The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.&nbsp;

The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership.

Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries"

He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.”

The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit.

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Climate Ambition summit that will take place in December. The invitation was handed over by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign Office to India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla during his London visit. The summit is being hosted virtually by the UK as the COP26 President, United Nations, France in partnership with Chile was the president of COP 25 and Italy, president of COP 26. COP is Climate Change Conference and the 26th conference will take place in Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 12th November 2021 under London's leadership. Sir Philip Barton who is the UK’s most senior diplomat and Head of the UK Diplomatic Service after his meeting with Indian Foreign secretary said, “I am delighted to welcome Foreign Secretary Shringla to London to discuss our joint priorities. India has a special place in my heart and I know first-hand the importance of building the relationship between our two countries" He added, "Foreign Secretary Shringla and I agreed a strengthened UK-India partnership will be a force for good in the world, in facing the big international challenges over the next decade, such as climate change and global security.” The summit aims at long term strategies for net-zero emissions, climate finance commitments for vulnerable countries among many things. Interestingly, December 12 marks the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

UK invites India for climate summit

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue.

The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament."

The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.&nbsp;

The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements

The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons.

The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted two India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament which aim to reduce risk of nuclear accidents and call for a prohibition on the use of nuclear weapons. The UNGA first committee deals with the issue of disarmament and works in close cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, the other two bodies to deal with the nuclear issue. The two resolutions adopted are: ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ under the ‘Nuclear weapons’ cluster. The adoption of resolutions, sources say shows "India’s commitment towards the goal of nuclear disarmament." The resolution on “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” was backed by a majority of UN Members and was tabled by India since 1982. It calls for Conference on Disarmament to start negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The aim is that a universal and legally binding agreement would generate the necessary global "political will" that can lead to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. One such treaty which has been proposed in the past is Nuclear Weapons Convention that outlaws nuclear weapons but negotiations on it are inactive at the Conference on Disarmament. Conference on Disarmament, while not a UN body, is linked with it in various ways and formed to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements The resolution on “Reducing Nuclear Danger” which was tabled since 1998 puts focus on "unintentional or accidental use" of nuclear weapons and underscore the need for a review of nuclear doctrines. The resolution asks for "concrete steps" to reduce such risks, including through "de-alerting and de-targeting of nuclear weapons."

UN adopts India sponsored resolutions on nuclear disarmament

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons.

India's envoy to UN, T.S. Tirumurti, "Terrorist and radical extremist groups today have unprecedented access to the general public through the internet, which allows for more efficient and effective recruitment, incitement, and propaganda, as well as the purchase of weapons and illegal money transfers"

Explaining, "both state and non-state actors" can use "Artificial Intelligence-enabled deep learning to create ‘deepfakes,’ which have the potential to fuel misinformation, divisions, and political instability."

The envoy pointed out that "advances in AI and 3D printing" could facilitate attacks by "automating the development and deployment of weapons and weapon systems" thereby transferring "responsibility over life and death from human moral systems to complex data systems, devoid of an ethical compass."

India's statement was on the issue, "Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity" on which it highlighted its role in countries like Afghanistan, Gambia and more.

Envoy Tirumurti highlighted that in Afghanistan, "even in the face of repeated terrorist attacks, India has persisted and invested in grass-root and impactful development partnership projects worth over US$ 3 billion" covering all provinces of the country. Other than major infrastructure projects like Afghan Parliament building, India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, India has assisted the Government of Afghanistan in setting up first of its kind Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University in Kandahar.

In the Gambia just last year, India had trained 25 senior civil servants which Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from key governmental ministries.

Indian envoy giving an overarching view of New Delhi's outreach, said, "Going forward, India will continue to be a force multiplier for peacebuilding with an emphasis on the “people-centric” approach not just in our neighbourhood but also in Africa, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands and beyond."

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons.

