Russia on Wednesday supported India on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-supreme-court-review-petitions-in-october-notice-sent-to-centre-246156">abrogation of Article 370</a> in Jammu and Kashmir and called it a sovereign and internal matter.&nbsp;

Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev stated that the abrogation is a sovereign decision of the Indian Government.&nbsp;

"All matters between India and Pakistan can be resolved through the Simla agreement. It is an internal matter of India," he said.&nbsp;

Deputy Ambassador Roman Bushkin said, "it is the concern of the international community of growing importance of disarmament".

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Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev, speaking to reporters in Delhi, today reiterated Moscow's stance on Kashmir &amp; said abrogation of article 370 is India's internal matter
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Calling India a "responsible player," Bushkin said any escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan is a concern.&nbsp;

"We would prefer more dialogue between the two nations. India has no first use doctrine. Dialogue must be streamlined as per the mutually accepted condition," Bushkin added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday heard petitions challenging Central government’s decision to&nbsp;abrogate Article 370&nbsp;and referred the matter to a 5-judge constitution bench. The matter has now been posted for review in October.&nbsp;

The top court has also issued notices to the Centre and state seeking their response on the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 10 petitions were filed in the top court related to the recent developments in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday supported India on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and called it a sovereign and internal matter. Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev stated that the abrogation is a sovereign decision of the Indian Government.

Russia on Wednesday supported India on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and called it a sovereign and internal matter. Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev stated that the abrogation is a sovereign decision of the Indian Government. "All matters between India and Pakistan can be resolved through the Simla agreement. It is an internal matter of India," he said. Deputy Ambassador Roman Bushkin said, "it is the concern of the international community of growing importance of disarmament". Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev, speaking to reporters in Delhi, today reiterated Moscow's stance on Kashmir & said abrogation of article 370 is India's internal matter — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 28, 2019 × Calling India a "responsible player," Bushkin said any escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan is a concern. "We would prefer more dialogue between the two nations. India has no first use doctrine. Dialogue must be streamlined as per the mutually accepted condition," Bushkin added. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday heard petitions challenging Central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and referred the matter to a 5-judge constitution bench. The matter has now been posted for review in October. The top court has also issued notices to the Centre and state seeking their response on the issue. Over 10 petitions were filed in the top court related to the recent developments in the Kashmir Valley.

Article 370 abrogation: Russia supports India, says 'matter should be resolved through Simla accord'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-moscow-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-slams-pakistan-for-supporting-terror-246110">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a>, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Valdai Club in Moscow on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, "With China, it is a complex relationship but I will argue in many ways, it is a relationship with a great future. China, today, is among our top two trading partners. We deal with China in a whole range of issues."

"We discuss everything under the sun with China, we have an annual informal summit at the leadership level. There is an understanding, certainly on our part that India and China have to get along to realise the Asian century. We have issues of difference with China including a boundary dispute. Our effort is to sit down and solve it," he added.

Later this year, India and China will hold the second informal summit in India. In 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/repealing-article-370-is-indias-internal-matter-pm-modi-tells-un-secretary-general-245822">PM Modi</a> and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times starting with the famous first informal summit in Wuhan.&nbsp;

This year they met twice - first on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO Summit in Bishkek and then at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

Elaborating on the Indo-Pacific concept, which was the main theme of discussions at the Valdai Club, Jaishankar said, it is a concept that has grown out of the era of convergence.&nbsp;

Hoping Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific", Jaishankar said, "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate".

"There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added.

Jaishankar will be meeting his Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. The talks will be focused on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to Vladivostok for the&nbsp;Eastern Economic Forum which is due in the first week of September.

Asked if&nbsp;Indo-Pacific is an attempt to contain China by a Russian journalist, he said, "Containment is part of your history, it is not part of mine. You have to get over that cold war mindset. That era is gone. You are in a multipolar era."

On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Moscow, has said that ties with China have great future and urges Russia to look at the concept of Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Valdai Club in Moscow on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, "With China, it is a complex relationship but I will argue in many ways, it is a relationship with a great future. China, today, is among our top two trading partners. We deal with China in a whole range of issues." "We discuss everything under the sun with China, we have an annual informal summit at the leadership level. There is an understanding, certainly on our part that India and China have to get along to realise the Asian century. We have issues of difference with China including a boundary dispute. Our effort is to sit down and solve it," he added. Later this year, India and China will hold the second informal summit in India. In 2018, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times starting with the famous first informal summit in Wuhan. This year they met twice - first on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO Summit in Bishkek and then at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. Elaborating on the Indo-Pacific concept, which was the main theme of discussions at the Valdai Club, Jaishankar said, it is a concept that has grown out of the era of convergence. Hoping Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific", Jaishankar said, "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate". "There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added. Jaishankar will be meeting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. The talks will be focused on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum which is due in the first week of September. Asked if Indo-Pacific is an attempt to contain China by a Russian journalist, he said, "Containment is part of your history, it is not part of mine. You have to get over that cold war mindset. That era is gone. You are in a multipolar era." On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

It's a complex relationship with China, a relationship with great future: S Jaishankar in Moscow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed&nbsp;parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-briefs-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-on-kashmir-discusses-upcoming-visit-of-pm-modi-to-russia-246240">Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia</a>

India's&nbsp;external affairs minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/governor-satya-pal-malik-outlines-jks-economic-plan-announces-50000-government-jobs-for-youth-246247">Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&amp;K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth</a>

Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the&nbsp;J&amp;K administration&nbsp;as he appealed to the youth to get involved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-outlaw-six-single-use-plastic-products-on-october-2-sources-246233">India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources</a>

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-imran-khan-completes-one-year-in-power-pakistans-fiscal-deficit-on-three-decade-high-246246">As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high</a>

The annual fiscal&nbsp;deficit of Pakistan&nbsp;rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan.

British PM Johnson confirms parliament suspension until October 14 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday confirmed parliament suspension until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan. Jaishankar briefs Russian foreign minister Lavrov on Kashmir; discusses upcoming visit of PM Modi to Russia India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar who is on a two-day India visit to Moscow held "intensive and focused" bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Russian capital during which he briefed him about abrogation of Article 370. Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the J&K administration as he appealed to the youth to get involved. India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. As Imran Khan completes one year in power, Pakistan's fiscal deficit on three-decade high The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India's long-time ally Russia today came out strongly in support of India on the issue of abrogation of article 370 by the NDA government. Russian ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev said that abrogation of article 370 is an internal matter of India and is also India's sovereign decision.

India's long-time ally Russia today came out strongly in support of India on the issue of abrogation of article 370 by the NDA government. Russian ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev said that abrogation of article 370 is an internal matter of India and is also India's sovereign decision. "All disputes between India and Pakistan can be resolved through the Shimla and Lahore agreement and our view is exactly as that of India,” he said. India has always maintained that issues between India and Pakistan are bilateral innature and does not require mediation from any international power. Russia's views comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high profile visit to Vladivostok, Russia’s pacific capital next week. The Indian prime minister will be the chief guest at the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) being hosted by Russia. PM Modi is expected to hold a bilateral talks with President Putin during his visit. Kudashev’s deputy, Roman Babushki said that India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's comments on ‘no-first use’ of nuclear weapons is India’s internal matter. Russia's clear support to India on Jammu and Kashmir has once again proved that Pakistan hasn't been succuessful in internationalising the Kashmir issue and has failed to convince major powers on the issue. Pakistan's chief ally China has remained the sole exception in the case. The Russian ambassador said that the EEF in Vladivostok has become another promising platform for Russia-India business interaction like the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum or Vibrant Gujarat. Kudashev added that the summit will witness high level engagement and will lay the foundation of India-Russia relationship in trade, investment, energy, tourism and people-to-people interaction. “We do expect that this highly anticipated meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will extract new quality of bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership talking it to new heights.” Recently, India's commerce minister Piyush Goel visited Russia with a high level delegation which included 140 Indian businessmen. Russia’s Far East is sparsely populated but India has not taken the lead which Chinese have done in the area. There is a small diaspora in Vladivostok, but it is limited to diamond and tea sector. Lot of Indian students also go to Russia for medical degrees and Vladivostok also has a share of them. Russia wants trade with India to reach 30 billion dollars by 2025 which pales in front of China-India trade volume. Both nations trade volume is around 60 billion dollars. Russia was once closest strategic partner of India but over a period India diversified itself in both trade and defence with other countries. Russia wants to provide a new impetus to new forms of collaboration in military and military-technical cooperation, nuclear, hydrocarbon and alternative technology. To deliver S-400 in 2023 India will receive S-400 in 2023, Roman Babushek, Depyty Ambassador to India said and added that the delivery is on time despite intense American pressure on the Indian government to not to go ahead with the deal.

