Pakistan is yet to respond to India's proposal for coordinated pest control along the border to deal with the locust crisis even as both sides are finally going to have a bilateral meet later this month as part of the annual meet&nbsp;to deal with the pest attack.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-deploys-thousands-of-army-troops-to-battle-locust-invasion-303936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India had requested regular technical meet to happen earlier given the unprecedented scale of the locust crisis but Pakistan had dragged its feet.&nbsp;

The India-Pak meeting will be part of an existing institutionalized mechanism to deal with the locust crisis.

Under the mechanism, regular border meetings happen between the locusts officers of the two countries.

Six border meetings between the locust officers led by Plant Protection Advisers of India and Pakistan are held every year (June to November) either at Munabao (India side) and or at Khokhropar (Pakistan side) for exchanging information on locust situation of both the countries.&nbsp;

Wireless communication between Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) is also maintained every year during this period (June to Nov) for exchange of locust information between the two countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan is also yet to take Indian offer to facilitate the supply of pesticide Malathion for control operations on their side. This even as New Delhi has already dispatched consignment of 20,000 litres of pesticide to Iran.

India had also offered to supply pesticide to Iran to carry out desert locust control operations in its Sistan-Balochistan and South Khorasan provinces.

All the three&nbsp;countries also work under Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) SWAC - Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia regional mechanism.

In March 2020, India's minister of state in the ministry of agriculture Kailash Choudhary had participated in a South West Asian Region virtual meeting coordinated by FAO to discuss regional cooperation to combat desert locust problem.

As per the FAO reports, in Iran, hopper bands of the locust which matured along the southwestern coastal plains are migrating to Pakistan and another group of pests are migrating to India from breeding areas in Baluchistan. Reports of locust attacks have surfaced in northwestern India.&nbsp;

The 2019–20 locust infestation has impacted more than 10 countries in Africa and South Asia and Iran, India and Pakistan are currently affected by the crisis.

Pakistan is yet to respond to India's proposal for coordinated pest control along the border to deal with the locust crisis even as both sides are finally going to have a bilateral meet later this month as part of the annual meet to deal with the pest attack.

Pakistan is yet to respond to India's proposal for coordinated pest control along the border to deal with the locust crisis even as both sides are finally going to have a bilateral meet later this month as part of the annual meet to deal with the pest attack. Watch Video: India had requested regular technical meet to happen earlier given the unprecedented scale of the locust crisis but Pakistan had dragged its feet. The India-Pak meeting will be part of an existing institutionalized mechanism to deal with the locust crisis. Under the mechanism, regular border meetings happen between the locusts officers of the two countries. Six border meetings between the locust officers led by Plant Protection Advisers of India and Pakistan are held every year (June to November) either at Munabao (India side) and or at Khokhropar (Pakistan side) for exchanging information on locust situation of both the countries. Wireless communication between Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) is also maintained every year during this period (June to Nov) for exchange of locust information between the two countries. Pakistan is also yet to take Indian offer to facilitate the supply of pesticide Malathion for control operations on their side. This even as New Delhi has already dispatched consignment of 20,000 litres of pesticide to Iran. India had also offered to supply pesticide to Iran to carry out desert locust control operations in its Sistan-Balochistan and South Khorasan provinces. All the three countries also work under Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) SWAC - Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia regional mechanism. In March 2020, India's minister of state in the ministry of agriculture Kailash Choudhary had participated in a South West Asian Region virtual meeting coordinated by FAO to discuss regional cooperation to combat desert locust problem. As per the FAO reports, in Iran, hopper bands of the locust which matured along the southwestern coastal plains are migrating to Pakistan and another group of pests are migrating to India from breeding areas in Baluchistan. Reports of locust attacks have surfaced in northwestern India. The 2019–20 locust infestation has impacted more than 10 countries in Africa and South Asia and Iran, India and Pakistan are currently affected by the crisis.

Pakistan still to take up Indian offer on locust cooperation; both sides to talk under annual mechanism

The bill to amend Nepal's political map in the coat of arms got a unanimous backing on Tuesday in the lower house of the Nepali Parliament. All parties including the ruling Nepal Communist Party, the largest opposition Nepali Congress and the third-largest Janata Samajbadi Party supported it.

The Nepali govt last month released a new map which showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. While that was an executive act, the changing of the coat of arms --which has Nepali Map needs to happen by amendment of the constitution.&nbsp;

Nepal foreign and defence minister both spoke in Nepal's lower house ahead of the discussions. Nepal's FM Pradeep Gyawali recalled the treaty of sanguli and while elaborating the current border row with India said, "would like to diplomatically resolve border row with India"

Under the treaty of Sanguli signed between Kathmandu and British Raj in 1800, India's border with Nepal in the eastern part is decided by river Kali, but towards its origin, the current issue remains.

The bill has got the backing and within 72 hours any MP has to raise objections. Once it gets 2/3rd majority after the 72 hours, it will be passed in the lower house.

Once passed, it will go to the upper house of the Nepali Parliament--the national assembly where the same procedure will be followed. After passage in the upper house and accent by the Nepali President, the law or the amendment will come into force giving constitutional backing to the Nepal Map which is at the heart of diplomatic row with India.

Nepal is keen for foreign secretary-level talks on the issue and while the Indian government has said it is open to talks but an "environment of trust and confidence" needs to be built.

