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<p>After it "paused" its clinical trial over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8000-jumbo-jets-needed-to-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-globally-iata-says-326576">vaccine</a> this week, AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot said today that a vaccine was still possible by the "end of this year, early next year".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>The company stopped its late-stage trials after a participant in Britain fell ill. The volunteer reportedly had a rare spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis, but a final diagnosis is pending with more tests underway.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-voluntarily-pauses-clinical-trials-for-oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-after-unexplained-illness-326112">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca 'voluntarily pauses' clinical trials for Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine</a></p>

<p>US National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins told a Senate committee hearing that "work was underway to see if anybody else who received that vaccination or any other might have had a similar finding of a spinal cord problem."</p>

<p>Pascal Soriot said the company should know before the end of the year whether its experimental vaccine protects people against coronavirus. "We could still have a vaccine by the end of this year, early next year," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trials-of-oxford-universitys-covid-19-vaccine-paused-what-now-326374">Also Read:&nbsp;Trials of Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine 'paused', what now?</a></p>

<p>Soriot said pausing trials was not a new phenomena. "It's very common, actually, and many experts will tell you this," Soriot said, adding: "The difference with other vaccine trials is, the whole world is not watching them, of course. They stop, they study, and they restart."</p>

<p>AstraZeneca's CEO informed that it has capacity for 3 billion doses at sites around the world to prevent governments from restricting distribution.</p>

<p>"AstraZeneca would supply vaccines to countries at the same time to ensure a fair and equitable distribution," Soriot said.</p>


After it "paused" its clinical trial over the vaccine this week, AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot said today that a vaccine was still possible by the "end of this year, early next year".

After it "paused" its clinical trial over the vaccine this week, AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot said today that a vaccine was still possible by the "end of this year, early next year". Watch: The company stopped its late-stage trials after a participant in Britain fell ill. The volunteer reportedly had a rare spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis, but a final diagnosis is pending with more tests underway. Also Read: AstraZeneca 'voluntarily pauses' clinical trials for Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine US National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins told a Senate committee hearing that "work was underway to see if anybody else who received that vaccination or any other might have had a similar finding of a spinal cord problem." Pascal Soriot said the company should know before the end of the year whether its experimental vaccine protects people against coronavirus. "We could still have a vaccine by the end of this year, early next year," he added. Also Read: Trials of Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine 'paused', what now? Soriot said pausing trials was not a new phenomena. "It's very common, actually, and many experts will tell you this," Soriot said, adding: "The difference with other vaccine trials is, the whole world is not watching them, of course. They stop, they study, and they restart." AstraZeneca's CEO informed that it has capacity for 3 billion doses at sites around the world to prevent governments from restricting distribution. "AstraZeneca would supply vaccines to countries at the same time to ensure a fair and equitable distribution," Soriot said.

Could still have a vaccine by the end of the year, early next year: AstraZeneca CEO

<p>According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed "bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and infantry units in the bordering plateau region" amid tensions with India along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control(LAC)</a>.</p>

<p>China's mouthpiece said H-6 bombers and Y-20 large transport aircraft have been deployed attached to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-ministers-of-russia-india-china-to-meet-in-moscow-chinese-foreign-ministry-326308">PLA</a> Central Theater Command Air Force for "training missions".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indias-tibetan-special-frontier-forces-beat-back-chinas-pla-at-black-top-326288">In Pics: How India's Tibetan Special Frontier Forces beat back China's PLA at Black Top</a></p>

<p>The report said, "HJ-10 anti-tank missile systems attached to the PLA 71st Group Army recently travelled from east China's Jiangsu province to northwest China's Gobi desert over thousands of kilometers, while the PLA Tibet military command conducted round-the-clock combined brigade strike exercises."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-will-repeat-itself-if-india-makes-same-border-mistake-says-chinas-mouthpiece-global-times-326217">Also Read:&nbsp;History will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake, says China's mouthpiece Global Times</a></p>

<p>The latest Global Times report comes after the newspaper quoted a PLA spokesperson and tweeted that India "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday."</p>

<p>Global Times claimed that “history will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake” referring to the India-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">China</a> war in 1962.</p>

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<p>On Wednesday, the newspaper quoting CCTV reported that "air defence brigade under the PLA 72nd group army also mobilized to the northwest region in autumn and held live-fire confrontational drills with anti-aircraft guns".</p>

<p>CCTV said that paratroopers and heavy equipment onboard the Air Force's transport aircraft recently conducted a "multidimensional area capture and control exercises".</p>


According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed "bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and infantry units in the bordering plateau region" amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed "bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and infantry units in the bordering plateau region" amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). China's mouthpiece said H-6 bombers and Y-20 large transport aircraft have been deployed attached to the PLA Central Theater Command Air Force for "training missions". In Pics: How India's Tibetan Special Frontier Forces beat back China's PLA at Black Top The report said, "HJ-10 anti-tank missile systems attached to the PLA 71st Group Army recently travelled from east China's Jiangsu province to northwest China's Gobi desert over thousands of kilometers, while the PLA Tibet military command conducted round-the-clock combined brigade strike exercises." Also Read: History will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake, says China's mouthpiece Global Times The latest Global Times report comes after the newspaper quoted a PLA spokesperson and tweeted that India "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday." Global Times claimed that “history will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake” referring to the India-China war in 1962. × On Wednesday, the newspaper quoting CCTV reported that "air defence brigade under the PLA 72nd group army also mobilized to the northwest region in autumn and held live-fire confrontational drills with anti-aircraft guns". CCTV said that paratroopers and heavy equipment onboard the Air Force's transport aircraft recently conducted a "multidimensional area capture and control exercises".