Russia backs India on abrogation of Article 370, says it's an internal matter

India's external affairs minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today.

&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

"I look forward for productive talks,"&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts.

PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit.

Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-complex-relationship-with-china-a-relationship-with-great-future-s-jaishankar-in-moscow-246164">addressed the Valdai Club</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific".

"All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate."

"There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added.

On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital. "I look forward for productive talks," Jaishankar told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts. PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit. Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had addressed the Valdai Club on Tuesday where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific". "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate." "There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added. On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

Jaishankar meets Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in Moscow for a two-day visit and will hold talks with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan and Iran and situation in the Gulf.&nbsp;

Both sides after holding talks starting 1:00pm on Wednesday and will hold a press conference in which important things are likely to be announced especially in convergences on regional developments.

"They will discuss... efforts to preserve the joint comprehensive plan of action on Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Persian Gulf area and situation in Afghanistan", Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russian foreign ministry said.

The visit comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in the first week of September to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum.

"They will focus on the preparations for the Indian delegation's participation in the 5th eastern economic forum and the annual summit. Important thematic sections include trade, investment, military, science and technology cooperation, the use of national currencies for mutual payments and prospective projects in space exploration and energy", Zakharova added.

Moscow has supported India on Kashmir. It was&nbsp;the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations Security Council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status&nbsp;for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the&nbsp;framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India."

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in Moscow for a two-day visit and will hold talks with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan and Iran and situation in the Gulf.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in Moscow for a two-day visit and will hold talks with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday on the developing situation in Afghanistan and Iran and situation in the Gulf. Both sides after holding talks starting 1:00pm on Wednesday and will hold a press conference in which important things are likely to be announced especially in convergences on regional developments. "They will discuss... efforts to preserve the joint comprehensive plan of action on Iranian nuclear programme, developments in the Persian Gulf area and situation in Afghanistan", Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russian foreign ministry said. The visit comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in the first week of September to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum. "They will focus on the preparations for the Indian delegation's participation in the 5th eastern economic forum and the annual summit. Important thematic sections include trade, investment, military, science and technology cooperation, the use of national currencies for mutual payments and prospective projects in space exploration and energy", Zakharova added. Moscow has supported India on Kashmir. It was the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations Security Council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Russia ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India."

Foreign minister Jaishankar on two-day visit to Russia from today

An unmanned spacecraft carrying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-launches-humanoid-robot-fedor-to-assist-astronauts-on-international-space-station-245141">Russia's first humanoid robot</a> to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend.

"Contact confirmed, capture confirmed," a commentator on NASA TV said.

The lifesize robot named Fedor -- short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research -- copies human movements, a key skill that allows it to help carry out tasks remotely.

It blasted off Thursday in a Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from a Russian spaceport in southern Kazakhstan and is due to stay on the ISS until September 7, learning to assist astronauts in the space station.

An aborted docking on Saturday had increased uncertainty over the future of Russia's space programme, which has suffered a number of recent setbacks.

NASA said Saturday the craft had been "unable to lock onto its target at the station," and had "backed a safe distance away from the orbital complex while the Russian flight controllers assess the next steps".

Russian flight controllers had told the ISS crew it appeared the problem that prevented automated docking was in the station and not the spacecraft, NASA added.

Soyuz ships are normally manned on such trips, but this time no humans were travelling in order to test a new emergency rescue system.

Fedor is not the first robot to go into space. In 2011, NASA sent up Robonaut 2, a humanoid developed with General Motors that had a similar aim of working in high-risk environments.

It was flown back to Earth in 2018 after experiencing technical problems.

In 2013, Japan sent up a small robot called Kirobo along with the ISS's first Japanese space commander. Developed with Toyota, it was able to hold conversations -- albeit only in Japanese.

The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour&nbsp;since 1998.

Last October, a Soyuz rocket carrying an American and a Russian had to make an emergency landing shortly after lift-off -- the first failure in the history of manned Russian flights.

An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia's first humanoid robot to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend.

An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia's first humanoid robot to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend. "Contact confirmed, capture confirmed," a commentator on NASA TV said. The lifesize robot named Fedor -- short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research -- copies human movements, a key skill that allows it to help carry out tasks remotely. It blasted off Thursday in a Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from a Russian spaceport in southern Kazakhstan and is due to stay on the ISS until September 7, learning to assist astronauts in the space station. An aborted docking on Saturday had increased uncertainty over the future of Russia's space programme, which has suffered a number of recent setbacks. NASA said Saturday the craft had been "unable to lock onto its target at the station," and had "backed a safe distance away from the orbital complex while the Russian flight controllers assess the next steps". Russian flight controllers had told the ISS crew it appeared the problem that prevented automated docking was in the station and not the spacecraft, NASA added. Soyuz ships are normally manned on such trips, but this time no humans were travelling in order to test a new emergency rescue system. Fedor is not the first robot to go into space. In 2011, NASA sent up Robonaut 2, a humanoid developed with General Motors that had a similar aim of working in high-risk environments. It was flown back to Earth in 2018 after experiencing technical problems. In 2013, Japan sent up a small robot called Kirobo along with the ISS's first Japanese space commander. Developed with Toyota, it was able to hold conversations -- albeit only in Japanese. The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour since 1998. Last October, a Soyuz rocket carrying an American and a Russian had to make an emergency landing shortly after lift-off -- the first failure in the history of manned Russian flights.

Spacecraft carrying Russian humanoid robot docks at International Space Station

With curtains down on the G7 Summit where PM Modi held 6 bilaterals, the focus now shifts to Russia where he will visit next week for annual India-Russia Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum. Speaking to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Moscow, Indian envoy to Russia&nbsp;DB Venkatesh Varma said, New Delhi sees a&nbsp;reliable and a long term partner in Russia. He spoke at length on EAM Jaishankar and PM Modi's upcoming Russia visits.&nbsp;

WION: How do u see the ties between the two countries?

Varma: The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia is now poised for a new leap forward. Today we start the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for talks with his counterpart Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. There have been a series of high-level contacts between India and Russia &nbsp;- visits of two deputy Prime Ministers of Russia to India and the visit of NSA Doval to Moscow. Oil minister&nbsp;Dharmendra Pradhan will also visit by the end of the month. Huge delegations, probably the largest Indian delegations visited Russia under the leadership of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and visits of four chief ministers to Vladivostok to prepare for the visit of PM Modi in early September. This has been a summer of intense activity in India-Russia relationship.

WION: What will be the focus of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit?

Varma: The primary purpose of Dr Jaishankar's visit is to finalise the preparations for PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok where we will also have the 20th annual summit between PM Modi and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Our PM will be the chief guest at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 5.

Our EAM's visit is intended to tie up preparations for the visit. This is the first visit of our EAM after taking charge and we will, therefore, have the opportunity to go through the entire gamut of bilateral, regional and international regions. We have a long tradition of talking to Russia, discussing the issue which is of interest to us. Russia increasingly looks at India as a partner not just in regional context but also as a global player. Russia has traditionally been a global player and that will be the focus of our discussions. Naturally, our cooperation in BRICS and SCO, both of which will be led by Russia next year and the RIC, is a matter of high priority for the Russian side.&nbsp;When India and Russia talk, common ground generally expand much more than we had in the past and we expect the same result from Dr Jaishankar's visit to Moscow.

WION: Will Afghanistan be discussed?

Varma:&nbsp;&nbsp;In the regional context, in terms of Afghanistan, it is a matter that will be addressed in considerable detail between India and Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;As you know, talks in Doha are coming to a near conclusion and the outcome is of interest to India and Russia. We will exchange notes, we have a common interest, we would like Afghanistan to be a country, stable, peaceful and meet the interest of the Afghan people. We would like a peace process, that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and we do hope gains that have been made in last 18 years will be preserved and we look forward to consolidating our relationship with Afghanistan, keeping this mind.