The ministry of external affairs last week said, "India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts." MEA also said that it continues to "monitor the situation in Nepal"

The map row broke after India's defence minister inaugurated a road till Lipulekh which Nepal says is its own territory. It was followed by Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali meeting Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepali Foreign Ministery and ruling party Nepal Communist Party issued a strongly worded release protesting the new road built by India that will reduce the time for Indian pilgrims to go for Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet, China. It was followed by a protest by India who reminded Kathmandu that it is Indian territory.&nbsp;

The bill to amend Nepal's political map in the coat of arms got a unanimous backing on Tuesday in the lower house of the Nepali Parliament. All parties including the ruling Nepal Communist Party, the largest opposition Nepali Congress and the third-largest Janata Samajbadi Party supported it.

The bill to amend Nepal's political map in the coat of arms got a unanimous backing on Tuesday in the lower house of the Nepali Parliament. All parties including the ruling Nepal Communist Party, the largest opposition Nepali Congress and the third-largest Janata Samajbadi Party supported it. The Nepali govt last month released a new map which showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. While that was an executive act, the changing of the coat of arms --which has Nepali Map needs to happen by amendment of the constitution. Nepal foreign and defence minister both spoke in Nepal's lower house ahead of the discussions. Nepal's FM Pradeep Gyawali recalled the treaty of sanguli and while elaborating the current border row with India said, "would like to diplomatically resolve border row with India" Under the treaty of Sanguli signed between Kathmandu and British Raj in 1800, India's border with Nepal in the eastern part is decided by river Kali, but towards its origin, the current issue remains. The bill has got the backing and within 72 hours any MP has to raise objections. Once it gets 2/3rd majority after the 72 hours, it will be passed in the lower house. Once passed, it will go to the upper house of the Nepali Parliament--the national assembly where the same procedure will be followed. After passage in the upper house and accent by the Nepali President, the law or the amendment will come into force giving constitutional backing to the Nepal Map which is at the heart of diplomatic row with India. Nepal is keen for foreign secretary-level talks on the issue and while the Indian government has said it is open to talks but an "environment of trust and confidence" needs to be built. The ministry of external affairs last week said, "India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts." MEA also said that it continues to "monitor the situation in Nepal" The map row broke after India's defence minister inaugurated a road till Lipulekh which Nepal says is its own territory. It was followed by Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali meeting Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepali Foreign Ministery and ruling party Nepal Communist Party issued a strongly worded release protesting the new road built by India that will reduce the time for Indian pilgrims to go for Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet, China. It was followed by a protest by India who reminded Kathmandu that it is Indian territory.

Lower House of Nepali Parliament unanimously backs Map Amendment Bill

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition.

On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen.&nbsp;

While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities."

The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan. New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition. On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen. While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities." The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India concerned with harassment of Hindus in Pakistan; raises the matter with Islamabad

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran.

In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu"&nbsp;from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It&nbsp;is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat"&nbsp;mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month.

As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat&nbsp;fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation.

The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island.

They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years.

The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March&nbsp;despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions.

Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It&nbsp;was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two&nbsp;countries have been brought back via two&nbsp;Navy ships.

Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was&nbsp;reported on February.

Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May.

More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&amp;K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&amp;K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat" mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month. As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation. The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island. They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years. The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions. Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two countries have been brought back via two Navy ships. Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was reported on February. Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May. More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

INS Shardul to bring back over 200 Indians from Iran

While India and China are making sure the ongoing crisis is resolved via the dialogue, information war or Psychological operations (PSYOP) play an important role for Bejing.

