The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said it has confiscated assets worth Rs 329.66 crore of diamond merchant Nirav Modi under the fugitive economic offenders' law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/enforcement-directorate-brings-back-rs-1350-cr-worth-polished-diamonds-pearls-of-nirav-modi-choksi-firms-from-hong-kong-304856">Also Read:&nbsp;ED brings back Rs 1,350-cr worth polished diamonds, pearls of Nirav Modi from Hong Kong</a>

This is the first confiscation of assets order issued under the law that was brought by the Modi government in 2018 with an aim to deter economic offenders from evading the process of law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.

The businessman, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed by the ED on money laundering charges in connection with an over $2 billion alleged bank fraud at a PNB branch in Mumbai.

"The confiscated properties are in the form of four flats at the iconic building Samudra Mahal in Worli Mumbai, a sea-side farm house and land in Alibaug, a wind mill in Jaisalmer, a flat in London, residential flats in UAE and shares and bank deposits," the central probe agency said in a statement.

A special court in Mumbai had on June 8 authorised the ED to confiscate the assets. Nirav Modi, 49, was declared a fugitive economic offender by the same court on December 5 last year.

"The ED has attached the properties worth Rs 329.66 crore under the FEO Act, 2018 which now stands confiscated to the central government," it said.

As per the FEO Act, the confiscated property can be put up for auction after 90 days of issuance of the order and the amount collected is deposited with the exchequer or government account.

The ED also sticks a notice of confiscation on such properties.

The agency till now has attached assets worth Rs 2,348 crore (assessed value) of Nirav Modi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in this case.

The agency said the special court had "directed it to attach the properties (other than assets mortgaged or hypothecated and secured to PNB led consortium) belonging to Nirav Modi and his companies and ordered that after attachment the said properties shall stand confiscated to central government under Section 12(2) and (8) of the FEO Act".

The court had also directed the consortium of banks to approach it for claiming the mortgaged or hypothecated and secured properties which were attached by the ED under PMLA.

"On examination of properties attached, it was found that assets worth Rs 1,000 crore are prima facie covered under mortgage."

"Further, the Bombay High Court had directed that sale proceeds of paintings of about Rs 45 crore to be kept as fix deposits till further orders," the agency said.

Process for confiscation of remaining attached properties under FEO Act is underway, it said.

The agency had filed an application before the Mumbai court on July 10, 2018 to declare Nirav Modi a fugitive economic offender based on its PMLA investigation against him.

Nirav Modi is currently lodged in a UK jail after being arrested in London in March, 2019 and is currently fighting extradition to India.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said it has confiscated assets worth Rs 329.66 crore of diamond merchant Nirav Modi under the fugitive economic offenders' law.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said it has confiscated assets worth Rs 329.66 crore of diamond merchant Nirav Modi under the fugitive economic offenders' law. Also Read: ED brings back Rs 1,350-cr worth polished diamonds, pearls of Nirav Modi from Hong Kong This is the first confiscation of assets order issued under the law that was brought by the Modi government in 2018 with an aim to deter economic offenders from evading the process of law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts. The businessman, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being probed by the ED on money laundering charges in connection with an over $2 billion alleged bank fraud at a PNB branch in Mumbai. "The confiscated properties are in the form of four flats at the iconic building Samudra Mahal in Worli Mumbai, a sea-side farm house and land in Alibaug, a wind mill in Jaisalmer, a flat in London, residential flats in UAE and shares and bank deposits," the central probe agency said in a statement. A special court in Mumbai had on June 8 authorised the ED to confiscate the assets. Nirav Modi, 49, was declared a fugitive economic offender by the same court on December 5 last year. "The ED has attached the properties worth Rs 329.66 crore under the FEO Act, 2018 which now stands confiscated to the central government," it said. As per the FEO Act, the confiscated property can be put up for auction after 90 days of issuance of the order and the amount collected is deposited with the exchequer or government account. The ED also sticks a notice of confiscation on such properties. The agency till now has attached assets worth Rs 2,348 crore (assessed value) of Nirav Modi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in this case. The agency said the special court had "directed it to attach the properties (other than assets mortgaged or hypothecated and secured to PNB led consortium) belonging to Nirav Modi and his companies and ordered that after attachment the said properties shall stand confiscated to central government under Section 12(2) and (8) of the FEO Act". The court had also directed the consortium of banks to approach it for claiming the mortgaged or hypothecated and secured properties which were attached by the ED under PMLA. "On examination of properties attached, it was found that assets worth Rs 1,000 crore are prima facie covered under mortgage." "Further, the Bombay High Court had directed that sale proceeds of paintings of about Rs 45 crore to be kept as fix deposits till further orders," the agency said. Process for confiscation of remaining attached properties under FEO Act is underway, it said. The agency had filed an application before the Mumbai court on July 10, 2018 to declare Nirav Modi a fugitive economic offender based on its PMLA investigation against him. Nirav Modi is currently lodged in a UK jail after being arrested in London in March, 2019 and is currently fighting extradition to India.

Enforcement Directorate confiscates Nirav Modi's assets worth Rs 329 crore

The gruelling annual college entrance exam known as the "gaokao"&nbsp;is not an ordinary test. It is notorious for being one of the toughest exams in the world.

