Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for&nbsp;Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board&nbsp;under&nbsp;operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad.

The Ladakh administration said today that 315 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835">pilgrims</a> hailing from the region&nbsp;have been&nbsp;repatriated from Iran by Mahan Air flight and will be arriving in Delhi on Saturday even as the Jammu &amp; Kashmir government said that 49,218 stranded J&amp;K residents arrived in Lakhanpur including another 7,264 through special trains at Jammu and Udhampur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-we-stop-it-supreme-court-on-plea-to-monitor-migrants-walking-back-to-their-native-states-298839">Also Read: 'How can we stop it': Supreme Court on plea to monitor migrants</a>

Several passengers from different special trains arrived in New Delhi today with the Railway declaring over 2,34,000 passengers have booked their tickets even as Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) started bus shuttle services for railway passengers arriving at New Delhi Railway Station amid the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

Airports Authority of India (AAI) meanwhile said passengers have to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer and register on Aarogya Setu App in view of the possibility of air travel resuming.

Amid the lockdown, the Haryana government today decided to start special bus services on selected routes within the state. Shops opened in Amritsar today with the state government ordering&nbsp;that the shops in the state will remain open between 7am to 6pm.

Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board under operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad.

Indian Navy ship Jalashwa left the Maldives for Kochi today with 588 Indian citizens on board under operation "Samudra Setu" to repatriate Indians stranded abroad. The Ladakh administration said today that 315 pilgrims hailing from the region have been repatriated from Iran by Mahan Air flight and will be arriving in Delhi on Saturday even as the Jammu & Kashmir government said that 49,218 stranded J&K residents arrived in Lakhanpur including another 7,264 through special trains at Jammu and Udhampur Also Read: 'How can we stop it': Supreme Court on plea to monitor migrants Several passengers from different special trains arrived in New Delhi today with the Railway declaring over 2,34,000 passengers have booked their tickets even as Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) started bus shuttle services for railway passengers arriving at New Delhi Railway Station amid the coronavirus lockdown. Airports Authority of India (AAI) meanwhile said passengers have to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer and register on Aarogya Setu App in view of the possibility of air travel resuming. Amid the lockdown, the Haryana government today decided to start special bus services on selected routes within the state. Shops opened in Amritsar today with the state government ordering that the shops in the state will remain open between 7am to 6pm.

Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi

US Senate on Thursday passed a bill calling for sanctions against those responsible for the repression of Uighurs and other Muslim groups in China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-china-of-stealing-american-research-on-covid-19-298763">Also Read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19</a>

The bill introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio urged US President Trump to lead a tougher crackdown on China for its treatment of Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. China has consistently denied it mistreats Uighurs in its territory.

The Senate's move comes&nbsp;as relations between the United States and China have deteriorated amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-deadlock-over-united-nations-coronavirus-action-deepens-298879">coronavirus </a>pandemic with the Trump administration blaming China for not taking early steps to combat the virus even as President Trump on Thursday threatened to "cut off" all ties with China while asserting that he does not want to talk to President Xi.

The bill was passed unanimously with a roll call and will now be presented before the House of Representatives dominated by the Democrats, once approved it will be put before President Trump to sign into law.

The US House of Representatives had earlier passed a bill demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials and export bans over its crackdown on Uighurs.

The Uighur Act of 2019 called on President Trump to impose sanctions on China's powerful politburo including sacntions on &nbsp;Xinjiang Communist Party secretary Chen Quanguo, who&nbsp;as a politburo member and a top official in the government.

China retaliated by asserting that "price must be paid" while slaming the bill, saying it "viciously attacks the Chinese government's policy of governing Xinjiang."