India at the United Nations Security Council has warned that artificial intelligence-enabled "deep learning" to create "deepfakes" which can be used for misinformation across the World and terror groups are using the internet for many things from recruitment to purchase of weapons. India's envoy to UN, T.S. Tirumurti, "Terrorist and radical extremist groups today have unprecedented access to the general public through the internet, which allows for more efficient and effective recruitment, incitement, and propaganda, as well as the purchase of weapons and illegal money transfers" Explaining, "both state and non-state actors" can use "Artificial Intelligence-enabled deep learning to create ‘deepfakes,’ which have the potential to fuel misinformation, divisions, and political instability." The envoy pointed out that "advances in AI and 3D printing" could facilitate attacks by "automating the development and deployment of weapons and weapon systems" thereby transferring "responsibility over life and death from human moral systems to complex data systems, devoid of an ethical compass." India's statement was on the issue, "Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity" on which it highlighted its role in countries like Afghanistan, Gambia and more. Envoy Tirumurti highlighted that in Afghanistan, "even in the face of repeated terrorist attacks, India has persisted and invested in grass-root and impactful development partnership projects worth over US$ 3 billion" covering all provinces of the country. Other than major infrastructure projects like Afghan Parliament building, India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, India has assisted the Government of Afghanistan in setting up first of its kind Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University in Kandahar. In the Gambia just last year, India had trained 25 senior civil servants which Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from key governmental ministries. Indian envoy giving an overarching view of New Delhi's outreach, said, "Going forward, India will continue to be a force multiplier for peacebuilding with an emphasis on the “people-centric” approach not just in our neighbourhood but also in Africa, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands and beyond."

At UNSC, India warns of artificial intelligence created 'deepfakes' being used to create misinformation

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals.

India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. &nbsp;Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. "

From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute.

The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute.

When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, &nbsp;30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals. India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. " From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute. The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute. When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, 30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

National Defence College opens doors for 5 countries; Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh get more seats

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp; 
 
Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern."

The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis.

The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability."

Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties."

Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership.

Indian and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will hold virtual summit on Friday even as India increases its engagement with Europe. While this is the 5th virtual summit India is holding amid the COVID pandemic, this is the 3rd one with European leadership. In the month of July, the 15th India EU summit took place virtually with the participation by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Later India held a virtual summit with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen. A Ministry of External Affairs release said the virtual summit, "will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and exchange views on major regional and global issues of mutual concern." The development comes even as India is increasing its engagement with European countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris, Berlin and London. During his interlocutors in all 3 European capitals, he discussed many issues, like Indo Pacific, terrorism, radicalization and COVID crisis. The virtual summit or what is being termed as diplomacy in the age of pandemic took place with Australian PM Scott Morrison and later with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. On the ties, the release said, "India and Italy share a warm and multifaceted relationship based on strong historical ties, common democratic traditions, rule of law and a shared goal of international peace and stability." Explaining, "India views Italy as an important member of the EU and values its positive contribution in furthering India-EU ties." Italy is India’s 5th largest trading partner in the EU, after Germany, Belgium, UK and France. Around 600 large Italian companies are active in India with bilateral trade standing at Euros 9.52 billion in 2019.

With Europe in focus, India-Italy virtual summit on Friday

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;

On the intervening night of 2nd and 3rd November 1988 around 200 to 300 armed mercenaries landed in the country's capital capturing key installations. The then President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had requested for help from New Delhi and the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Indian Army's para brigade brought on IL 76 immediately brought things under control in the Indian ocean Island but it was the mid-ocean chase and rescue that was the most challenging part of the operation. The mercenaries, led by the leader&nbsp;Abdulla Luthufee&nbsp;fled on vessel MV Progress light along with hostages including a Maldivian govt minister.&nbsp; Indian navy ship--training ship Tir and Frigate Godavari were diverted to the country.The commanding officer of Godavari was the CTF-- Commander Task Force.&nbsp;

Other than them,&nbsp;Indian Navy ships Betwa, Rajput, Ranjit, Gomati, Trishul, Nilgiri, Kumbhir, Cheetah and fleet tanker Deepak were also sailed towards the Maldives. 24x7 maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MR) air-patrols commenced.

Soon after midnight of 5/6th November, MV Progress light was given a final warning but no heed was paid by the fleeing mercenaries. The 4 inch, 57 mm and 30 mm guns of Godavari and Betwa then raked the vessel, causing a massive fire. A Naval boarding party brought the hostages to INS Godavari and apprehended the mercenaries. MV Progress light sank on 7th November, 56 miles south west of Colombo.