It is China's version of the American SAT and the Indian IIT-JEE. In mandarin, "gaokao" translates into "high exam" - it is a title the annual test certainly lives up to!

Gaokao is something Chinese students spend 12 years preparing. It is the lone criterion for admission into Chinese universities. It lasts for 10 hours spread over two days of incredibly complex questions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-gaokao-the-toughest-exam-in-the-world-311462/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Excitement is the only word to describe my feeling now. I have raised my child for 18 years, and now he is facing the biggest test in his life, I can only expect him to do well in the exams," a parent of a student said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-most-difficult-exams-to-crack-globally-311299" hreflang="en">Top 10 most difficult exams to crack globally</a>

Contrary to the excitement of the parents, the&nbsp;exam is baptism by fire for the Chinese students. China has a history of pushing students to the edge. In 2012 shocking images had emerged of students taking intravenous injections while studying for the exam. In 2014, a poor gaokao score pushed an 18-year old to the edge as he took his own life when the result came out.

While the exams may be tough but&nbsp;gaokao's standing in the list of the world's toughest exams needs to be examined.

India has the IIT-JEE - a veritable nightmare for engineering hopefuls as over half a million students take the&nbsp;exam every year with only a few thousand making the cut.

The IIT-JEE may be tough but India's CA is another hard nut to crack. A three-level examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in which lakhs of students appear with less than 8 per cent students who ultimately clear the three levels.

Now, who would have thought wine tasting is the toughest test in the world! The master sommelier diploma exam beats all others. It was introduced 40 years back in the United Kingdom and as of today, only 200 candidates are said to have passed it.

Any exam is as much a test of the subject as a test of nerves. An exam in the middle of a deadly pandemic, even more so while the Chinese government has much to answer for, here's wishing the students taking gaokao much success.

The gruelling annual college entrance exam known as the "gaokao" is not an ordinary test. It is notorious for being one of the toughest exams in the world. It is China's version of the American SAT and the Indian IIT-JEE.

The gruelling annual college entrance exam known as the "gaokao" is not an ordinary test. It is notorious for being one of the toughest exams in the world. It is China's version of the American SAT and the Indian IIT-JEE. In mandarin, "gaokao" translates into "high exam" - it is a title the annual test certainly lives up to! Gaokao is something Chinese students spend 12 years preparing. It is the lone criterion for admission into Chinese universities. It lasts for 10 hours spread over two days of incredibly complex questions. "Excitement is the only word to describe my feeling now. I have raised my child for 18 years, and now he is facing the biggest test in his life, I can only expect him to do well in the exams," a parent of a student said. Also see: Top 10 most difficult exams to crack globally Contrary to the excitement of the parents, the exam is baptism by fire for the Chinese students. China has a history of pushing students to the edge. In 2012 shocking images had emerged of students taking intravenous injections while studying for the exam. In 2014, a poor gaokao score pushed an 18-year old to the edge as he took his own life when the result came out. While the exams may be tough but gaokao's standing in the list of the world's toughest exams needs to be examined. India has the IIT-JEE - a veritable nightmare for engineering hopefuls as over half a million students take the exam every year with only a few thousand making the cut. The IIT-JEE may be tough but India's CA is another hard nut to crack. A three-level examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in which lakhs of students appear with less than 8 per cent students who ultimately clear the three levels. Now, who would have thought wine tasting is the toughest test in the world! The master sommelier diploma exam beats all others. It was introduced 40 years back in the United Kingdom and as of today, only 200 candidates are said to have passed it. Any exam is as much a test of the subject as a test of nerves. An exam in the middle of a deadly pandemic, even more so while the Chinese government has much to answer for, here's wishing the students taking gaokao much success.

China's gaokao: One of the toughest exams in the world

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated.

First,&nbsp;the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;locked them up in their room, now they face deportation.

The&nbsp;government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave. Harvard University and several other colleges say they will reopen campuses, but hold classes online.&nbsp;

The foreign students are a tormented lot for no fault of their own and weighing some tough questions in their anxious minds.

All F-1 and M-1 visa holders are in the spotlight. Regular academic students hold an F-1 visa. Those pursuing non-academic and vocational courses have the M-1visa. These&nbsp;visas will be deemed invalid if the students are attending online classes.

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The students are now grappling for options. A student must shift to a college which&nbsp;offers&nbsp;in-person classes such students can remain in the US. Also, the&nbsp;question being raised is which students will be the worst affected.

At least 1.2 million foreign students are studying in 8,700 colleges across the United States of these the Chinese students form the largest group along with 360,000 Indians who will be the second worst-affected. Over 250,000 students from South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada will be also be affected. The question on most students mind is if they can return to finish the course, assuming that they are sent home.

The students have been asking will they be allowed to return? The answer is no, not unless the student provides proof that lessons will be held inside a classroom. The rule applies to new students too if classes are online -- student visas won't be issued.

And the other question is how will the students leave the US?

Nearly 90 per cent of these foreign students are still in the United States if they go back home, it will be hard for them to return as routine visa processing has been suspended at the US embassies and consulates worldwide.

International travel restrictions are in place in many countries and commercial flight options are limited even if colleges shift to classroom-based teaching in the coming months' travel restrictions will make it difficult for students to return.