India-China standoff: Bombers, paratroopers and special forces deployed in 'plateau region amid border tensions', says Global Times

<p>British PM Johnson&nbsp;today unveiled 'moonshot' mass testing plan amid growing coronavirus cases in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>"I wish that we did not have to take this step," Johnson said, adding," But, as your prime minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives."</p>

<p>Under the "moonshot" plan the government allowed millions of people to be tested every day to allow them to circulate freely.</p>

<p>"We are hopeful this approach will be widespread by the spring and, if everything comes together, it may be possible even for challenging sectors like theatres to have life much closer to normal before Christmas," Johnson said.</p>

<p>However, the British prime minister said there were "numerous logistical challenges", while adding that "we're not there yet."</p>

<p>"Let me be clear -- these measures are not a second national lockdown. The whole point of them is to avoid a second national lockdown," the prime minister said.</p>

<p>Johnson also introduced the "rule of six" which means banning social gatherings of more than six people and making contact tracing mandatory in pubs and other venues.</p>

<p>Britain has been hit hard due to the virus with 41,500 deaths with 3,000 daily coronavirus cases recently.</p>


British PM Johnson today unveiled 'moonshot' mass testing plan amid growing coronavirus cases in the country. Watch: "I wish that we did not have to take this step," Johnson said, adding," But, as your prime minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives.

British PM Johnson today unveiled 'moonshot' mass testing plan amid growing coronavirus cases in the country. Watch: "I wish that we did not have to take this step," Johnson said, adding," But, as your prime minister, I must do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives." Under the "moonshot" plan the government allowed millions of people to be tested every day to allow them to circulate freely. "We are hopeful this approach will be widespread by the spring and, if everything comes together, it may be possible even for challenging sectors like theatres to have life much closer to normal before Christmas," Johnson said. However, the British prime minister said there were "numerous logistical challenges", while adding that "we're not there yet." "Let me be clear -- these measures are not a second national lockdown. The whole point of them is to avoid a second national lockdown," the prime minister said. Johnson also introduced the "rule of six" which means banning social gatherings of more than six people and making contact tracing mandatory in pubs and other venues. Britain has been hit hard due to the virus with 41,500 deaths with 3,000 daily coronavirus cases recently.

PM Johnson unveils 'moonshot' plan, 'rule of six' amid spike in COVID-19 cases

<p>Afghanistan's vice president Amrullah Saleh sustained minor injuries Wednesday when an explosion targeted his convoy and killed at least 10 people, as government-backed negotiators and the Taliban prepared to meet in Doha for long-delayed peace talks.</p>

<p>The attack in the capital Kabul was quickly condemned as an attempt to frustrate the peace process, with top Afghan and foreign officials calling for an end to violence so negotiations between the two warring sides can proceed.</p>

<p>In a video posted on Facebook soon after the explosion, Saleh, an outspoken Taliban critic, said he had been travelling to his office when his convoy was attacked.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-targets-hafiz-saeed-masood-azhar-dawood-ibrahim-increases-curbs-on-terror-groups-to-avoid-fatf-blacklist-322394">Pak targets Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar &amp; Dawood Ibrahim; increases curbs on terror groups to avoid FATF blacklist</a></strong></p>

<p>"I am fine but some of my guards have been wounded. My son, who was in the car with me, and I are both fine," Saleh said, with bandages on his left hand.</p>

<p>"I have some burns on my face and hand. The blast was strong."</p>

<p>The interior ministry said the bomb was placed on a hand cart and detonated remotely when Saleh's convoy passed by.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, 10 civilians, mostly people who were working in the area, were killed, and 15, including a number of the first VP's bodyguards, were wounded," Tareq Arian, spokesman to the ministry, told reporters at the scene.</p>

<p>The Taliban, who have pledged not to launch attacks in urban areas under a deal with the United States, denied responsibility.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi suspected the Haqqani network, a US-branded terrorist group with links&nbsp;to the Taliban, to be behind the attack.</p>

<p>It is headed by Siraj Uddin Haqqani, deputy leader of the Taliban. He&nbsp;recently tested positive for the Wuhan virus and was treated at a Pakistani military hospital in&nbsp;Rawalpindi.</p>

<p>Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan had&nbsp;announced sanctions on key figures of&nbsp;the Haqqani network in August.</p>

<p>"The type of explosive used... and nature of attack is similar to other attacks carried out and claimed by the Haqqani network in the past," Andarabi said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Saleh, the senior of&nbsp;Afghanistan's two vice presidents, survived an assassination attempt last year ahead of presidential elections.</p>

<p>At least 20 people, most of them civilians,&nbsp;were killed and 50 others wounded when a suicide attacker and gunmen targeted Saleh's Kabul office at that time.</p>


Afghanistan's vice president Amrullah Saleh sustained minor injuries Wednesday when an explosion targeted his convoy and killed at least 10 people, as government-backed negotiators and the Taliban prepared to meet in Doha for long-delayed peace talks.

