MOSCOW, 11 August 2020, TON: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced the launch of the world’s first Coronavirus vaccine and his own two daughters received vaccine shot. Russian Defence Ministry  has congratulated Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, which developed coronavirus vaccine.

 President Vladimir Putin declared, “The vaccine works quite effectively and forms a stable immunity”. He also asked Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to track of breakthrough and keep him informed about the vaccine.

The Russian Health Ministry revealed that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests. The vaccine’s registration is conditional and trials will be carried our till the time final production gets underway. It was also revealed that mass vaccinations could begin by October this year and individual belonging to risk groups, such as medical workers, will be offered the vaccine this month.

KARIPUR, 10 August 2020, TON: An Air India Express plane carrying 190 passengers skidded while landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on evening 7 August 2020. At least 18 people including two pilots have lost their lives in the incident. Air India Express in a statement said, all the accident victims will be tested for COVID including those who killed in the crash as one victim has tested positive for Coronavirus. The injured are admitted to hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the next of kin of each passenger who died in the Air India Express crash.

The crash incident in which flight from Dubai had which had 190 people on board will be formally investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to look into the cause of crash. As per the witnesses, the flight overshot the runway in rainy conditions, "went down 35-feet into a slope before breaking up into two pieces. It has also been decided that the Boeing technical team would be allowed to take part in the investigations. Although, it could not be confirmed but security agencies did not rule out sabotage by Indian rebel elements in North East, which claimed the responsibility.

KARU, 10 August 2020, TON: Indian General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi has asked military commanders in Northern, Western and Eastern commands to be prepared for any eventuality and maintain highest operational preparedness.

The comment comes against the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan in the recent weeks. There are reports of mobilization of Indian troops along their un-demarcated areas in Siachen Glacier, Line of Control and Line of Actual Control border in the Western sector.

On Friday, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi was briefed by respective Division Commanders about their operational preparedness. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command interacted with all the Divisional and Brigade Commanders and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness. 

ISLAMABAD, 9 August 2020, TON: Iranian President Hassan Rohani announced that Muharram commemorations "cannot be canceled. Qom-based Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi was quoted as saying, "We have some principles that we cannot give up at all, including mourning in Muharram."  It has been reported that Minoo Mohraz, a physician who specializes in infectious diseases and is a member of Iran's task force to combat the coronavirus, warned that Muharram gatherings would be dangerous said,  "The coronavirus is only being transmitted in wedding ceremonies, Eids, prayers in Mosque.  Otherwise during Muharram mourning, the virus stands in a corner, beats its chest and weeps." Soon after the announcement by Iranian ledership, Pakistan has taken a lead and announced holding of  Majalis and Procession as well as Police operations against the others. It should be recalled that throughout the lockdown in Pakistan there was total ban on even offering Jumma prayers or normal congregation in the Mosques. However, after the Iranian announcement now Jumma prayers have been allowed.

A press release has been issued by authorities in Pakistan on 8^th August 2020 that security arrangements were discussed in a high level meeting, presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad to devise an elaborate security plan and supervise all the arrangements by maintaining close liaison between police officials and peace committees, Majalis organizers and procession organizers. In a surprise move special cards would be issued to police deputed for security at religious gatherings and Imambargahs. Strict security and vigilance will be maintained at gatherings and participants through Safe City system. It has been announced that the entry of all kinds of vehicles in Imambargahs’ surroundings will be prohibited, and barbed wire will be placed around venues of gatherings while police officials will be deployed on the rooftops of buildings on procession routes. Safe City Director General has been ordered to monitor all kinds of movement around imambargahs and religious gatherings using CCTV cameras. Large strength of police has been deputed everywhere throughout the country and all Superintendent of Police have been ordered to monitor search operations themselves and inform senior officials of progress on a daily basis.

Punjab Home Department while issuing security guidelines for Ashura-e-Muharram has decided to call army and Rangers for maintaining law and order during the holy month of Muharram. Additionally, the department has issued instructions to all deputy commissioners and DPOs to make security plans and point out sensitive places. It was decided that mobile phone services would not be available on the Ashura while ban on pillion riding was under consideration, said the sources. According to sources, police guidelines have been sent to administration of all districts of the province. Leaves of police officials will be cancelled. Other provinces have also decided to call army and Rangers for maintaining law and order during the Muharram.