The other question is about fees which have already been paid. Online classes do not mean lower tuition fees. Foreign students pay more than American citizens. They make up less than 6 per cent of a class but contribute over 10 per cent of the revenue. Last year foreign students contributed over $40 billion to American colleges. Harvard University president Larry Bacow says he is very concerned by the decision to deport students.

Colleges might take the government to court as they are lobbying to get the decision revoked. America's COVID-19&nbsp;cases are close to 3 million but colleges want to retain students. The new rule could force them to open up, worsening America's health crisis. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated. First, the pandemic locked them up in their room, now they face deportation. The government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave.

Thousands of foreign students in America are angry and frustrated. First, the pandemic locked them up in their room, now they face deportation. The government has decided, if classes go online, students must leave. Harvard University and several other colleges say they will reopen campuses, but hold classes online. The foreign students are a tormented lot for no fault of their own and weighing some tough questions in their anxious minds. All F-1 and M-1 visa holders are in the spotlight. Regular academic students hold an F-1 visa. Those pursuing non-academic and vocational courses have the M-1visa. These visas will be deemed invalid if the students are attending online classes. The students are now grappling for options. A student must shift to a college which offers in-person classes such students can remain in the US. Also, the question being raised is which students will be the worst affected. At least 1.2 million foreign students are studying in 8,700 colleges across the United States of these the Chinese students form the largest group along with 360,000 Indians who will be the second worst-affected. Over 250,000 students from South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada will be also be affected. The question on most students mind is if they can return to finish the course, assuming that they are sent home. The students have been asking will they be allowed to return? The answer is no, not unless the student provides proof that lessons will be held inside a classroom. The rule applies to new students too if classes are online -- student visas won't be issued. And the other question is how will the students leave the US? Nearly 90 per cent of these foreign students are still in the United States if they go back home, it will be hard for them to return as routine visa processing has been suspended at the US embassies and consulates worldwide. International travel restrictions are in place in many countries and commercial flight options are limited even if colleges shift to classroom-based teaching in the coming months' travel restrictions will make it difficult for students to return. The other question is about fees which have already been paid. Online classes do not mean lower tuition fees. Foreign students pay more than American citizens. They make up less than 6 per cent of a class but contribute over 10 per cent of the revenue. Last year foreign students contributed over $40 billion to American colleges. Harvard University president Larry Bacow says he is very concerned by the decision to deport students. Colleges might take the government to court as they are lobbying to get the decision revoked. America's COVID-19 cases are close to 3 million but colleges want to retain students. The new rule could force them to open up, worsening America's health crisis.

Indian, Chinese students face deportation as US changes visa policy amid pandemic

A Nepalese lawmaker has been suspended by her party for taking a pro-India stance and her name is Sarita Giri. She was a member of Nepal's Samajbadi Party.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chinese are still playing real-life&nbsp;checkers in Nepal and the loser will most likely by Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Sarita Giri violated a party whip regarding Nepal's new map. She accused China of pushing the new map bill and raised questions on the intent of the Oli government in fixing the country's map.

The lawmaker may have been suspended but she speaks for many in Nepal because China's hidden hand in Nepal is not-so-hidden anymore and people have been protesting.&nbsp;

Hou Yanqi, the Chinese ambassador to the Himalayan republic&nbsp; has been carrying actions well beyond her duties and responsibilities as a foreign envoy. Yanqi&nbsp;was pulling strings for China in Nepal but many said that the report was too far-fetched. Now, the Nepalese media and political leaders are saying&nbsp;what the report said three weeks ago.

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The front page of the Kathmandu Post read: "Chinese ambassador making the rounds at a time of internal political crisis invites much criticism".

The Himalayan said:&nbsp;"Yanqui-Nepal meet, China's bid to keep NCP united?"

From English dailies to vernacular newspapers, almost every media organisation carried the same story with similar headlines.&nbsp;

China is openly interfering in Nepal's internal politics. On Tuesday,&nbsp;the Chinese ambassador met the senior most leader of the Nepal Communist Party,&nbsp;the former prime minister of Nepal&nbsp;Jhala Nath Khanal.

The meeting is said to have lasted for over 45 minutes but&nbsp;there is no word on what transpired. However, it hasn't gone unnoticed by political leaders and the civil society in Nepal.

There have been protests against the Chinese embassy and the Chinese envoy in particular.

Few images from Kathmandu that made rounds showed people holding placards that read "Go back China --- keep silence Yanqi".

It's the same message from Nepal's political leaders. One leader after another has been putting out tweets condemning China's open interference in Nepal's domestic affairs.

A tweet by Kamal Thapa who is the former deputy prime minister of Nepal said: "PM Oli says Indian ambassador was active in overthrowing the government. On the other hand, the Chinese ambassador reached the leaders' house to save the government."

Nepalese journalists too are calling out this hypocrisy. Pushpa KC is a journalist at Nepal live, she said: "What activism is the Chinese ambassador taking advantage of?"

The Chinese ambassador has held a series of political meetings since May 1 which is being&nbsp;called to&nbsp;reconcile differences within the ruling party. The meetings also reflect China's growing clout&nbsp;in Nepal.