US Senate on Thursday passed a bill calling for sanctions against those responsible for the repression of Uighurs and other Muslim groups in China. Also Read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 The bill introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio urged US President Trump to lead a tougher crackdown on China for its treatment of Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

US Senate on Thursday passed a bill calling for sanctions against those responsible for the repression of Uighurs and other Muslim groups in China. Also Read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 The bill introduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio urged US President Trump to lead a tougher crackdown on China for its treatment of Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. China has consistently denied it mistreats Uighurs in its territory. The Senate's move comes as relations between the United States and China have deteriorated amid the coronavirus pandemic with the Trump administration blaming China for not taking early steps to combat the virus even as President Trump on Thursday threatened to "cut off" all ties with China while asserting that he does not want to talk to President Xi. The bill was passed unanimously with a roll call and will now be presented before the House of Representatives dominated by the Democrats, once approved it will be put before President Trump to sign into law. The US House of Representatives had earlier passed a bill demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials and export bans over its crackdown on Uighurs. The Uighur Act of 2019 called on President Trump to impose sanctions on China's powerful politburo including sacntions on Xinjiang Communist Party secretary Chen Quanguo, who as a politburo member and a top official in the government. China retaliated by asserting that "price must be paid" while slaming the bill, saying it "viciously attacks the Chinese government's policy of governing Xinjiang."

US Senate passes bill to sanction China over repression of Uighurs

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said&nbsp;"no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

"Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-have-hard-evidence-on-russian-hackers-targeting-her-298466">Also Read:&nbsp;Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her</a>

German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her".

"They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia".

"I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia.

A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015.

Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "no concrete fact" has emerged after German Chancellor Angela Merkel accused Russian intelligence agencies of hacking her. "Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Russian foreign minister Lavrov said. Also Read: Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her German Chancellor Merkel had told the country's parliament earlier that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" were targeting her in hacking action while saying that it "pained her". "They suddenly said in the Bundestag... that all of this is outrageous and it had been done by Russians," Lavrov said, adding that "there are no facts in relation to Russia". "I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel had told lawmakers, adding that it was "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia. A German newspaper had earlier reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained information on Merkel during a hack on German parliament in 2015. Merkel while lamenting on ties with Russia, stated that "this is not new", adding that it "doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow."

Not a single concrete fact has been provided: Russia on Merkel hacking row

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835"> economic </a>package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting&nbsp;governance and administrative reforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/second-tranche-of-economic-stimulus-will-benefit-migrant-workers-small-farmers-nirmala-sitharaman-298657">Also Read: Second tranche will benefit migrant workers &amp; small farmers, says&nbsp;Sitharaman</a>

"All coronavirus related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities, many of them involving overseas contracts, have been honoured," the finance minister said, adding, "during COVID-19 lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25 per cent."

Major announcements:

-Government introduces Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE)&nbsp;promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach".

-The scheme to help 2 lakh MFEs by adopting cluster-based approach, for example, mango in Uttar Pradesh, kesar in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, bamboo shoots in the North-East, chilli in Andhra Pradesh and&nbsp;tapioca in Tamil Nadu.

-Government to immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infrastructure fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers.

-The fund to be used for setting up cold chains and post-harvest management infrastructure.

-A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2 per cent per annum to dairy cooperatives for &nbsp;2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 crore additional liquidity and benefit to two crore farmers.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of economic package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting governance and administrative reforms.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday unveiled the third tranche of economic package related to strengthening infrastructure, capacities and building better logistics targeting governance and administrative reforms. Also Read: Second tranche will benefit migrant workers & small farmers, says Sitharaman "All coronavirus related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities, many of them involving overseas contracts, have been honoured," the finance minister said, adding, "during COVID-19 lockdown period, the demand for milk reduced by 20-25 per cent." Major announcements: -Government introduces Rs 10,000 crores scheme for the formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE) promoting the government's "vocal for local with global outreach". -The scheme to help 2 lakh MFEs by adopting cluster-based approach, for example, mango in Uttar Pradesh, kesar in Jammu & Kashmir, bamboo shoots in the North-East, chilli in Andhra Pradesh and tapioca in Tamil Nadu. -Government to immediately create a Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infrastructure fund for farm gate infrastructure for farmers. -The fund to be used for setting up cold chains and post-harvest management infrastructure. -A new scheme to provide interest subvention at 2 per cent per annum to dairy cooperatives for 2020-21. The scheme will unlock Rs 5000 crore additional liquidity and benefit to two crore farmers.