Afghanistan's vice president Amrullah Saleh sustained minor injuries Wednesday when an explosion targeted his convoy and killed at least 10 people, as government-backed negotiators and the Taliban prepared to meet in Doha for long-delayed peace talks. The attack in the capital Kabul was quickly condemned as an attempt to frustrate the peace process, with top Afghan and foreign officials calling for an end to violence so negotiations between the two warring sides can proceed. In a video posted on Facebook soon after the explosion, Saleh, an outspoken Taliban critic, said he had been travelling to his office when his convoy was attacked. Also read: Pak targets Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar & Dawood Ibrahim; increases curbs on terror groups to avoid FATF blacklist "I am fine but some of my guards have been wounded. My son, who was in the car with me, and I are both fine," Saleh said, with bandages on his left hand. "I have some burns on my face and hand. The blast was strong." The interior ministry said the bomb was placed on a hand cart and detonated remotely when Saleh's convoy passed by. "Unfortunately, 10 civilians, mostly people who were working in the area, were killed, and 15, including a number of the first VP's bodyguards, were wounded," Tareq Arian, spokesman to the ministry, told reporters at the scene. The Taliban, who have pledged not to launch attacks in urban areas under a deal with the United States, denied responsibility. Interior Minister Masoud Andarabi suspected the Haqqani network, a US-branded terrorist group with links to the Taliban, to be behind the attack. It is headed by Siraj Uddin Haqqani, deputy leader of the Taliban. He recently tested positive for the Wuhan virus and was treated at a Pakistani military hospital in Rawalpindi. Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan had announced sanctions on key figures of the Haqqani network in August. "The type of explosive used... and nature of attack is similar to other attacks carried out and claimed by the Haqqani network in the past," Andarabi said on Twitter. Saleh, the senior of Afghanistan's two vice presidents, survived an assassination attempt last year ahead of presidential elections. At least 20 people, most of them civilians, were killed and 50 others wounded when a suicide attacker and gunmen targeted Saleh's Kabul office at that time.

Assassination attempt on Afghanistan's vice president frustrates peace efforts

<p>India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border.</p>

<p>Starting with India's strategy, for many decades India's strategy was don't ask, don't tell, that is - don't confront China, don't tell how much land China is grabbing, piecemeal, so that things do&nbsp;not come to a head but in 2017, India and China witnessed a major standoff.</p>

<p>China tried constructing a road in Doklam and India stopped it and that's when Beijing got the first taste of India's new approach. In the years since India has ramped up its border construction. China tried to oppose it but India has stood its ground.</p>

<p>On June 15, when the PLA provoked Indian soldiers with nail-studded clubs in Galwan, they were paid back in the same coin and then weeks of talks followed but India did not cede ground, instead, India took vantage points, like Rezang La.</p>

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<p>Indian soldiers are dominating the heights spread over 50 kilometres and now talking to China from a position of strength. The Indian troops did not wait for China's next move, they went ahead and secured better positions.</p>

<p>China is not used to such posturing by India. Beijing is surprised, and rattled, so much so, that it broke the 45-year record of no shot after its soldiers fired at the LAC for the first time since 1975 and all this happened around 7pm.</p>

<p>China issued 3am press statements and the tone was of urgency and victimhood. There were two things - first, India's dominance of the heights in Ladakh and second, the public funeral of a Tibetan soldier. A Tibetan trooper who died in Ladakh, he was fighting for India against China. His story rallied Tibetans in India's favour.</p>

<p>However, Beijing wanted to change the narrative but firing shots did not help, so within hours, it changed tack, and started playing the victim. It said Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control, entered Chinese territory and fired at Chinese troops.</p>

<p>China also deployed its propaganda machine to amplify the pitch and on cue, Chinese state media went into a collective meltdown.</p>

<p>The Global Times has been tweeting restlessly all day saying "India could be lifting rocks to drop on its own feet".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s firing of shots at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/border?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#border</a> is an attempt to push for talks with China on border issues with force, but in the end, it could be lifting rocks only to drop them on its own feet: experts <a href="https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2">https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2</a></p>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1303246341498257408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Global Times editorial claims India's bravado will backfire. There are many more in this vein with hollow, shrill bluster exposing China's desperation. India's tactical moves are delivering. Its proactive approach means that it is speaking to China in the only language that it understands - the language of strength and power.</p>

