Connecting Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka with Southern India, an inaugural flight from Chennai landed at Jaffna airport on Thursday.&nbsp;

ATR72-600 operated BY Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India landed with Indian dignitaries at the airport where Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were present.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner Taranjit Singh noted that the "bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka have now truly touched the sky" and the flight connecting Chennai with Jaffna is "yet another example of India’s commitment to continue with people-oriented development projects in Sri Lanka."

Regular commercial flights between Chennai and Jaffna will start from early November 2019.&nbsp;

Welcoming the development External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that the "historic moment" will bring "India and SriLanka even closer."

Jaffna airport was also inaugurated by the Sri Lankan President which has been reconstructed with Indian assistance.&nbsp;

New Delhi had extended the grant for the infrastructure at the airport, which was built by the British during World War II and during the LTTE crisis was disbanded for commercial operations.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know, the first flight from the Jaffna airport, when it was opened it 1947 was to India and had led to economic development in that part of the Indian Ocean island country. 
&nbsp;

Connecting Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka with Southern India, an inaugural flight from Chennai landed at Jaffna airport on Thursday. ATR72-600 operated BY Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India landed with Indian dignitaries at the airport where Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were present.

Connecting Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka with Southern India, an inaugural flight from Chennai landed at Jaffna airport on Thursday. ATR72-600 operated BY Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India landed with Indian dignitaries at the airport where Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian envoy to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were present. Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner Taranjit Singh noted that the "bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka have now truly touched the sky" and the flight connecting Chennai with Jaffna is "yet another example of India’s commitment to continue with people-oriented development projects in Sri Lanka." Regular commercial flights between Chennai and Jaffna will start from early November 2019. Welcoming the development External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that the "historic moment" will bring "India and SriLanka even closer." Jaffna airport was also inaugurated by the Sri Lankan President which has been reconstructed with Indian assistance. New Delhi had extended the grant for the infrastructure at the airport, which was built by the British during World War II and during the LTTE crisis was disbanded for commercial operations. It is interesting to know, the first flight from the Jaffna airport, when it was opened it 1947 was to India and had led to economic development in that part of the Indian Ocean island country.

Sky is limit as inaugural flight bridges distance between Chennai and Jaffna 

President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a five-day visit to the Philippines on Thursday, followed by a visit to Japan from October 21 to 23 for the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 2019, beginning the Reiwa era after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito.

Kovind's visit to the Philippines coincides with the 70th anniversary of ties between both the countries and New Delhi's thrust to the Act East Policy and growing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. Counter-terror will be the focus during the visit, as the island nation is facing the threat of Islamic State.

Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs said, "we are looking to work together in areas like combating urban terrorism as well as working with them in areas like the exchange of information".

India has a working group with the country on counterterrorism that last met in 2017 and had given $500,000 to Marawi city after terrorist linked to Islamic State had tried to take over the city. Prime Minister Modi went to the Philippines in 2017, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018.

The president will also pay homage to José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist who was executed by the Spanish colonial government after the Philippine Revolution. He will also unveil a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi and will interact with the beneficiaries of the Jaipur Foot prosthetic in the Philippines.

On October 21, the president will visit Japan for the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito.

"His participation in the ceremony relating to the Enthronement of emperor signifies the very high importance that we attach to Japan and it is a country with which we have a very special strategic and global partnership", Vijay Thakur Singh said.

To highlight the Buddhist link between India and Japan, the president will gift a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Gaya to the emperor. Additionally, he will visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese Emperor Meiji and his wife, responsible for the transition of Japan to an industrialised world power in the late 1800s. He will then visit Kakegawa city, which will soon host an event to highlight Indian culture.

The last presidential visit from India to Japan took place in 1990 when former President Venkataraman participated in the Enthronement Ceremony of former Japanese Emperor Akihito.

President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a five-day visit to the Philippines on Thursday, followed by a visit to Japan from October 21 to 23 for the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito.