New Delhi was closely monitoring the situation and at the war room at a message reached the Prime Minister that read: "ALL HOSTAGES RESCUED. MERCENARIES CAPTURED" bringing a sigh of relief to many in both the countries. On 8th November, recused hostages were handed over to President Gayoom in a formal ceremony.&nbsp;

The developments had a global impact, with TIME magazine cover of 3rd April 1989 featuring INS Godavari with a caption "Super India--The Next Military power". Leaders of the US and UK had also lauded New Delhi's role.

One of the impact of the development was close alignment on the security understanding between Indian and Maldives. India has been helping in capacity and capability development of the Maldivian armed forces and since then thousands of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel have been trained in India.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to know, the present Chief of Defence Force of MNDF, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington (Tamil Nadu), while his predecessors were graduates of NDC, New Delhi.&nbsp;

The invasion by mercenaries on 3 November 1988 also prompted the Maldives to enhance their maritime surveillance capabilities. For this Indian Government provided MNDF with ships, vehicles, helicopters, coastal radars, arms, ammunition and earlier this year, a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft.

To remember the event in the country's history, every 3 November MNDF personnel mark Nasruge Dhuvas or ‘Victory Day’ and remember their fallen comrades at a special memorial where an RPG--rocket-propelled grenade was fired by the mercenaries breaching the MNDF HQ in Bandaara Koshi, Male in 1988.

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

32 years ago, this week, India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced its biggest challenge - a coup launched by mercenaries. The operation forever etched in the India Maldives history of close cooperation shows how Indian Navy played a significant role, especially when it comes to security and stability of the Indian Ocean region. On the intervening night of 2nd and 3rd November 1988 around 200 to 300 armed mercenaries landed in the country's capital capturing key installations. The then President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had requested for help from New Delhi and the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Indian Army's para brigade brought on IL 76 immediately brought things under control in the Indian ocean Island but it was the mid-ocean chase and rescue that was the most challenging part of the operation. The mercenaries, led by the leader Abdulla Luthufee fled on vessel MV Progress light along with hostages including a Maldivian govt minister. Indian navy ship--training ship Tir and Frigate Godavari were diverted to the country.The commanding officer of Godavari was the CTF-- Commander Task Force. Other than them, Indian Navy ships Betwa, Rajput, Ranjit, Gomati, Trishul, Nilgiri, Kumbhir, Cheetah and fleet tanker Deepak were also sailed towards the Maldives. 24x7 maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MR) air-patrols commenced. Soon after midnight of 5/6th November, MV Progress light was given a final warning but no heed was paid by the fleeing mercenaries. The 4 inch, 57 mm and 30 mm guns of Godavari and Betwa then raked the vessel, causing a massive fire. A Naval boarding party brought the hostages to INS Godavari and apprehended the mercenaries. MV Progress light sank on 7th November, 56 miles south west of Colombo. New Delhi was closely monitoring the situation and at the war room at a message reached the Prime Minister that read: "ALL HOSTAGES RESCUED. MERCENARIES CAPTURED" bringing a sigh of relief to many in both the countries. On 8th November, recused hostages were handed over to President Gayoom in a formal ceremony. The developments had a global impact, with TIME magazine cover of 3rd April 1989 featuring INS Godavari with a caption "Super India--The Next Military power". Leaders of the US and UK had also lauded New Delhi's role. One of the impact of the development was close alignment on the security understanding between Indian and Maldives. India has been helping in capacity and capability development of the Maldivian armed forces and since then thousands of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel have been trained in India. It will be interesting to know, the present Chief of Defence Force of MNDF, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington (Tamil Nadu), while his predecessors were graduates of NDC, New Delhi. The invasion by mercenaries on 3 November 1988 also prompted the Maldives to enhance their maritime surveillance capabilities. For this Indian Government provided MNDF with ships, vehicles, helicopters, coastal radars, arms, ammunition and earlier this year, a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft. To remember the event in the country's history, every 3 November MNDF personnel mark Nasruge Dhuvas or ‘Victory Day’ and remember their fallen comrades at a special memorial where an RPG--rocket-propelled grenade was fired by the mercenaries breaching the MNDF HQ in Bandaara Koshi, Male in 1988.