Sitharaman unveils third tranche of economic package targeting infrastructure & administrative reform

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-obama-for-conspiracy-on-twitter-calls-it-obamagate-298760">coronavirus</a> crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-part-of-18-point-plan-of-us-to-uncover-chinas-lies-298782">Also Read:&nbsp;India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies</a>

"But it requires the US to meet halfway with China," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

"To maintain the steady development of China-US relations is in the fundamental interests of the people in both countries, and is conducive to world peace and stability," the foreign ministry spokesman said.

President Trump on Thursday had said he "could cut off the whole relationship" with China. "You'd save $500 billion if you cut off the whole relationship," Trump told Fox Business news, a US-based television news channel while adding that "right now I just don't want to speak to him", referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked China over the origin of the coronavirus which has claimed over 80,000 lives in the United States and infected over 1.3 million people.

The US president had said earlier that the virus was leaked from a Wuhan laboratory, an allegation dismissed by China. Trump has also attacked the WHO alleging it had a "China bias" while shutting off aid to the UN health body.

In a tweet earlier he described the virus as a "plague from China" while pressuring Chinese authorities to disclose the origin of the virus.

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the coronavirus crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production.

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the coronavirus crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production." Also Read: India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies "But it requires the US to meet halfway with China," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "To maintain the steady development of China-US relations is in the fundamental interests of the people in both countries, and is conducive to world peace and stability," the foreign ministry spokesman said. President Trump on Thursday had said he "could cut off the whole relationship" with China. "You'd save $500 billion if you cut off the whole relationship," Trump told Fox Business news, a US-based television news channel while adding that "right now I just don't want to speak to him", referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked China over the origin of the coronavirus which has claimed over 80,000 lives in the United States and infected over 1.3 million people. The US president had said earlier that the virus was leaked from a Wuhan laboratory, an allegation dismissed by China. Trump has also attacked the WHO alleging it had a "China bias" while shutting off aid to the UN health body. In a tweet earlier he described the virus as a "plague from China" while pressuring Chinese authorities to disclose the origin of the virus.

Require US to meet us halfway: China on Trump's threat to cut off ties

Delhi reported 425 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-we-stop-it-supreme-court-on-plea-to-monitor-migrants-walking-back-to-their-native-states-298839">coronavirus</a> cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-for-all-says-mea-after-bengal-accuses-centre-of-discriminating-between-states-298835">Also Read:&nbsp;Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states</a>

In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active.

The Rajasthan health department reported 154 new coronavirus cases in the state today taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,688.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police said 1,061 personnel have tested positive for the virus including 112 police officers. The state police said 174 have been cured, however, nine police personnel have died due to the virus.

Andhra Pradesh health department reported 57 new coronavirus in the state today. The total number of positive cases in the state has now climbed to 2,157.

In Punjab, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 1,942, the state health department said.

Karnataka health department reported 45 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,032. 
&nbsp;

Delhi reported 425 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases. Also Read: Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active.

Delhi reported 425 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 8,895 including 5,254 active cases. Also Read: Vande Bharat for all, says MEA after Bengal accuses Centre of discriminating between states In Uttarakhand, one more person tested positive for COVID-19 taking the total number of cases to 79 out of which 28 are active. The Rajasthan health department reported 154 new coronavirus cases in the state today taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,688. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Police said 1,061 personnel have tested positive for the virus including 112 police officers. The state police said 174 have been cured, however, nine police personnel have died due to the virus. Andhra Pradesh health department reported 57 new coronavirus in the state today. The total number of positive cases in the state has now climbed to 2,157. In Punjab, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 1,942, the state health department said. Karnataka health department reported 45 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,032.

Delhi reports 425 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours

As controversy erupted over Sanofi's chief executive Paul Hudson comments that the US would get priority because "it's invested in taking the risk" to develop the coronavirus vaccine, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-tells-china-to-focus-on-coronavirus-battle-after-taiwan-warning-298663">French</a> President Emmanuel Macron's office said it would hold talks with Sanofi executives at the Elysee Palace early next week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-pharmaceuticals-sanofi-us-will-be-first-country-to-receive-covid-vaccine-298616">Also Read:&nbsp;US will be first country to receive COVID vaccine, says Sanofi</a>

The French presidency said "any vaccine be treated as a global public good, which is not submitted to market forces." Sanofi is a French pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe waded into the controversy on Twitter declaring: "Equal access to this vaccine for all is not negotiable."