A Nepalese lawmaker has been suspended by her party for taking a pro-India stance and her name is Sarita Giri. She was a member of Nepal's Samajbadi Party. The Chinese are still playing real-life checkers in Nepal and the loser will most likely by Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

A Nepalese lawmaker has been suspended by her party for taking a pro-India stance and her name is Sarita Giri. She was a member of Nepal's Samajbadi Party. The Chinese are still playing real-life checkers in Nepal and the loser will most likely by Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Sarita Giri violated a party whip regarding Nepal's new map. She accused China of pushing the new map bill and raised questions on the intent of the Oli government in fixing the country's map. The lawmaker may have been suspended but she speaks for many in Nepal because China's hidden hand in Nepal is not-so-hidden anymore and people have been protesting. Hou Yanqi, the Chinese ambassador to the Himalayan republic has been carrying actions well beyond her duties and responsibilities as a foreign envoy. Yanqi was pulling strings for China in Nepal but many said that the report was too far-fetched. Now, the Nepalese media and political leaders are saying what the report said three weeks ago. The front page of the Kathmandu Post read: "Chinese ambassador making the rounds at a time of internal political crisis invites much criticism". The Himalayan said: "Yanqui-Nepal meet, China's bid to keep NCP united?" From English dailies to vernacular newspapers, almost every media organisation carried the same story with similar headlines. China is openly interfering in Nepal's internal politics. On Tuesday, the Chinese ambassador met the senior most leader of the Nepal Communist Party, the former prime minister of Nepal Jhala Nath Khanal. The meeting is said to have lasted for over 45 minutes but there is no word on what transpired. However, it hasn't gone unnoticed by political leaders and the civil society in Nepal. There have been protests against the Chinese embassy and the Chinese envoy in particular. Few images from Kathmandu that made rounds showed people holding placards that read "Go back China --- keep silence Yanqi". It's the same message from Nepal's political leaders. One leader after another has been putting out tweets condemning China's open interference in Nepal's domestic affairs. A tweet by Kamal Thapa who is the former deputy prime minister of Nepal said: "PM Oli says Indian ambassador was active in overthrowing the government. On the other hand, the Chinese ambassador reached the leaders' house to save the government." Nepalese journalists too are calling out this hypocrisy. Pushpa KC is a journalist at Nepal live, she said: "What activism is the Chinese ambassador taking advantage of?" The Chinese ambassador has held a series of political meetings since May 1 which is being called to reconcile differences within the ruling party. The meetings also reflect China's growing clout in Nepal.

Nepal's Samajbadi Party suspends lawmaker Sarita Giri over map row; she blames China

Nepal's Samajbadi Party has suspended its lawmaker Sarita Giri for violating the&nbsp;party's whip regarding Nepal's new map.

Giri had refused to withdraw her own amendment registered against the government’s second constitutional amendment bill regarding the new map. Giri accused China of conspiring to push the amendment.

Giri while speaking in Parliament during the map amendment issue charged China for being responsible for Nepal's deteriorating relations with India. Nepal's lawmaker also raised questions on the intent of the Oli government in bringing the amendments.

"I feel allegations are being hurled at me at the behest of China. I have come to this august house by winning the affection of the public. People who are hurling allegations against me must understand the importance of Hindi in Nepal. I have said that dialogue should be initiated with India and China," Sarita Giri said.

While traditionally Samajbadi Party is considered to have a good equation with India as a party but the current party president Upendra Yadav and senior leader Baburam Bhattarai are considered to be close to the Chinese dispensation in Nepal. 
&nbsp;

Nepal's Samajbadi Party has suspended its lawmaker Sarita Giri for violating the party's whip regarding Nepal's new map. Giri had refused to withdraw her own amendment registered against the government’s second constitutional amendment bill regarding the new map.

Nepal's Samajbadi Party has suspended its lawmaker Sarita Giri for violating the party's whip regarding Nepal's new map. Giri had refused to withdraw her own amendment registered against the government’s second constitutional amendment bill regarding the new map. Giri accused China of conspiring to push the amendment. Giri while speaking in Parliament during the map amendment issue charged China for being responsible for Nepal's deteriorating relations with India. Nepal's lawmaker also raised questions on the intent of the Oli government in bringing the amendments. "I feel allegations are being hurled at me at the behest of China. I have come to this august house by winning the affection of the public. People who are hurling allegations against me must understand the importance of Hindi in Nepal. I have said that dialogue should be initiated with India and China," Sarita Giri said. While traditionally Samajbadi Party is considered to have a good equation with India as a party but the current party president Upendra Yadav and senior leader Baburam Bhattarai are considered to be close to the Chinese dispensation in Nepal.

Nepal's Samajbadi Party suspends lawmaker over new map; she blames China

E-commerce companies in India like Amazon.com’s local unit and Walmart’s Flipkart have begun to update their back-end systems to allow sellers to identify the country of origin on all new product listings on their platforms, two sources aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-commerce-giants-issue-face-masks-for-employees-but-is-it-an-effective-barrier-290841">Also Read:&nbsp;E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?</a>

The Indian trade ministry’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which hosted an online meeting of e-commerce players on Wednesday, wanted the changes to be implemented by the end of July.

The companies, however, said they would need two to three months, according to the sources, who asked not to be named as the discussions were private.

The changes would first be made for new product listings as it was difficult to do this for the tens of millions of products already selling on their platforms, they added.

Amazon, Flipkart and DPIIT did not respond to requests for comment.