WASHINGTON, 7 August 2020, TON: A panel of the United States House of Representatives expressed concern over continued lack of normalcy in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K) on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

The panel of the US House of Representatives; Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eliot Engel and Michael T McCaul wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday – a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in New Delhi stripped off the special status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir and divided the State into two Union Territories with India.

As per the details, panel of the US House of Representatives expressed strong “bipartisan support” for the US-India relations but noted with concern that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had not normalized, a year after the Modi Government’s 5 August  2019 move on the status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State.

India reacting over the letter Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “There have been several positive changes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the past one year, be it in terms of ensuring good governance or socio-economic development or justice to the disadvantaged sections of the population” adding, New Delhi will be happy to brief the US Congress on positive changes and return of normalcy. 

If we recall, Indian External Affairs Minister cancelled meeting with US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in December last year over her report on Kashmir. He said, “I don't think the report is fair understanding of situation in Jammu and Kashmir or fair characterization of what Government of India is doing. I have no interest in meeting her.”

Ever since the India illegitimate action of 5 August,, the disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

WASHINGTON, 7 August 2020, TON: A panel of the United States House of Representatives expressed concern over continued lack of normalcy in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K) on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

The panel of the US House of Representatives; Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eliot Engel and Michael T McCaul wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday – a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in New Delhi stripped off the special status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir and divided the State into two Union Territories with India.

As per the details, panel of the US House of Representatives expressed strong “bipartisan support” for the US-India relations but noted with concern that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had not normalized, a year after the Modi Government’s 5 August  2019 move on the status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State.

India reacting over the letter Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “There have been several positive changes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the past one year, be it in terms of ensuring good governance or socio-economic development or justice to the disadvantaged sections of the population” adding, New Delhi will be happy to brief the US Congress on positive changes and return of normalcy. 

If we recall, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar cancelled meeting with US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in December last year over her report on Kashmir. He said, “I don't think the report is fair understanding of situation in Jammu and Kashmir or fair characterization of what Government of India is doing. I have no interest in meeting her.”

Ever since the India illegitimate action of 5 August,, the disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

ROME, 4 August 2020, TON: King Juan Carlos born in Italian capital Rome in 1938 and ascended the throne on 22 November 1975, two days after the death of General Francisco Franco. He stepped down in favour of his son Felipe on 18 June 2014. Presently, former King Juan Carlos is linked to an inquiry into alleged corruption so he has decided to leave the country.

Statement from the royal palace says, “Juan Carlos made the announcement in a letter to his son, Felipe, to whom he handed power six years ago. He said he would be available if prosecutors needed to interview him.” Spanish press reports also confirmed that he is no longer in the country. The media gave reference to his letter said; the former monarch wrote that he was making the decision in the face of the public repercussions that certain past events in my private life are generating and in the hope of allowing his son to carry out his functions as king with tranquility.

In June, Spain's Supreme Court opened an investigation into the alleged involvement of Juan Carlos in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia. As per the details Spanish firms won a €6.7bn (£6bn) deal to build a Mecca-Medina rail link. Spanish anti-corruption officials suspect that the former king kept some undeclared funds in Switzerland, and a Swiss investigation is under way. There were investigations involving his daughter's husband and a controversial elephant hunting trip the monarch took during Spain's financial crisis.

There are reports that that Western world was dissatisfied over Spanish monarch involvement in Headquarters of Islamic world and  was taken as tilt of Royal family towards Islam. If we recall, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman was due to attend a banquet with Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia before meeting with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and with Defense Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal on 12 April 2018. Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Oxfam and Spain’s Fundi Pau have criticized a possible contract to build and sell five Navy corvettes, valued at €2 billion that Spain is seeking to sign with Saudi Arabia that could be used by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran.

