Pakistani Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Information &amp; Broadcasting, has posted the image of the Pakistani prime minister with the caption saying: "Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala".

In the image posted on Twitter, seven people were seen sitting inside a room including Khan.&nbsp;

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Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala <a href="https://t.co/Vk0oWIUDed">pic.twitter.com/Vk0oWIUDed</a>
— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) <a href="https://twitter.com/shiblifaraz/status/1375024974793162754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Though everyone present in the meeting is wearing masks and seated socially distant to each other, the Pakistani PM is receiving a lot of flak since it's been only a few days since he had tested positive for Covid-19, and most leaders who had contracted the deadly virus had&nbsp;held virtual meetings and kept themselves isolated from others.&nbsp;

A Twitter user shared the image of UK PM Boris Johnson to show how he held virtual engagements when he had contracted Covid-19.&nbsp;

"Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others," the user wrote.&nbsp;

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Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others. <a href="https://t.co/Df7h4TVMyN">pic.twitter.com/Df7h4TVMyN</a>
— ASK (@ASK7799) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASK7799/status/1375031509632057345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Another social media user said that even if the meeting was held, what was the need to release its image.&nbsp;

"Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously," he added.&nbsp;

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Meeting kr bhy li hai tu why release the images? 
 
Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously
— سعد (@saaadmalikk) <a href="https://twitter.com/saaadmalikk/status/1375041565110984709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting," another user asked on Twitter&nbsp;

"Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach &amp; wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan."

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Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting? 
 
Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach &amp; wisdom to deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in Pakistan.
— Ch.Amjad Farooq (@CPEC15) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPEC15/status/1375044124261376005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Here are more comments from the netizens on the image.&nbsp;

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He is positive. Still meeting with people?
— #GodFather (@PTITiger_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTITiger_/status/1375025170793050115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shibli Faraz sahab 4-5 din baad apna test bhi kara lijiye ga
— اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) <a href="https://twitter.com/freakonomist5/status/1375036201246285825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Disappointed!!! 
PM should be isolating, this picture shows utter disregard to Quarantine protocols. 
for 10 days atleast he should not meet anyone. 
That is why nation does not respects SOPs as leaders are the worst examples of not wearing masks and following SOPs and laws.
— MAR (@MumtazAhmedRiaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumtazAhmedRiaz/status/1375042149041995776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Khan contracted the deadly virus on Saturday and the country's health minister tweeted that the Pakistani PM is self-isolating.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus. Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, has posted the image of the Pakistani prime minister with the caption saying: "Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala". In the image posted on Twitter, seven people were seen sitting inside a room including Khan. Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala pic.twitter.com/Vk0oWIUDed — Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) March 25, 2021 × Though everyone present in the meeting is wearing masks and seated socially distant to each other, the Pakistani PM is receiving a lot of flak since it's been only a few days since he had tested positive for Covid-19, and most leaders who had contracted the deadly virus had held virtual meetings and kept themselves isolated from others. A Twitter user shared the image of UK PM Boris Johnson to show how he held virtual engagements when he had contracted Covid-19. "Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others," the user wrote. Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others. pic.twitter.com/Df7h4TVMyN — ASK (@ASK7799) March 25, 2021 × Another social media user said that even if the meeting was held, what was the need to release its image. "Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously," he added. Meeting kr bhy li hai tu why release the images? Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously — سعد (@saaadmalikk) March 25, 2021 × "Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting," another user asked on Twitter "Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach & wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan." Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting? Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach & wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan. — Ch.Amjad Farooq (@CPEC15) March 25, 2021 × Here are more comments from the netizens on the image. He is positive. Still meeting with people? — #GodFather (@PTITiger_) March 25, 2021 × Shibli Faraz sahab 4-5 din baad apna test bhi kara lijiye ga — اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) March 25, 2021 × Disappointed!!! PM should be isolating, this picture shows utter disregard to Quarantine protocols. for 10 days atleast he should not meet anyone. That is why nation does not respects SOPs as leaders are the worst examples of not wearing masks and following SOPs and laws. — MAR (@MumtazAhmedRiaz) March 25, 2021 × Khan contracted the deadly virus on Saturday and the country's health minister tweeted that the Pakistani PM is self-isolating.

Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz

A British government intelligence agency has released its "most difficult puzzle ever," a set of 12 questions related to design elements of the new £50 note featuring the famous codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing.&nbsp;

To begin the GCHQ puzzle, one has to solve a comparatively straightforward crossword-style puzzle by naming GCHQ’s predecessor agency, where Turing worked, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

GCHQ says that the puzzle gives people an insight into how spy agencies' work.

It added that an experienced puzzler would take around seven hours to complete the "Turing challenge".&nbsp;

Colin, GCHQ's "chief puzzler" said that the riddles were formed by a "mix of minds from across our missions" to pay tribute to Turing, who he said encouraged many people to join.&nbsp;

The spy agency's heads again apologised for the treatment given to Turing as the codebreaker was chemically castrated after he acknowledged his relationship with another man in 1952.&nbsp;

"Turing was embraced for his brilliance and persecuted for being gay. His legacy is a reminder of the value of embracing all aspects of diversity, but also of the work we still need to do to become truly inclusive," Jeremy Fleming, the director of GCHQ, said.&nbsp;

A British government intelligence agency has released its "most difficult puzzle ever," a set of 12 questions related to design elements of the new £50 note featuring the famous codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing.

A British government intelligence agency has released its "most difficult puzzle ever," a set of 12 questions related to design elements of the new £50 note featuring the famous codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing. To begin the GCHQ puzzle, one has to solve a comparatively straightforward crossword-style puzzle by naming GCHQ’s predecessor agency, where Turing worked, reports The Guardian. GCHQ says that the puzzle gives people an insight into how spy agencies' work. It added that an experienced puzzler would take around seven hours to complete the "Turing challenge". Colin, GCHQ's "chief puzzler" said that the riddles were formed by a "mix of minds from across our missions" to pay tribute to Turing, who he said encouraged many people to join. The spy agency's heads again apologised for the treatment given to Turing as the codebreaker was chemically castrated after he acknowledged his relationship with another man in 1952. "Turing was embraced for his brilliance and persecuted for being gay. His legacy is a reminder of the value of embracing all aspects of diversity, but also of the work we still need to do to become truly inclusive," Jeremy Fleming, the director of GCHQ, said.

'Turing challenge': Do you want to solve 'most difficult' puzzle?

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations.

On March 26, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> will be visiting Bangladesh on a two-day trip to mark the centenary celebrations of &nbsp;Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence</a>&nbsp;from Pakistan.&nbsp;

This will be Modi's first visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic, and is an example of the importance New Delhi gives to its ties with Dhaka. Recently, India has also sent the largest consignment of coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as part of its 'vaccine diplomacy'.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-india-bangladesh-friendship-372108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the Indian prime minister gets set for his visit, let's look at the history of ties in key areas and what can be expected in this trip.&nbsp;

<h2>Trade</h2>

Bangladesh is currently India's biggest trade partner in the South Asian region. To strengthen and encourage Bangladesh's trade and commerce, India has given several concessions to Dhaka, including duty-free access to Bangladeshi products into the Indian markets. New Delhi is also working continually to reduce Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB). To encourage trade, India is developing the Integrated Check Post in 10 border crossing points to lower NTBs, according to Observer Research Foundation. New Delhi's attempts to boost trade with Bangladesh saw fruitful results, as in 2019 Bangladesh's exports to India witnessed an increase of 43 per cent from the previous year.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-very-lucky-to-host-pm-narendra-modi-for-major-celebrations-foreign-minister-momen-370088">Bangladesh 'very lucky' to host PM Narendra Modi for major celebrations: Foreign Minister Momen</a>

<h2>Connectivity</h2>

This is one area where a lot has been delivered on the ground. A bus service was launched in 1999 that connected Dhaka with the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. Soon, another such service was kicked off between Dhaka with Agartala, which extended the connectivity of India's northeast. An old railway line that remained non-operational for 43 years was restored in 2008 between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Th two nations launched the Maitri (Friendship) Express and several old rail networks have been restored.&nbsp;

In December 2020, Modi met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during&nbsp;which both leaders agreed to revive the trans-border railway link connecting India's Chilahati and Bangladesh's Haldibari. Many other railway routes are set to be established this year.&nbsp;