The government push to have e-commerce companies name the country of origin beside product listings comes against the backdrop of tensions between India and China following a clash along the LAC on&nbsp;June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Trader groups have since called for a boycott of Chinese-made products and echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a self-reliant nation. New Delhi has banned 59 Chinese origin apps.

E-tailers have previously asked the government to clarify the definition of “country of origin”, which they say remains vague with some products assembled in countries including India but with their components or raw materials sourced from another nation.

On Wednesday, the government said it would discuss the matter internally, according to the sources.

E-commerce companies in India like Amazon.com’s local unit and Walmart’s Flipkart have begun to update their back-end systems to allow sellers to identify the country of origin on all new product listings on their platforms, two sources aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

E-commerce companies in India like Amazon.com’s local unit and Walmart’s Flipkart have begun to update their back-end systems to allow sellers to identify the country of origin on all new product listings on their platforms, two sources aware of the matter said on Wednesday. Also Read: E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier? The Indian trade ministry’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which hosted an online meeting of e-commerce players on Wednesday, wanted the changes to be implemented by the end of July. The companies, however, said they would need two to three months, according to the sources, who asked not to be named as the discussions were private. The changes would first be made for new product listings as it was difficult to do this for the tens of millions of products already selling on their platforms, they added. Amazon, Flipkart and DPIIT did not respond to requests for comment. The government push to have e-commerce companies name the country of origin beside product listings comes against the backdrop of tensions between India and China following a clash along the LAC on June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Trader groups have since called for a boycott of Chinese-made products and echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a self-reliant nation. New Delhi has banned 59 Chinese origin apps. E-tailers have previously asked the government to clarify the definition of “country of origin”, which they say remains vague with some products assembled in countries including India but with their components or raw materials sourced from another nation. On Wednesday, the government said it would discuss the matter internally, according to the sources.

E-commerce companies in India begin work to list 'country of origin' labels on products

It is not the first instance when&nbsp;China had to eat crow because of its propaganda. Take for example the numerous times when top Chinese ministers thought it was apt to speak in favour of Huawei while defending the conglomerate's association with the Chinese communist party.

There have also been instances where China was caught red-handed trying sell clips from Hollywood movies as its Air Force drill.

So many boomerangs later, why does China still indulge or devour propaganda?&nbsp;Over the years, propaganda has become an essential tool for the survival of the Chinese Communist Party.

In 1945&nbsp;Mao Zedong said: "We should carry on constant propaganda among the people."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-propaganda-is-chinas-favorite-tool-311466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Seven decades on, the leaders of China are following in Mao's footsteps. Propaganda continues to be China's favourite tool be&nbsp;it for promoting the Communist Party, the military, Chinese orthodoxy or curbing dissent - at home and outside.

Propaganda is the safest bet while lying. It also is a very handy tool when covering the dirt. The Wuhan virus is an example.

When one shady lab and one wet market whitewashed an entire year for the world, China posted videos of the Chinese military delivering aid overseas. Not a word was said about the&nbsp;aid being faulty.

When the US questioned Beijing over its mishandling of the coronavirus. It replied with a lego video.&nbsp;When the world criticised China for quashing the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, it&nbsp;scripted a video of the global media coverage on "Black Lives Matter" protest.

There was not a single frame on Taiwan, Tibet or Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Propaganda is the CCP's ventilator. Fake news is intrinsic to its survival. Facts, on the other hands, are poisonous. PLA propaganda videos are&nbsp;an example.&nbsp;The videos project the idea of the PLA as an invincible force -&nbsp;that's propaganda but&nbsp;the fact is the PLA has no combat experience.

But Beijing cannot tell you this. It goes to any lengths to hide this truth. Back in 2011, China tried to pass off a video from Tom Cruise starer 'Top Gun' as an Air Force drill.

It&nbsp;was an F-5 being passed off as a J-10 and of course, China was called out. History repeated itself a couple of days ago.

&nbsp;A video resurfaced that claimed the Chinese had administered oxygen to the Indian troops during the Galwan clash. It turns out, the video was from 2017.

There is another takeaway from this example. The role of individuals as propaganda machines.

This Twitter handle, 
<img alt="akj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6daf95d-3391-4601-9cb9-0efc21b602ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sajk.JPG" /> 
Her bio is vague, but bias crystal clear.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Days after Indian govt announced creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory, on September 11 2019, PLA told Indian patrolling border troops to go back from China side of LAC on north bank of Pangong Lake. 10 Indian security personnel were injured n 3 army boats were damaged <a href="https://t.co/LR7lfwIJ3t">pic.twitter.com/LR7lfwIJ3t</a>
— Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) <a href="https://twitter.com/evazhengll/status/1280361239588360192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India apparently occupied Chinese land in Ladakh.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
According to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji, "the clash didn't happen in Indian side", so Indian army crossed LAC unarmed to China side, indeed they were "brave", though unreasonable. <a href="https://t.co/GyifjG0qmf">https://t.co/GyifjG0qmf</a>
— Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) <a href="https://twitter.com/evazhengll/status/1280412180374884354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian troops apparently crossed over to the Chinese side. And have a look at the latest tweet.&nbsp;

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A combined arms brigade under PLA 81st Group Army receives Type 99A MBT on Tianshan Mountain Xinjiang. <a href="https://t.co/56flEmXAlk">pic.twitter.com/56flEmXAlk</a>
— Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) <a href="https://twitter.com/evazhengll/status/1280452378660081665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also leading China's propaganda campaign is what China calls news agencies and the Global Times takes the cake.