President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a five-day visit to the Philippines on Thursday, followed by a visit to Japan from October 21 to 23 for the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 2019, beginning the Reiwa era after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito. Kovind's visit to the Philippines coincides with the 70th anniversary of ties between both the countries and New Delhi's thrust to the Act East Policy and growing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. Counter-terror will be the focus during the visit, as the island nation is facing the threat of Islamic State. Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs said, "we are looking to work together in areas like combating urban terrorism as well as working with them in areas like the exchange of information". India has a working group with the country on counterterrorism that last met in 2017 and had given $500,000 to Marawi city after terrorist linked to Islamic State had tried to take over the city. Prime Minister Modi went to the Philippines in 2017, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018. The president will also pay homage to José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist who was executed by the Spanish colonial government after the Philippine Revolution. He will also unveil a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi and will interact with the beneficiaries of the Jaipur Foot prosthetic in the Philippines. On October 21, the president will visit Japan for the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. "His participation in the ceremony relating to the Enthronement of emperor signifies the very high importance that we attach to Japan and it is a country with which we have a very special strategic and global partnership", Vijay Thakur Singh said. To highlight the Buddhist link between India and Japan, the president will gift a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Gaya to the emperor. Additionally, he will visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese Emperor Meiji and his wife, responsible for the transition of Japan to an industrialised world power in the late 1800s. He will then visit Kakegawa city, which will soon host an event to highlight Indian culture. The last presidential visit from India to Japan took place in 1990 when former President Venkataraman participated in the Enthronement Ceremony of former Japanese Emperor Akihito.

President to visit Philippines and Japan, will also represent India at Enthronement Ceremony of new Japanese Emperor

India and Pakistan will inaugurate Kartarpur corridor on their respective sides in the first week of November while New Delhi will start the registration of batches going to visit the shrine from October 20.

While India has already announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Indian side of the corridor on November 8, the Pakistani side will be inaugurated on November 9.&nbsp;

More than 2500 Indian citizens are expected to witness the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. While no visa will be required, they have to carry the passport.&nbsp;

But even as both sides prepare for the inauguration, there is no resolution to the $20 fee Islamabad has proposed to charge for Indian pilgrims as "service fee".&nbsp;

Pakistan last week reverted on the Indian draft on Kartarpur corridor by sending its proposal which included the fee, something which New Delhi had voiced its concern against in the last India-Pakistan official meeting in early September.&nbsp;

Pakistan and India have held three rounds of formal talks on the Kartarpur corridor’s draft agreement whereas the technical level experts have met at least four times to discuss the nitty-gritty of the project.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur Corridor was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and both New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to it last November. Work on the Indian side of the corridor is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

India and Pakistan will inaugurate Kartarpur corridor on their respective sides in the first week of November while New Delhi will start the registration of batches going to visit the shrine from October 20.

India and Pakistan will inaugurate Kartarpur corridor on their respective sides in the first week of November while New Delhi will start the registration of batches going to visit the shrine from October 20. While India has already announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Indian side of the corridor on November 8, the Pakistani side will be inaugurated on November 9. More than 2500 Indian citizens are expected to witness the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. While no visa will be required, they have to carry the passport. But even as both sides prepare for the inauguration, there is no resolution to the $20 fee Islamabad has proposed to charge for Indian pilgrims as "service fee". Pakistan last week reverted on the Indian draft on Kartarpur corridor by sending its proposal which included the fee, something which New Delhi had voiced its concern against in the last India-Pakistan official meeting in early September. Pakistan and India have held three rounds of formal talks on the Kartarpur corridor’s draft agreement whereas the technical level experts have met at least four times to discuss the nitty-gritty of the project. The Kartarpur Corridor was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and both New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to it last November. Work on the Indian side of the corridor is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Registration to visit Kartarpur Corridor to start from October 20, set for inauguration in November

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month.

India first sent a consignment of wheat via Chabahar in 2017 with a supply of 1.1 million tonnes. This move also paved the way for commencing the operation at the Chabahar port to improve Afghanistan's connectivity.