France is one of the hardest hit countries with the virus claiming over 27,000 lives with more than 178,1800 infection cases. French officials have pointed out that Sanofi has received several million euros as research credits as it seeks to find a cure for the virus.

Hudson had earlier said that "the US government has the right to the largest pre-order because it's invested in taking the risk" creating a firestorm in France.

Amid the raging controversy, the European Medicines Agency said it sees the possibility of vaccine within the year.

"We can see the possibility if everything goes as planned that some of them (vaccines) could be ready for approval in a year from now," Marco Cavaleri, member of European Medicines Agency said, while stating that he would be surprised if a vaccine wasn't found eventually.

"I would be surprised that if at the end of the day we don't have any vaccine for COVID-19," he said adding that he was "sceptical" about reports that a vaccine could be ready by September.

There is a global race underway to find a cure for the virus which has affected over 4 million around the world with the United States accounting for most cases totalling over 1.3 million with over 80,000 deaths.

As controversy erupted over Sanofi's chief executive Paul Hudson comments that the US would get priority because "it's invested in taking the risk" to develop the coronavirus vaccine, French President Emmanuel Macron's office said it would hold talks with Sanofi executives at the Elysee Palace early next week.

As controversy erupted over Sanofi's chief executive Paul Hudson comments that the US would get priority because "it's invested in taking the risk" to develop the coronavirus vaccine, French President Emmanuel Macron's office said it would hold talks with Sanofi executives at the Elysee Palace early next week. Also Read: US will be first country to receive COVID vaccine, says Sanofi The French presidency said "any vaccine be treated as a global public good, which is not submitted to market forces." Sanofi is a French pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe waded into the controversy on Twitter declaring: "Equal access to this vaccine for all is not negotiable." France is one of the hardest hit countries with the virus claiming over 27,000 lives with more than 178,1800 infection cases. French officials have pointed out that Sanofi has received several million euros as research credits as it seeks to find a cure for the virus. Hudson had earlier said that "the US government has the right to the largest pre-order because it's invested in taking the risk" creating a firestorm in France. Amid the raging controversy, the European Medicines Agency said it sees the possibility of vaccine within the year. "We can see the possibility if everything goes as planned that some of them (vaccines) could be ready for approval in a year from now," Marco Cavaleri, member of European Medicines Agency said, while stating that he would be surprised if a vaccine wasn't found eventually. "I would be surprised that if at the end of the day we don't have any vaccine for COVID-19," he said adding that he was "sceptical" about reports that a vaccine could be ready by September. There is a global race underway to find a cure for the virus which has affected over 4 million around the world with the United States accounting for most cases totalling over 1.3 million with over 80,000 deaths.

Vaccine global public good, not for market forces: French government on Sanofi CEO's US tilt

Taiwan which is officially known as the Republic of China is an island state located just 130 kilometers away from mainland China. The Chinese regime views it as a breakaway province but Taiwanese leaders have always had differing views on the island's status.

It dates back to 1949 when the Republic of China(ROC) had been governing China for decades but it lost the civil war to the Communists who went on to form the People's Republic of China.

The ROC leader Chiang Kai-Shek and the remnants of his party, the Kuomintang,&nbsp;fled to Taiwan with soldiers to intellectuals and business elites. Nearly&nbsp;2 million people moved homes from mainland China to Taiwan.

They took along with them many national treasures and most of China's gold reserves. In the years that followed, leaders in Taipei and Beijing both claimed to be the legitimate government of China.

The dispute ended in 1971 when the United Nations expelled the ROC further isolating Taiwan. In fact, most Western powers began changing their position in favour of the Communist Party but it did not deter Taiwan. Diplomatically isolated, Taiwan began focusing on industrialization and economic growth.