WION: How does New Delhi see Moscow?

Varma: New Delhi's view of Moscow is that our relationship with Russia remains one of the most important relationships in a fast-changing world. We see Russia as a partner, a very reliable partner, a long term partner and that is also reflected in the relationship between PM Modi and President Putin.&nbsp;

The two leaders have met on several occasions. This will be the bilateral summit in Vladivostok but they met in Osaka and Bishkek and on each occasion, our agenda for bilateral cooperation on regional and international cooperation has only expanded. Therefore, India and Russia are poised on a new trajectory of growth and we are very confident that Vladivostok bilateral summit will not only result in consolidating traditional pillars of cooperation between India and Russia &nbsp;- which is in the field of defence, nuclear, space and energy - but add to these traditional pillars. We will add new pillars of cooperation which will give a boosted momentum to our relations by including interregional cooperation.&nbsp;

We see commonalities in terms of economic cooperation, in terms of investments. You can expect some major announcements on how India-Russia relations will be diversified and cooperation in Russian far east will be a major component of that diversification.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With curtains down on the G7 Summit where PM Modi held 6 bilaterals, the focus now shifts to Russia where he will visit next week for annual India-Russia Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum.

With curtains down on the G7 Summit where PM Modi held 6 bilaterals, the focus now shifts to Russia where he will visit next week for annual India-Russia Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum. Speaking to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Moscow, Indian envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma said, New Delhi sees a reliable and a long term partner in Russia. He spoke at length on EAM Jaishankar and PM Modi's upcoming Russia visits. WION: How do u see the ties between the two countries? Varma: The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia is now poised for a new leap forward. Today we start the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for talks with his counterpart Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. There have been a series of high-level contacts between India and Russia - visits of two deputy Prime Ministers of Russia to India and the visit of NSA Doval to Moscow. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan will also visit by the end of the month. Huge delegations, probably the largest Indian delegations visited Russia under the leadership of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and visits of four chief ministers to Vladivostok to prepare for the visit of PM Modi in early September. This has been a summer of intense activity in India-Russia relationship. WION: What will be the focus of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit? Varma: The primary purpose of Dr Jaishankar's visit is to finalise the preparations for PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok where we will also have the 20th annual summit between PM Modi and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Our PM will be the chief guest at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 5. Our EAM's visit is intended to tie up preparations for the visit. This is the first visit of our EAM after taking charge and we will, therefore, have the opportunity to go through the entire gamut of bilateral, regional and international regions. We have a long tradition of talking to Russia, discussing the issue which is of interest to us. Russia increasingly looks at India as a partner not just in regional context but also as a global player. Russia has traditionally been a global player and that will be the focus of our discussions. Naturally, our cooperation in BRICS and SCO, both of which will be led by Russia next year and the RIC, is a matter of high priority for the Russian side. When India and Russia talk, common ground generally expand much more than we had in the past and we expect the same result from Dr Jaishankar's visit to Moscow. WION: Will Afghanistan be discussed? Varma: In the regional context, in terms of Afghanistan, it is a matter that will be addressed in considerable detail between India and Russia. As you know, talks in Doha are coming to a near conclusion and the outcome is of interest to India and Russia. We will exchange notes, we have a common interest, we would like Afghanistan to be a country, stable, peaceful and meet the interest of the Afghan people. We would like a peace process, that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and we do hope gains that have been made in last 18 years will be preserved and we look forward to consolidating our relationship with Afghanistan, keeping this mind. WION: How does New Delhi see Moscow? Varma: New Delhi's view of Moscow is that our relationship with Russia remains one of the most important relationships in a fast-changing world. We see Russia as a partner, a very reliable partner, a long term partner and that is also reflected in the relationship between PM Modi and President Putin. The two leaders have met on several occasions. This will be the bilateral summit in Vladivostok but they met in Osaka and Bishkek and on each occasion, our agenda for bilateral cooperation on regional and international cooperation has only expanded. Therefore, India and Russia are poised on a new trajectory of growth and we are very confident that Vladivostok bilateral summit will not only result in consolidating traditional pillars of cooperation between India and Russia - which is in the field of defence, nuclear, space and energy - but add to these traditional pillars. We will add new pillars of cooperation which will give a boosted momentum to our relations by including interregional cooperation. We see commonalities in terms of economic cooperation, in terms of investments. You can expect some major announcements on how India-Russia relations will be diversified and cooperation in Russian far east will be a major component of that diversification.

Russia is a long-term reliable partner: India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-to-meet-russian-counterpart-sergey-lavrov-in-moscow-on-august-27-244865">two-day visit to Moscow</a> beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May.

"External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement.

"During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month. This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May. "External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement. "During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Foreign minister Jaishankar to pay two-day visit to Russia next week

Russia and France will help&nbsp;India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022.&nbsp;

While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India.

Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin.

A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."

France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway.

"France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said.

The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India. Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin. A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019." Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission." France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway. "France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said. The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia, France to assist India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on August 27, according to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"They will discuss ways to further advance bilateral cooperation, as well as compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts," the ministry tweeted.

The meeting will come just a few days before the Eastern Economic Forum is due to begin from September 4 to September 6 in Vladivostok.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be a part of the forum.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-chairs-security-meeting-with-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-on-jk-situation-244119">National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval</a> on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow and discussed the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

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Russian Foreign Ministry: On August 27 in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar. They will discuss ways to further advance bilateral cooperation, as well as compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts. (File pics) <a href="https://t.co/uX8iRMYsOm">pic.twitter.com/uX8iRMYsOm</a>
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Russia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-france-say-kashmir-is-a-bilateral-issue-between-india-and-pakistan-244555">supported India's position on Kashmir</a>. Both the parties reiterated the importance of bilateral consultations and mutual support for principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Non-interference of third parties was also reiterated.&nbsp;Doval's Moscow visit comes on Patrushev's invite.&nbsp;

"NSA’s talks with his Russian counterpart covered preparations for PM’s visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum in early September, bilateral cooperation between the two National Security Councils as well as regional and international issues," read the press release. &nbsp;

Russia and India reaffirmed their intention to bolster counter-terrorism cooperation.&nbsp;

"Doval also met director of ROSCOSMOS Dmitry Rogozin to review ongoing cooperation in the space field and the Gaganyaan programme," the press release added. &nbsp;

Space cooperation was also on the table. Rogozin lauded the progress of the Chandrayaan programme and conveyed Russia’s support and best wishes for the Mission’s success.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on August 27, according to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is slated to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on August 27, according to Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "They will discuss ways to further advance bilateral cooperation, as well as compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts," the ministry tweeted. The meeting will come just a few days before the Eastern Economic Forum is due to begin from September 4 to September 6 in Vladivostok. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be a part of the forum. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow and discussed the Kashmir issue. Russian Foreign Ministry: On August 27 in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar. They will discuss ways to further advance bilateral cooperation, as well as compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/uX8iRMYsOm — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019 × Russia supported India's position on Kashmir. Both the parties reiterated the importance of bilateral consultations and mutual support for principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Non-interference of third parties was also reiterated. Doval's Moscow visit comes on Patrushev's invite. "NSA’s talks with his Russian counterpart covered preparations for PM’s visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum in early September, bilateral cooperation between the two National Security Councils as well as regional and international issues," read the press release. Russia and India reaffirmed their intention to bolster counter-terrorism cooperation. "Doval also met director of ROSCOSMOS Dmitry Rogozin to review ongoing cooperation in the space field and the Gaganyaan programme," the press release added. Space cooperation was also on the table. Rogozin lauded the progress of the Chandrayaan programme and conveyed Russia’s support and best wishes for the Mission’s success. (With inputs from ANI)

S Jaishankar to meet Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on August 27

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-court-orders-5-day-custody-for-chidambaram-244846">INX media case: CBI court orders 5-day custody for Chidambaram</a> 
 
Chidambaram's bail petition against the Enforcement Directorate will be heard by the Supreme Court on August 27.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-scarp-intelligence-sharing-pact-with-japan-244783">South Korea to scrap intelligence-sharing pact with Japan</a> 
 
Relations between the two countries soured after the South Korean Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Korean wartime workers last October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/london-westminster-court-remands-nirav-modi-to-judicial-custody-till-september-19-244793">London Westminster Court remands Nirav Modi to judicial custody till September 19</a> 
 
Judge Tan Ikram pronounced the judgement on Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/relations-with-canada-facing-serious-difficulties-responsibility-lies-entirely-on-the-canadian-side-china-244785">Relations with Canada facing serious difficulties, responsibility lies entirely on the Canadian side: China</a> 
 
Beijing had warned Canada to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs after Ottawa and the European Union issued a joint statement in support of protestors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-killed-after-fire-breaks-out-in-hospital-near-paris-244792">At least one killed after fire breaks out in hospital near Paris</a> 
 
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

INX media case: CBI court orders 5-day custody for Chidambaram Chidambaram's bail petition against the Enforcement Directorate will be heard by the Supreme Court on August 27.