While India and China are making sure the ongoing crisis is resolved via the dialogue, information war or Psychological operations (PSYOP) play an important role for Bejing. China's state-run media plays an important role in sending out feelers of what mandarins in Bejing feel--especially using Global Times. “PLA conducts manoeuvres in high-altitude NW China amid border tensions with India” screamed the headlines of a news article by Global Times or GT in short. The article went on to describe how the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had “organized a large-scale manoeuvre operation featuring thousands of paratroopers and armoured vehicles from Central China's Hubei Province to the country's high-altitude northwestern region over a long distance amid border tension between China and India”. The entire process was completed in “only a few hours”, it claimed. The article accompanied by a choreographed video clipping did lighten the mood of many social media followers who found it laughable and amateurish, on several counts. Also read: India-China border face-off exposes China's two-facedness The entire evolution of moving thousands of troops nearly 4,000 km took “only a few hours”. Indeed, even the United States’ famed TRANSCOM would be envious. From a low altitude of 3,500 feet in Hubei province, the troops moved to “high altitude north-western region” at 15,000 feet in a few hours. Perhaps Chinese troops have achieved super-human capabilities of climate acclimatisation, according to a video tweeted by the Global Times. Several thousand soldiers with a Chinese PLA Air Force airborne brigade took just a few hours to maneuver from Central China’s Hubei Province to northwestern, high-altitude region amid China-India border tensions. https://t.co/dRuaTAMIt0 pic.twitter.com/CtRJRk13IO — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 7, 2020 × Recent articles attributed to a retired PLA General also claimed that close to 70% of the Chinese military force today is comprised single-children, with no siblings – all brought up as pampered “little emperors” by parents and consequently unable to bear the pressures of military service. Also read: India, China agreed to work together to maintain peace in border: China's foreign ministry The most striking aspect of this news article and video is its timing – less than a day after the India and China held a meeting at Moldo near Chushul, represented by the XIV Corps Commander on the Indian side and Commander of the South Xinjiang Military District from the Chinese side. Both sides had barely declared through respective foreign ministries their intention to peacefully resolve the impasse through diplomatic channels, that this news and video were served on GT as a veiled threat to India. Unlike the PLA which since its 1979 war with Vietnam has found its toughest adversary only in its population, the Indian Army has remained battle-hardened 24x365 – operationally and psychologically – thanks in no small measure to China’s iron brother, Pakistan. For the uninitiated, GT was established in 1993 and claims to be the third-largest newspaper in China. A subsidiary of the notorious People's Daily, both are officially run by the Chinese Communist Party. The People’s Daily signals through its daily slumber-inducing editorials to those in the know, as to whose career is on the upswing and whose is in a downward spin. GT, on the other hand, has a decree to attract and engage readers through a manipulative narrative, often through hyperbole. Today, GT is best known not for news, but its chest-thumping, hawkish and affronting editorials. One common theme is to criticise the alleged “perfidy” and “hypocrisy” of any country that disagrees with China while paeans of China’s supposed goodness to mankind are spread over its pages. Hu Xijin, GT Editor since 2005, is a postgraduate in Russian Literature and Language. Starting his career as a journalist with People’s Daily in 1989, Hu Xijin led a student group in the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989. When the student leader of 1989 became the Editor of GT and was indoctrinated by the Communists, he had no qualms in terming the student actions of 1989 as naivety. On the contrary, Hu Xijin recently urged authorities to shoot student protestors in Hong Kong. World over, scientists have been naming diseases based on the places of origin. Zika virus from Zika forest in Brazil; Ebola virus from Ebola river in Congo; Hantavirus from Hantan river in South Korea; the Spanish Flu from Spain; the MERS or Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome from the Arab countries. All these years, GT did not find any of these virus’ names racist. Following this convention, when the world attributed the current pandemic to Wuhan, GT cried foul, terming it a racist attack on the Chinese people. GT, however, continues to regularly publish articles on the ‘African Swine Flu’. The whole African continent and its people are fair game for GT and the Chinese Communist Party. The belligerent puffery did not stop there and origins of the Wuhan virus began to be attributed by GT first to Italy, the UK, the US military, Thailand and even India in recent times! GT has been specialising in inflammatory and instigating editorials – whether it is against protestors in Hong Kong or on the current events surrounding the death of the African American – George Floyd. Yet, there was not a word of remembrance for Tiananmen on June 4 this year when the world marked its 31st anniversary. Not a word for the racial and religious persecution of Uyghurs. In diplomatic circles, a popular joke is – “ah, but if it is from GT, don’t bother”. Little wonder then, outside China, none takes GT’s editorials seriously. Rest assured, the Dragon’s breath smells foul every time it opens its mouth.

China unleashes information war using state media amid India-China border crisis

Days after two Pakistani high commission officials were caught red-handed spying, two more operatives have been caught red-handed this time in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

On specific input, Rajasthan Police arrested Vikas Kumar (29), a civil defence employees at an Army Ammunition Depot near Shri Ganganagar and Chiman Lal (22), a civil contractual employee of Army's Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), Bikaner.

Both were working as espionage agents on behalf of Pakistan's intelligence agency and were giving out details of Ammunition and MFFR, vital military installations in India's Western front.&nbsp;

Fake Facebook account and espionage&nbsp;

Vikas Kumar was "cultivated" by a Pakistani operative using a Facebook profile with the name "Anoshka Chopra".Chopra later exchanged her Indian number and both had regular chats. She introduced him to her "boss" Amit Kumar Singh who was the main handler based in Pakistan and once Vikas had proper communication with "Amit", Anoshka blocked her on Facebook and Whatsapp. Both Amit and Anoshka introduced themselves as a person working at Canteen Store Department (CSD) headquarters at Mumbai

Vikas passed on military information related to ORBAT (Order of Battle; composition and order of a military fighting formation), ammunition (photos, state, quantity, type, arrival, departure), units coming for firing practice/ military exercise to MFFR, personality traits of senior army officers in lieu of money.

Vikas Kumar used to source more information from Chiman Lal with the latter sending him pictures of "water- distribution- register" kept at one of the Pump House of MFFR with details of Army No, Rank, Name, Unit, Total Strength &amp; Quantity of water drawn on almost daily basis.

Vikas confessed to having received at least ₹75,000/- in total from his Pakistani handler for the information he has shared.&nbsp;

The operation to nab both was named Operation Desert Chase. Both were arrested in a joint operation by Rajasthan Police on Monday in Jaipur and will be produced in a local court for further action.&nbsp;

Last week, India declared 2 Pakistani officials 'persona non grata' after they were found to source information in the same manner. The incident came 4 years after India declared one Pakistani official persona non grata for being involved in espionage activity.

Days after two Pakistani high commission officials were caught red-handed spying, two more operatives have been caught red-handed this time in Rajasthan. On specific input, Rajasthan Police arrested Vikas Kumar (29), a civil defence employees at an Army Ammunition Depot near Shri Ganganagar and Chiman Lal (22), a civil contractual employee of Army's Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), Bikaner.