<h2>A friend in need</h2>

India has extended its hand of friendship whenever Bangladesh faced crises. India offered lines of credit worth about $10 billion to Bangladesh as part of development assistance, which includes setting up orphanages, cultural centres, educational institutions. India has also simplified the visa process for Bangladeshi tourists and 1.5 million visas were issued in 2019. New Delhi has also come forward during natural disasters in Bangladesh, including cyclone Sidr in 2007 and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. During the coronavirus crisis, India provided medical training to Bangladeshi professionals, test kits and medicines, beside the dispatch of vaccine consignments.&nbsp;

<h2>Security&nbsp;</h2>

The successful security cooperation between the nations resulted in tackling militancy in Bangladesh. India's efforts to contain the militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh's activities is an example of engagement on this front.&nbsp;

<h2>Settlement of boundaries</h2>

The resolution of land and maritime boundaries disputes is one of the major highlights of the bilateral ties. After a ruling by the United Nations, India agreed to give up around 19,467 km in the Bay of Bengal without challenging the decision, a move that gave great access to Bangladesh to the resource-rich sea.&nbsp;

The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) signed between both nations in 2015 facilitated the transfer of 111 enclaves. According to the historic agreement, Bangladesh received more than 17,000 acres from India and gave up over 7,000 acres to India.&nbsp;

<h2>Expectations from Modi's visit</h2>

During this visit, India and Bangladesh are likely to sign three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen has said the agreements were likely to be in the areas of disaster management and cooperation between institutions of the two nations.&nbsp;

Discussions on the 'India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond'&nbsp;belt are also expected to come up along with road connectivity with India and Bangladesh that wound extend up to Nepal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations.

The key role played by India in the birth of Bangladesh cannot be overlooked and since then, despite roadblocks, the two countries have maintained close relations. On March 26, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bangladesh on a two-day trip to mark the centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. This will be Modi's first visit abroad since the coronavirus pandemic, and is an example of the importance New Delhi gives to its ties with Dhaka. Recently, India has also sent the largest consignment of coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as part of its 'vaccine diplomacy'. Watch | As the Indian prime minister gets set for his visit, let's look at the history of ties in key areas and what can be expected in this trip. Trade Bangladesh is currently India's biggest trade partner in the South Asian region. To strengthen and encourage Bangladesh's trade and commerce, India has given several concessions to Dhaka, including duty-free access to Bangladeshi products into the Indian markets. New Delhi is also working continually to reduce Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB). To encourage trade, India is developing the Integrated Check Post in 10 border crossing points to lower NTBs, according to Observer Research Foundation. New Delhi's attempts to boost trade with Bangladesh saw fruitful results, as in 2019 Bangladesh's exports to India witnessed an increase of 43 per cent from the previous year. Also read | Bangladesh 'very lucky' to host PM Narendra Modi for major celebrations: Foreign Minister Momen Connectivity This is one area where a lot has been delivered on the ground. A bus service was launched in 1999 that connected Dhaka with the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. Soon, another such service was kicked off between Dhaka with Agartala, which extended the connectivity of India's northeast. An old railway line that remained non-operational for 43 years was restored in 2008 between Dhaka and Kolkata. Th two nations launched the Maitri (Friendship) Express and several old rail networks have been restored. In December 2020, Modi met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which both leaders agreed to revive the trans-border railway link connecting India's Chilahati and Bangladesh's Haldibari. Many other railway routes are set to be established this year. A friend in need India has extended its hand of friendship whenever Bangladesh faced crises. India offered lines of credit worth about $10 billion to Bangladesh as part of development assistance, which includes setting up orphanages, cultural centres, educational institutions. India has also simplified the visa process for Bangladeshi tourists and 1.5 million visas were issued in 2019. New Delhi has also come forward during natural disasters in Bangladesh, including cyclone Sidr in 2007 and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. During the coronavirus crisis, India provided medical training to Bangladeshi professionals, test kits and medicines, beside the dispatch of vaccine consignments. Security The successful security cooperation between the nations resulted in tackling militancy in Bangladesh. India's efforts to contain the militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh's activities is an example of engagement on this front. Settlement of boundaries The resolution of land and maritime boundaries disputes is one of the major highlights of the bilateral ties. After a ruling by the United Nations, India agreed to give up around 19,467 km in the Bay of Bengal without challenging the decision, a move that gave great access to Bangladesh to the resource-rich sea. The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) signed between both nations in 2015 facilitated the transfer of 111 enclaves. According to the historic agreement, Bangladesh received more than 17,000 acres from India and gave up over 7,000 acres to India. Expectations from Modi's visit During this visit, India and Bangladesh are likely to sign three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen has said the agreements were likely to be in the areas of disaster management and cooperation between institutions of the two nations. Discussions on the 'India-Bangladesh-Myanmar-Thailand and beyond' belt are also expected to come up along with road connectivity with India and Bangladesh that wound extend up to Nepal.