A transformation that came to be known as the "Taiwan miracle".

Taiwan's Gross National Product grew 360 per cent between 1965 and 1986, even more impressive was its global industrial production output which grew by 680 per cent in the same period.

The social gap between rich and poor narrowed and Taiwan was doing better than the West. Taiwan alongside Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong became known as the "Four Asian Tigers". An Asian Tiger which started questioning cross-Strait ties with Beijing.

In 2016, the election of Tsai Ing-wen came as a political awakening for the people of Taiwan because Tsai Ing-wen's political message revolved around the importance of the Taiwanese identity.

A message that gave her another landslide victory this year. Tsai Ing-wen has now pledged that democracy will be at the heart of Taiwan's future relations with China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The coronavirus has offered Taiwan a chance to push back against China. Its success in battling the pandemic is being seen as a geopolitical win but Beijing is showing no signs of easing its aggression. It is threatening economic punishment and military pushback.

It's time for the world to take a stand.

Taiwan which is officially known as the Republic of China is an island state located just 130 kilometers away from mainland China. The Chinese regime views it as a breakaway province but Taiwanese leaders have always had differing views on the island's status.

Taiwan which is officially known as the Republic of China is an island state located just 130 kilometers away from mainland China. The Chinese regime views it as a breakaway province but Taiwanese leaders have always had differing views on the island's status. It dates back to 1949 when the Republic of China(ROC) had been governing China for decades but it lost the civil war to the Communists who went on to form the People's Republic of China. The ROC leader Chiang Kai-Shek and the remnants of his party, the Kuomintang, fled to Taiwan with soldiers to intellectuals and business elites. Nearly 2 million people moved homes from mainland China to Taiwan. They took along with them many national treasures and most of China's gold reserves. In the years that followed, leaders in Taipei and Beijing both claimed to be the legitimate government of China. The dispute ended in 1971 when the United Nations expelled the ROC further isolating Taiwan. In fact, most Western powers began changing their position in favour of the Communist Party but it did not deter Taiwan. Diplomatically isolated, Taiwan began focusing on industrialization and economic growth. A transformation that came to be known as the "Taiwan miracle". Taiwan's Gross National Product grew 360 per cent between 1965 and 1986, even more impressive was its global industrial production output which grew by 680 per cent in the same period. The social gap between rich and poor narrowed and Taiwan was doing better than the West. Taiwan alongside Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong became known as the "Four Asian Tigers". An Asian Tiger which started questioning cross-Strait ties with Beijing. In 2016, the election of Tsai Ing-wen came as a political awakening for the people of Taiwan because Tsai Ing-wen's political message revolved around the importance of the Taiwanese identity. A message that gave her another landslide victory this year. Tsai Ing-wen has now pledged that democracy will be at the heart of Taiwan's future relations with China. The coronavirus has offered Taiwan a chance to push back against China. Its success in battling the pandemic is being seen as a geopolitical win but Beijing is showing no signs of easing its aggression. It is threatening economic punishment and military pushback. It's time for the world to take a stand.

How Taiwan stood up to China despite Western isolation

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh.&nbsp;

Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections.

The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides.

China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. &nbsp;

Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals.

On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation.

The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led&nbsp;a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council.

China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind&nbsp;and India is not short of options.

It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns.

Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations. Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh. Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections. The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides. China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus. On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals. On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation. The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council. China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind and India is not short of options. It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns. Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

Chinese company signs deal with Pakistan to build dam in PoK

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear.

There have been reports of shocking sea burial. The fishermen&nbsp;were allegedly shot on board a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of South Korea. The visuals show dead bodies being dumped into the sea with bodies of three Indonesian crew members who died on board the fishing vessel.

The South Korean media which released the images says the crew members apparently died due to excessive labour. Unpaid salaries, along with human rights violations and even violence against the fishermen have allegedly taken place. Indonesia has asked the Korean coast guard to investigate and the Chinese government has been asked to clarify.

The Indonesian foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian last week and questioned him on whether unsuitable conditions on board the vessel contributed to the deaths.