SRINAGAR, 4 August 2020, TON: Curfew has been imposed in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in anticipation of State-wide protests ahead of 5 August - the day Indian government illegally and unconstitutionally declared UN recognized disputed State as part of India.

Kashmiris throughout the world including disputed Jammu and Kashmir State are observing 5 August as “Black Day”.

India, in order to stop Kashmiris from exercising their fundamental right of peaceful assembly has decided to impose curfew. Earlier, orders were passed by Department of Disaster Management vide Order No.65 and 66-JK-(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 03 July 2020 extending COVID-19 lockdown till 5 August 2020. However, to give relaxation to Indian security forces and Indian nationals, the order said, “The protocol for returnees/passengers shall, however, be governed by the Government Order No.71-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 30 July 2020.” Indian Union Home Secretary in his capacity as Chairperson National Executive Committee (NEC), vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29 July 2020 issued guidelines for implementation of the extended lockdown.

The disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

SRINAGAR, 3 August 2020, TON: The government of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir today extended the lockdown until 5 August due to the fear of State wide protests against Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir State are removing the special status of the State from the Indian constitution.

The order issued by Department of Disaster Management said that in exercise of powers conferred under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee hereby orders that the guidelines/ instructions issued vide Order No.65 and 66-JK-(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 03 July 2020 shall continue to remain valid till 05 August 2020. The order gave relaxation to passengers, “The protocol for returnees/passengers shall, however, be governed by the Government Order No.71-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 30 July 2020.”  

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Home Secretary in his capacity as Chairperson National Executive Committee (NEC), vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29 July 2020 issued fresh guidelines for implementation of the extended lockdown in Containment Zones (Red Zones) for activities in areas outside Red Zones which would require Indian occupied State and UT Governments to assess the current spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and based on this assessment, allow or prohibit certain activities.

A strange announcement has been made by Air Marshal B Suresh, Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOC-in-C) Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force that the personnel of the Indian Air Force including the pilots, ground crew and the fighter will be operationally ready at various Indian Air Force (IAF) Stations as Rafale fighter jets from France reach India on 29 July 2020. These aircrafts, having ability to carry nuclear warheads and are going to be deployed in three IAF bases including IAF Station, Chandigarh, IAF Station Leh, IAF Station Hindon and IAF Station Ambala while IAF Station Thoise would be alternative base in case of hostilities. The practice exercise on Fighter aircrafts took place in which a shoot down an enemy aircraft from a distance more than 100 kilometers, without even crossing the Indian air space. Without naming any country, the Air Marshal said these preparations are amidst the ongoing tension India and Pakistan and India and China. The announcement said that four newly acquired aircrafts are deployed at IAF Station Ambala while whereabouts of other Rafale fighter jets were not shared. Earlier Air Commodore Hilal Ahmad Rather, India’s Air Attaché in France confirmed the Fighter aircrafts having taken off from France.

Meanwhile, Air Commodore DS Joshi, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) IAF Station Ambala made a quick comparison of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) counter-attack ability on 27 February 2019, when Islamabad claimed to have shot down two Indian fighter jets and capturing alive of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and compared it with Indian prevailing abilities. He claimed that after acquisition and deployment of new Rafale fighter jets IAF is all prepared to strike any target inside Pakistan without even crossing the border. He hinted to carryout surgical strikes on targets inside Pakistan in August or September 2020. He added that the morale of Indian Armed Forces was low after the 27 February episode but after acquisition of Rafale fighter jets the morale of Indian Armed Forces is all time high.

Pakistan has JF-17 Fighter aircrafts falls into the category of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The aircraft is capable of carrying short range beyond visual range (SRBVR), anti-ship as well as anti-radiation missiles. The Indian Rafale fighters are armed with Scalp cruise Air to Surface missiles, which have a range of over 300 kilometers. It can also be fitted with Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Autodéfense (MICA)  missile, which has two interoperable seekers (active radar and imaging infrared) to cover the spectrum from close-in dogfight to long beyond visual range. It was in 2001 that the IAF floated proposal to buy Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), however, this could not be materialized in 2012, when India agreed to buy 36 Rafale jets.