Operation Cactus: How India helped the Maldives in November, 1988

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin". India had applied for GI tag in July 2018 and it got published in the "official journal of the European Union" in September of this year.

Indian government sources told WION, "India’s unilateral application has neither breached any law nor has it staked any unjust claims of exclusivity to the rights in Basmati rice."

A geographical indication is a tag on products that they have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and is safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual property organisation or WIPO.

Sources in the Indian government pointed out, that the single Document published by EU on Basmati Rice stated, "‘Basmati is a special long grain aromatic rice grown and produced in a particular geographical region of the Indian sub-continent" and with the use of India subcontinent, shows its grown in the region, not one country.

The para in document explains, "In India, this region is a part of northern India, below the foothills of the Himalayas forming part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)", &nbsp;

Pakistan fears losing the lucrative Basmati export market of the European Union with India getting the GI tag. Estimates suggest India has 65% of global Basmati rice trade, while Pakistan 35% and generates good revenue given that the aromatic rice is much sought after.

India's application is currently under opposition the period which will end on December 11. The burden to show why Basmati does not meet the criteria for registration will be on an opponent, which in this case is Pakistan.&nbsp;

While so far no opposition has been filed, the EU will give notice to India and once such notice is served, India has 2 months period to lodge a "Reasoned Statement.'

New Delhi is very "protective" when it comes to the issue of Basmati and its GI and in last many years taken international efforts to defend Basmati interests in foreign jurisdictions by way of oppositions, rectifications and court actions.

In the 1990s, a US-based company RiceTec had tried to patent Basmati angering New Delhi. Ricetec lost the claims to patent and the right to call its rice products as Basmati.

Interestingly, the single document at European Union mentions the first recorded reference to Basmati which it said can be "found in the epic Punjabi poem Heer Ranjha by the great Punjabi poet Varis Shah dated 1766".

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin".

Even as Pakistan plans to file a case against India for applying for GI or Geographical Indications Tag for Basmati Rice at European Commission Regulation, New Delhi has said it never claimed that the rice is "exclusively of Indian origin". India had applied for GI tag in July 2018 and it got published in the "official journal of the European Union" in September of this year. Indian government sources told WION, "India’s unilateral application has neither breached any law nor has it staked any unjust claims of exclusivity to the rights in Basmati rice." A geographical indication is a tag on products that they have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and is safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual property organisation or WIPO. Sources in the Indian government pointed out, that the single Document published by EU on Basmati Rice stated, "‘Basmati is a special long grain aromatic rice grown and produced in a particular geographical region of the Indian sub-continent" and with the use of India subcontinent, shows its grown in the region, not one country. The para in document explains, "In India, this region is a part of northern India, below the foothills of the Himalayas forming part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)", Pakistan fears losing the lucrative Basmati export market of the European Union with India getting the GI tag. Estimates suggest India has 65% of global Basmati rice trade, while Pakistan 35% and generates good revenue given that the aromatic rice is much sought after. India's application is currently under opposition the period which will end on December 11. The burden to show why Basmati does not meet the criteria for registration will be on an opponent, which in this case is Pakistan. While so far no opposition has been filed, the EU will give notice to India and once such notice is served, India has 2 months period to lodge a "Reasoned Statement.' New Delhi is very "protective" when it comes to the issue of Basmati and its GI and in last many years taken international efforts to defend Basmati interests in foreign jurisdictions by way of oppositions, rectifications and court actions. In the 1990s, a US-based company RiceTec had tried to patent Basmati angering New Delhi. Ricetec lost the claims to patent and the right to call its rice products as Basmati. Interestingly, the single document at European Union mentions the first recorded reference to Basmati which it said can be "found in the epic Punjabi poem Heer Ranjha by the great Punjabi poet Varis Shah dated 1766".

