Month: September 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his 71st birthday and expressed that the Prime Minister continues to serve the nation.

The President also wished for long life and good health for Prime Minister.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on his birthday. I wish you good health and long life and continue to serve the nation with your well-known spirit of ‘Aharnish Sevamahe’,” posted Kovind on the Twitter handle.

Meanwhile, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu wished PM Modi on his birthday and said that the latter’s exceptional vision, exemplary leadership and dedicated service have led to the all-around growth of the nation.

“My best wishes to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Bhai Modi ji on his birthday today. His exceptional vision, exemplary leadership and dedicated service have led to the all-around growth of the nation. May he be blessed with a long, healthy and happy life ahead!” tweeted the Vice President on Friday.

PM Modi is into the third year of his second consecutive term as Prime Minister.

PM Modi was sworn in for his second term in May 2019 after serving as the Prime Minister of India from 2014 to 2019. He is the first Prime Minister to be born after Independence. (ANI)

Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday expressed “surprise” over US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s remarks on reassessing bilateral ties with Islamabad, saying it was “not in line with the close cooperation” between the two nations.

This comes after State Secretary told Congress that the US will be looking at ties with Pakistan in the coming weeks to formulate the role America wants Islamabad to play in the future of Afghanistan.
During a weekly presser, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad on Thursday termed Blinken’s statement a “surprise”, Dawn newspaper reported.

The spokesperson also highlighted that Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process, facilitation of the multinational evacuation effort from Afghanistan.

Pakistan has had deep ties with the Taliban and other outfits in the region. Moreover, the country has been accused of supporting the group during the US’s war on terror.

During his first testimony in US Congress after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, Blinken on Monday noted that Pakistan has “harboured” members of the Taliban including the terrorists from the proscribed Haqqani network.

Asked by lawmakers if it is time for Washington to reassess its relationship with Pakistan, Blinken said: “We are going to be looking at in the days and weeks ahead, the role that Pakistan has played over the last 20 years, but also the role that we would want to see it playing in the coming years.”

Blinken made the remarks during his first testimony before Congress since the Taliban took control of Kabul. The top US diplomat laid out the Biden administration’s posture toward the Taliban in remarks to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. (ANI)

Taiwan on Thursday announced to spend an additional USD 8.69 billion in the defence sector in the next five years amid growing threats from China.

The new money, which comes on top of the planned 2022 military budget of NWT 471.7 billion, still needs to be passed by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, Taiwan News reported citing media reports.

“The Chinese communists have continued to invest heavily in national defense budgets, its military strength has grown rapidly, and it has frequently dispatched aircraft and ships to invade and harass our seas and airspace,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.

“In the face of severe threats from the enemy, the nation’s military is actively engaged in military building and preparation work, and it is urgent to obtain mature and rapid mass production weapons and equipment in a short period of time,” the statement added.

Taiwan has also planned to purchase cruise missiles and warships, along with other military equipment, Taiwan News reported citing the ministry.

This comes as China has ramped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan has reported almost daily incursions by Chinese military aircraft in its air defence identification zone.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that “Taiwan’s independence” means war.

On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for the island. (ANI)

Taliban have barred female employees from entering the Ministry of Women Affairs in Kabul, allowing only males into the building, an employee of the ministry said.

“Four women were not allowed to enter the building”, Sputnik quoted the employee as saying.
The women intend to protest the move near the ministry.

As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the terrorist group regime.

Previous generations remember the ultraconservative Islamic regime that saw regular stoning, amputations and public executions during Taliban rule before the US-led invasion that followed the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Under the Taliban, which ruled in accordance with a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, women were largely confined to their homes.

The US has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, ending one of its longest wars.

The Taliban’s seizure of the war-torn country came after international forces withdrew from Afghanistan, with the United States officially beginning its departure back in May.

Last month, in its first-ever presser after taking over Kabul, the Taliban had assured that the group is committed to providing women with their rights based on Islam.

“Taliban are committed to providing women with their rights based on Islam. Women can work in the health sector and other sectors where they are needed. There will be no discrimination against women,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.

After coming to power last month, the group backtracked from its assurances to respect women’s rights in Afghanistan and announced a ban on coeducation.

Taliban early this month announced a new government sans any women. (ANI)

Almost 68 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases reported in India are from Kerala, said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Bhushan said, “Almost 68 per cent of the total cases reported nationally are from Kerala. Kerala has over 1.99 lakh active cases, while five other states — Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra — have more than 10,000 active cases. The weekly positivity rate for the last 11 weeks is below 3 per cent. 64 districts are still reporting above 5 per cent COVID positivity. They are districts of concern where COVID appropriate behaviour, vaccination, surveillance in these areas must be strictly monitored.”
The Union Health Secretary said the Centre is working towards ramping up the availability of medical oxygen in the country to more than 4,500 MT.

“Right now 3,631 PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants have been started in the country. When these plants get commissioned, they will be able to make available more than 4,500 MT of medical oxygen. As many as 1,595 plants are commissioned as of now, providing 2,088 MT of medical oxygen to patients in the hospitals,” Bhushan explained.

“Further, 1,491 of these plants are being commissioned through central resources. They will make available more than 2,220 MT of medical oxygen. 2,140 plants are being made through states and other resources. They will make available 2,289 MT of medical oxygen,” he added.

Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) raised concerns about the upcoming festive season that might create a conducive environment for virus spread.

“We have been seeing some decreasing infections in Kerala. Other states are also on the path of averting future surge. However, festivals are approaching and a sudden increase in population density creates a conducive environment for virus spread. The call of the hour is vaccine acceptance, maintenance of COVID-appropriate behaviour, responsible travel and if necessary, responsible festivities,” emphasised Dr Bhargava.