At the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar spoke about the financial assistance being provided by New Delhi for treatment of Afghan children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and commended the "outstanding work of ARCS and its volunteers in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan affected by the conflict and natural disasters''.&nbsp;

According to Vinay Kumar, in the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of four months to 18 years have received India’s assistance of US$ 4 million.

From infrastructure to humanitarian aid to building institutions, India is engaging with Afghanistan according to the country's development priorities.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Tuesday completed the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015/2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, the other two were handed over to Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) on Tuesday.

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month.

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month. India first sent a consignment of wheat via Chabahar in 2017 with a supply of 1.1 million tonnes. This move also paved the way for commencing the operation at the Chabahar port to improve Afghanistan's connectivity. At the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar spoke about the financial assistance being provided by New Delhi for treatment of Afghan children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and commended the "outstanding work of ARCS and its volunteers in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan affected by the conflict and natural disasters''. According to Vinay Kumar, in the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of four months to 18 years have received India’s assistance of US$ 4 million. From infrastructure to humanitarian aid to building institutions, India is engaging with Afghanistan according to the country's development priorities. New Delhi on Tuesday completed the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015/2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, the other two were handed over to Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) on Tuesday.

India to send 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan, also providing assistance to children

Children of martyrs belonging to the Afghan Nationals Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) have been conferred scholarships by India. The scholarships for 125 children were initiated from the academic year 2018-19 with the students being admitted to graduate and postgraduate courses in various Indian institutions. Additionally two Mi-24V&nbsp;helicopters were handed over to Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Afghanistan on December 25, 2016, had announced 500 scholarships for the children of the martyrs of Afghan Security Forces.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has given the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015-2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, two more were handed over to ANDSF on Tuesday by the Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vinay Kumar, at a ceremony in the presence of Afghanistan's Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid.

At the event, the Indian envoy "commended the ANDSF on their stellar effort to provide an umbrella of security to achieve these shared and common values, against cross border terrorism and internal threats" and congratulated "the Afghan Air Force on the new induction, that would ensure that the ANDSF maintains an agile and robust counter-terrorism capability".

During Narendra Modi's visit to Afghanistan, New Delhi had gifted four Mi-25 helicopters to the Afghan Air Force. It was during this visit that PM Modi inaugurated the Afghan Parliament, which was built by India.

The Afghan mission in a tweet said, "We express our gratitude to the Indian govt for handing over the 2nd pair of Mi-24V helicopters to Afghan Minister of Defence Asadullah Khalid."

The helicopters are also a symbol of trilateral cooperation with Belarus as the third country, which made these available for use by ANDSF.

India is currently providing assistance to Afghan National Defence and Security forces (ANDSF) by training the personnel and in the past has trained Afghan pilots as well.

Children of martyrs belonging to the Afghan Nationals Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) have been conferred scholarships by India. The scholarships for 125 children were initiated from the academic year 2018-19 with the students being admitted to graduate and postgraduate courses in various Indian institutions.

Children of martyrs belonging to the Afghan Nationals Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) have been conferred scholarships by India. The scholarships for 125 children were initiated from the academic year 2018-19 with the students being admitted to graduate and postgraduate courses in various Indian institutions. Additionally two Mi-24V helicopters were handed over to Afghanistan. Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Afghanistan on December 25, 2016, had announced 500 scholarships for the children of the martyrs of Afghan Security Forces. Meanwhile, New Delhi has given the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015-2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, two more were handed over to ANDSF on Tuesday by the Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Vinay Kumar, at a ceremony in the presence of Afghanistan's Defence Minister Asadullah Khalid. At the event, the Indian envoy "commended the ANDSF on their stellar effort to provide an umbrella of security to achieve these shared and common values, against cross border terrorism and internal threats" and congratulated "the Afghan Air Force on the new induction, that would ensure that the ANDSF maintains an agile and robust counter-terrorism capability". During Narendra Modi's visit to Afghanistan, New Delhi had gifted four Mi-25 helicopters to the Afghan Air Force. It was during this visit that PM Modi inaugurated the Afghan Parliament, which was built by India. The Afghan mission in a tweet said, "We express our gratitude to the Indian govt for handing over the 2nd pair of Mi-24V helicopters to Afghan Minister of Defence Asadullah Khalid." The helicopters are also a symbol of trilateral cooperation with Belarus as the third country, which made these available for use by ANDSF. India is currently providing assistance to Afghan National Defence and Security forces (ANDSF) by training the personnel and in the past has trained Afghan pilots as well.