Days after two Pakistani high commission officials were caught red-handed spying, two more operatives have been caught red-handed this time in Rajasthan. On specific input, Rajasthan Police arrested Vikas Kumar (29), a civil defence employees at an Army Ammunition Depot near Shri Ganganagar and Chiman Lal (22), a civil contractual employee of Army's Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), Bikaner. Both were working as espionage agents on behalf of Pakistan's intelligence agency and were giving out details of Ammunition and MFFR, vital military installations in India's Western front. Fake Facebook account and espionage Vikas Kumar was "cultivated" by a Pakistani operative using a Facebook profile with the name "Anoshka Chopra".Chopra later exchanged her Indian number and both had regular chats. She introduced him to her "boss" Amit Kumar Singh who was the main handler based in Pakistan and once Vikas had proper communication with "Amit", Anoshka blocked her on Facebook and Whatsapp. Both Amit and Anoshka introduced themselves as a person working at Canteen Store Department (CSD) headquarters at Mumbai Vikas passed on military information related to ORBAT (Order of Battle; composition and order of a military fighting formation), ammunition (photos, state, quantity, type, arrival, departure), units coming for firing practice/ military exercise to MFFR, personality traits of senior army officers in lieu of money. Vikas Kumar used to source more information from Chiman Lal with the latter sending him pictures of "water- distribution- register" kept at one of the Pump House of MFFR with details of Army No, Rank, Name, Unit, Total Strength & Quantity of water drawn on almost daily basis. Vikas confessed to having received at least ₹75,000/- in total from his Pakistani handler for the information he has shared. The operation to nab both was named Operation Desert Chase. Both were arrested in a joint operation by Rajasthan Police on Monday in Jaipur and will be produced in a local court for further action. Last week, India declared 2 Pakistani officials 'persona non grata' after they were found to source information in the same manner. The incident came 4 years after India declared one Pakistani official persona non grata for being involved in espionage activity.

Pakistani espionage network busted in Rajasthan, two spies arrested in 'Operation Desert Chase'

India on Friday listed out its priorities as it is all set to be elected as a non-permanent seat for United Nations Security Council from January 2021 saying that it will help "overcome faultline" in a world in which "normal process of international governance" has come under "strain as frictions have occurred".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while launching the brochure outlining India's priority as part of a campaign for UNSC elected seat said, " As a rule-abiding democracy and as a positive contributor to the security of the global commons in India will work constructively with partners to overcome old and new faultlines and will offer an innovative and inclusive solution".

Explaining, "India can play a positive global role and we have always been the voice of reason. We advocate dialogue consultations &amp; fairness".

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019.

Highlighting the concerns regarding the ongoing COVID crisis, EAM said, "COVID pandemic &amp; its grave economic repercussion will test the world like never before" and India will, "will help developing countries obtain the necessary support to recover the COVID pandemic". 
&nbsp; 
The Priorities Paper or the brochure issued by India lists 5 main priorities including an Effective response to international terrorism &amp; reforming the multilateral system which remains "unreformed &amp; under-represented". New Delhi's approach will be guided by "Five S’s”, as set out by the Prime Minister which is Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (Peace), to create conditions for universal &amp; Samriddhi (Prosperity).

All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed. 
&nbsp; 
As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. India’s overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council starting next year will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S: a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.

India on Friday listed out its priorities as it is all set to be elected as a non-permanent seat for United Nations Security Council from January 2021 saying that it will help "overcome faultline" in a world in which "normal process of international governance" has come under "strain as frictions have occurred".

India on Friday listed out its priorities as it is all set to be elected as a non-permanent seat for United Nations Security Council from January 2021 saying that it will help "overcome faultline" in a world in which "normal process of international governance" has come under "strain as frictions have occurred". External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while launching the brochure outlining India's priority as part of a campaign for UNSC elected seat said, " As a rule-abiding democracy and as a positive contributor to the security of the global commons in India will work constructively with partners to overcome old and new faultlines and will offer an innovative and inclusive solution". Explaining, "India can play a positive global role and we have always been the voice of reason. We advocate dialogue consultations & fairness". The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019. Highlighting the concerns regarding the ongoing COVID crisis, EAM said, "COVID pandemic & its grave economic repercussion will test the world like never before" and India will, "will help developing countries obtain the necessary support to recover the COVID pandemic". The Priorities Paper or the brochure issued by India lists 5 main priorities including an Effective response to international terrorism & reforming the multilateral system which remains "unreformed & under-represented". New Delhi's approach will be guided by "Five S’s”, as set out by the Prime Minister which is Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (Peace), to create conditions for universal & Samriddhi (Prosperity). All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed. As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. India’s overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council starting next year will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S: a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.

India vows to 'overcome fault lines' as it takes charge at UNSC

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

The joint letter was written by permanent missions of India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in Geneva to OHCHR after it issued a release entitled "Asia: Bachelet alarmed by clampdown on freedom of expression during COVID-19".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-dispute-with-china-india-australia-strengthen-ties-303674">Amid dispute with China, India &amp; Australia strengthen ties</a>

The joint press release said, "the primary focus of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, particularly of the most vulnerable, are not lost to COVID. The OHCHR needs to recognize this and play a responsible role in a manner that adds to rather than detracts from such efforts"

Recalling at the consensus resolution of the World Health Assembly meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) last month stating member states should provide," the population with reliable and comprehensive information...take measures to counter information and disinformation"

Further explaining, respective governments "have taken necessary measures, in accordance with our prevailing laws and regulations, to hold those who spread misinformation and mislead the public accountable for their irresponsible actions" and this has been carried out "in accordance with the due process of law while also safeguarding the freedom of expression".