<p>The meeting of the two foreign ministers in Moscow should yield something, a breakthrough would be too much to hope for but talking is the best option. The ball is in China's court. It can do three things - first, it can go back, which would be the best for everyone, second, it can escalate the situation which would be the worst-case scenario and third, it can continue with the status quo with India breathing down its neck which China ideally wouldn't like because militarily and diplomatically it is at a disadvantage.</p>

<p>So talking and de-escalating is China's best bet with several rounds of border talks in the last couple of decades which have all been inconclusive.</p>

<p>What we see today is a manifestation of the unresolved issues of the past the baggage of 1962. The only way to fix this is for China to agree to define a border, demarcate the Line of Actual Control- the undefined border - coupled with China's endless appetite for land is the root cause of all problems.</p>


India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border.

India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border. Starting with India's strategy, for many decades India's strategy was don't ask, don't tell, that is - don't confront China, don't tell how much land China is grabbing, piecemeal, so that things do not come to a head but in 2017, India and China witnessed a major standoff. China tried constructing a road in Doklam and India stopped it and that's when Beijing got the first taste of India's new approach. In the years since India has ramped up its border construction. China tried to oppose it but India has stood its ground. On June 15, when the PLA provoked Indian soldiers with nail-studded clubs in Galwan, they were paid back in the same coin and then weeks of talks followed but India did not cede ground, instead, India took vantage points, like Rezang La. × Indian soldiers are dominating the heights spread over 50 kilometres and now talking to China from a position of strength. The Indian troops did not wait for China's next move, they went ahead and secured better positions. China is not used to such posturing by India. Beijing is surprised, and rattled, so much so, that it broke the 45-year record of no shot after its soldiers fired at the LAC for the first time since 1975 and all this happened around 7pm. China issued 3am press statements and the tone was of urgency and victimhood. There were two things - first, India's dominance of the heights in Ladakh and second, the public funeral of a Tibetan soldier. A Tibetan trooper who died in Ladakh, he was fighting for India against China. His story rallied Tibetans in India's favour. However, Beijing wanted to change the narrative but firing shots did not help, so within hours, it changed tack, and started playing the victim. It said Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control, entered Chinese territory and fired at Chinese troops. China also deployed its propaganda machine to amplify the pitch and on cue, Chinese state media went into a collective meltdown. The Global Times has been tweeting restlessly all day saying "India could be lifting rocks to drop on its own feet". #India's firing of shots at #border is an attempt to push for talks with China on border issues with force, but in the end, it could be lifting rocks only to drop them on its own feet: experts https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2 — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) September 8, 2020 × The Global Times editorial claims India's bravado will backfire. There are many more in this vein with hollow, shrill bluster exposing China's desperation. India's tactical moves are delivering. Its proactive approach means that it is speaking to China in the only language that it understands - the language of strength and power. The meeting of the two foreign ministers in Moscow should yield something, a breakthrough would be too much to hope for but talking is the best option. The ball is in China's court. It can do three things - first, it can go back, which would be the best for everyone, second, it can escalate the situation which would be the worst-case scenario and third, it can continue with the status quo with India breathing down its neck which China ideally wouldn't like because militarily and diplomatically it is at a disadvantage. So talking and de-escalating is China's best bet with several rounds of border talks in the last couple of decades which have all been inconclusive. What we see today is a manifestation of the unresolved issues of the past the baggage of 1962. The only way to fix this is for China to agree to define a border, demarcate the Line of Actual Control- the undefined border - coupled with China's endless appetite for land is the root cause of all problems.

Standoff at LAC: India's strategy, China's response and the road ahead

<p>Pictures of&nbsp;Chinese soldiers holding spears and&nbsp;machete has emerged after their&nbsp;attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;dislodge Indian forces from strategic heights in Mukhpari peak and Rezang La areas in Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weapons are actually traditional Chinese swords called&nbsp;Guan Dao. This piece of evidence sheds light on the real culprit behind the so-called ''provoaction''.</p>

<p>However, on Monday China said&nbsp;it hopes for disengagement as soon as possible, citing&nbsp;''harsh winter''.</p>

<p>A 1996 agreement between both countries bars the use of guns and explosives from the Line of Actual Control, as the disputed border is known, although soldiers have clashed there before.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-on-september-7-pictures-emerge-of-chinese-soldiers-with-spears-machete-326038" hreflang="en">India-China face-off on September 7: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Chinese state media outlet the Global Times, the Indian troops had "illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake", quoting senior colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of the PLA.</p>

<p>The Indian Army&nbsp;rejected the claims of Indian troops transgressing into Chinese territory. However, their attempts were thwarted by Indian soldiers.</p>

<p>It&nbsp;said, "PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air" and "despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner".</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-military-closed-in-on-indian-positions-fired-in-the-air-army-rejects-pla-claims-325901" hreflang="en">Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims</a></strong></p>