India-Bangladesh relations: A robust history and optimistic future

Speaking at WION Global Summit, Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan explained how she worked with the Taiwan government in developing digital public infrastructure.&nbsp;

"When I first became the digital minister in 2016, there's a very important infrastructure bill being deliberated. I work with the ministry of culture to reclassify that digital public infrastructure, the civic infrastructure online as part of the infrastructure bill," &nbsp;Audrey told moderator Ali Aslan, International TV Presenter and Journalist in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/globalsummit/dubai-2021">WION's Global Summit in Dubai</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at the session on "Digital Revolution: The World Goes Online", she also highlighted that the task was "unheard" of as infrastructure is "tangible" and what they hoped to achieve was in the digital domain.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-and-the-travails-of-being-a-pro-china-hong-kong-lawmaker-372793">'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker</a>

She said when they finally received government funding for implementing the idea, they were able to build digital parks "equivalent" to national parks, &nbsp;

"But by succeeding in government funding of using photogrammetry, videogrammetry to capture the heritage, cultural sites, we built equivalent of national parks, actually better than that because people can create their own experiences based on those assets," she said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

She also hoped that the idea of "connected spaces and digital public infrastructure" will gain a lot of attention as it "resonates" with the regulatory infrastructure required to give people more choices.

Audrey added that this will lead to less dependency on the private sector and anti-social websites as part of social platforms.&nbsp;

However, the digital minister added that the idea needs investment.&nbsp;

"In order to make civic life worth internationally, we also need investment into digital public infrastructure," Audrey said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Speaking at WION Global Summit, Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan explained how she worked with the Taiwan government in developing digital public infrastructure.

Speaking at WION Global Summit, Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan explained how she worked with the Taiwan government in developing digital public infrastructure. "When I first became the digital minister in 2016, there's a very important infrastructure bill being deliberated. I work with the ministry of culture to reclassify that digital public infrastructure, the civic infrastructure online as part of the infrastructure bill," Audrey told moderator Ali Aslan, International TV Presenter and Journalist in WION's Global Summit in Dubai. Speaking at the session on "Digital Revolution: The World Goes Online", she also highlighted that the task was "unheard" of as infrastructure is "tangible" and what they hoped to achieve was in the digital domain. Also read | 'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker She said when they finally received government funding for implementing the idea, they were able to build digital parks "equivalent" to national parks, "But by succeeding in government funding of using photogrammetry, videogrammetry to capture the heritage, cultural sites, we built equivalent of national parks, actually better than that because people can create their own experiences based on those assets," she said. Also read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit She also hoped that the idea of "connected spaces and digital public infrastructure" will gain a lot of attention as it "resonates" with the regulatory infrastructure required to give people more choices. Audrey added that this will lead to less dependency on the private sector and anti-social websites as part of social platforms. However, the digital minister added that the idea needs investment. "In order to make civic life worth internationally, we also need investment into digital public infrastructure," Audrey said.

WION Global Summit: How Taiwan developed digital public infrastructure

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects.&nbsp;

It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-receive-first-purchase-of-over-1-mn-doses-of-chinese-vaccines-372606">Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines</a>

The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019.&nbsp;

After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region.&nbsp;

Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries.&nbsp;

According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use.&nbsp;

The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects. It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI. Also read | Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019. After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region. Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries. According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.

India, Pakistan meeting on Indus river concludes, New Delhi justifies developing hydropower projects in J&K

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister <a href="http://wionnews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-interact-with-matua-community-372664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing.

Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties.

Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50 years of the country's war of liberation</a>. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said.

He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography.

There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added.

During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said.

"Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said.

The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added.

Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.

"Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla.

"Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said.

Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi.

The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.

During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said. Watch | It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. "This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing. Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties. Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of the country's war of liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. "As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said. He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography. There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added. During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said. "Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said. The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added. Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. "Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla. "Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said. Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi. The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity. During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain. &nbsp;

The jailed Kremlin critic began feeling serious back pain last week, and later experienced numbness in his leg and was unable to stand on it, his close ally Leonid Volkov said, as reported by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-intel-blames-kremlin-for-poisoning-of-navalny-367726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also said that Navalny had only been given two pills of Ibuprofen to get some respite.&nbsp;

Olga Mikhailova, one of the lawyers representing Navalny, also confirmed that he complained recently of strong back pain and his leg went numb this week, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The lawyer added that a neurologist was unable to diagnose the Kremlin critic's problem and simply gave Ibuprofen.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-claims-he-is-locked-up-in-concentration-camp-outside-moscow-370910">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow</a>

"That's all his treatment," Mikhailova said, suggesting that the pill did not ease out Navalny's pain.&nbsp;

"I don't know what's wrong with him. He should be seen by a proper doctor."&nbsp;

Maria Pevchikh, chief of investigations at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation also expressed her concern on Twitter over the deterioration of health, saying "his life is in danger".&nbsp;

"We believe that Navalny's life is in danger and demand immediate access to him for his lawyers," Pevchikh wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Volkov also claimed that the prison administration might be covering up the worsening of Navalny's health and he might have been shifted to a prison infirmary.

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain.

Russia's top opposition leader Alexei Navalny's lawyers and ally on Wednesday expressed concerns over his deteriorating health in prison, saying he is experiencing leg numbness and back pain. The jailed Kremlin critic began feeling serious back pain last week, and later experienced numbness in his leg and was unable to stand on it, his close ally Leonid Volkov said, as reported by news agency Reuters. Watch | He also said that Navalny had only been given two pills of Ibuprofen to get some respite. Olga Mikhailova, one of the lawyers representing Navalny, also confirmed that he complained recently of strong back pain and his leg went numb this week, reports news agency AFP. The lawyer added that a neurologist was unable to diagnose the Kremlin critic's problem and simply gave Ibuprofen. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny claims he is locked up in 'concentration camp' outside Moscow "That's all his treatment," Mikhailova said, suggesting that the pill did not ease out Navalny's pain. "I don't know what's wrong with him. He should be seen by a proper doctor." Maria Pevchikh, chief of investigations at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation also expressed her concern on Twitter over the deterioration of health, saying "his life is in danger". "We believe that Navalny's life is in danger and demand immediate access to him for his lawyers," Pevchikh wrote on Twitter. Volkov also claimed that the prison administration might be covering up the worsening of Navalny's health and he might have been shifted to a prison infirmary.

Alexei Navalny's health deteriorating in prison, claim his lawyers

Amid the huge spike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus cases</a> in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places.&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry, however, did not say whether the latest rise is due to the recently discovered variants.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 771 cases of variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, out of which 736 were of the UK strain, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director SK Singh said as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-above-45-years-to-be-vaccinated-from-april-1-says-prakash-javadekar-372539">People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar</a>

India has designated variants found in UK, Brazil, and South Africa as VOCs.&nbsp;

Other than these, some other strains, including the double mutant one, have been detected in some states and union territories such as Maharashtra and Delhi.

"Till now no linkage has been established to say that the surge that we are seeing in different states is directly because of only mutations," Singh said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-40715-fresh-covid-19-cases-199-deaths-in-last-24-hours-372467">India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Meanwhile, India in the last 24 hours recorded 47,262 fresh Covid-19, the most so far this year, taking the overall caseload to 11,734,058, according to the government data.&nbsp;

The nation's coronavirus death toll jumped to 160,441, with 275 new fatalities, the highest in approximately 83 days.&nbsp;

Amid the huge spike in novel coronavirus cases in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places.

