China says will continue to work with India to properly manage differences

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Beijing [China], August 17 (ANI): China will continue to work with India to enhance political mutual trust, properly manage differences, strengthen practical cooperation and jointly uphold the big picture of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press conference that growth of bilateral relations will benefit people of two countries and also add stability and positive energy to peace and prosperity of the region and the world.

He was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in which he had said that country's territorial integrity is supreme and had talked about efforts to strengthen the military. "We noted Prime Minister Modi's remarks. As two neighbors and emerging major countries each with a population of over 1 billion, the growth of China-India relations will not only benefit our two countries and peoples but also add stability and positive energy to peace and prosperity of the region and the world at large," he said.

Zhao said mutual respect and support between China and India is the right path and serves the long-term interests of both countries. "China will continue to work with India to enhance political mutual trust, properly manage differences, strengthen practical cooperation and jointly uphold the big picture of bilateral relations," he said.

PM Modi had said in his Independence speech from the ramparts of Red Fort that Indian soldiers gave a befitting reply to those who tried to pose a challenge to the country's sovereignty, from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to Line of Control (LoC). "From LoC to LAC, whoever tried to raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country, our soldiers responded to it in the same manner," he said.

He also made a reference to the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in June this year. "What our jawans can do, what the country can do, the world has seen in Ladakh," he said.The Prime Minister said India is united and committed to protecting its sovereignty. "India's sovereignty is supreme for us," he said.

India and China have been holding military and diplomatic talks for disengagement along LAC in Eastern Ladakh and de-escalation along border areas. India said last week that it expects China to sincerely work with it towards the objective of complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas as agreed by the special representatives.

Nepal relies on India for life-saving Remdesivir Drug

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Kathmandu [Nepal], Aug 18 (ANI): Nepal has been relying on the Indian market for life-saving Remdesivir drug, which is being used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients across the world.

Though the drug is not seen as a cure to the virus, it has played an important role in bringing patients out from a critical medical stage.

Sapana's (name changed) father is admitted to a private hospital in Kathmandu and undergoing treatment at intensive care unit (ICU), as he was confirmed to have contracted the virus. She asked her chemist, who had contacts in India, to order Remdesivir as it was not available in Nepal.

"As my chemist had contacts in India, he was able to bring it to Nepal. Now, my father is doing well and is out of danger. If the medicine was not available in India, his condition would have become worrisome," Sapana said.

According to Sapana, the drug costs up to Rs 7,000 in India and around 20,000 Nepali rupees in the Himalayan nation, including freight charges. The Nepal government has given permission to three companies for procurement of the drug from foreign countries including India and the US.

"If we can import it in large amounts then relatives of COVID-19 patients would not need to pay the extra charges which come as freight and commissions. Hope, the drug would be imported as soon as possible from India and the US," said Dr Prabhat Adhikari, a virologist.

Nepal's Medical Council's directive (interim clinical guidance for COVID-19) has also enlisted Remdesivir drug for primary medication.

Out of 123 medicine importers registered with the Department of Drug Administration, the majority of them import from Indian companies. (ANI)

Amit Shah admitted to AIIMS, Delhi for 'post-COVID care' ANI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah. [File Photo/ANI]

New Delhi [India], Aug 18 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been admitted to AIIMS in Delhi for post-COVID care, the hospital said.

"The Home Minister has been complaining of fatigue and body aches for the past 3-4 days. He has tested negative for COVID-19," the statement by the hospital said.

"He has been admitted to AIIMS for post-COVID care. He is comfortable and is continuing his work from the hospital," the statement added.

The Home Minister was discharged from Medanta Hospital, Gurugram on August 14, after testing negative for COVID-19. (ANI)