INX media case: CBI court orders 5-day custody for Chidambaram Chidambaram's bail petition against the Enforcement Directorate will be heard by the Supreme Court on August 27. South Korea to scrap intelligence-sharing pact with Japan Relations between the two countries soured after the South Korean Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Korean wartime workers last October. London Westminster Court remands Nirav Modi to judicial custody till September 19 Judge Tan Ikram pronounced the judgement on Nirav Modi. Relations with Canada facing serious difficulties, responsibility lies entirely on the Canadian side: China Beijing had warned Canada to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs after Ottawa and the European Union issued a joint statement in support of protestors. At least one killed after fire breaks out in hospital near Paris The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;was making its way on Thursday to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-italian-russian-blast-off-for-international-space-station-237339"> International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station </a>after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

Known as&nbsp;FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-machine-meshed-superhumans-remain-stuff-of-fantasy-say-experts-237062">robot&nbsp;to be sent to&nbsp;space&nbsp;by&nbsp;Russia</a>.&nbsp;

NASA senthumanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;Robonaut 2 to&nbsp;space&nbsp;in 2011 to work in hazardous environments.

"The&nbsp;robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard&nbsp;spacecraft and in outer&nbsp;space,"&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The ISS is a joint project of the&nbsp;space&nbsp;agencies of the United States,&nbsp;Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14&nbsp;spacecraft,&nbsp;FEDOR&nbsp;is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said.

FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers.

"Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills. Known as FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first humanoid robot to be sent to space by Russia. NASA senthumanoid robot Robonaut 2 to space in 2011 to work in hazardous environments. "The robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard spacecraft and in outer space," Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The ISS is a joint project of the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft, FEDOR is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said. FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers. "Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

Russia launches humanoid robot into space

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have for nearly four months ramped up bombardment of the last major jihadist-run bastion in the country after eight years of brutal conflict.

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have for nearly four months ramped up bombardment of the last major jihadist-run bastion in the country after eight years of brutal conflict. On Sunday, following fierce battles with jihadists and rebels, pro-regime forces entered the key town of Khan Sheikhun in northwestern Idlib province for the first time since they lost control of it in 2014. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, the strikes pummelling Idlib have claimed more than 860 civilian lives since late April. The UN says more than 400,000 people have been displaced. Here is some background. Jihadist stronghold Strikes by the regime and Russia pick up after the powerful Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist alliance, led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, takes control of the area on January 2019. A major escalation begins in late April after clashes and strikes since February had already killed more than 200 civilians, according to the UN. Bordering rebel backer Turkey, the region under HTS control covers nearly all of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. It hosts some three million people. Escalation On April 26, Russia and the regime's other main ally Iran pledge along with Turkey to cooperate to "ultimately eliminate" HTS. After Russian raids on April 26-27 kill around 15 civilians, the UN warns Moscow to abide by its commitment to "avoid large-scale military offensives" on the region. Russia denies targeting civilians. 'Humanitarian disaster' By early May the strikes have forced 150,000 people to flee and knocked 12 hospitals and 10 schools out of action, the UN says. Britain, France, the United States, and eight other countries at the UN Security Council warned on May 10 of a "potential humanitarian catastrophe". On May 17, Amnesty International accuses the regime and Russia of a "deliberate and systematic assault" on hospitals. Banned weapons The US says on May 22 there are indications the Syrian government used chemical weapons in Idlib. France says it has similar information. Neither offered proof. On June 3, Human Rights Watch accuses the regime and Russia of using "internationally banned" weapons in attacks on civilians. They include cluster munitions and large air-dropped "barrel bombs", it says. No, let up After days of deadly violence, a new flare-up starts on June 15 when at least 45 people, including 10 civilians are killed in airstrikes and clashes. Five days later regime bombardment kills another 20 civilians. Strikes on July 21 killed 18 civilians including seven children, among them a young citizen journalist Anas al-Dyab, who was a member of the White Helmets rescue group and also contributed to AFP. The following day, regime and Russian airstrikes kill 50 people, many at a vegetable market in Maaret al-Numan. Inching closer The regime resumes military operations against the region on August 5, scrapping a ceasefire that had held for four days. The Syrian army accuses jihadists of launching rockets on the Hmeimim airbase west of the bastion, causing "great human and material losses" nearby. On August 11 the regime seizes the town of Al-Habeet on the edge of Idlib, after clashes that left more than 130 fighters dead. On August 14, jihadists down a regime plane and capture the pilot, a first since the escalation in April, according to the Observatory. At the same time, regime forces wage fierce battles with jihadists and rebels to try to take back the town of Khan Sheikhun. On August 18 they enter the town and set their sights on a highway that connects government-held Damascus with the northern city of Aleppo, which the regime retook from rebels in December 2016. A day later Damascus condemns the deployment of a Turkish military convoy towards Khan Sheikhun.

Russia, Syria ramp up bombing campaign on Idlib

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-china-calls-informal-unsc-consultation-on-friday-243159">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir</a>.

Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.&nbsp;

During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter.

"#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only,"&nbsp;Russian Envoy to UN,&nbsp;Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out.&nbsp;

"So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said.

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Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter.&nbsp;It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework.

The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.&nbsp;

After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media.

China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality.&nbsp;

Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous."

France and the US also backed India at the consultation.

India's permanent envoy to United Nation&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications".

On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks".

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Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called.&nbsp;

Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi.&nbsp;

"We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.&nbsp;

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural. During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter. "#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only," Russian Envoy to UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out. "So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said. Russian envoy to UN tweeting from inside https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter. It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework. The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States. After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media. China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality. Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported. Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous." France and the US also backed India at the consultation. India's permanent envoy to United Nation Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications". On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks". Russian Envoy to UN: hope existing divergences around Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political & diplomatic means only https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called. Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi. "We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.

UNSC meet: Russia backs India's Kashmir move; China asks India, Pakistan to ditch unilaterality

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on September 4, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Friday.

"On September 4, bilateral talks with Indian prime minister Modi will be held on the sidelines of the forum, they will take up most of the day," Ushakov told reporters.

Ushakov said that the two leaders were expected to have a discussion and sign agreements. Modi will be awarded the Order of St. Andrew, Ushakov added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on September 4, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on September 4, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Friday. "On September 4, bilateral talks with Indian prime minister Modi will be held on the sidelines of the forum, they will take up most of the day," Ushakov told reporters. Ushakov said that the two leaders were expected to have a discussion and sign agreements. Modi will be awarded the Order of St. Andrew, Ushakov added.

PM Modi, Vladimir Putin to hold talks on September 4: Kremlin aide

Russians hailed a miracle on Thursday after a passenger plane carrying 233 people made an emergency landing in a cornfield on the outskirts of Moscow after striking a flock of birds shortly after take-off.

The Ministry of Health said 23 people had suffered injuries, but that nobody had been killed when the Ural Airlines Airbus 321 came down in a field southeast of Moscow after striking a flock of gulls, disrupting its engines.

State television said the manoeuvre was being dubbed the "miracle over Ramensk", a reference to the district of Moscow region where the plane came down more than 1 km (0.62 miles) from Zhukovsky International Airport.

The Interfax news agency cited a source as saying one person had suffered serious injuries.

The Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid lauded pilot Damir Yusupov as a "hero," saying he had saved 233 lives, "having masterfully landed a plane without its landing gear with a failing engine right in a cornfield."

Some drew comparisons with U.S. Airways Flight 1549 which performed a landing on the Hudson River in 2009 after striking a flock of geese.

The engines were turned off when it made the emergency landing and it also had its landing gear up, said Elena Mikheyeva, a spokeswoman for&nbsp;Russia's civil aviation authority.

An unnamed passenger interviewed by state television said the plane had started to shake violently shortly after take-off.

"Five seconds later, the lights on the right side of the plane started flashing and there was a smell of burning. Then we landed and everyone ran away," he said.

The plane was due to fly to Simferopol in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 2014.

Safety concerns have plagued&nbsp;Russia's airline industry since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, though standards are widely recognised to have sharply risen on international routes in particular in recent years. 
&nbsp;

Russians hailed a miracle on Thursday after a passenger plane carrying 233 people made an emergency landing in a cornfield on the outskirts of Moscow after striking a flock of birds shortly after take-off.

Russians hailed a miracle on Thursday after a passenger plane carrying 233 people made an emergency landing in a cornfield on the outskirts of Moscow after striking a flock of birds shortly after take-off. The Ministry of Health said 23 people had suffered injuries, but that nobody had been killed when the Ural Airlines Airbus 321 came down in a field southeast of Moscow after striking a flock of gulls, disrupting its engines. State television said the manoeuvre was being dubbed the "miracle over Ramensk", a reference to the district of Moscow region where the plane came down more than 1 km (0.62 miles) from Zhukovsky International Airport. The Interfax news agency cited a source as saying one person had suffered serious injuries. The Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid lauded pilot Damir Yusupov as a "hero," saying he had saved 233 lives, "having masterfully landed a plane without its landing gear with a failing engine right in a cornfield." Some drew comparisons with U.S. Airways Flight 1549 which performed a landing on the Hudson River in 2009 after striking a flock of geese. The engines were turned off when it made the emergency landing and it also had its landing gear up, said Elena Mikheyeva, a spokeswoman for Russia's civil aviation authority. An unnamed passenger interviewed by state television said the plane had started to shake violently shortly after take-off. "Five seconds later, the lights on the right side of the plane started flashing and there was a smell of burning. Then we landed and everyone ran away," he said. The plane was due to fly to Simferopol in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Safety concerns have plagued Russia's airline industry since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, though standards are widely recognised to have sharply risen on international routes in particular in recent years.

Russia hails miracle after plane makes emergency landing near Moscow

Secret weapon project: Russian missile NATO calls Skyfall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-order-to-stop-lone-wolf-attackers-nations-must-unitenato-chief-241075">The gunman&nbsp;accused&nbsp;of killing 51 people in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand</a>&nbsp;has handwritten a&nbsp;letter&nbsp;from&nbsp;jail&nbsp;expressing his political and social views, prompting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-utterly-disagrees-with-trump-tweets-on-congresswomen-236470">Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern </a>to say that should never have been allowed, media said on Wednesday.

The&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;Herald had an image of the six-page&nbsp;letter&nbsp;and envelope&nbsp;from&nbsp;the alleged mosque shooter, Brenton Tarrant, sent&nbsp;from&nbsp;Auckland Prison, which was posted&nbsp;online&nbsp;on the controversial imageboard 4chan.

It was said to have been in response to a&nbsp;letter&nbsp;sent to him by a person named Alan who is said to live in Russia.

"I think every&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealander would have an expectation that this individual should not be able to share his hateful message&nbsp;from&nbsp;behind bars," Ardern was quoted telling reporters in Tuvalu, where she is attending the Pacific Islands Forum.

"Obviously, this is an offender who has a very specific goal in mind, in terms of sharing his propaganda, so we should have been prepared for that."

Prisoners are allowed to send and receive mail and prison directors can only withhold it in certain circumstances.

"We have made changes to the management of this prisoner's mail to ensure that our robust processes are as effective as we need them to be,"&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's Department of Corrections said in a statement quoted in the paper.

The&nbsp;letter&nbsp;mentioned a visit by Tarrant to Russia four years ago, media said.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;site&nbsp;Newshub said the last two lines of the&nbsp;letter&nbsp;could be read as a call to arms but blanked out what it said.

Tarrant, an Australian, pleaded not guilty to 92 charges stemming&nbsp;from&nbsp;the massacre at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15. He faces trial in May 2020.

The gunman accused of killing 51 people in New Zealand has handwritten a letter from jail expressing his political and social views, prompting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to say that should never have been allowed, media said on Wednesday.

The gunman accused of killing 51 people in New Zealand has handwritten a letter from jail expressing his political and social views, prompting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to say that should never have been allowed, media said on Wednesday. The New Zealand Herald had an image of the six-page letter and envelope from the alleged mosque shooter, Brenton Tarrant, sent from Auckland Prison, which was posted online on the controversial imageboard 4chan. It was said to have been in response to a letter sent to him by a person named Alan who is said to live in Russia. "I think every New Zealander would have an expectation that this individual should not be able to share his hateful message from behind bars," Ardern was quoted telling reporters in Tuvalu, where she is attending the Pacific Islands Forum. "Obviously, this is an offender who has a very specific goal in mind, in terms of sharing his propaganda, so we should have been prepared for that." Prisoners are allowed to send and receive mail and prison directors can only withhold it in certain circumstances. "We have made changes to the management of this prisoner's mail to ensure that our robust processes are as effective as we need them to be," New Zealand's Department of Corrections said in a statement quoted in the paper. The letter mentioned a visit by Tarrant to Russia four years ago, media said. New Zealand site Newshub said the last two lines of the letter could be read as a call to arms but blanked out what it said. Tarrant, an Australian, pleaded not guilty to 92 charges stemming from the massacre at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15. He faces trial in May 2020.

Accused New Zealand gunman's letter from jail circulates online

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-kill-70-combatants-in-northwest-syria-report-242094">Syrian regime forces</a> seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago.

The region of northwestern Syria, which is home to an estimated three million civilians, has come under almost daily Syrian and Russian bombardment since late April.

The most recent fighting focused on an area straddling Idlib and Hama provinces, a war monitor said, and claimed dozens of lives on both sides.

"Regime forces seized the town of Al-Habeet, in Idlib's southern countryside, at dawn," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, said.

The regime's latest gains were in the north of Hama province, which lies to the south of Idlib.

The area has escaped the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government since 2015 and is the last major bastion of opposition to his regime and its allies.

The capture of Al-Habeet, one of several strategic targets for advancing pro-regime forces, came after another night of deadly fighting, the Observatory said.

According to the Britain-based monitor's tally, 70 combatants were killed on Saturday alone, 32 of them pro-government forces.

The remaining 38 were from the opposing ranks of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the jihadist outfit led by members of Al Qaeda's former Syria franchise, and allied rebel fighters.

Rami Abdel Rahman said another 27 combatants, nine of them government fighters, were killed in early fighting on Sunday.

He described Al-Habeet as 'the first town in southern Idlib to be taken by the regime since the start of the escalation' in April.

The town is seen as a stepping stone towards Khan Sheikhun, one of the main towns in Idlib and the target of some of the eight-year-old conflict's deadliest airstrikes.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks and aid groups have warned that an all-out assault on Idlib could turn the current humanitarian emergency into a catastrophe of proportions previously unseen.

The fighting is a violation of a deal that was reached by the battle's two main foreign brokers Russia and Turkey but was never implemented.

Russia is Damascus&nbsp;main backer while Turkey holds sway over some rebel and jihadist forces along its border.

The deal's terms were never realistic but the agreement sealed in the Russian resort of Sochi in September 2018 staved off a fully-fledged offensive that risks triggering the Syrian civil war's bloodiest phase yet.

Syrian regime forces seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago.