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had criticised 12 countries in Asia over suppression of freedom of expression in the garb of dealing with misinformation amidst COVID-19 crisis and suggested them to take “least intrusive approach required to achieve that result".&nbsp;

This is not the first time that OHCHR&nbsp;has made remarks about countries in the region that has drawn ire.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis.

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis. The joint letter was written by permanent missions of India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in Geneva to OHCHR after it issued a release entitled "Asia: Bachelet alarmed by clampdown on freedom of expression during COVID-19". Also read | Amid dispute with China, India & Australia strengthen ties The joint press release said, "the primary focus of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, particularly of the most vulnerable, are not lost to COVID. The OHCHR needs to recognize this and play a responsible role in a manner that adds to rather than detracts from such efforts" Recalling at the consensus resolution of the World Health Assembly meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) last month stating member states should provide," the population with reliable and comprehensive information...take measures to counter information and disinformation" Further explaining, respective governments "have taken necessary measures, in accordance with our prevailing laws and regulations, to hold those who spread misinformation and mislead the public accountable for their irresponsible actions" and this has been carried out "in accordance with the due process of law while also safeguarding the freedom of expression". UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had criticised 12 countries in Asia over suppression of freedom of expression in the garb of dealing with misinformation amidst COVID-19 crisis and suggested them to take “least intrusive approach required to achieve that result". This is not the first time that OHCHR has made remarks about countries in the region that has drawn ire.

Eight countries led by India urge UN Human Rights High Commissioner office to play responsible role

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi

Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way."

Explaining, "Comparison is not useful just as you cannot compare French&nbsp;champagne&nbsp;with Russian vodka."

The development came after a question was asked to French Emmanuel Lenain at a virtual meeting of ORF in Delhi that has France replaced Russia as India's new best friend. French envoy was quick to reply that, "being Russia in India is quite a compliment." Sources appreciated the sentiments expressed by the French envoy.

France with a veto at UNSC, growing defence partnership and increased political ties have&nbsp;led to some suggesting that Paris could be the new Moscow for Delhi. The support India got from the erstwhile Soviet Union and later Russia has been something that has become part of a legend in India.&nbsp;

During the cold war, the Soviet Union had backed India at various international forums when cornered and while India retains Russian support, increasingly France has been backing India on issues such as the listing of Masood Azhar at UN or when attempts have been made to rake up Kashmir.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi shares a close and warm relationship with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Macron and has been engaging with them frequently on a number of issues including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way.

India has said both France and Russia are important and you can't compare both as they are close partners for New Delhi Well placed sources said, "India's strategic partnership with France has its own merits, both are important and special in their own way." Explaining, "Comparison is not useful just as you cannot compare French champagne with Russian vodka." The development came after a question was asked to French Emmanuel Lenain at a virtual meeting of ORF in Delhi that has France replaced Russia as India's new best friend. French envoy was quick to reply that, "being Russia in India is quite a compliment." Sources appreciated the sentiments expressed by the French envoy. France with a veto at UNSC, growing defence partnership and increased political ties have led to some suggesting that Paris could be the new Moscow for Delhi. The support India got from the erstwhile Soviet Union and later Russia has been something that has become part of a legend in India. During the cold war, the Soviet Union had backed India at various international forums when cornered and while India retains Russian support, increasingly France has been backing India on issues such as the listing of Masood Azhar at UN or when attempts have been made to rake up Kashmir. Indian PM Modi shares a close and warm relationship with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Macron and has been engaging with them frequently on a number of issues including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Has France replaced Russia as India's best friend? New Delhi says both are important

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Australian envoy said, "both share a view around multilateral issues to resolve issues" and "Quad is important to share perspective on COVID-19".

Both India and Australia had the first virtual summit on Thursday with both countries elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

WION: What has been the key outcome of the first&nbsp;India-Australia summit?&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: In recent months and years, India and Australia have worked closely together on a number of shared goals, for instance,&nbsp;contributing to more secure and open and prosperous Indo Pacific region, strengthening of economies and making them more resilient and strengthening international institutions so that they can better meet the needs of our citizens and what came from those interactions was that it has become more important than ever for like-minded democracies like Australia and India to cooperate in shaping the region and indeed the world we want to live in.

So this what drove, what I believe is the historical high point in the relationship as demonstrated by comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at the virtual summit and the elements of the partnership are essentially defence and maritime security, cybersecurity and technology, science and research and critical supply chains across the eight&nbsp;agreement. two&nbsp;new areas stand out for me, in particular, critical mineral supply chain and cyber-enabled critical technology and the fact we are expanding cooperation in these areas reflect the emerging challenges we face as like-minded democracies in this region.

WION: How will the logistics pact increase the collaboration between Indian and Australian forces?

Barry O'Farrell: The mutual logistics support agreement and the corollary defence science and technology implementation arrangement which was also agreed out are important stepping stones to take our defence relationship to an even greater level.