China said it did not. The operators of the fishing vessel argued that the sea burials were in accordance with&nbsp;international labour organization(ILO) rules. It said the crew members were buried at sea apparently with the approval of their families and that compensation had been given to the family members.

Meanwhile, the official website of Indonesia's state intelligence agency was recently hacked. The tool used for hacking it was called Aria-body. A tool designed by the 'Naikon' group from China which has repeatedly been used in the last five years for hacking purposes, not just in Indonesia but in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei and even Australia.

An Israeli cybersecurity firm had uncovered the cyber espionage operation. A report was published on Wednesday which said the espionage operation is linked to the Chinese group - Naikon. The group is allegedly gathering geo-political intelligence with specific targets which include foreign ministries and government-owned companies.

It reportedly disguises its cyber attacks in emails sent to foreign embassies. China's viral aggression knows no frontiers or mediums. China is now reportedly infiltrating the security systems of nations, it considers a threat.

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear.

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear. There have been reports of shocking sea burial. The fishermen were allegedly shot on board a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of South Korea. The visuals show dead bodies being dumped into the sea with bodies of three Indonesian crew members who died on board the fishing vessel. The South Korean media which released the images says the crew members apparently died due to excessive labour. Unpaid salaries, along with human rights violations and even violence against the fishermen have allegedly taken place. Indonesia has asked the Korean coast guard to investigate and the Chinese government has been asked to clarify. The Indonesian foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian last week and questioned him on whether unsuitable conditions on board the vessel contributed to the deaths. China said it did not. The operators of the fishing vessel argued that the sea burials were in accordance with international labour organization(ILO) rules. It said the crew members were buried at sea apparently with the approval of their families and that compensation had been given to the family members. Meanwhile, the official website of Indonesia's state intelligence agency was recently hacked. The tool used for hacking it was called Aria-body. A tool designed by the 'Naikon' group from China which has repeatedly been used in the last five years for hacking purposes, not just in Indonesia but in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei and even Australia. An Israeli cybersecurity firm had uncovered the cyber espionage operation. A report was published on Wednesday which said the espionage operation is linked to the Chinese group - Naikon. The group is allegedly gathering geo-political intelligence with specific targets which include foreign ministries and government-owned companies. It reportedly disguises its cyber attacks in emails sent to foreign embassies. China's viral aggression knows no frontiers or mediums. China is now reportedly infiltrating the security systems of nations, it considers a threat.

Now, Chinese vessels target Indonesian fishermen

The Philippsburg plant in southwest Germany with 150-meter long towers was brought down at 6 am on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

It was earlier a nuclear reactor,&nbsp;with three beeps an explosion was set off, and the towers were brought down signifying the collapse of an outdated energy source.

It also kick-started a new era making way for a greener tomorrow. A transformer station will come up on the site. It will bring green electricity from northern Germany. Greenpeace projected a farewell message the night before which read: "make way for alternative energy". Germany is now phasing out nuclear power with its plan on track.

The Philippsburg nuclear plant had two reactors and both were shut down. The first was shut in 2011, the second in 2019. Germany has half a dozen more nuclear plants but they will be offline by the end of 2022.

The country wants to do away with nuclear waste and reduce the threat to its citizens' health. The disastrous consequences of risking nuclear proliferation, or for that matter a potential terror attack and accidents is what Germany is trying to avoid. Fukushima, Chernobyl, the Three Mile Island accident&nbsp;- the world cannot afford a repeat, therefore, switching to safer energy is the need of the hour.

Countries need to pull the plug on nuclear reactors although it's not easy but it's a must. The process is long and expensive. Phase-1 involves shutting down or decontaminating the plant. Nuclear fuels are discharged and all circuits drained. The site is then left untouched and it is monitored.

The second phase involves total dismantling the plant with equipment and structures removed with the exception of the reactor building. It is sealed off and monitored. Phase-3 involves dismantling the reactor building. It is mostly a delicate phase with remote-controlled robots used to do most of the job.

Decommissioning a nuclear power plant takes anything between 25 to 100 years. It's tedious but worth it. Our battle today is not just against a virus, it's against everything that comes in between us and a safer tomorrow.