Syrian regime forces seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago. The region of northwestern Syria, which is home to an estimated three million civilians, has come under almost daily Syrian and Russian bombardment since late April. The most recent fighting focused on an area straddling Idlib and Hama provinces, a war monitor said, and claimed dozens of lives on both sides. "Regime forces seized the town of Al-Habeet, in Idlib's southern countryside, at dawn," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, said. The regime's latest gains were in the north of Hama province, which lies to the south of Idlib. The area has escaped the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government since 2015 and is the last major bastion of opposition to his regime and its allies. The capture of Al-Habeet, one of several strategic targets for advancing pro-regime forces, came after another night of deadly fighting, the Observatory said. According to the Britain-based monitor's tally, 70 combatants were killed on Saturday alone, 32 of them pro-government forces. The remaining 38 were from the opposing ranks of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the jihadist outfit led by members of Al Qaeda's former Syria franchise, and allied rebel fighters. Rami Abdel Rahman said another 27 combatants, nine of them government fighters, were killed in early fighting on Sunday. He described Al-Habeet as 'the first town in southern Idlib to be taken by the regime since the start of the escalation' in April. The town is seen as a stepping stone towards Khan Sheikhun, one of the main towns in Idlib and the target of some of the eight-year-old conflict's deadliest airstrikes. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks and aid groups have warned that an all-out assault on Idlib could turn the current humanitarian emergency into a catastrophe of proportions previously unseen. The fighting is a violation of a deal that was reached by the battle's two main foreign brokers Russia and Turkey but was never implemented. Russia is Damascus main backer while Turkey holds sway over some rebel and jihadist forces along its border. The deal's terms were never realistic but the agreement sealed in the Russian resort of Sochi in September 2018 staved off a fully-fledged offensive that risks triggering the Syrian civil war's bloodiest phase yet.

Syria regime gains ground in deadly Idlib push: Monitor

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories.

In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India"

Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." 
Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the two South Asian nations bilaterally.&nbsp;

Moscow also hoped that the "parties involved will not allow a new aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of the decisions" and added that Russia is a "consistent supporter of the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan."

So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to India's decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully.

The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC), went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required."

Taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370, UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna called it India's internal matter and said "We expect that the changes would improve social justice and security and confidence of the people in the local governance and will encourage further stability and peace".

New Delhi has welcomed the positive statements by some OIC members with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying, "There is also a greater understanding that the rhetoric of Pakistan is something which has been seen through and has been exposed on many counts."

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority.&nbsp;

"Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit," he tweeted.

The United Nations, while appealing for "maximum restraint", recalled the '1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.'

Interestingly, the UN did not offer its office for mediation between India and Pakistan, a departure from the past actions.

The UN Security Council president Joanna Wronecka said, no comments in response to question by a reporter on Islamabad trying to raise the issue at the top body of the United Nation. 
US was the first country to react and said it has taken note of Indian govt's describing the developments "as strictly an internal matter" and said there has been no policy change by Washington.

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories. In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India" Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999.

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories. In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India" Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the two South Asian nations bilaterally. Moscow also hoped that the "parties involved will not allow a new aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of the decisions" and added that Russia is a "consistent supporter of the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan." So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to India's decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully. The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC), went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required." Taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370, UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna called it India's internal matter and said "We expect that the changes would improve social justice and security and confidence of the people in the local governance and will encourage further stability and peace". New Delhi has welcomed the positive statements by some OIC members with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying, "There is also a greater understanding that the rhetoric of Pakistan is something which has been seen through and has been exposed on many counts." Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. "Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit," he tweeted. The United Nations, while appealing for "maximum restraint", recalled the '1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.' Interestingly, the UN did not offer its office for mediation between India and Pakistan, a departure from the past actions. The UN Security Council president Joanna Wronecka said, no comments in response to question by a reporter on Islamabad trying to raise the issue at the top body of the United Nation. US was the first country to react and said it has taken note of Indian govt's describing the developments "as strictly an internal matter" and said there has been no policy change by Washington.

Russia backs India on abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on Saturday supported India's move of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-territory-status-for-jammu-and-kashmir-not-a-demotion-but-an-effort-to-align-it-with-rest-of-india-more-intensely-sources-241849">scrapping Article 370</a> and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir, saying the exercise was 'carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India.'

“We proceed from fact that the changes associated with the change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India,” said Russian foreign ministry.

Watch: Understanding China's stance on Kashmir

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Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued, said it expects that India and Pakistan will not allow aggravation of the situation in the region due to the change by government of India in the status of the state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/restrictions-to-be-eased-in-kashmir-police-chief-241675">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to the Indian decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India Pakistan should peacefully settle the issues.

The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC) went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/history-of-kashmir-and-what-revoking-of-special-status-means-240878">In pics: History of Kashmir and what revoking of special status means</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-nsa-ajit-doval-visit-srinagar-asks-authorities-to-ensure-safety-of-locals-241727">PM Narendra Modi government </a>on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament earlier this week with 370 votes in its favour and 70 against it.

The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on Saturday supported India's move of scrapping Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir, saying the exercise was 'carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on Saturday supported India's move of scrapping Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir, saying the exercise was 'carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India.' “We proceed from fact that the changes associated with the change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India,” said Russian foreign ministry. Watch: Understanding China's stance on Kashmir × Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued, said it expects that India and Pakistan will not allow aggravation of the situation in the region due to the change by government of India in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to the Indian decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India Pakistan should peacefully settle the issues. The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC) went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required." In pics: History of Kashmir and what revoking of special status means The PM Narendra Modi government on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament earlier this week with 370 votes in its favour and 70 against it. The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31. Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Article 370: Russia backs Modi government's move; says change in status of Jammu and Kashmir within framework of Indian Constitution

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported.

The accident occurred during tests on a liquid propellant rocket engine, RIA said, citing Rosatom.

Rosatom was quoted as saying that a further three of its staff had received injuries of varying degrees of seriousness during the accident, including burns.

They were receiving the necessary medical treatment in specialised facilities, it said.

Russian authorities had previously said that two people had been killed in the incident and that a nearby city had reported a rise in radiation levels when the rocket engine blew up at a testing site in the Arkhangelsk region on Thursday.

Authorities said they had been forced to shut down part of a bay in the White Sea to shipping as a result

Residents have been stocking up iodine used to reduce the effects of radiation exposure after the accident, regional media have reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-south-korea-trade-conflicting-claims-over-airspace-dispute-238158">Russia's Ministry of Defence</a> has given few details of the accident.

Although the defence ministry initially said that no harmful chemicals were released into the atmosphere and that radiation levels were unchanged, authorities in the nearby city of Severodvinsk reported what they described as a brief spike in radiation.&nbsp;

No official explanation has been given for why such an accident would cause radiation to spike.

The radiation statement put out by the city of Severodvinsk disappeared from the Internet on Friday without explanation.

An unidentified naval officer quoted by the Kommersant newspaper said the accident could have occurred at a testing site at sea and that the explosion of a rocket could have caused a toxic fuel spill.

Russia media have said that the rocket engine explosion may have occurred at a weapons testing area near the village of Nyonoksa.

Those reports say an area near Nyonoksa is used for tests on weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles that are used by the Russian navy.

Greenpeace has cited data from the Emergencies Ministry that it said showed radiation levels had risen 20 times above the normal level in Severodvinsk around 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Nyonoksa.

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported.

Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom said early on Saturday that five of its staff members had been killed in an accident during tests on a military site in northern Russia, the RIA news agency reported. The accident occurred during tests on a liquid propellant rocket engine, RIA said, citing Rosatom. Rosatom was quoted as saying that a further three of its staff had received injuries of varying degrees of seriousness during the accident, including burns. They were receiving the necessary medical treatment in specialised facilities, it said. Russian authorities had previously said that two people had been killed in the incident and that a nearby city had reported a rise in radiation levels when the rocket engine blew up at a testing site in the Arkhangelsk region on Thursday. Authorities said they had been forced to shut down part of a bay in the White Sea to shipping as a result Residents have been stocking up iodine used to reduce the effects of radiation exposure after the accident, regional media have reported. Russia's Ministry of Defence has given few details of the accident. Although the defence ministry initially said that no harmful chemicals were released into the atmosphere and that radiation levels were unchanged, authorities in the nearby city of Severodvinsk reported what they described as a brief spike in radiation. No official explanation has been given for why such an accident would cause radiation to spike. The radiation statement put out by the city of Severodvinsk disappeared from the Internet on Friday without explanation. An unidentified naval officer quoted by the Kommersant newspaper said the accident could have occurred at a testing site at sea and that the explosion of a rocket could have caused a toxic fuel spill. Russia media have said that the rocket engine explosion may have occurred at a weapons testing area near the village of Nyonoksa. Those reports say an area near Nyonoksa is used for tests on weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles that are used by the Russian navy. Greenpeace has cited data from the Emergencies Ministry that it said showed radiation levels had risen 20 times above the normal level in Severodvinsk around 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Nyonoksa.