Already our defence cooperation is at historic levels. Defence activity has quadrupled in the past six years, the AUSINDEX naval exercises last year was Australia's largest-ever defence deployment to India and our most complex involving submarine-to-submarine and maritime patrols across the Bay of Bengal.

And with this agreement, it makes easier for us to do more of these and more complex joint activities and realise the shared goal of free, open, inclusive and secure Indo Pacific.

WION: Was China discussed during the summit? The Chinese combativeness in the region. In terms of Indo-Pacific how, we saw the vision statement, from the South China Sea to Ladakh...

Barry O'Farrell:&nbsp;The leaders focused on broad regional dynamics. As PM Modi said&nbsp;Australia and India should focus on how the relationship can focus on what he called as a factor of stability in our region and in the world.

We have elevated our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expand our work together in new areas such as critical minerals, cyber-enabled critical technology.

We have also elevated foreign and defence 2+2 meeting to ministerial level to ensure ministerial oversight to deliver our leader's vision as India does with other countries like the US, Japan.

We are both maritime powers, we are separated by the Indian Ocean but joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security for not just us but for all the countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do both countries plan to increase collaboration with like-minded countries under various formats like quad?

Barry O'Farrell: Both India and Australia share a commitment to internationalism, both share a view around multilateralism, bilateralism and using international institutions to resolve issues.

Now, Quad remains as important as ever, it is proving itself as a very useful venue for countries like India and Australia to coordinate our approaches to critical issues like maritime and cybersecurity and counter-terrorism and those issues haven't gone away and they will never go away completely regrettably.

Quad has been useful for sharing perspective, also on our individual efforts on COVID-19.

We do similar with ASEAN as a dialogue partner and ASEAN has been discussing the COVID-19 approach&nbsp;and our foreign secretaries&nbsp;have been having regular calls with colleagues from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, US, South Korea and Vietnam.

Talking about COVID-19 yes, talking about supply chains, it is one of the ways we managed to strengthen the relationship across the region. More familiarly you have, better you get to know people and less likely you will be in misunderstandings.&nbsp;

WION: Virtual diplomacy has changed the world....is this the future?

Barry O'Farrell: PM Modi's use of technology to reach out to world leaders throughout the crisis as India has assisted more than 150 countries to get access to its pharma is a bit like what TATA and Infosys have done for business work.

They have used technology for the best possible outcome and PM Modi has translated it to the art of diplomacy. Secondly, I can say I thought yesterday's meeting was might have been, bit flat but what I think yesterday also demonstrated usefully for the future of ICT technology is that you can still get that level of warmth between leaders notwithstanding they are separated by continents, by distance, you saw that in the opening section of the meeting and I saw it as I observed the whole meeting.

Thirdly, there will be always a challenge which can be fixed, in relation to security. Like in a face-to-face meeting, you can have quite a conversation about issues you may not normally want to communicate particularly using audiovisual equipment.

There are few wrinkles, but one of the opportunity out of COVID-19 is the opportunity to use to keep in touch in the way PM Modi has done so successfully at a period when countries have been in lockdown.&nbsp;

WION: Was Australian participation for Malabar discussed?&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: It has and the answer is exactly the same which is that is a matter for partners of Malabar to exercise and Australia is interested and will welcome the chance&nbsp;to participate in Malabar but as I have said, I don't believe if Malabar proceeds or not should get in the way of fact our defence relationship has depended and strengthen particularly over the last six years and the foundation stone for this historic outcome was achieved yesterday with the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;Well, thank you so much for speaking to WION, hope to see more samosa and virtual diplomacy in future.&nbsp;

Barry O'Farrell: My PM is a good cook and he might go through all 29 states and seven&nbsp;territories for cuisines.

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security.