<p>"At no stage has the Indian army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing," the statement from India's military said.</p>

<p>Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said&nbsp;"India's actions seriously violated the relevant agreements reached by the two sides and fueled regional tensions, which could easily cause misunderstandings and miscalculations.''</p>

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<p>''They are serious military provocations of a very bad nature. We urge the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous acts, immediately withdraw cross-line personnel, strictly discipline front-line troops, and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again."</p>

<p>Beijing's statement is similar to the one issued by New Delhi in August when India had thwarted three incursion attempts from the PLA.</p>

<p>In August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within one week. Both charges were denied by China, which said that the border standoff was "entirely" India's fault.</p>


Pictures of Chinese soldiers holding spears and machete has emerged after their attempt to dislodge Indian forces from strategic heights in Mukhpari peak and Rezang La areas in Ladakh.

Pictures of Chinese soldiers holding spears and machete has emerged after their attempt to dislodge Indian forces from strategic heights in Mukhpari peak and Rezang La areas in Ladakh. The weapons are actually traditional Chinese swords called Guan Dao. This piece of evidence sheds light on the real culprit behind the so-called ''provoaction''. However, on Monday China said it hopes for disengagement as soon as possible, citing ''harsh winter''. A 1996 agreement between both countries bars the use of guns and explosives from the Line of Actual Control, as the disputed border is known, although soldiers have clashed there before. Also read| India-China face-off on September 7: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete According to Chinese state media outlet the Global Times, the Indian troops had "illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) into the Shenpao mountain region near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake", quoting senior colonel Zhang Shuili, a spokesperson of the PLA. The Indian Army rejected the claims of Indian troops transgressing into Chinese territory. However, their attempts were thwarted by Indian soldiers. It said, "PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air" and "despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner". Also read| Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims "At no stage has the Indian army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing," the statement from India's military said. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "India's actions seriously violated the relevant agreements reached by the two sides and fueled regional tensions, which could easily cause misunderstandings and miscalculations.'' × ''They are serious military provocations of a very bad nature. We urge the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous acts, immediately withdraw cross-line personnel, strictly discipline front-line troops, and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again." Beijing's statement is similar to the one issued by New Delhi in August when India had thwarted three incursion attempts from the PLA. In August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within one week. Both charges were denied by China, which said that the border standoff was "entirely" India's fault.

India-China standoff: What really happened on the Mukhpari peak, Rezang La

<p>India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La.</p>

<p>Now, with the India-China standoff escalating, this territory is back in focus.</p>

<p>Indian soldiers had fought the Chinese to the last bullet during the 1962 war, 58 years later, both sides are back to where it all began - the Pangong Tso lake.</p>

<p>The flashpoint this time is the southern bank with one of the areas where the Indian soldiers have come face-to-face with the PLA being Rezang La which is a mountain pass that has been a battleground for India and China in the past.</p>

<p>In November 1962, China had launched a silent attack on Rezang La, an isolated Indian forward post which was targeted from multiple directions despite being cornered and outnumbered the Indian soldiers fought bravery leading them was Major Shaitan Singh the company commander who crawled from trench to trench reorganizing the defences and motivating his men, despite suffering injuries.</p>

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<p>The Indian soldiers fought to their last rounds, however, they were eventually overpowered by the Chinese. Major Shaitan Singh succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra -India's highest military honour.</p>

<p>The Chinese soldiers used every trick in the book to take control of Rezang La because of its geographic location. The mountain pass lies on the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese troops have tried to capture strategic positions. Now, they are on the back foot. India has taken control of key mountain heights. It gives Indian soldiers a clear view of potential paths of ingress allowing India to push back any Chinese advances.</p>

<p>China wants control over the southern bank of Pangong Tso, one of the possible paths for an incursion attempt is through Rezang La.</p>

<p>Last month, India had thwarted a Chinese incursion attempt in the southern bank - an area that is easier to traverse due to the flatter terrain. India has control of the southern bank&nbsp;and Indian soldiers can block Chinese incursions because they have access to strategic heights like Rezang La also, the Spanngur gap - a potential route to Leh for Chinese soldiers if they ever attempt a full-scale invasion.</p>

<p>Guarding Rezang La is critical for India as it blocks China from more military adventurism in the disputed region. India has been carefully watching the movements of the PLA. The southern bank of Pangong Tso is among the few sectors that can be used as a launchpad for an offensive. During the 1962 war, both banks witnessed a Chinese offensive with India losing territory on both sides.</p>

<p>More than 50 years after the war, China is back to seize more land but it is India, that has the advantage this time.</p>


India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La.