Amid the huge spike in novel coronavirus cases in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places. The Union Health Ministry, however, did not say whether the latest rise is due to the recently discovered variants. On Wednesday, 771 cases of variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, out of which 736 were of the UK strain, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director SK Singh said as reported by news agency PTI. Also read | People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar India has designated variants found in UK, Brazil, and South Africa as VOCs. Other than these, some other strains, including the double mutant one, have been detected in some states and union territories such as Maharashtra and Delhi. "Till now no linkage has been established to say that the surge that we are seeing in different states is directly because of only mutations," Singh said. Also read | India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours Meanwhile, India in the last 24 hours recorded 47,262 fresh Covid-19, the most so far this year, taking the overall caseload to 11,734,058, according to the government data. The nation's coronavirus death toll jumped to 160,441, with 275 new fatalities, the highest in approximately 83 days.

India confirms new double mutant coronavirus variant

At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/globalsummit/dubai-2021">WION's Global Summit, Dubai</a>, several prominent speakers from across the world discussed the role that digitalisation played during the Covid&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the session themed "Digital Revolution: The World Goes Online", moderated by international TV journalist Ali Aslan, the discussions revolved around the various aspects of the internet that were seen during the pandemic, its challenges and opportunities.

Sharing the success story of the internet in Estonia, Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, explained how the country decided to put focus on the internet.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-centre-of-gravity-has-moved-to-east-asia-former-vp-of-world-bank-tells-wion-global-summit-372849">Economic centre of gravity has moved to East Asia, former VP of World Bank tells WION Global Summit</a>

"We decided to do something which was best in the world and something that didn't exist at the time," Karu said.&nbsp;

Maria Galindo, Current Advisor in International Digital Policy, Ministry for Digital Policy and Public Administration, Government of Catalonia insisted how "countries and societies really need to make this effort to move forward with digitalisation".

Also read | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-wion-global-summit-leaders-discuss-how-israel-palestine-conflict-will-affect-west-asia-peace-372843">At WION Global Summit, leaders discuss how Israel-Palestine conflict will affect West Asia peace</a>

"There are huge opportunities with digitalisation for creating new jobs, economy for the future, making traditional sectors more competitive."

She also pointed out "huge challenges", such as how to bring digital rights into the international agenda and how to battle the digital divide.&nbsp;

Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies, said we will see the reinvention of workplace and labour regulations.&nbsp;

Karu warned that we should understand that the digital revolution is not just about "technology", warning that the focus should be on people, otherwise we are heading in the "wrong direction".&nbsp;

Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan, said that there is much more in digital technology than "two dimensions" that are known and a lot can be improved upon.&nbsp;

It needs to be understood that productivity is not decreasing due to work from home, noted Jehudi Castro, Former Deputy Minister, Digital Economy, Colombia.&nbsp;

<h2>Challenges and opportunities</h2>

According to Galindo, the "biggest challenge" that we are currently facing is how to make this digital transformation "affordable" and "accessible" for everyone.&nbsp;

Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France, said that the challenges in the decades and years to come would be to make this technology accessible to developing countries and poorer sections of the society.&nbsp;

Lacey said that one of the most important positives of these technologies is that it provides a "level-playing field" to everyone and generate "economic empowerment" to areas that were struggling before the pandemic to survive.&nbsp;

At WION's Global Summit, Dubai, several prominent speakers from across the world discussed the role that digitalisation played during the Covid pandemic. At the session themed "Digital Revolution: The World Goes Online", moderated by international TV journalist Ali Aslan, the discussions revolved around the various aspects of the internet that were seen during the pandemic, its challenges and opportunities.