India vs Pakistan basmati battle: Never claimed exclusivity of basmati rice, says India

India in a statement at the United Nations General Assembly has highlighted how Pakistan has increased its support to cross border terror amid COVID pandemic but also fanned hate speech.&nbsp;

Indian diplomat Ashish Sharma said, "While the world has come to a standstill due to the pandemic, but Pakistan has only enhanced support to cross-border terrorism taking advantage of the pandemic."

Adding, "Pakistan has resorted to unbridled hate speech trying to foment violence and intolerance in our country. The hate speech by Pakistan is not merely directed towards one community in India but also against organisations, individuals and even against high ranking political leaders."

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India's Statement at the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance: ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/Uq49tn3WHc">pic.twitter.com/Uq49tn3WHc</a>
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Remember Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been making comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also joined Turkey's Erdogan in recent criticism of French President Macron.

India pointed out to the challenge of ‘infodemic’ during the Pandemic which in "many cases has been responsible for rise in hate speech and seeding hatred within communities."

Earlier this year in June, India along with 12 countries co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the Context of COVID-19. The first of its kind statement by the UN Member States focused on the need to counter the increase in hate speech and misinformation during the pandemic.

India also explained how it "is fighting" COVID 19 pandemic in the "most transparent manner" with "equal access to medical facilities to all citizens" and "special efforts" to ensure that vulnerable communities are "provided adequate medical support."

India in a statement at the United Nations General Assembly has highlighted how Pakistan has increased its support to cross border terror amid COVID pandemic but also fanned hate speech.

India in a statement at the United Nations General Assembly has highlighted how Pakistan has increased its support to cross border terror amid COVID pandemic but also fanned hate speech. Indian diplomat Ashish Sharma said, "While the world has come to a standstill due to the pandemic, but Pakistan has only enhanced support to cross-border terrorism taking advantage of the pandemic." Adding, "Pakistan has resorted to unbridled hate speech trying to foment violence and intolerance in our country. The hate speech by Pakistan is not merely directed towards one community in India but also against organisations, individuals and even against high ranking political leaders." Watch 📺: India's Statement at the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance: ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Uq49tn3WHc — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) November 2, 2020 × Remember Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been making comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also joined Turkey's Erdogan in recent criticism of French President Macron. India pointed out to the challenge of ‘infodemic’ during the Pandemic which in "many cases has been responsible for rise in hate speech and seeding hatred within communities." Earlier this year in June, India along with 12 countries co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the Context of COVID-19. The first of its kind statement by the UN Member States focused on the need to counter the increase in hate speech and misinformation during the pandemic. India also explained how it "is fighting" COVID 19 pandemic in the "most transparent manner" with "equal access to medical facilities to all citizens" and "special efforts" to ensure that vulnerable communities are "provided adequate medical support."

Pakistan has enhanced support to cross-border terrorism amid COVID pandemic: India

Austria has thanked India for extending the support in the aftermath of the terror attack in its capital Vienna.

Austria's envoy to India, Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer speaking to WION said, “We are truly grateful for the solidarity of India in these difficult hours. Austria will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of terror."&nbsp;

Also watch|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-witness-footage-show-terrorist-suspect-open-fire-in-vienna-340048">&nbsp;CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna</a>

"Together we will defend our open and democratic society,” she added.

Three people have been killed in terror attacks across six locations in the national capital Vienna.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna" and "India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

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Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
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Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described the incident as a "repulsive terror attack". The country's interior minister said that the terrorist who led the attack was a supporter of the Islamic state. The incident comes days after France saw a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks.

Austria has thanked India for extending the support in the aftermath of the terror attack in its capital Vienna. Austria's envoy to India, Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer speaking to WION said, “We are truly grateful for the solidarity of India in these difficult hours.

Austria has thanked India for extending the support in the aftermath of the terror attack in its capital Vienna. Austria's envoy to India, Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer speaking to WION said, “We are truly grateful for the solidarity of India in these difficult hours. Austria will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of terror." Also watch| CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna "Together we will defend our open and democratic society,” she added. Three people have been killed in terror attacks across six locations in the national capital Vienna. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna" and "India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families." Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna. India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2020 × Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described the incident as a "repulsive terror attack". The country's interior minister said that the terrorist who led the attack was a supporter of the Islamic state. The incident comes days after France saw a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks.