India hands over 2 more Mi-24V helicopters to Afghanistan, extends scholarships to children of martyrs

Mexico can help India in chalking out a trade deal with the United States, envoy Federico Salas said while talking to WION's diplomatic correspondent SIdhant Sibal.

Mexico can help India in chalking out a trade deal with the United States, envoy Federico Salas said while talking to WION's diplomatic correspondent SIdhant Sibal. Mexico, US and Canada recently concluded a new trade deal. India is also negotiating a trade agreement with America. Speaking to WION, Mexican envoy to India also talked about the country's relations with India and how they plan to celebrate 70 years old ties. WION: How do you see the relationship between India and Mexico? Federico Salas: We have a very good relationship and a growing relationship. In the past year, Mexico has become India's number one trading partner in Latin America. India is within our top 10 trading partners in the world. It is becoming a very good relationship on the economic side, there is mutual investments of Mexican companies in India and Indian companies in Mexico and at the same time, we have a growing relationship in terms of policial strategies to address. Issues of regional and global importance. We had a joint commission meeting, our vice foreign minister was in Delhi and held talks with the foreign ministry and as well as trade and agriculture ministry. The idea is to enhance the relationship. We are trying to build a strategic relationship which is a very high level. WION: Next year we celebrate 70 years of ties? What do we plan? Federico Salas: We are going to organise several events in India of cultural nature and we also hope to have high-level visits, business delegation, academic one, and especially sort of bring Mexico to India. The Indian government is also planning a number of events in Mexico. We are starting the commemoration of 70 years of ties, in the end of November and early December, there is going to be the international book fair of Guadalajara which is the largest Spanish speaking book fair in the world and a very very important event and India is the guest of honour this year; for nine-days, India will have the opportunity to bring its writers and publishers but also many other manifestations of its cultural richness in terms of dance, performances. It will be a major showcase for India in Mexico. We have also organised the first-ever meeting between university presidents of Indian and Mexican. We have 20 university presidents of both countries and this will enrich the relationship that will benefit our academic institutions. WION: How do you see India's role in Latin America? Federico Salas: Mexico has become the first trading partner of India in Latin America. India is also having a greater presence in Latin America, not only in Mexico, in other countries as well. This has enormous potential and India has a lot to offer to the world, not only in terms of trade but also in terms of innovation and creativity in the technological sector and that can be beneficial to Latin American companies. WION: You had a trade deal with the US, India is planning to have one; what experience you would like to share? Federico Salas: Trade negotiations are always difficult. This is the second time we had broad negotiation with the US on a free trade agreement. The first was in 1993, the new agreement has been ratified by Mexican legislature and we hope it will be ratified by both Canadian and American congress soon. We can share with our Indian friends in terms of best practices and how to deal with some of the very difficult issues of a broad relationship like the one we have with the US. We have created in the North American sphere largest trading bloc in the world, so obviously, there are many things we can share on how to deal with this, especially when it comes President administration in the US, which has been sometimes very vocal against trade agreements, very willing to use tariffs as a pressure point, so basically going against the spirit of free trade. We can share our good and bad experiences with friends like India.

Can share our good, bad experiences with India on trade deal with US: Mexico

Syrian envoy to India, Dr Riad Abbas, has lauded New Delhi for backing his country after the Turkish invasion. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Syrian envoy backed India's move on&nbsp;the Kashmir issue and its policy to come hard on Pakistan.

WION: Your country has been invaded by Turkey. Your reaction?