At WION's Global Summit, Dubai, several prominent speakers from across the world discussed the role that digitalisation played during the Covid pandemic. At the session themed "Digital Revolution: The World Goes Online", moderated by international TV journalist Ali Aslan, the discussions revolved around the various aspects of the internet that were seen during the pandemic, its challenges and opportunities. Sharing the success story of the internet in Estonia, Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, explained how the country decided to put focus on the internet. Also read | Economic centre of gravity has moved to East Asia, former VP of World Bank tells WION Global Summit "We decided to do something which was best in the world and something that didn't exist at the time," Karu said. Maria Galindo, Current Advisor in International Digital Policy, Ministry for Digital Policy and Public Administration, Government of Catalonia insisted how "countries and societies really need to make this effort to move forward with digitalisation". Also read | At WION Global Summit, leaders discuss how Israel-Palestine conflict will affect West Asia peace "There are huge opportunities with digitalisation for creating new jobs, economy for the future, making traditional sectors more competitive." She also pointed out "huge challenges", such as how to bring digital rights into the international agenda and how to battle the digital divide. Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies, said we will see the reinvention of workplace and labour regulations. Karu warned that we should understand that the digital revolution is not just about "technology", warning that the focus should be on people, otherwise we are heading in the "wrong direction". Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan, said that there is much more in digital technology than "two dimensions" that are known and a lot can be improved upon. It needs to be understood that productivity is not decreasing due to work from home, noted Jehudi Castro, Former Deputy Minister, Digital Economy, Colombia. Challenges and opportunities According to Galindo, the "biggest challenge" that we are currently facing is how to make this digital transformation "affordable" and "accessible" for everyone. Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France, said that the challenges in the decades and years to come would be to make this technology accessible to developing countries and poorer sections of the society. Lacey said that one of the most important positives of these technologies is that it provides a "level-playing field" to everyone and generate "economic empowerment" to areas that were struggling before the pandemic to survive.

WION Global Summit: Leaders explore role, challenges of digitalisation

What is the future of digitalisation in the post-pandemic world?&nbsp; Sustainability is the keyword, according to Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia.

"I hope and believe that our future will be more sustainable," said Karu during a panel discussion on the future of digital revolution, moderated by international TV presenter Ali Aslan&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/globalsummit/dubai-2021">WION's Global Summit 2021 Dubai</a>.&nbsp;

"I don't really mean the nature or the climate because the planet will be fine, humanity may not be so much."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-pundits-explore-role-challenges-of-digitalisation-372856">WION Global Summit: Pundits explore role, challenges of digitalisation</a>

He added that if humanity needs to survive, the practices need to be sustainable, adding that "there are no recipes" of how to do it.&nbsp;

"We need to collaborate," Karu said adding that the pandemic has taught us that "we should stop looking at the pieces of the puzzle to make it all work because nobody has the box of puzzle."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-pandemic-world-will-be-a-different-place-than-just-wearing-masks-says-indian-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-372721">Post-pandemic world will be a different place than just wearing masks, says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar</a>

"So sustainability, collaboration, and treating complex systems as complex rather than puzzles," Karu told the session.&nbsp;

Jehudi Castro, Former Deputy Minister, Digital Economy, Colombia; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France; Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Current Advisor in International Digital Policy, Ministry for Digital Policy and Public Administration, Government of Catalonia, were the other speakers who shared their thoughts during the discussion on the digital revolution.&nbsp;

What is the future of digitalisation in the post-pandemic world? Sustainability is the keyword, according to Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia.

What is the future of digitalisation in the post-pandemic world? Sustainability is the keyword, according to Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia. "I hope and believe that our future will be more sustainable," said Karu during a panel discussion on the future of digital revolution, moderated by international TV presenter Ali Aslan at WION's Global Summit 2021 Dubai. "I don't really mean the nature or the climate because the planet will be fine, humanity may not be so much." Also read | WION Global Summit: Pundits explore role, challenges of digitalisation He added that if humanity needs to survive, the practices need to be sustainable, adding that "there are no recipes" of how to do it. "We need to collaborate," Karu said adding that the pandemic has taught us that "we should stop looking at the pieces of the puzzle to make it all work because nobody has the box of puzzle." Also read | Post-pandemic world will be a different place than just wearing masks, says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar "So sustainability, collaboration, and treating complex systems as complex rather than puzzles," Karu told the session. Jehudi Castro, Former Deputy Minister, Digital Economy, Colombia; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France; Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Current Advisor in International Digital Policy, Ministry for Digital Policy and Public Administration, Government of Catalonia, were the other speakers who shared their thoughts during the discussion on the digital revolution.

Digital future needs to be 'sustainable': Former Estonia minister Karu at WION's Global Summit

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now.

Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-chapter-in-the-india-us-relationship-371785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations.

<h2>What does the trend tell you?</h2>

The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government.

The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global.

And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat.

What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington.&nbsp;

It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans.

Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit.