Austria thanks India for standing in difficult times; says will defend our open societies

Portugal won the elections for the post the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) with 222 votes on Monday. Candidates from 4 countries were in the fray for elections- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan. New IPU President was elected with 56 per cent of the vote in a single round of voting.

Uzbekistan got 67 votes, Canada govt 53 votes and Pakistan got the lowest number of votes at 52. According to officials, India was opposed to Pakistan’s candidature and was expected to either Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco or Akmal Saidov from Uzbekistan over Muhammad Sanjrani from Pakistan.

Duarte Pacheco will be the 30th President of the IPU and has been a member of Portugal's Parliament since 1991. He has held different functions in Parliament, including as a Member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Portuguese Communities.

Inter-Parliamentary Union or IPU, based in Geneva is a body consisting of representatives from National Parliaments of 179 countries. Each national parliament sends 3 of its legislatures to represent the country whenever the meeting of IPU takes place.&nbsp;

The Governing Council is meeting virtually amid the COVID crisis from first to 4th November and will be voting virtually. 400 parliamentarians from over 140 IPU Member Parliaments had registered to vote electronically.

The elections took place through a remote electronic secret ballot. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation is led by Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla and Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam and Swapan Dasgupta both legislators in the Indian Parliament.&nbsp;

The term of the new IPU president will be from 2020-2023. The Previous IPU President was Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron who completed the tenure in Oct.

Portugal won the elections for the post the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) with 222 votes on Monday. Candidates from 4 countries were in the fray for elections- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan.

Portugal won the elections for the post the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) with 222 votes on Monday. Candidates from 4 countries were in the fray for elections- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan. New IPU President was elected with 56 per cent of the vote in a single round of voting. Uzbekistan got 67 votes, Canada govt 53 votes and Pakistan got the lowest number of votes at 52. According to officials, India was opposed to Pakistan’s candidature and was expected to either Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco or Akmal Saidov from Uzbekistan over Muhammad Sanjrani from Pakistan. Duarte Pacheco will be the 30th President of the IPU and has been a member of Portugal's Parliament since 1991. He has held different functions in Parliament, including as a Member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Portuguese Communities. Inter-Parliamentary Union or IPU, based in Geneva is a body consisting of representatives from National Parliaments of 179 countries. Each national parliament sends 3 of its legislatures to represent the country whenever the meeting of IPU takes place. The Governing Council is meeting virtually amid the COVID crisis from first to 4th November and will be voting virtually. 400 parliamentarians from over 140 IPU Member Parliaments had registered to vote electronically. The elections took place through a remote electronic secret ballot. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation is led by Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla and Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam and Swapan Dasgupta both legislators in the Indian Parliament. The term of the new IPU president will be from 2020-2023. The Previous IPU President was Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron who completed the tenure in Oct.

Elections for Inter-Parliamentary Union: Portugal wins, Pakistan candidate gets lowest votes

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks. During his meetings, the foreign secretary highlighted the common interest New Delhi shares with Europe and Germany to combat terror and extremism and welcomed Berlin's strategy on Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

During his meetings with German interlocutors in Berlin, Foreign Secretary told that India is "stunned by the recent terror attacks in France" and these are threats to "our common democratic values and freedom of expression". He said, that the terror attacks in France "vindicate our long term assertion that terror knows no boundaries."

France has seen a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country after a teacher in the country had shown caricature of Prophet Muhammad. Last week, a terror attack in Nice, killed 3 people.&nbsp;

We should learn to call "a spade a spade" on terror front, India's FS told his German interlocutors pointing out to Pakistan that how some "countries" who are the fountainhead of terror are "claiming to be victims of terror to gain international sympathy.”

He called upon "like-minded countries" to work together and "there can be no justification for terror under any circumstances".

New Delhi also welcomed Germany’s foreign policy turn towards the Indo-Pacific. The German government earlier this year announced its Indo Pacific strategy, a move that shows greater interest in the concept that Beijing views suspicious.