Russia says five killed in mysterious rocket test accident: Report

Nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-call-for-fair-elections-at-moscow-rally-242057">50,000 opposition supporters rallied </a>and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

Demonstrators crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after permitting for the rally to go ahead.

The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000.

A total of 71 people were detained in Moscow and a further 80 were arrested in Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors detentions at protests.

In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month.

While the rally was authorised, Navalny -- who is currently in jail -- had urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards.

Navalny's associate, Boris Zolotarevsky, told protesters to proceed to Putin's administration offices. He was detained by police shortly afterwards.

- 'Citizens are hostages' -

At the rally, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough", while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations.&nbsp;

"I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer.

"It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage.

"I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos.

- Police crackdown - 
Riot police and the national guard had detained over 2,000 people at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges and risk jail terms for "mass disorder".

Most opposition candidates banned from participating in the Moscow election have now been jailed for violating protest laws. &nbsp;

One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence.

"Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova.&nbsp;

"We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions."&nbsp;

- 'Attempt to gag us' -

As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change.

The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin.

One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said.

On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts.

"This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Nearly 50,000 opposition supporters rallied and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

Nearly 50,000 opposition supporters rallied and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Demonstrators crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after permitting for the rally to go ahead. The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000. A total of 71 people were detained in Moscow and a further 80 were arrested in Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors detentions at protests. In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month. While the rally was authorised, Navalny -- who is currently in jail -- had urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards. Navalny's associate, Boris Zolotarevsky, told protesters to proceed to Putin's administration offices. He was detained by police shortly afterwards. - 'Citizens are hostages' - At the rally, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough", while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations. "I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer. "It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage. "I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos. - Police crackdown - Riot police and the national guard had detained over 2,000 people at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges and risk jail terms for "mass disorder". Most opposition candidates banned from participating in the Moscow election have now been jailed for violating protest laws. One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence. "Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova. "We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions." - 'Attempt to gag us' - As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change. The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin. One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media. Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said. On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts. "This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Dozens arrested at huge opposition rally in Moscow

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-plans-major-moscow-protest-after-crackdown-241936">one of the largest protests </a>since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-accuses-us-of-encouraging-people-to-protest-in-moscow-241853">Protesters</a> crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead.

The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000.

In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month.

On Saturday, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough" while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations.&nbsp;

"I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer.

"It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage.

"I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos.

Riot police and the national guard detained more than 2,000 at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges of "mass disorder".

Most opposition candidates who have been banned from participating in the vote have also now been jailed for violating protest laws. &nbsp;

One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence.

"Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova.&nbsp;

"We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions."&nbsp;

While Saturday's rally was authorised, Navalny, who is currently in jail, urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards, when they would risk detention for illegal protests.

One of Navalny's associates, Boris Zolotarevsky, at the end of the rally urged protesters to go to Putin's presidential administration offices in central Moscow. He was detained by police shortly afterwards.

Moscow police and the powerful Investigative Committee issued a warning ahead of the rally saying unsanctioned protests would be "immediately halted."

Eight people were detained in Moscow at Saturday's demonstration, while 51 were detained at protests in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors protests.

- 'Attempt to gag us' -

As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change.

The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin.

One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday morning at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said.

On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts.

"This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence. 
&nbsp;

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at one of the largest protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Protesters crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead.

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at one of the largest protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Protesters crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead. The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000. In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month. On Saturday, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough" while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations. "I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer. "It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage. "I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos. Riot police and the national guard detained more than 2,000 at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges of "mass disorder". Most opposition candidates who have been banned from participating in the vote have also now been jailed for violating protest laws. One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence. "Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova. "We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions." While Saturday's rally was authorised, Navalny, who is currently in jail, urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards, when they would risk detention for illegal protests. One of Navalny's associates, Boris Zolotarevsky, at the end of the rally urged protesters to go to Putin's presidential administration offices in central Moscow. He was detained by police shortly afterwards. Moscow police and the powerful Investigative Committee issued a warning ahead of the rally saying unsanctioned protests would be "immediately halted." Eight people were detained in Moscow at Saturday's demonstration, while 51 were detained at protests in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors protests. - 'Attempt to gag us' - As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change. The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin. One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday morning at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media. Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said. On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts. "This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Tens of thousands call for fair elections at Moscow rally

The Ministry of Home Affairs Saturday, refuted a news report of mass protest in Kashmir's Srinagar after PM Narendra Modi-led government on August 5 decided to withdraw the special status granted to the state under Article 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
News agency Reuters had published a report, quoting two policemen and an eye witness, claiming police on Friday used tear gas and pellet guns to "Fightback" protesters that numbered "at least 10,000" in the valley.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, the spokesperson of the home ministry said, "A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10000 people in Srinagar. This is completely fabricated &amp; incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 people."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10000 people in Srinagar. 
 
This is completely fabricated &amp; incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 ppl.
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1160081078486368256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The administration has lifted prohibitory orders from Jammu region and asked schools to reopen from Saturday. Jammu and Kashmir was put under complete lockdown on August 11, a day before the government of India revoked Article 370 that gave special status to the state.

The&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi government&nbsp;on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament earlier this week with 370 votes in its favour and 70 against it.

The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

The Ministry of Home Affairs Saturday, refuted a news report of mass protest in Kashmir's Srinagar after PM Narendra Modi-led government on August 5 decided to withdraw the special status granted to the state under Article 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution.

The Ministry of Home Affairs Saturday, refuted a news report of mass protest in Kashmir's Srinagar after PM Narendra Modi-led government on August 5 decided to withdraw the special status granted to the state under Article 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution. News agency Reuters had published a report, quoting two policemen and an eye witness, claiming police on Friday used tear gas and pellet guns to "Fightback" protesters that numbered "at least 10,000" in the valley. Taking to Twitter, the spokesperson of the home ministry said, "A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10000 people in Srinagar. This is completely fabricated & incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 people." A news report originally published in Reuters and appeared in Dawn claims there was a protest involving 10000 people in Srinagar. This is completely fabricated & incorrect. There have been a few stray protests in Srinagar/Baramulla and none involved a crowd of more than 20 ppl. — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) August 10, 2019 × The administration has lifted prohibitory orders from Jammu region and asked schools to reopen from Saturday. Jammu and Kashmir was put under complete lockdown on August 11, a day before the government of India revoked Article 370 that gave special status to the state. The PM Narendra Modi government on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Yesterday, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament earlier this week with 370 votes in its favour and 70 against it. The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31. Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Article 370: Ministry of Home Affairs rejects media report claiming massive protests in Srinagar

Russia on Friday accused the US Embassy of having meddled in Russia`s internal affairs when it published a map online showing the route of an unauthorised anti-government protest earlier this month.

Russia`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had summoned a senior US diplomat over what it said was a post on Twitter and the embassy`s website containing a map drawn up by Russia`s opposition ahead of the August 3 rally in Moscow.

Russian police detained over 1,000 people at the protest, the latest in a series of opposition rallies ahead of a Moscow city election next month that have led to the biggest standoff between the authorities and the opposition in years.

The US Embassy warned US nationals in an English-language statement on its website on August&nbsp;2 to avoid the protest route, noting that the rally had not been sanctioned by Moscow authorities.

The statement contained a map of the planned route as well as details and information about it in Russian.

"We underlined that we consider the publication of the route ... as promoting participation in (the protest) and calling for action, which constitutes interference in the internal affairs of our country," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The US Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The complaint came a day after Russia accused German media outlet Deutsche Welle of having also called on Russians to take part in recent anti-government protests.

Russia on Friday accused the US Embassy of having meddled in Russia`s internal affairs when it published a map online showing the route of an unauthorised anti-government protest earlier this month.