This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul.&nbsp;

It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington.&nbsp;

But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners.

It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward.

So what will Austin do in India?

He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister.&nbsp;

Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

<h2>What's on the agenda?</h2>

The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions.

There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership.

India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. 
&nbsp; 
In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China.

Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation.

He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US.&nbsp;

Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese.

On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China.

This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia.

<h2>Who is Lloyd Austin?&nbsp;</h2>

He is the US's first African American defence secretary.

Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit.&nbsp;

He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command.

This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too.

Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward.

During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India. 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present. Watch | This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations. What does the trend tell you? The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority. This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US. Also read | US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government. The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global. And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat. What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington. It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans. Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit. This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul. It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington. But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners. It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward. So what will Austin do in India? He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister. Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. What's on the agenda? The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific. A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions. There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership. India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China. Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation. He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US. Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese. On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China. This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia. Who is Lloyd Austin? He is the US's first African American defence secretary. Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit. He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command. This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too. Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward. During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India.

Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus.

The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India.&nbsp;

More than 400 nationals of Myanmar have now sought shelter in India.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-coup-is-becoming-indias-problem-371787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A 21-year-old, rifleman in Myanmar's military was ordered to kill the protesters as the protests for the restoration of democracy intensified.

The man chose to rebel and fled to Mizoram in India.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-deploys-ai-indonesian-president-calls-for-asean-meeting-on-coup-crisis-371577">Myanmar deploys AI; Indonesian president calls for ASEAN meeting on coup crisis</a>

Earlier it was just military and police officers, but now even officials from Myanmar's emergency services are disobeying orders and fleeing to India.

One such individual is Khaw who claims that he worked at the local fire department in the Chin state of Myanmar.&nbsp;

Khaw and his colleagues joined the civil disobedience campaign when the police ordered them to use a fire truck to disperse protesters.

With the junta refusing to back down, several people are crossing over to India.

According to a report, more than 100 of them arrived in Mizoram last Friday and considering the military's high-handed response, these numbers could grow.

Reportedly, Myanmar's military is now deploying technology to track the pro-democracy campaigners.&nbsp;

Protesters fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology.

Rights groups are concerned that the junta has access to CCTV cameras armed with artificial intelligence technology which can be used to automatically scan faces and vehicle license plates and alert authorities about those who are on a wanted list.

Recently, a police officer kicked and forced a man to crawl for hours on the street.&nbsp;

Reports say eyewitnesses who filmed this video saw the man being beaten up by cops later.

The military is terrorising the citizens of Myanmar with the crisis now spilling beyond the borders.

The coup in Myanmar is becoming a problem not just for India, but for the entire region.

 
&nbsp;

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus. The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India.

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus. The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India. More than 400 nationals of Myanmar have now sought shelter in India. Watch | A 21-year-old, rifleman in Myanmar's military was ordered to kill the protesters as the protests for the restoration of democracy intensified. The man chose to rebel and fled to Mizoram in India. Also read | Myanmar deploys AI; Indonesian president calls for ASEAN meeting on coup crisis Earlier it was just military and police officers, but now even officials from Myanmar's emergency services are disobeying orders and fleeing to India. One such individual is Khaw who claims that he worked at the local fire department in the Chin state of Myanmar. Khaw and his colleagues joined the civil disobedience campaign when the police ordered them to use a fire truck to disperse protesters. With the junta refusing to back down, several people are crossing over to India. According to a report, more than 100 of them arrived in Mizoram last Friday and considering the military's high-handed response, these numbers could grow. Reportedly, Myanmar's military is now deploying technology to track the pro-democracy campaigners. Protesters fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology. Rights groups are concerned that the junta has access to CCTV cameras armed with artificial intelligence technology which can be used to automatically scan faces and vehicle license plates and alert authorities about those who are on a wanted list. Recently, a police officer kicked and forced a man to crawl for hours on the street. Reports say eyewitnesses who filmed this video saw the man being beaten up by cops later. The military is terrorising the citizens of Myanmar with the crisis now spilling beyond the borders. The coup in Myanmar is becoming a problem not just for India, but for the entire region.

Myanmar military's brutality is becoming a problem not just for India, but entire region

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Zee News Rajasthan

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