Dr Riad Abbas: The Turkish government supports terrorism in Syria and the Turkish invasion is to protect the Islamic State and its followers.&nbsp;

They want to create a free zone in the area to put all terrorist groups there with the help of the Turkish government. The US and the Turkish government protect terrorist elements. Some terrorists are being transferred by the US from Afghanistan and South Asia to the location. We are in the process to liberate the area from foreign troops and terror groups. Our army took action in the area. We plan to defeat the Turks and terrors groups.

WION: Your reaction to New Delhi backing your country and have you briefed Indian officials on invasion by Turkey?

Dr Riad Abbas: India is a great country with a strong voice in the international community. We appreciate India's stance since the beginning of the crisis. We appreciate the statement of India on Turkish aggression on Syria. We usually do a weekly or monthly brief (to Indian officials) about the current situation in Syria.

WION: What do you have to say about Pakistan's support to Turkey?

Dr Riad Abbas: I don't have the statement but Turkey supports terrorism, all countries behind Turkey support terror.&nbsp;

WION: Do you expect any support from the Arab League and OIC?

Dr Riad Abbas: We are not keen to see what they say. They can say whatever they like and we will take action on the ground in accordance with the will of the Syrian people.&nbsp;

WION: What do you have to say about Kashmir?

Dr Riad Abbas: On the Kashmir issue, it has to be solved by discussion without any third country's participation and according to the Shimla and Lahore accords. India has the right to protect its people on the ground anywhere. 
&nbsp;

Syrian envoy to India, Dr Riad Abbas, has lauded New Delhi for backing his country after the Turkish invasion. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Syrian envoy backed India's move on the Kashmir issue and its policy to come hard on Pakistan.

Syrian envoy to India, Dr Riad Abbas, has lauded New Delhi for backing his country after the Turkish invasion. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Syrian envoy backed India's move on the Kashmir issue and its policy to come hard on Pakistan. WION: Your country has been invaded by Turkey. Your reaction? Dr Riad Abbas: The Turkish government supports terrorism in Syria and the Turkish invasion is to protect the Islamic State and its followers. They want to create a free zone in the area to put all terrorist groups there with the help of the Turkish government. The US and the Turkish government protect terrorist elements. Some terrorists are being transferred by the US from Afghanistan and South Asia to the location. We are in the process to liberate the area from foreign troops and terror groups. Our army took action in the area. We plan to defeat the Turks and terrors groups. WION: Your reaction to New Delhi backing your country and have you briefed Indian officials on invasion by Turkey? Dr Riad Abbas: India is a great country with a strong voice in the international community. We appreciate India's stance since the beginning of the crisis. We appreciate the statement of India on Turkish aggression on Syria. We usually do a weekly or monthly brief (to Indian officials) about the current situation in Syria. WION: What do you have to say about Pakistan's support to Turkey? Dr Riad Abbas: I don't have the statement but Turkey supports terrorism, all countries behind Turkey support terror. WION: Do you expect any support from the Arab League and OIC? Dr Riad Abbas: We are not keen to see what they say. They can say whatever they like and we will take action on the ground in accordance with the will of the Syrian people. WION: What do you have to say about Kashmir? Dr Riad Abbas: On the Kashmir issue, it has to be solved by discussion without any third country's participation and according to the Shimla and Lahore accords. India has the right to protect its people on the ground anywhere.

We appreciate India's stance on Syria after Turkish aggression: Syrian envoy to India Riad Abbas

Pope Francis will canonise five new saints on Sunday, including Sister Mariam Thresia from Kerala, India.&nbsp;

Minister of state for external affairs, V Muraleedharan, who himself is from the southern Indian state of Kerala, will be representing India during the ceremony.

She will be canonised on Sunday morning at Mass in St Peter's Square along with Cardinal John Henry Newman, Giuseppina Vannini, Dulce Lopes Pontes, and Marquerite Bays.

According to the Vatican, she had "mystical experiences, including the gift of healing and prophecy".

Born in 1876, and named after Saint Teresa of Avila, she was the founder of Congregation of the Holy Family of Thrissur district in Kerala.