The Philippsburg plant in southwest Germany with 150-meter long towers was brought down at 6 am on Wednesday morning. It was earlier a nuclear reactor, with three beeps an explosion was set off, and the towers were brought down signifying the collapse of an outdated energy source.

The Philippsburg plant in southwest Germany with 150-meter long towers was brought down at 6 am on Wednesday morning. It was earlier a nuclear reactor, with three beeps an explosion was set off, and the towers were brought down signifying the collapse of an outdated energy source. It also kick-started a new era making way for a greener tomorrow. A transformer station will come up on the site. It will bring green electricity from northern Germany. Greenpeace projected a farewell message the night before which read: "make way for alternative energy". Germany is now phasing out nuclear power with its plan on track. The Philippsburg nuclear plant had two reactors and both were shut down. The first was shut in 2011, the second in 2019. Germany has half a dozen more nuclear plants but they will be offline by the end of 2022. The country wants to do away with nuclear waste and reduce the threat to its citizens' health. The disastrous consequences of risking nuclear proliferation, or for that matter a potential terror attack and accidents is what Germany is trying to avoid. Fukushima, Chernobyl, the Three Mile Island accident - the world cannot afford a repeat, therefore, switching to safer energy is the need of the hour. Countries need to pull the plug on nuclear reactors although it's not easy but it's a must. The process is long and expensive. Phase-1 involves shutting down or decontaminating the plant. Nuclear fuels are discharged and all circuits drained. The site is then left untouched and it is monitored. The second phase involves total dismantling the plant with equipment and structures removed with the exception of the reactor building. It is sealed off and monitored. Phase-3 involves dismantling the reactor building. It is mostly a delicate phase with remote-controlled robots used to do most of the job. Decommissioning a nuclear power plant takes anything between 25 to 100 years. It's tedious but worth it. Our battle today is not just against a virus, it's against everything that comes in between us and a safer tomorrow.

Germany demolishes nuclear plant towers for a greener tomorrow

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US President Trump said that he does not want to talk to China's President Xi "right now" while suggesting that he "could cut off whole relationship" with China.

"I have a very good relationship, but I just -- right now I don't want to speak to him," Trump told Fox Business, a US television news channel.

"There are many things we could do. We could do things. We could cut off the whole relationship," Trump warned while declaring that he was "very disappointed" by China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the US president had said, "As I have said for a long time, dealing with China is a very expensive thing to do. We just made a great trade deal, the ink was barely dry, and the world was hit by the plague from China."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As I have said for a long time, dealing with China is a very expensive thing to do. We just made a great Trade Deal, the ink was barely dry, and the World was hit by the Plague from China. 100 Trade Deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260578860992737285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Hundred trade deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost,"&nbsp;the US president said.

Trump has been at loggerheads with China ever since coronavirus cases shot up in the US. The United States has over 80,000 casualties and over 1.2 million cases of COVID-19. The US president has repeatedly blamed China for not warning early about the virus.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US President Trump said that he does not want to talk to China's President Xi "right now" while suggesting that he "could cut off whole relationship" with China.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US President Trump said that he does not want to talk to China's President Xi "right now" while suggesting that he "could cut off whole relationship" with China. "I have a very good relationship, but I just -- right now I don't want to speak to him," Trump told Fox Business, a US television news channel. "There are many things we could do. We could do things. We could cut off the whole relationship," Trump warned while declaring that he was "very disappointed" by China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In a tweet on Wednesday, the US president had said, "As I have said for a long time, dealing with China is a very expensive thing to do. We just made a great trade deal, the ink was barely dry, and the world was hit by the plague from China." As I have said for a long time, dealing with China is a very expensive thing to do. We just made a great Trade Deal, the ink was barely dry, and the World was hit by the Plague from China. 100 Trade Deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2020 × "Hundred trade deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost," the US president said. Trump has been at loggerheads with China ever since coronavirus cases shot up in the US. The United States has over 80,000 casualties and over 1.2 million cases of COVID-19. The US president has repeatedly blamed China for not warning early about the virus.

Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China'

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