Russia until the completion of their medical courses until July 6th. Having been forced to stay in Russia, even after the last Vande Bharat (repatriation by Indian Govt) flight, which was on July 3rd, their only options were to fly to another Indian city, perhaps Delhi or Mumbai, remain in quarantine there and then fly to their home state and undergo quarantine again. This would have meant spending more on ticket fare, paid quarantine and losing precious time.&nbsp;

The students hoped against hope for routine International flights to resume to Chennai, but it was in vain. Even a chartered flight that took off for Chennai on July 18th was missed by many students as the information hadn’t reached them.&nbsp;

<img alt="km" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55741257-11be-410c-9be7-021ce6268e1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_26.jpg" />

However, a new idea struck when a student scrolled through twitter and noticed that actor Sonu Sood had helped charter a flight for Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan. The students then requested the actor to intervene and help.&nbsp;

“We tried reaching out to Indian authorities at various levels and there was no encouraging response, but the actor responded within a day and sought our details, assuring that his team would help us out,” said Dr Sakthi Priyadarshini, a graduate from the Kursk State medical university told WION.&nbsp;

Initially, it was said that the flight would leave Moscow on July 31st, however, it got delayed and it was only on August 1st that the actor announced the new schedule of the Chartered flight on Twitter.&nbsp;

“On August 1st the actor had a Zoom call with us and assured us that we could fly out on 4th August on a spice Jet chartered flight. It was after paying for our tickets that we noticed half the plane was empty. We students paid for our tickets alone, but Sonu SoodSir paid for the 100 empty seats to ensure that we were not burdened’ Priyadarshini recalls gratefully about the actor's gesture.&nbsp;

The students landed in Chennai on Wednesday and were sent to a paid quarantine centre in the city, where they’d have to spend the next week before they get to head home finally. The on-screen villain has turned real-life hero, saviour, by intervening on time and getting the young doctors back home!

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday.

Just like a scene out a movie, when all options had run out, a miracle intervention changed things and brought smiles. Well, it's not much of a surprise, the intervention was from none other than Indian actor Sonu Sood and just like many of his touching gestures in recent times, he chartered a flight for 100 students, from Moscow to Chennai, thus facilitating their safe and direct repatriation on Wednesday. 100 medical students from Tamil Nadu had exhausted all their options to fly back home, as they had to wait in Russia until the completion of their medical courses until July 6th. Having been forced to stay in Russia, even after the last Vande Bharat (repatriation by Indian Govt) flight, which was on July 3rd, their only options were to fly to another Indian city, perhaps Delhi or Mumbai, remain in quarantine there and then fly to their home state and undergo quarantine again. This would have meant spending more on ticket fare, paid quarantine and losing precious time. The students hoped against hope for routine International flights to resume to Chennai, but it was in vain. Even a chartered flight that took off for Chennai on July 18th was missed by many students as the information hadn’t reached them. However, a new idea struck when a student scrolled through twitter and noticed that actor Sonu Sood had helped charter a flight for Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan. The students then requested the actor to intervene and help. “We tried reaching out to Indian authorities at various levels and there was no encouraging response, but the actor responded within a day and sought our details, assuring that his team would help us out,” said Dr Sakthi Priyadarshini, a graduate from the Kursk State medical university told WION. Initially, it was said that the flight would leave Moscow on July 31st, however, it got delayed and it was only on August 1st that the actor announced the new schedule of the Chartered flight on Twitter. “On August 1st the actor had a Zoom call with us and assured us that we could fly out on 4th August on a spice Jet chartered flight. It was after paying for our tickets that we noticed half the plane was empty. We students paid for our tickets alone, but Sonu SoodSir paid for the 100 empty seats to ensure that we were not burdened’ Priyadarshini recalls gratefully about the actor's gesture. The students landed in Chennai on Wednesday and were sent to a paid quarantine centre in the city, where they’d have to spend the next week before they get to head home finally. The on-screen villain has turned real-life hero, saviour, by intervening on time and getting the young doctors back home!

From Moscow to Chennai on a half-occupied flight chartered by Sonu Sood, medical students recall journey

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Moscow proposed Russia on September 10 will see the participation of Pakistan and China.