In the first-ever interview after the first India-Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION said while the countries are separated by the Indian Ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Australian envoy said, "both share a view around multilateral issues to resolve issues" and "Quad is important to share perspective on COVID-19". Both India and Australia had the first virtual summit on Thursday with both countries elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. WION: What has been the key outcome of the first India-Australia summit? Barry O'Farrell: In recent months and years, India and Australia have worked closely together on a number of shared goals, for instance, contributing to more secure and open and prosperous Indo Pacific region, strengthening of economies and making them more resilient and strengthening international institutions so that they can better meet the needs of our citizens and what came from those interactions was that it has become more important than ever for like-minded democracies like Australia and India to cooperate in shaping the region and indeed the world we want to live in. So this what drove, what I believe is the historical high point in the relationship as demonstrated by comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at the virtual summit and the elements of the partnership are essentially defence and maritime security, cybersecurity and technology, science and research and critical supply chains across the eight agreement. two new areas stand out for me, in particular, critical mineral supply chain and cyber-enabled critical technology and the fact we are expanding cooperation in these areas reflect the emerging challenges we face as like-minded democracies in this region. WION: How will the logistics pact increase the collaboration between Indian and Australian forces? Barry O'Farrell: The mutual logistics support agreement and the corollary defence science and technology implementation arrangement which was also agreed out are important stepping stones to take our defence relationship to an even greater level. Already our defence cooperation is at historic levels. Defence activity has quadrupled in the past six years, the AUSINDEX naval exercises last year was Australia's largest-ever defence deployment to India and our most complex involving submarine-to-submarine and maritime patrols across the Bay of Bengal. And with this agreement, it makes easier for us to do more of these and more complex joint activities and realise the shared goal of free, open, inclusive and secure Indo Pacific. WION: Was China discussed during the summit? The Chinese combativeness in the region. In terms of Indo-Pacific how, we saw the vision statement, from the South China Sea to Ladakh... Barry O'Farrell: The leaders focused on broad regional dynamics. As PM Modi said Australia and India should focus on how the relationship can focus on what he called as a factor of stability in our region and in the world. We have elevated our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expand our work together in new areas such as critical minerals, cyber-enabled critical technology. We have also elevated foreign and defence 2+2 meeting to ministerial level to ensure ministerial oversight to deliver our leader's vision as India does with other countries like the US, Japan. We are both maritime powers, we are separated by the Indian Ocean but joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security for not just us but for all the countries. WION: How do both countries plan to increase collaboration with like-minded countries under various formats like quad? Barry O'Farrell: Both India and Australia share a commitment to internationalism, both share a view around multilateralism, bilateralism and using international institutions to resolve issues. Now, Quad remains as important as ever, it is proving itself as a very useful venue for countries like India and Australia to coordinate our approaches to critical issues like maritime and cybersecurity and counter-terrorism and those issues haven't gone away and they will never go away completely regrettably. Quad has been useful for sharing perspective, also on our individual efforts on COVID-19. We do similar with ASEAN as a dialogue partner and ASEAN has been discussing the COVID-19 approach and our foreign secretaries have been having regular calls with colleagues from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, US, South Korea and Vietnam. Talking about COVID-19 yes, talking about supply chains, it is one of the ways we managed to strengthen the relationship across the region. More familiarly you have, better you get to know people and less likely you will be in misunderstandings. WION: Virtual diplomacy has changed the world....is this the future? Barry O'Farrell: PM Modi's use of technology to reach out to world leaders throughout the crisis as India has assisted more than 150 countries to get access to its pharma is a bit like what TATA and Infosys have done for business work. They have used technology for the best possible outcome and PM Modi has translated it to the art of diplomacy. Secondly, I can say I thought yesterday's meeting was might have been, bit flat but what I think yesterday also demonstrated usefully for the future of ICT technology is that you can still get that level of warmth between leaders notwithstanding they are separated by continents, by distance, you saw that in the opening section of the meeting and I saw it as I observed the whole meeting. Thirdly, there will be always a challenge which can be fixed, in relation to security. Like in a face-to-face meeting, you can have quite a conversation about issues you may not normally want to communicate particularly using audiovisual equipment. There are few wrinkles, but one of the opportunity out of COVID-19 is the opportunity to use to keep in touch in the way PM Modi has done so successfully at a period when countries have been in lockdown. WION: Was Australian participation for Malabar discussed? Barry O'Farrell: It has and the answer is exactly the same which is that is a matter for partners of Malabar to exercise and Australia is interested and will welcome the chance to participate in Malabar but as I have said, I don't believe if Malabar proceeds or not should get in the way of fact our defence relationship has depended and strengthen particularly over the last six years and the foundation stone for this historic outcome was achieved yesterday with the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. WION: Well, thank you so much for speaking to WION, hope to see more samosa and virtual diplomacy in future. Barry O'Farrell: My PM is a good cook and he might go through all 29 states and seven territories for cuisines.

Delhi, Canberra have shared goal to maintain security in Indian Ocean, says Australian envoy to India

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month.

In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone.

According to French diplomatic sources, Macron "offered to extend any support that India might consider necessary to come to the aid of those directly affected."

On March 31, both leaders had spoken to each other on the ongoing COVID crisis. French Development Agency will be giving a concessional loan of 200 million euros to India deal with the crisis.

&nbsp;"I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India", French envoy Emmanuel Lenain had told WION in an interview last month.

Meanwhile, France continues to top foreign investment inflows in Europe according to Business France’s 2019 Annual Report on Foreign Investment in France.

The report was discussed in a video conference by French PM Edouard Philippe, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. In attendance were a select group of CEOs including Chairman of Mahindra Group--Anand Mahindra from India.&nbsp;

In 2019 18 Indian companies to invested or re-invest in France, creating or maintaining two times more jobs than in 2018, bringing the total number of Indian companies in France to more than 120.

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month. In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone.

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month. In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone. According to French diplomatic sources, Macron "offered to extend any support that India might consider necessary to come to the aid of those directly affected." On March 31, both leaders had spoken to each other on the ongoing COVID crisis. French Development Agency will be giving a concessional loan of 200 million euros to India deal with the crisis. "I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India", French envoy Emmanuel Lenain had told WION in an interview last month. Meanwhile, France continues to top foreign investment inflows in Europe according to Business France’s 2019 Annual Report on Foreign Investment in France. The report was discussed in a video conference by French PM Edouard Philippe, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. In attendance were a select group of CEOs including Chairman of Mahindra Group--Anand Mahindra from India. In 2019 18 Indian companies to invested or re-invest in France, creating or maintaining two times more jobs than in 2018, bringing the total number of Indian companies in France to more than 120.

French President Emmanuel Macron writes to PM Modi, offers all support on Cyclone Amphan aftermath

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD. Happy PHD died in mysterious circumstances in Lahore in January of 2020.