Asked about COVID vaccine booster dose, ICMR DG said, “Booster doses are not the central theme at the moment in the scientific and public healthcare discussion. Getting a full vaccination of two doses remains a major priority. Several agencies have recommended that antibody levels should not be measured.”

Meanwhile, VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog said Mizoram is a state of concern. “In the coming 2-3 months, we have to maintain caution against any upsurge of COVID cases. We request everyone to remain careful in the coming quarter. We are happy to see the number of cases stabilising, even in Kerala,” Paul said.

On Dengue outbreak, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said there are reports of the outbreak of the parasitic disease from states like Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam.

“When water is accumulated, it leads to the birth of Aedes mosquitoes responsible for dengue outbreaks. Source reduction is done in all states every year. We have received reports of dengue outbreaks in Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam,” stated Bhushan.

India reported 30,570 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally of cases in the country to 3,33,47,325, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

Of the new infections, Kerala recorded 17,681 COVID cases.

The country has been reporting less than 50,000 cases of COVID infection for 81 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

India’s active caseload now stands at 3,42,923. The active cases account for 1.03 per cent of total cases. (ANI)

India skipper Virat Kohli has decided to step down from T20I captaincy after the ICC T20 World Cup in November this year.

Kohli explained his decision to leave the T20I captaincy in a statement on Twitter. The India skipper said he needs to give himself space in order to play all three formats for the country.
“I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team,” Kohli said in a statement.

“I couldn’t have done it without them — the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win.

“Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the Team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward,” he added.

Kohli said he arrived at his decision after discussing with head coach Ravi Shastri and opening batsman Rohit Sharma.

“Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October,” said Kohli.

“I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability,” he added.

India and Pakistan will be locking horns on October 24 in a group-stage encounter in the T20 World Cup. The tournament will get underway from October 17, with the final to be played in Dubai on November 14. (ANI)

President Ram Nath Kovind reached Himachal Pradesh on Thursday to grace the special session of the state legislative assembly on Friday.

Governor of Himachal Pradesh Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur received President Kovind on his arrival at Shimla, informed account of Rashtrapati Bhavan by a tweet.
As per an official release, on September 17, the President will grace and address the special session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly being organised on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Statehood.

Later, on September 18, the President will grace the valedictory ceremony of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service Officer Trainees of 2018 and 2019 batches at the National Academy of Audit and Accounts in Shimla. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Quad leaders including US President Joe Biden and other foreign leaders during his US visit later this month besides attending the first-in person meeting of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US next week.
“PM (Modi) will participate in the first in-person Quad leaders’ summit in Washington on September 24. On September 25, he will address the general debate of the UN General Assembly at its 76th session. While the PM is in Washington, he will also have a bilateral meeting with President Biden,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a press briefing.

“We also look forward to bilateral meetings with other Quad leaders as well as bilateral meetings with some other leaders while he is in New York on September 25,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be participating, along with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and US President Joseph R Biden, in the Leaders’ Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework in Washington DC, USA, on September 24, 2021.

During the discussion, the leaders will discuss regional issues of shared interest and will also review the progress made since their first virtual Summit that was held on 12 March 2021.

Prime Minister is scheduled to address the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 25 September 2021 in New York.

The theme for this year’s General Debate is ‘Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations’. (ANI)

A UN official met with Afghanistan’s new interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, and discussed the ongoing situation of Afghanistan and humanitarian aid.

According to Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, Haqqani met Deborah Lyons, head of UNAMA, and her delegation on Wednesday.
“Sirajuddin Haqani, Minister of Interior, IEA, met Head of UNAMA Deborah Lyons and her delegation yesterday. They discussed the ongoing situation of Afghanistan and humanitarian aids. IEA Interior Minister stressed that UN personnel can conduct their work without any hurdle,” he tweeted.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the notorious Haqqani network, was named as interior minister earlier this month.

The network is a US-designated terror group aligned with the Taliban and al Qaeda. Haqqani has a USD 5 million US bounty on his head.

He is suspected of organising a series of bombings in Kabul in 2008 and plotting the assassination of then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Afghanistan has plunged into humanitarian and security crises after the Taliban took control of the country last month.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR has termed the Afghanistan situation a “humanitarian emergency of internal displacement” as more than half a million Afghan civilians have been displaced from the war-ravaged country.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric had said that the UN remains committed to delivering humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need across Afghanistan.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently convened a high-level humanitarian conference for Afghanistan on Monday in response to the growing humanitarian needs in the country.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had urged the international community should urgently offer a “lifeline” to millions of vulnerable Afghans “who face perhaps their most perilous hour”.

“Development gains must also be protected to link the humanitarian response with the medium and long-term stability of Afghanistan. The rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and girls are an essential part of this link,” he had said. (ANI)

Indian Army contingent was welcomed by Major General Ivan Tereschenko, Chief of Staff, Central Military District, Russian Armed Forces on Wednesday at the sixth edition of ‘Peaceful Mission’ military exercise by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in Orenburg, Russia.

Indian Army contingent participated in the sixth edition of the ‘Peaceful Mission’ military exercise on Wednesday, to foster close relations between SCO member states in Orenburg, Russia.
The 6th edition of exercise Peaceful Mission is being hosted by Russia in the Orenburg Region of South-West Russia from September 13 to 25. The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance the abilities of the military leaders to command multi-national military contingents.

The exercise will enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of SCO nations. The exercise will also provide an opportunity for the Armed Forces of SCO Nations to train in Counter-Terrorism Operations in an urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment.

The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, the establishment of joint command and control structures and the elimination of terrorist threats.

Exercise Peaceful Mission 2021 is a landmark event in military interactions and global cooperation to counter-terrorism. (ANI)