It's latest editorial talks about the politicisation of Hong Kong security law. An 836-word-long article which has not a single mention of the Sino-British agreement or the 50-year promise.

Similar reports can be found in Xinhua or CCTV or any Chinese media agency.&nbsp; It blindly follows&nbsp;the instructions of their supreme leader.

According to Chinese President Xi Jinping, "spread positive propaganda for the correct guidance of public opinion".

It is not the first instance when China had to eat crow because of its propaganda. Take for example the numerous times when top Chinese ministers thought it was apt to speak in favour of Huawei while defending the conglomerate's association with the Chinese communist party.

It is not the first instance when China had to eat crow because of its propaganda. Take for example the numerous times when top Chinese ministers thought it was apt to speak in favour of Huawei while defending the conglomerate's association with the Chinese communist party. There have also been instances where China was caught red-handed trying sell clips from Hollywood movies as its Air Force drill. So many boomerangs later, why does China still indulge or devour propaganda? Over the years, propaganda has become an essential tool for the survival of the Chinese Communist Party. In 1945 Mao Zedong said: "We should carry on constant propaganda among the people." Seven decades on, the leaders of China are following in Mao's footsteps. Propaganda continues to be China's favourite tool be it for promoting the Communist Party, the military, Chinese orthodoxy or curbing dissent - at home and outside. Propaganda is the safest bet while lying. It also is a very handy tool when covering the dirt. The Wuhan virus is an example. When one shady lab and one wet market whitewashed an entire year for the world, China posted videos of the Chinese military delivering aid overseas. Not a word was said about the aid being faulty. When the US questioned Beijing over its mishandling of the coronavirus. It replied with a lego video. When the world criticised China for quashing the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, it scripted a video of the global media coverage on "Black Lives Matter" protest. There was not a single frame on Taiwan, Tibet or Hong Kong. Propaganda is the CCP's ventilator. Fake news is intrinsic to its survival. Facts, on the other hands, are poisonous. PLA propaganda videos are an example. The videos project the idea of the PLA as an invincible force - that's propaganda but the fact is the PLA has no combat experience. But Beijing cannot tell you this. It goes to any lengths to hide this truth. Back in 2011, China tried to pass off a video from Tom Cruise starer 'Top Gun' as an Air Force drill. It was an F-5 being passed off as a J-10 and of course, China was called out. History repeated itself a couple of days ago. A video resurfaced that claimed the Chinese had administered oxygen to the Indian troops during the Galwan clash. It turns out, the video was from 2017. There is another takeaway from this example. The role of individuals as propaganda machines. This Twitter handle, Her bio is vague, but bias crystal clear. Days after Indian govt announced creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory, on September 11 2019, PLA told Indian patrolling border troops to go back from China side of LAC on north bank of Pangong Lake. 10 Indian security personnel were injured n 3 army boats were damaged pic.twitter.com/LR7lfwIJ3t — Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) July 7, 2020 × India apparently occupied Chinese land in Ladakh. According to @narendramodi ji, "the clash didn't happen in Indian side", so Indian army crossed LAC unarmed to China side, indeed they were "brave", though unreasonable. https://t.co/GyifjG0qmf — Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) July 7, 2020 × Indian troops apparently crossed over to the Chinese side. And have a look at the latest tweet. A combined arms brigade under PLA 81st Group Army receives Type 99A MBT on Tianshan Mountain Xinjiang. pic.twitter.com/56flEmXAlk — Eva Zheng 郑怡斌 عائشة (@evazhengll) July 7, 2020 × Also leading China's propaganda campaign is what China calls news agencies and the Global Times takes the cake. It's latest editorial talks about the politicisation of Hong Kong security law. An 836-word-long article which has not a single mention of the Sino-British agreement or the 50-year promise. Similar reports can be found in Xinhua or CCTV or any Chinese media agency. It blindly follows the instructions of their supreme leader. According to Chinese President Xi Jinping, "spread positive propaganda for the correct guidance of public opinion".

Propaganda: Chinese Communist Party's key survival tool

After the US government said that it was&nbsp;restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet over "meaningful autonomy", the Chinese foreign ministry said it has "repeatedly made clear its stern stand on the so-called Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act of 2018 of the United States."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-restrict-visas-for-chinese-officials-over-tibet-pompeo-says-311478">Also Read:&nbsp;US will restrict visas for Chinese officials over Tibet, Pompeo says</a>

"Tibetan affairs are China's internal affairs, brooking no outside interference. As China is pursuing an opening-up policy, Tibet is open and it has never restricted access to&nbsp;foreigners. In fact, Tibet receives a large number of foreign visitors and people from all walks of life," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

The foreign ministry spokesman asserted that China "firmly opposes" acts by the United States as it imposed reciprocal visa restrictions on US individuals "who behaved egregiously on the issue of Tibet".

"Last year, more than 40 million tourists from domestic and abroad visited Tibet. The US ambassador to China Terry Branstad also made a visit to the region last year, and held talks with a number of departments of the government of the autonomous region. Related reports can be found in the media, it indicates that there is not any restriction for the access of foreignersm," China's foreign minsitry official said.