In 2000, on April 9, Sister Thresia was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Beatification is the first step towards canonisation and permitting public veneration.

According to the Vatican, she received stigmata or appearance of bodily wound corresponding to crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ around wrists and feet, something she kept as a secret.

Many miraculous cures have been linked to her including of one Mathew Pellissery who had congenital club feet but was cured after praying and invoking the help of Sister Mariam Thresia. Mathew's case was examined by the Vatican that played a role in Sister Mariam Thresia's sainthood.

Pope Francis will canonise five new saints on Sunday, including Sister Mariam Thresia from Kerala, India. Minister of state for external affairs, V Muraleedharan, who himself is from the southern Indian state of Kerala, will be representing India during the ceremony.

Pope Francis will canonise five new saints on Sunday, including Sister Mariam Thresia from Kerala, India. Minister of state for external affairs, V Muraleedharan, who himself is from the southern Indian state of Kerala, will be representing India during the ceremony. She will be canonised on Sunday morning at Mass in St Peter's Square along with Cardinal John Henry Newman, Giuseppina Vannini, Dulce Lopes Pontes, and Marquerite Bays. According to the Vatican, she had "mystical experiences, including the gift of healing and prophecy". Born in 1876, and named after Saint Teresa of Avila, she was the founder of Congregation of the Holy Family of Thrissur district in Kerala. In 2000, on April 9, Sister Thresia was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Beatification is the first step towards canonisation and permitting public veneration. According to the Vatican, she received stigmata or appearance of bodily wound corresponding to crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ around wrists and feet, something she kept as a secret. Many miraculous cures have been linked to her including of one Mathew Pellissery who had congenital club feet but was cured after praying and invoking the help of Sister Mariam Thresia. Mathew's case was examined by the Vatican that played a role in Sister Mariam Thresia's sainthood.

Indian nun Mariam Thresia to be declared a saint today at the Vatican

Trade and terror were the top focus on the first day of the second India-China informal summit as leaders of Asia's two largest countries met in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Trade and terror were the top focus on the first day of the second India-China informal summit as leaders of Asia's two largest countries met in the coastal town of Mamallapuram in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The first day of the informal summit saw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spending five hours of "quality time". PM Modi showed Chinese President thousands of years old UNESCO world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna's butterball, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple which was followed by a cultural extravaganza that lasted for two hours. The one-on-one dinner lasted for more than two hours wherein which both the leaders discussed their national vision and governance priorities. Terror and trade was the top focus during the first day. On trade, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "There were discussions on trade-related issues and economic issues and trying to identify areas for investment which two countries can encourage and how to enhance trade volume and trade value which include the issue of trade deficit and unbalance trade." On terror, India and China discussed the "challenges both countries face on account of terrorism. Both leaders said that these are large countries and radicalisation is a matter of concern for both and that both will work together to see that radicalisation and terrorism did not impact the fabric of our multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious societies and a general sense that this was a common challenge and we will work together," Gokhale added. PM Modi received President Xi at the Arjuna's Penance in traditional south Indian attire, veshti (Dhoti worn in the South Indian way) and angavastram, a South Indian garment draped over the shoulder. Both leaders were seen talking to each other with PM Modi explaining Xi the history of the sites. Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary said the visuals at the separate sites reflect the "personal rapport" they have built in the backdrop of 17 meetings since 2014. Gokhale said, "President and PM during that tour of the monuments spoke of the historical and trading links between the southern part of India, particularly Tamil Nadu under Pallava and Chola dynasties and the eastern coast of China, particularly Fujian province." PM Modi also explained the significance of world heritage sites and highlighted the "harmony between man and nature" at Arjuna's Penance. They shook hands five times during the entire period and drank coconut water at the Panch Ratha site where they sat for 15 minutes. PM Modi also gifted President Xi, Nachiarkoil, branched Annam lamp and Thanjavur Painting of dancing Saraswathi. Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Chennai on Friday afternoon with PM Modi tweeting in Mandarin, Tamil and English to welcome him. This is the third visit of the Chinese president to India since 2014. In 2014, he visited Ahmadabad and in 2016 he visited Goa for the BRICS summit. Xi is accompanied by 90 officials including top Chinese leadership which include Ding Xuexiang who an important aide of President and current General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Yang Jiechi Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission. President Xi met eight top Indian officials including External affair minister S Jaishankar, National security adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign security Vijay Gokhale, joint secretary in PMO Gopal Baglay, Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri at the shore temple. The dinner hosted by PM for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mamallapuram beach had Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian on the menu. On Saturday morning, they will again spend time together and around 11 am before the delegation-level talks, they will be making address media. Mamallapuram was chosen as the spot for PM Modi himself and process for the informal summit started in June 2019. India had sent its first recce team in June to the town. While history played an important role, the fact that PM Modi is keen to have big summits outside national capital also played the clincher. Since its an informal summit, no joint statement is expected but both sides will issue separate statements in a coordinated manner.