FS highlighted how "India" is an important factor in the region and how it is "the most reliable partner to implement our shared vision for the region." On a broader point of discussion China's debt-trap diplomacy, need to diversify supply chains were other points of discussion.&nbsp;

In his last leg of the visit, FS will be in London and will meet permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Philip Barton.

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks.

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks. During his meetings, the foreign secretary highlighted the common interest New Delhi shares with Europe and Germany to combat terror and extremism and welcomed Berlin's strategy on Indo-Pacific. During his meetings with German interlocutors in Berlin, Foreign Secretary told that India is "stunned by the recent terror attacks in France" and these are threats to "our common democratic values and freedom of expression". He said, that the terror attacks in France "vindicate our long term assertion that terror knows no boundaries." France has seen a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country after a teacher in the country had shown caricature of Prophet Muhammad. Last week, a terror attack in Nice, killed 3 people. We should learn to call "a spade a spade" on terror front, India's FS told his German interlocutors pointing out to Pakistan that how some "countries" who are the fountainhead of terror are "claiming to be victims of terror to gain international sympathy.” He called upon "like-minded countries" to work together and "there can be no justification for terror under any circumstances". New Delhi also welcomed Germany’s foreign policy turn towards the Indo-Pacific. The German government earlier this year announced its Indo Pacific strategy, a move that shows greater interest in the concept that Beijing views suspicious. FS highlighted how "India" is an important factor in the region and how it is "the most reliable partner to implement our shared vision for the region." On a broader point of discussion China's debt-trap diplomacy, need to diversify supply chains were other points of discussion. In his last leg of the visit, FS will be in London and will meet permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Philip Barton.

In Berlin, Foreign Secretary highlights common fight against terror, joint strategy on Indo-pacific

Elections to choose the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) are underway with the results expected to be announced by 4th November. Candidates of 4 countries are in the fray- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan.&nbsp;

According to officials, India is set to oppose Pakistan’s candidature and may back Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco or Akmal Saidov from Uzbekistan over Muhammad Sanjrani from Pakistan.

Inter-Parliamentary Union or IPU, based in Geneva is a body consisting of representatives from National Parliaments of 179 countries. Each national parliament sends 3 of its legislatures to represent the country whenever the meeting of IPU takes place.&nbsp;

The Governing Council is meeting virtually amid the COVID crisis from first to 4th November and will be voting virtually. The elections will take place through a remote electronic secret ballot.

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation is led by Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla and Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam and Swapan Dasgupta both legislators in the Indian Parliament. Secretary-General of the lower house of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), Snehlata Shrivastava and Secretary-General of the upper house of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Deepak Verma will also attend the Virtual Session.

The term of the new IPU president will be from 2020-2023. The Previous IPU President was Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron who completed the tenure in Oct.

Elections to choose the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) are underway with the results expected to be announced by 4th November. Candidates of 4 countries are in the fray- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan.

Elections to choose the president of the inter-parliamentary union (IPU) are underway with the results expected to be announced by 4th November. Candidates of 4 countries are in the fray- Portugal's Duarte Pacheco, Pakistan's Muhammad Sanjrani, Uzbekistan's Akmal Saidov and Canada's Pakistani origin Salma Ataullahjan. According to officials, India is set to oppose Pakistan’s candidature and may back Portugal’s Duarte Pacheco or Akmal Saidov from Uzbekistan over Muhammad Sanjrani from Pakistan. Inter-Parliamentary Union or IPU, based in Geneva is a body consisting of representatives from National Parliaments of 179 countries. Each national parliament sends 3 of its legislatures to represent the country whenever the meeting of IPU takes place. The Governing Council is meeting virtually amid the COVID crisis from first to 4th November and will be voting virtually. The elections will take place through a remote electronic secret ballot. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation is led by Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla and Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam and Swapan Dasgupta both legislators in the Indian Parliament. Secretary-General of the lower house of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), Snehlata Shrivastava and Secretary-General of the upper house of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Deepak Verma will also attend the Virtual Session. The term of the new IPU president will be from 2020-2023. The Previous IPU President was Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron who completed the tenure in Oct.

Elections for Inter-Parliamentary Union: Candidates from 4 countries in the fray; India to oppose Pakistan candidature 

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