However, Pompeo in a statement had said that "Beijing has continued to systematically obstruct travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas by US diplomats and other officials, journalists and tourists". The US action came a day after the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet who had fled China's rule in 1959 to settle in a life of exile in India.

The US Congress had passed a law two years ago to pressure China over its restrictions in Tibet.

"China welcomes more foreigners visiting Tibet for sightseeing or business, and this police will not change, but on condition that they must abide by China`s law and related restrictions, and fulfill necessary procedures," China's foreign ministry spokesman asserted.

After the US government said that it was restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet over "meaningful autonomy", the Chinese foreign ministry said it has "repeatedly made clear its stern stand on the so-called Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act of 2018 of the United States.

After the US government said that it was restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet over "meaningful autonomy", the Chinese foreign ministry said it has "repeatedly made clear its stern stand on the so-called Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act of 2018 of the United States." Also Read: US will restrict visas for Chinese officials over Tibet, Pompeo says "Tibetan affairs are China's internal affairs, brooking no outside interference. As China is pursuing an opening-up policy, Tibet is open and it has never restricted access to foreigners. In fact, Tibet receives a large number of foreign visitors and people from all walks of life," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. The foreign ministry spokesman asserted that China "firmly opposes" acts by the United States as it imposed reciprocal visa restrictions on US individuals "who behaved egregiously on the issue of Tibet". "Last year, more than 40 million tourists from domestic and abroad visited Tibet. The US ambassador to China Terry Branstad also made a visit to the region last year, and held talks with a number of departments of the government of the autonomous region. Related reports can be found in the media, it indicates that there is not any restriction for the access of foreignersm," China's foreign minsitry official said. However, Pompeo in a statement had said that "Beijing has continued to systematically obstruct travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas by US diplomats and other officials, journalists and tourists". The US action came a day after the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet who had fled China's rule in 1959 to settle in a life of exile in India. The US Congress had passed a law two years ago to pressure China over its restrictions in Tibet. "China welcomes more foreigners visiting Tibet for sightseeing or business, and this police will not change, but on condition that they must abide by China`s law and related restrictions, and fulfill necessary procedures," China's foreign ministry spokesman asserted.

Tibet is our internal affair, never restricted access to foreigners, says China over US visa row

After India banned China's TikTok app, US President Donald Trump said that the US is "looking at" banning the Chinese app.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-probing-allegations-tiktok-violated-childrens-privacy-sources-311504">Also Read:&nbsp;US probing allegations TikTok violated children's privacy</a>

Trump while speaking to a US television network said: "It's something we're looking at," when the interviewer&nbsp;asked him about a possible ban.

"It's big business. Look, what happened with China with this virus, what they've done to this country and to the entire world is disgraceful," Trump said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier said the Trump administration was looking at banning Chinese apps including Tik Tok.

However, China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that "remarks made by some politicians in the US are totally groundless and a malicious smear" on Trump's comment on TikTok and COVID-19.

Last week India had banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok which is owned by China's ByteDance amid clashes between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Control(LAC) on June 15 which left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

TikTok Chief Executive Kevin Mayer had said the Chinese government has never requested user data, nor would the company turn it over if asked. "If we do ever receive such a request in the future, we would not comply," Mayer said in a statement.

TikTok was launched in India three years ago and had become one of the most popular apps adding millions of users as Indian youth took to it in large numbers fascinated by the short video clips.

The Indian government had cited "safety" and "sovereignty of Indian cyberspace" as reasons for banning the Chinese app.

The others apps banned included SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser. 
&nbsp;

After India banned China's TikTok app, US President Donald Trump said that the US is "looking at" banning the Chinese app. Also Read: US probing allegations TikTok violated children's privacy Trump while speaking to a US television network said: "It's something we're looking at," when the interviewer asked him about a possible ban.

After India banned China's TikTok app, US President Donald Trump said that the US is "looking at" banning the Chinese app. Also Read: US probing allegations TikTok violated children's privacy Trump while speaking to a US television network said: "It's something we're looking at," when the interviewer asked him about a possible ban. "It's big business. Look, what happened with China with this virus, what they've done to this country and to the entire world is disgraceful," Trump said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier said the Trump administration was looking at banning Chinese apps including Tik Tok. However, China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that "remarks made by some politicians in the US are totally groundless and a malicious smear" on Trump's comment on TikTok and COVID-19. Last week India had banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok which is owned by China's ByteDance amid clashes between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Control(LAC) on June 15 which left 20 Indian soldiers dead. TikTok Chief Executive Kevin Mayer had said the Chinese government has never requested user data, nor would the company turn it over if asked. "If we do ever receive such a request in the future, we would not comply," Mayer said in a statement. TikTok was launched in India three years ago and had become one of the most popular apps adding millions of users as Indian youth took to it in large numbers fascinated by the short video clips. The Indian government had cited "safety" and "sovereignty of Indian cyberspace" as reasons for banning the Chinese app. The others apps banned included SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser.

Now, Trump considers banning China's TikTok

According to a new coronavirus model, there could be &nbsp;208,255 deaths in the United States by November 1 due to COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-begins-formal-withdrawal-from-who-311479">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO</a>

The University of Washington while unveiling the new model said that if 95 per cent of the US population wears masks then the number of deaths could fall to 162,808.