ANI quoting diplomatic sources said, "On the same day, Russia has also offered to host BRICS Foreign Minister`s meet."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-an-important-role-at-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-uzbekistan-envoy-223876">India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Uzbekistan envoy</a>

Quoting informed sources ANI said that that meet was scheduled during pre- COVID times and India can only confirm its participation after evaluating the current situation, as of now there is no official confirmation that India will take part in the scheduled meetings in Moscow.

If India decides to take part, this will be the first time that foreign ministers of India, Pakistan and China will come face to face in the same group ever since the conflict at Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-formally-become-member-of-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-within-a-week-president-putin-16325">&nbsp;India to formally become member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation within a week: President Putin</a>

Tensions continue to build up along the LAC as there is still no complete disengagement at the border. India and China are holding rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the situation. 
&nbsp;

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Moscow proposed Russia on September 10 will see the participation of Pakistan and China. ANI quoting diplomatic sources said, "On the same day, Russia has also offered to host BRICS Foreign Minister`s meet.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Moscow proposed Russia on September 10 will see the participation of Pakistan and China. ANI quoting diplomatic sources said, "On the same day, Russia has also offered to host BRICS Foreign Minister`s meet." Also read: India has an important role at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Uzbekistan envoy Quoting informed sources ANI said that that meet was scheduled during pre- COVID times and India can only confirm its participation after evaluating the current situation, as of now there is no official confirmation that India will take part in the scheduled meetings in Moscow. If India decides to take part, this will be the first time that foreign ministers of India, Pakistan and China will come face to face in the same group ever since the conflict at Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Also read: India to formally become member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation within a week: President Putin Tensions continue to build up along the LAC as there is still no complete disengagement at the border. India and China are holding rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the situation.

India yet to confirm participation in SCO meet; Pak, China to attend

Residents of Khabarovsk, around 3,800 miles (6,110 km) and seven time zones east of Moscow, are unhappy about the detention this month of the wider region's popular governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges he denies.

Tens of thousands protest against Putin in Russian far east, 26 detained in Moscow

Russia's famous Bolshoi theatre went back to rehearsals after the coronavirus lockdown in the capital, preparing for the performance in the annexed Crimea.

Bolshoi gets ready for opera and ballet festival in Crimea

Protest in Moscow against reforms that could keep Putin in power till 2036

Another protest was held in Moscow against the&nbsp;constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.

A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protest-in-moscow-against-reforms-that-could-keep-putin-in-power-till-2036-313573#no-to-eternal-putin-313564">Have a look:&nbsp;Protest in Moscow against reforms that could keep Putin in power till 2036</a>

The voting, amid the coronavirus, attracted a lot of international criticism, combined with reports of rigging in elections and various other malpractices.

The rally was broken off by Moscow police which claims to have detained 132 protestors. However,&nbsp;OVD-Info rights group that monitors arrests and detentions in Russia reported the detainee number as&nbsp;147.

The rally was unauthorised and reportedly was blocking Moscow traffic. In the videos shown on the local news channels, the riot police and protetsors were seen clashing and some images also showed the riot police dragging the protestors to the police vans, before detaining them.

Chair of Russia's Journalists Union Vladimir Solovyov also reported that several reporters, who were covering and reporting the protest, were also detained.

Another protest was held in Moscow against the constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage.

Another protest was held in Moscow against the constitutional reform that allows President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. A rally was organized in Russia's capital in which protestors came together to rally and leave signatures on a petition which voices concern against the results of a nationwide vote on a set of constitutional amendments that extend Putin's rule, redistribute executive powers within the government, prioritise Russian law over international law and outlaw same-sex marriage. Have a look: Protest in Moscow against reforms that could keep Putin in power till 2036 The voting, amid the coronavirus, attracted a lot of international criticism, combined with reports of rigging in elections and various other malpractices. The rally was broken off by Moscow police which claims to have detained 132 protestors. However, OVD-Info rights group that monitors arrests and detentions in Russia reported the detainee number as 147. The rally was unauthorised and reportedly was blocking Moscow traffic. In the videos shown on the local news channels, the riot police and protetsors were seen clashing and some images also showed the riot police dragging the protestors to the police vans, before detaining them. Chair of Russia's Journalists Union Vladimir Solovyov also reported that several reporters, who were covering and reporting the protest, were also detained.

Moscow police detains 132 protestors over 'anti-Putin rule' protest

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