Russia on Friday accused the US Embassy of having meddled in Russia`s internal affairs when it published a map online showing the route of an unauthorised anti-government protest earlier this month. Russia`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had summoned a senior US diplomat over what it said was a post on Twitter and the embassy`s website containing a map drawn up by Russia`s opposition ahead of the August 3 rally in Moscow. Russian police detained over 1,000 people at the protest, the latest in a series of opposition rallies ahead of a Moscow city election next month that have led to the biggest standoff between the authorities and the opposition in years. The US Embassy warned US nationals in an English-language statement on its website on August 2 to avoid the protest route, noting that the rally had not been sanctioned by Moscow authorities. The statement contained a map of the planned route as well as details and information about it in Russian. "We underlined that we consider the publication of the route ... as promoting participation in (the protest) and calling for action, which constitutes interference in the internal affairs of our country," the foreign ministry said in a statement. The US Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The complaint came a day after Russia accused German media outlet Deutsche Welle of having also called on Russians to take part in recent anti-government protests.

Russia accuses US of meddling over publication of protest map

Russian authorities on Thursday froze a slew of bank accounts linked to jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny as part of a money-laundering investigation that his allies say is a trumped-up attempt to cripple his political movement.

The move comes ahead of a series of planned nationwide demonstrations on Saturday being organised by Navalny's allies to protest against the exclusion of opposition candidates from a Moscow election next month.

Similar protests in the Russian capital in recent weeks have led to mass arrests and prompted a wider crackdown on anti-Kremlin activists who have had their homes searched and been handed short jail terms or listed as suspects in a more serious investigation into what the authorities call mass unrest.

Russian investigators said in a statement on Thursday that they had frozen the bank accounts of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, those of another organisation, and those of more than 100 linked individuals and legal entities.

Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, said on Twitter that investigators had also frozen the bank accounts of Navalny's campaign headquarters across the country.

Masked police officers searched the Moscow offices of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation as well as the homes of several activists on Thursday taking away computers and documents.

Investigators said they had also summoned some of the foundation's employees for questioning.

The crackdown came after investigators opened a criminal investigation on Saturday into the alleged laundering of 1 billion roubles ($15.31 million) by Navalny's foundation.

Navalny and his allies say the foundation, which has published a slew of embarrassing investigations into government officials, is transparently financed from public donations.

Navalny is currently in jail for violating Russia's tough protest laws after calling for people to demonstrate in central Moscow over the exclusion of opposition candidates from a local election next month.

Russian authorities on Thursday froze a slew of bank accounts linked to jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny as part of a money-laundering investigation that his allies say is a trumped-up attempt to cripple his political movement.

Russian authorities on Thursday froze a slew of bank accounts linked to jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny as part of a money-laundering investigation that his allies say is a trumped-up attempt to cripple his political movement. The move comes ahead of a series of planned nationwide demonstrations on Saturday being organised by Navalny's allies to protest against the exclusion of opposition candidates from a Moscow election next month. Similar protests in the Russian capital in recent weeks have led to mass arrests and prompted a wider crackdown on anti-Kremlin activists who have had their homes searched and been handed short jail terms or listed as suspects in a more serious investigation into what the authorities call mass unrest. Russian investigators said in a statement on Thursday that they had frozen the bank accounts of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, those of another organisation, and those of more than 100 linked individuals and legal entities. Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, said on Twitter that investigators had also frozen the bank accounts of Navalny's campaign headquarters across the country. Masked police officers searched the Moscow offices of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation as well as the homes of several activists on Thursday taking away computers and documents. Investigators said they had also summoned some of the foundation's employees for questioning. The crackdown came after investigators opened a criminal investigation on Saturday into the alleged laundering of 1 billion roubles ($15.31 million) by Navalny's foundation. Navalny and his allies say the foundation, which has published a slew of embarrassing investigations into government officials, is transparently financed from public donations. Navalny is currently in jail for violating Russia's tough protest laws after calling for people to demonstrate in central Moscow over the exclusion of opposition candidates from a local election next month.

Russia freezes bank accounts linked to opposition politician Alexei Navalny

Two people were killed in an explosion at a military base used for missile tests in the far north of Russia on Thursday, the defense ministry said in a statement to news agencies.

"During the test of a liquid propellant jet engine, an explosion occurred and the equipment caught fire," the ministry said.

"As a result of the accident, six defense ministry employees and a developer were injured. Two specialists died of their wounds," it said, adding that radiation levels near the facility were "normal".&nbsp;

"There's no radioactive contamination," a spokeswoman for the Arkhangelsk region, where the base is situated.&nbsp;

The accident is the second to hit the Russian military in less than a week, after a fire broke out in an ammunition depot in Siberia on Monday, causing huge explosions.&nbsp;

At least one person was killed and eight injured while thousands had to evacuate from their homes following the blaze at the depot in the Krasnoyarsk region.

Two people were killed in an explosion at a military base used for missile tests in the far north of Russia on Thursday, the defense ministry said in a statement to news agencies.

Two people were killed in an explosion at a military base used for missile tests in the far north of Russia on Thursday, the defense ministry said in a statement to news agencies. "During the test of a liquid propellant jet engine, an explosion occurred and the equipment caught fire," the ministry said. "As a result of the accident, six defense ministry employees and a developer were injured. Two specialists died of their wounds," it said, adding that radiation levels near the facility were "normal". "There's no radioactive contamination," a spokeswoman for the Arkhangelsk region, where the base is situated. The accident is the second to hit the Russian military in less than a week, after a fire broke out in an ammunition depot in Siberia on Monday, causing huge explosions. At least one person was killed and eight injured while thousands had to evacuate from their homes following the blaze at the depot in the Krasnoyarsk region.

Two dead in explosion at Russian military base

<h2 dir="auto" title="Apple faces investigation for suspected unfair competition in Russia"><meta charset="utf-8" /></h2>

Apple&nbsp;is under&nbsp;investigation&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;following a complaint from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-live-in-constant-fearbulgaria-data-breach-victim-239482"> cybersecurity company</a> Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday.

Watchdog FAS said it was investigating why a new version of Kaspersky Lab's Safe Kids application had been declined by&nbsp;Apple's operating system, resulting in a significant loss in functionality for the parental control app.

It said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;had released version 12 of its parental control app, Screen Time, which had similar functions to the Kaspersky program. Parental control apps allow parents to control their children's phone and tablet usage.

Asked about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-testimony-on-russia-meddling-investigation-postponed-reports-235395">Russian&nbsp;investigation,&nbsp;</a>Apple&nbsp;referred Reuters to an April 28 statement in which it said it had recently removed several parental control apps from its App Store because they "put users' privacy and security at risk."

It said several of these apps were using a "highly invasive" technology called Mobile Device Management (MDM) and that its use in a consumer-focused app was a violation of App Store policies.

Kaspersky said&nbsp;Apple's App Store guidelines allowed for limited use of MDM, but that it was not clear how to obtain&nbsp;Apple's permission to do so. It also said the requirements reduced the competitiveness of third party developers.

Apple is under investigation in Russia following a complaint from cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday.

Apple is under investigation in Russia following a complaint from cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday. Watchdog FAS said it was investigating why a new version of Kaspersky Lab's Safe Kids application had been declined by Apple's operating system, resulting in a significant loss in functionality for the parental control app. It said Apple had released version 12 of its parental control app, Screen Time, which had similar functions to the Kaspersky program. Parental control apps allow parents to control their children's phone and tablet usage. Asked about the Russian investigation, Apple referred Reuters to an April 28 statement in which it said it had recently removed several parental control apps from its App Store because they "put users' privacy and security at risk." It said several of these apps were using a "highly invasive" technology called Mobile Device Management (MDM) and that its use in a consumer-focused app was a violation of App Store policies. Kaspersky said Apple's App Store guidelines allowed for limited use of MDM, but that it was not clear how to obtain Apple's permission to do so. It also said the requirements reduced the competitiveness of third party developers.

Apple faces investigation for suspected unfair competition in Russia

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said.

The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest.

Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt.

"There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks.

Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka.

The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter.

Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported.

Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military. Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest. Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt. "There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks. Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka. The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter. Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported. Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight hurt in Russia arms depot blasts

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