The current death toll in the United States due to COVID-19 stands at 131, 480 with over 2.9 million infection cases which is the highest in the world. The country has been hit by a new surge of cases in Texas, Arizona and Californa.

The number of cases in the country's south has reportedly increased by&nbsp;12 per cent even as testing has increased. The US government meanwhile announced that it will offer free COVID-19 testing with five thousand tests per day on offer in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Jacksonville, and Edinburg.

On Tuesday, the United States recorded 60,209 new COVID-19 caseS which was the highest one-day record. At least 40 of country's 50 states have witnessed rising number of coronavirus cases.

Amid the crisis, head of America's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, said that that the United States is still "knee-deep" in its first wave of coronavirus even though experts said a second wave had hit the United States but Trump dismissed the claims.

"It's a serious situation that we have to address immediately," Fauci said, adding, "It was a surge or a resurgence of infections superimposed upon a baseline, if&nbsp;you look at the graphs from Europe, the European Union as an entity, it went up and then came down to the baseline. Now they're having little blips, as you might expect, as they try to reopen. We went up, never came down to baseline, and now we're surging back up."

President Donald Trump, however, dismissed Fauci's claim saying that "I think we are in a good place," while adding that "I disagree with him."

According to a new coronavirus model, there could be 208,255 deaths in the United States by November 1 due to COVID-19. Also Read: Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO The University of Washington while unveiling the new model said that if 95 per cent of the US population wears masks then the number of deaths could fall to 162,808.

According to a new coronavirus model, there could be 208,255 deaths in the United States by November 1 due to COVID-19. Also Read: Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO The University of Washington while unveiling the new model said that if 95 per cent of the US population wears masks then the number of deaths could fall to 162,808. The current death toll in the United States due to COVID-19 stands at 131, 480 with over 2.9 million infection cases which is the highest in the world. The country has been hit by a new surge of cases in Texas, Arizona and Californa. The number of cases in the country's south has reportedly increased by 12 per cent even as testing has increased. The US government meanwhile announced that it will offer free COVID-19 testing with five thousand tests per day on offer in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Jacksonville, and Edinburg. On Tuesday, the United States recorded 60,209 new COVID-19 caseS which was the highest one-day record. At least 40 of country's 50 states have witnessed rising number of coronavirus cases. Amid the crisis, head of America's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, said that that the United States is still "knee-deep" in its first wave of coronavirus even though experts said a second wave had hit the United States but Trump dismissed the claims. "It's a serious situation that we have to address immediately," Fauci said, adding, "It was a surge or a resurgence of infections superimposed upon a baseline, if you look at the graphs from Europe, the European Union as an entity, it went up and then came down to the baseline. Now they're having little blips, as you might expect, as they try to reopen. We went up, never came down to baseline, and now we're surging back up." President Donald Trump, however, dismissed Fauci's claim saying that "I think we are in a good place," while adding that "I disagree with him."

US death toll may rise over 208,200 by November 1, reveals new COVID-19 model

Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources.

The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-chinese-troops-step-back-311233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sources said&nbsp;that Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kms. The development comes after India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers died in action, even as China's state-run Global Times said that the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, China hasn't officially declared its casualties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-continues-at-lac-reduction-of-chinese-troops-takes-place-at-pangong-lake-311454">Also Read:&nbsp;Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake</a>

India and China had decided to "completely disengage" from the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last weekend after core commander of India met his Chinese counterpart in the aftermath of the clash at Galwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had said earlier that both sides had made "positive progress to disengage".

"We hope that the Indian side will go with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by both sides with practical actions," Zhao said.

India had earlier said that China had amassed large number of troops at the border since May.&nbsp;

"At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC," India's spokesman had said.

Elaborating further, India's foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: "While there have been occasional departures in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms."

Both sides had held secretary-level talks after the Galwan clash even as India's army chief and later PM Modi visited forward areas in Ladakh as tensions escalated along the LAC, however, in the last two days, both sides have sought to actively disengage amid tensions at the border. 
&nbsp;

Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources. The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added.

Indian Army sources said that "disengagement" between troops of India and China has been completed, newswire ANI quoted sources. The soldiers have pulled back from Patrolling Point 15, the sources added. Watch Video: The sources said that Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kms. The development comes after India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers died in action, even as China's state-run Global Times said that the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, China hasn't officially declared its casualties. Also Read: Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake India and China had decided to "completely disengage" from the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last weekend after core commander of India met his Chinese counterpart in the aftermath of the clash at Galwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian had said earlier that both sides had made "positive progress to disengage". "We hope that the Indian side will go with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by both sides with practical actions," Zhao said. India had earlier said that China had amassed large number of troops at the border since May. "At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC," India's spokesman had said. Elaborating further, India's foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: "While there have been occasional departures in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms." Both sides had held secretary-level talks after the Galwan clash even as India's army chief and later PM Modi visited forward areas in Ladakh as tensions escalated along the LAC, however, in the last two days, both sides have sought to actively disengage amid tensions at the border.

India-China standoff: Disengagement between troops of India, China completed, Chinese troops have moved back: Report

Spain has imposed the second phase of lockdown measures in the northwestern region of Galacia. More than 70,000 people in the region will be ring-fenced with COVID-19 restrictions and will not be able to leave the region before July 10. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic: Lockdown in Spain's Galacia and Catalonia

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