India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La. Now, with the India-China standoff escalating, this territory is back in focus. Indian soldiers had fought the Chinese to the last bullet during the 1962 war, 58 years later, both sides are back to where it all began - the Pangong Tso lake. The flashpoint this time is the southern bank with one of the areas where the Indian soldiers have come face-to-face with the PLA being Rezang La which is a mountain pass that has been a battleground for India and China in the past. In November 1962, China had launched a silent attack on Rezang La, an isolated Indian forward post which was targeted from multiple directions despite being cornered and outnumbered the Indian soldiers fought bravery leading them was Major Shaitan Singh the company commander who crawled from trench to trench reorganizing the defences and motivating his men, despite suffering injuries. × The Indian soldiers fought to their last rounds, however, they were eventually overpowered by the Chinese. Major Shaitan Singh succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra -India's highest military honour. The Chinese soldiers used every trick in the book to take control of Rezang La because of its geographic location. The mountain pass lies on the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese troops have tried to capture strategic positions. Now, they are on the back foot. India has taken control of key mountain heights. It gives Indian soldiers a clear view of potential paths of ingress allowing India to push back any Chinese advances. China wants control over the southern bank of Pangong Tso, one of the possible paths for an incursion attempt is through Rezang La. Last month, India had thwarted a Chinese incursion attempt in the southern bank - an area that is easier to traverse due to the flatter terrain. India has control of the southern bank and Indian soldiers can block Chinese incursions because they have access to strategic heights like Rezang La also, the Spanngur gap - a potential route to Leh for Chinese soldiers if they ever attempt a full-scale invasion. Guarding Rezang La is critical for India as it blocks China from more military adventurism in the disputed region. India has been carefully watching the movements of the PLA. The southern bank of Pangong Tso is among the few sectors that can be used as a launchpad for an offensive. During the 1962 war, both banks witnessed a Chinese offensive with India losing territory on both sides. More than 50 years after the war, China is back to seize more land but it is India, that has the advantage this time.

Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC

<p>When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically.</p>

<p>Russian diplomats were expelled post the Skripal poisoning and in the worst-case scenario, something similar would have followed Navalny's poisoning.</p>

<p>However, Kremlin forgot to look under the Baltic Sea. The Russian nerve agent may be killing the Nord Stream 2, the pipeline from Russia to Germany is almost complete but Berlin is threatening to put a hold to it and wants to negotiate - cooperate in Navalny's probe, else Berlin will suspend the Nord Stream 2.</p>

<p>German foreign minister Heiko Mass has warned to Kremlin.</p>

<p>"I hope the Russians won't force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2," Mass said.</p>

<p>German Chancellor Angela Merkel endorsed the foreign minister's view.</p>

<p>"The Chancellor shares the remarks made by the foreign minister over the weekend," Steffen Seibert, German government spokesman, said.</p>

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<p>There is domestic pressure on Merkel to pursue hard politics. Senior German leaders want Berlin to respond to Navalny's poisoning in perhaps the only language that Putin understands - money.</p>

<p>As Alexei Navalny comes out of the medically-induced coma, the 9.5 billion Euro Nord Stream 2 is staring at life support. The twin pipeline project is 2,460 km long and 2,300 km has already been completed.</p>

<p>The pipeline goes under the Baltic Sea and it is designed to send Russian gas to Germany and the rest of Europe. Moscow is looking at sending 110 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually.</p>

<p>Currently, Russia supplies 34 per cent of European gas with the Nord Stream 2, the number would touch 40 per cent.</p>

<p>The project is led by Russian company Gazprom and it is expected to start operating in early 2021. The pipeline has survived a lot of attacks - the US sanctioned the project in 2019&nbsp;since it is a big threat to Washington with the export of gas to Europe.</p>

<p>The European Union itself is divided on the Nord Stream 2. Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states believe it will increase the bloc's reliance on Russia. Merkel stood strong against all these objections with pandemic reducing energy demands, and the German economy dipping the question is whether the German Chancellor can separate politics from economy.</p>

<p>Germany could really use some brownie points on human rights.</p>


When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically.

When Russia poisoned Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, not in its wildest dreams would it have thought that the attack on a critic would hurt Kremlin economically. Russian diplomats were expelled post the Skripal poisoning and in the worst-case scenario, something similar would have followed Navalny's poisoning. However, Kremlin forgot to look under the Baltic Sea. The Russian nerve agent may be killing the Nord Stream 2, the pipeline from Russia to Germany is almost complete but Berlin is threatening to put a hold to it and wants to negotiate - cooperate in Navalny's probe, else Berlin will suspend the Nord Stream 2. German foreign minister Heiko Mass has warned to Kremlin. "I hope the Russians won't force us to change our position regarding the Nord Stream 2," Mass said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel endorsed the foreign minister's view. "The Chancellor shares the remarks made by the foreign minister over the weekend," Steffen Seibert, German government spokesman, said. × There is domestic pressure on Merkel to pursue hard politics. Senior German leaders want Berlin to respond to Navalny's poisoning in perhaps the only language that Putin understands - money. As Alexei Navalny comes out of the medically-induced coma, the 9.5 billion Euro Nord Stream 2 is staring at life support. The twin pipeline project is 2,460 km long and 2,300 km has already been completed. The pipeline goes under the Baltic Sea and it is designed to send Russian gas to Germany and the rest of Europe. Moscow is looking at sending 110 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. Currently, Russia supplies 34 per cent of European gas with the Nord Stream 2, the number would touch 40 per cent. The project is led by Russian company Gazprom and it is expected to start operating in early 2021. The pipeline has survived a lot of attacks - the US sanctioned the project in 2019 since it is a big threat to Washington with the export of gas to Europe. The European Union itself is divided on the Nord Stream 2. Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states believe it will increase the bloc's reliance on Russia. Merkel stood strong against all these objections with pandemic reducing energy demands, and the German economy dipping the question is whether the German Chancellor can separate politics from economy. Germany could really use some brownie points on human rights.