Trade, terror, top focus of day-one of Modi-Xi meet in Mamallapuram

India and China agreed to continue the positive momentum as two countries wrapped up the second edition of informal summit in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with the big takeaway being trade.

India and China agreed to continue the positive momentum as two countries wrapped up the second edition of informal summit in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with the big takeaway being trade. Both PM Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that since Wuhan, the strategic communication between the two countries has deepened and both sides agreed that the informal summit would continue. Modi and Xi spent six hours together during 24 hours the Chinese president was in India. PM said, "Wuhan summit had provided new momentum and thrust and Chennai connect will start a new era of cooperation between the two countries". Modi further said that differences will be "prudently managed" so that they don't become disputes and take care of "each other concerns and sensitivities" Chinese President Xi called "informal summit a good idea" and Wuhan informal summit last year ushered in "new age of health and steady development" and "it continues to produce visible progress..by deeper strategic communication and effective practice cooperation and more diverse people to people and cultural exchanges". "It was a right decision to have informal summit" and we can "continue with this form of meeting," he added. Xi said on Friday he had "heart to heart discussion on bilateral relation" with PM Modi like "friends" and Beijing aims "to maintain and grow India-China relation". The Chinese president said he is "overwhelmed" by India's hospitality and "really feel the sincere welcome" which will be a "memorable experience". Terror was the other big focus. " Both Leaders are concerned that terrorism continues to pose a common threat" and "As countries that are large and diverse, they recognized the importance of continuing to make joint efforts to ensure that the international community strengthens the framework against training, financing and supporting terrorist groups throughout the world and on a non-discriminatory basis," said a press release issued by India stated. The revocation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was neither raised nor discussed by either side. Modi called for balanced trade pact on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the 16-member free trade agreement to which the Chinese President retort was ''New Delhi's concerns will be taken care of''. As part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), India's defence minister will be soon going to China. As part of people to people contact, two leaders agreed on the establishment of sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province, exploring the possibility of establishing an academy to study links between Mahabalipuram and Fujian province. Both countries celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year and will organise 70 activities including a conference on a ship voyage that will trace the historical connection between the two civilizations. The third informal summit will take place in China.

Wuhan provided fresh momentum, Chennai connect will herald a new era of cooperation between India and China: PM Modi  

The second India-China informal summit began in the coastal town of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stage-set-for-modi-xi-second-informal-summit-at-picturesque-mamallapuram-255273">Mamallapuram</a> on Friday with PM Modi providing a guided tour of housands of year old UNESCO world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-president-xi-jinping-a-study-in-contrast-255342#domestic-issues-trouble-xi-jinping-255332">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>.&nbsp;

This was followed by a cultural extravaganza that lasted for two hours.