In the fray for the leadership of KLF radical elements from Pakistan, UK and even Italy and Switzerland. Pakistan- based Lakhbir Singh Rode also Chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, the UK based Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala, KLF spokesperson Dhanna Singh, Italy- based Gurjinder Singh Shastri and Switzerland based Pappu Singh are trying to take the mantle of the group.&nbsp;

While KLF has its separatist Khalistani agenda, the mainstay of its existence is by drug trafficking especially in Indian Punjab and Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has used the terror group for smuggling illegal weapons and drugs into India. The ministry of home affairs had banned KLF in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

And without Pakistan's backing, unlikely a major call can be taken. ISI has been backing Lakhbir Singh Rode and Paramjeet Singh Panjwar. Both trying to get support from cadre based in Italy, Germany, Canada and the UK to become next KLF chief. Wahiwala and Shastri do not seem to have the support of the ISI, which can make things difficult for them.

KLF now is heading towards a schism with a new faction emerging led by UK based Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala. Wahiwala is getting support from cadres from Canada, US and Italy. What has increased the infighting is Wahiwala alleging that Dhanna Singh, the spokesperson of KLF is responsible for the killing of Happy PhD.&nbsp;

Interestingly Dhanna was in Pakistan in the second week of January, just days before the killing of Happy PHD in mysterious circumstances. It was followed by a letter by him on February 12, 2020, to the cadre in which he called Happy PhD as a "self-styled leader".&nbsp;

Taking a dig at him he and other KLF leaders, he wrote in the letter that advises given by veteran leaders such as Devenderpal Singh Bhullar, Daya Singh Lahoriya, Lal Singh and Harnek Singh Bhap were ignored. He also called ex KLF chief Harminder Singh Mintoo as “devil and agent of Indian agencies” and both Mintoo and Happy PhD do not deserve the "honour of Jathedar bestowed upon them". &nbsp;The remarks and letter have drawn furious reactions from the hardcore KLF cadre who have warned him of serious consequences.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, house of Gursharanvir Singh was raided by Mid Westland Police in the UK on February 19 on the complaint made by Dhanna Singh fueling the acrimony.

UK based KLF militants had assembled on February 23 to discuss the future course of the group after the death of Happy PhD. A total of 8 people--Gursharanvir Singh, Amritveer Singh, Avtar Singh Khandaand Amanveer Singh attended the meeting. Gursharanvir vouched for himself citing his close ties with former KLF chiefs —Happy Phd, Mintoo. While asking to avoid Italian and swiss contender he called for the continuation of violent activities.

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD.

A long-drawn battle is underway within the banned terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) more than 4 months after the suspicious death of its leader Harmeet Singh alias Happy PhD. Happy PHD died in mysterious circumstances in Lahore in January of 2020. In the fray for the leadership of KLF radical elements from Pakistan, UK and even Italy and Switzerland. Pakistan- based Lakhbir Singh Rode also Chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, the UK based Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala, KLF spokesperson Dhanna Singh, Italy- based Gurjinder Singh Shastri and Switzerland based Pappu Singh are trying to take the mantle of the group. While KLF has its separatist Khalistani agenda, the mainstay of its existence is by drug trafficking especially in Indian Punjab and Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has used the terror group for smuggling illegal weapons and drugs into India. The ministry of home affairs had banned KLF in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). And without Pakistan's backing, unlikely a major call can be taken. ISI has been backing Lakhbir Singh Rode and Paramjeet Singh Panjwar. Both trying to get support from cadre based in Italy, Germany, Canada and the UK to become next KLF chief. Wahiwala and Shastri do not seem to have the support of the ISI, which can make things difficult for them. KLF now is heading towards a schism with a new faction emerging led by UK based Gursharanvir Singh Wahiwala. Wahiwala is getting support from cadres from Canada, US and Italy. What has increased the infighting is Wahiwala alleging that Dhanna Singh, the spokesperson of KLF is responsible for the killing of Happy PhD. Interestingly Dhanna was in Pakistan in the second week of January, just days before the killing of Happy PHD in mysterious circumstances. It was followed by a letter by him on February 12, 2020, to the cadre in which he called Happy PhD as a "self-styled leader". Taking a dig at him he and other KLF leaders, he wrote in the letter that advises given by veteran leaders such as Devenderpal Singh Bhullar, Daya Singh Lahoriya, Lal Singh and Harnek Singh Bhap were ignored. He also called ex KLF chief Harminder Singh Mintoo as “devil and agent of Indian agencies” and both Mintoo and Happy PhD do not deserve the "honour of Jathedar bestowed upon them". The remarks and letter have drawn furious reactions from the hardcore KLF cadre who have warned him of serious consequences. Meanwhile, house of Gursharanvir Singh was raided by Mid Westland Police in the UK on February 19 on the complaint made by Dhanna Singh fueling the acrimony. UK based KLF militants had assembled on February 23 to discuss the future course of the group after the death of Happy PhD. A total of 8 people--Gursharanvir Singh, Amritveer Singh, Avtar Singh Khandaand Amanveer Singh attended the meeting. Gursharanvir vouched for himself citing his close ties with former KLF chiefs —Happy Phd, Mintoo. While asking to avoid Italian and swiss contender he called for the continuation of violent activities.

Infighting within terror group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) for the top post; contenders from Pakistan, UK, Italy and Switzerland, ISI is the kingmaker

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