Germany threatens to put Nord Stream 2 project on hold as Russia fails to cooperate in Navalny probe

<p>Beijing has unveiled a global data security push which aims at establishing global standards on data security.</p>

<p>It is from the same country which is the biggest threat to data security, otherwise why else would India ban 224 Chinese apps and US, Australia and the UK close their doors on Huawei.</p>

<p>Washington is also launching a "Clean Network" program which aims at making the market against free Chinese technology. At least 30 countries have reportedly joined the initiative.</p>

<p>Therefore, what China is doing is countering the global boycott of Chinese tech and painting itself as the torch bearer of data security.</p>

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<p>Beijing's data security push has eight points, each more ironical than the other. China is asking companies to not steal data from other countries using technology, China also wants tech companies to stop obtaining user data illegally.</p>

<p>China says its initiative opposes mass surveillance of other countries using technology.</p>

<p>Beijing says the countries signing up to the data security push should avoid asking companies to provide data without permission.</p>

<p>China's national intelligence law requires companies to hand over data when asked, "support, assist and cooperate with the state intelligence work," it says.</p>

<p>The irony-laden initiative was announced by China's foreign minister Wang Yi. The Chinese foreign minister took the opportunity to criticise Washington.</p>

<p>"Countries are using security as a pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries," he said.</p>

<p>Wang went on to declare that "such blatant acts of bullying must be opposed and rejected".<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Beijing has unveiled a global data security push which aims at establishing global standards on data security. It is from the same country which is the biggest threat to data security, otherwise why else would India ban 224 Chinese apps and US, Australia and the UK close their doors on Huawei.

Beijing has unveiled a global data security push which aims at establishing global standards on data security. It is from the same country which is the biggest threat to data security, otherwise why else would India ban 224 Chinese apps and US, Australia and the UK close their doors on Huawei. Washington is also launching a "Clean Network" program which aims at making the market against free Chinese technology. At least 30 countries have reportedly joined the initiative. Therefore, what China is doing is countering the global boycott of Chinese tech and painting itself as the torch bearer of data security. × Beijing's data security push has eight points, each more ironical than the other. China is asking companies to not steal data from other countries using technology, China also wants tech companies to stop obtaining user data illegally. China says its initiative opposes mass surveillance of other countries using technology. Beijing says the countries signing up to the data security push should avoid asking companies to provide data without permission. China's national intelligence law requires companies to hand over data when asked, "support, assist and cooperate with the state intelligence work," it says. The irony-laden initiative was announced by China's foreign minister Wang Yi. The Chinese foreign minister took the opportunity to criticise Washington. "Countries are using security as a pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries," he said. Wang went on to declare that "such blatant acts of bullying must be opposed and rejected".

Now, China spearheads global data security push

<p>France has reported more than 20 killings of&nbsp;horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month.</p>

<p>A 50-year-old jobless man was arrested in eastern France as part of an investigation into a spate of killings and mutilations of&nbsp;horses across the country.</p>

<p>French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie on Monday&nbsp;reassured&nbsp;horse&nbsp;breeders as inquiries into attacks mount.</p>

<p>Over the past weeks the country has been shocked by a succession of mutilations of over 150 horses that have seen ears sliced off, genitals cut and skin lacerated.</p>

<p>However, the&nbsp;motivation for&nbsp;the perpetrators remains a mystery. Hatred of animals? Inspiration by a warped sect? A macabre challenge spreading on social media? Or might the causes sometimes be natural?&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Investigators have no firm leads. According to the authorities, the attacks are by multiple perpetrators whose methods vary nationwide, further complicating the picture.</p>

<p>The issue of cattle mutilation dates back to&nbsp;1606 when&nbsp;mysterious livestock deaths were first documented. Sheep, horses, cats, dogs, and many more have been victims of such heinous acts ever since.</p>

<p>Nearly 100 sheeps were slaughtered in the London and thousands of cow murders have happened in the US since the 1970s.</p>

<p>The FBI conducted investigations on cattle mutilation in the US midwest but the truth remains elusive till date.</p>

<p>But for countries like China, animal cruelty is a celebration. For instance, every year, three thousand dogs are butchered and boiled alive at the Yulin dog eating festival where they are erved as some freak-show culinary delicacy.</p>


France has reported more than 20 killings of horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month.