Modi received President Xi at the Arjuna's Penance in traditional south Indian attire--veshti and angavastram, a south Indian garment draped over the shoulder. Both leaders were seen immersed in a friendly chat with PM Modi explaining to Xi the historical importance of the sites. The duo shook hands five times during the entire period and drank coconut water at the Panch Ratha site were they sat for 15 minutes.&nbsp;

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The cultural programme ended with a prayer for peace and harmony. <a href="https://t.co/XS2JTa7mws">pic.twitter.com/XS2JTa7mws</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1182664087383265281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi gifted President Xi a Nachiarkoil lamp -- a branched Annam lamp and Thanjavur painting of dancing Saraswathi. &nbsp;

Xi also met eight top Indian officials including External Affair minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri at the shore temple. &nbsp;

PM Modi also hosted a dinner for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mahabalipuram beach in which Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian were on the menu.&nbsp;

Modi and Xi will again meet on Friday morning before the delegation-level talks.

The second India-China informal summit began in the coastal town of Mamallapuram on Friday with PM Modi providing a guided tour of housands of year old UNESCO world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The second India-China informal summit began in the coastal town of Mamallapuram on Friday with PM Modi providing a guided tour of housands of year old UNESCO world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna's Butterball, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple to Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was followed by a cultural extravaganza that lasted for two hours. Modi received President Xi at the Arjuna's Penance in traditional south Indian attire--veshti and angavastram, a south Indian garment draped over the shoulder. Both leaders were seen immersed in a friendly chat with PM Modi explaining to Xi the historical importance of the sites. The duo shook hands five times during the entire period and drank coconut water at the Panch Ratha site were they sat for 15 minutes. The cultural programme ended with a prayer for peace and harmony. pic.twitter.com/XS2JTa7mws — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 11, 2019 × Modi gifted President Xi a Nachiarkoil lamp -- a branched Annam lamp and Thanjavur painting of dancing Saraswathi. Xi also met eight top Indian officials including External Affair minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri at the shore temple. PM Modi also hosted a dinner for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mahabalipuram beach in which Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian were on the menu. Modi and Xi will again meet on Friday morning before the delegation-level talks.

Modi-Xi Jinping soak in cultural extravaganza as second informal summit gets underway in Mamallapuram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted in Chinese, Tamil and English welcoming Xi Jinping to India minutes after the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for the second India-China informal summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted in Chinese, Tamil and English welcoming Xi Jinping to India minutes after the Chinese President arrived in Chennai for the second India-China informal summit. This is the third visit of the Chinese President to India since 2014. In 2014 Xi visited Ahmadabad and in 2016 Goa for the BRICS summit. Modi and Xi are expected to spend three hours together and overall six hours in 24 hours visit of the Chinese President. Watch: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Chennai to grand welcome × He is accompanied by 90 officials including top Chinese leadership which include Ding Xuexiang who an important aide of President and current director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China. Yang Jiechi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, the minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission are the other important diginitaries accopanying President Xi. Around 5 pm, PM Modi will provide a guided tour of three important UNESCO world heritage sites -- Arjuna’s Penance, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple -- to the Chinese President. The town has a rich history and during the Pallava empire, it is believed to have been an important trading-post connected to China. In the evening after the cultural performances, PM Modi will host a dinner for the visiting leader in the backdrop of historic Shore temple at the Mahabalipuram Beach. Tamil delicacies both non-vegetarian and vegetarian will be on the menu during the dinner which will have 16 top officials from both sides, 8 each from India and Chinese side, excluding the top leadership. On Friday morning, they will again spend time together and around 11 am before the delegation-level talks, they will be making opening remarks to media. The first summit informal summit between the two leaders took place in Wuhan, China and focus in this year's summit will be too keep the momentum generated from the last year's summit. Mamallapuram was chosen as the spot for PM Modi himself and process for the informal summit started in June 2019. India sent its first recce team in June to the town. While history played an important role, the fact that PM Modi is keen to have big summits outside national capital was the clincher. PM Modi will also be gifting the Chinese President, though it has not been disclosed what will be given by the Indian side. Since its an informal summit, no joint statement is expected but both sides will issue separate statements in a coordinated manner.

What to expect from second informal summit between Modi and Xi

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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