France has reported more than 20 killings of horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month. A 50-year-old jobless man was arrested in eastern France as part of an investigation into a spate of killings and mutilations of horses across the country. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie on Monday reassured horse breeders as inquiries into attacks mount. Over the past weeks the country has been shocked by a succession of mutilations of over 150 horses that have seen ears sliced off, genitals cut and skin lacerated. However, the motivation for the perpetrators remains a mystery. Hatred of animals? Inspiration by a warped sect? A macabre challenge spreading on social media? Or might the causes sometimes be natural? × Investigators have no firm leads. According to the authorities, the attacks are by multiple perpetrators whose methods vary nationwide, further complicating the picture. The issue of cattle mutilation dates back to 1606 when mysterious livestock deaths were first documented. Sheep, horses, cats, dogs, and many more have been victims of such heinous acts ever since. Nearly 100 sheeps were slaughtered in the London and thousands of cow murders have happened in the US since the 1970s. The FBI conducted investigations on cattle mutilation in the US midwest but the truth remains elusive till date. But for countries like China, animal cruelty is a celebration. For instance, every year, three thousand dogs are butchered and boiled alive at the Yulin dog eating festival where they are erved as some freak-show culinary delicacy.

Horses in France falling prey to grisly mutilations

<p>Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus.</p>

<p>Her National League for Democracy party is widely expected to again win the most seats in the November 8 general election and Suu Kyi is expected to remain as state counsellor, the de facto head of state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-sets-november-8-as-the-date-for-parliamentary-election-309998">Myanmar sets November 8 as the date for parliamentary election</a></strong></p>

<p>The main opponents will be the Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by former generals. Myanmar was under military rule from 1962 until a nominally civilian government took over in 2011.</p>

<p>Suu Kyi is by far the country's most popular politician, even as she has been scorned internationally for Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/election-countdown-starts-in-myanmar-under-virus-shadow-325966" hreflang="en">Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow</a></strong></p>

<p>Her party,&nbsp;the National League for Democracy, which won a landslide at 2015 polls that ended half-a-century of military and military-backed rule, is expected to win again though by a lesser margin.</p>

<p>The party remains overwhelmingly popular despite criticism over its failure to curb the power of the army or end escalating ethnic conflicts. It has also faced international condemnation over a 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority.</p>

<p>Two&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers have been taken to The Hague after confessing to murdering minority Rohingya Muslims during a 2017 crackdown, two news organisations and a rights group reported on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The constitution was written by the former Junta.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Armed Forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats, effectively giving them a veto on legislation.</p>

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<p>Therefore,&nbsp;Suu Kyi and her&nbsp;party needs every vote.&nbsp;They cannot just get more than 50 percent of the elected seats like in a normal democracy.</p>

<p>For now, getting people to vote might be a challenge.&nbsp;Cases have spiked suddenly after Myanmar registered months of relatively low numbers. The health ministry reported 92 more cases on Tuesday morning, bringing the total to 1,610.</p>

<p>The western state of Rakhine, where the vast majority of the new cases have been found, is under lockdown, as are parts of Yangon. Restrictions are in force in several other cities, including the capital, Naypyitaw.</p>


Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised her party's flag at its office in the capital Tuesday to start an election campaign that may be disrupted by a resurgence of the coronavirus. Her National League for Democracy party is widely expected to again win the most seats in the November 8 general election and Suu Kyi is expected to remain as state counsellor, the de facto head of state. Also read: Myanmar sets November 8 as the date for parliamentary election The main opponents will be the Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by former generals. Myanmar was under military rule from 1962 until a nominally civilian government took over in 2011. Suu Kyi is by far the country's most popular politician, even as she has been scorned internationally for Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group. Also read: Election countdown starts in Myanmar under virus shadow Her party, the National League for Democracy, which won a landslide at 2015 polls that ended half-a-century of military and military-backed rule, is expected to win again though by a lesser margin. The party remains overwhelmingly popular despite criticism over its failure to curb the power of the army or end escalating ethnic conflicts. It has also faced international condemnation over a 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority. Two Myanmar soldiers have been taken to The Hague after confessing to murdering minority Rohingya Muslims during a 2017 crackdown, two news organisations and a rights group reported on Tuesday. The constitution was written by the former Junta. The Armed Forces control three key ministries and 25 percent of parliamentary seats, effectively giving them a veto on legislation. × Therefore, Suu Kyi and her party needs every vote. They cannot just get more than 50 percent of the elected seats like in a normal democracy. For now, getting people to vote might be a challenge. Cases have spiked suddenly after Myanmar registered months of relatively low numbers. The health ministry reported 92 more cases on Tuesday morning, bringing the total to 1,610. The western state of Rakhine, where the vast majority of the new cases have been found, is under lockdown, as are parts of Yangon. Restrictions are in force in several other cities, including the capital, Naypyitaw.

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi vows victory in election as campaign starts amid virus surge

How India's Tibetan Special Frontier Forces beat back China's PLA at Black Top

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