The protest over tuition fees in a South African university is spreading nationally, with the students union calling for shutting 26 public universities across the country from Monday.

“The failure of (higher education) minister Blade Nzimnande to respond positively to our demands as students&nbsp;has left us with no option but to declare a national shutdown effective from Monday, until all demands are met,”&nbsp;South African Union of Students (SAUS) said&nbsp;in a statement.

The union also condemned the brutality and violence by the South African Police Services (SAPS), which led to a killing of one civilian during protests against financial exclusion.

SAUS is demanding financial clearance and the clearance of historical debts for all students to ensure their smooth registration for the academic year.

It wants justice for the family of a person who was killed by police during protests in Wits University, and an end to police brutality. Other demands include immediate provision for post-graduate funding and&nbsp;allocation of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for first time or new students.&nbsp;NSFAS&nbsp;is a government-run scheme that provides financial aid to poor undergraduate students.

SAUS also demanded zero percent fee increase for the 2021 academic year and sought&nbsp;free, quality, decolonised education for the poor and the working class.

It said the Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders are in support of the decision for the national shutdown of universities, and has urged all students across the country to join in the fight against financial exclusion. SRCs are&nbsp;the highest decision-making student body in universities.

In a separate statement, Senior Executive Team (SET) from the Wits University said they have met with the SRC and they will deliberate their demands with the members of the council and other stakeholders before engaging with the SRC on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

It also confirmed that University South Africa (USAF) will be meeting with Vice Chancellors of 26 public universities on Monday to discuss some of these issues. The outcome of the meeting will be announced to various constituencies.&nbsp;

The protest over tuition fees in a South African university is spreading nationally, with the students union calling for shutting 26 public universities across the country from Monday.

The protest over tuition fees in a South African university is spreading nationally, with the students union calling for shutting 26 public universities across the country from Monday. “The failure of (higher education) minister Blade Nzimnande to respond positively to our demands as students has left us with no option but to declare a national shutdown effective from Monday, until all demands are met,” South African Union of Students (SAUS) said in a statement. The union also condemned the brutality and violence by the South African Police Services (SAPS), which led to a killing of one civilian during protests against financial exclusion. SAUS is demanding financial clearance and the clearance of historical debts for all students to ensure their smooth registration for the academic year. It wants justice for the family of a person who was killed by police during protests in Wits University, and an end to police brutality. Other demands include immediate provision for post-graduate funding and allocation of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for first time or new students. NSFAS is a government-run scheme that provides financial aid to poor undergraduate students. SAUS also demanded zero percent fee increase for the 2021 academic year and sought free, quality, decolonised education for the poor and the working class. It said the Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders are in support of the decision for the national shutdown of universities, and has urged all students across the country to join in the fight against financial exclusion. SRCs are the highest decision-making student body in universities. In a separate statement, Senior Executive Team (SET) from the Wits University said they have met with the SRC and they will deliberate their demands with the members of the council and other stakeholders before engaging with the SRC on Monday afternoon. It also confirmed that University South Africa (USAF) will be meeting with Vice Chancellors of 26 public universities on Monday to discuss some of these issues. The outcome of the meeting will be announced to various constituencies.

South Africa student protests spread with calls for national varsity shutdown

It was long overdue, and has finally happened. The Quad met today for its first ever summit. 
&nbsp; 
This is an extremely significant geopolitical event. It will shape the strategic alliances of our world.

The Quad has four members: the United States, Australia,&nbsp;Japan and India. Leaders from all four countries came together for a virtual summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Before this, the highest level engagement was that of ministers. Foreign ministers of all four countries have met thrice in the last three&nbsp;years, twice in person and once virtually.

Each time, they failed to issue a joint statement. They came up with separate statements.&nbsp;And they spoke in different tones. This is the first time&nbsp;the Quad is trying to speak in one voice.

 
We'll decode the first ever Quad summit, what was discussed, what will be done next.

Will the quad become more than a talking shop? And what will this alliance mean for India?

We'll discuss all this and more. First, let's talk about what happened today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The meeting was virtual.&nbsp;For US President Joe Biden, this was the first high level engagement since he assumed office in January. With him was Vice President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;The meeting was initiated by Washington. That should tell you how much importance the US Attaches to the Quad. &nbsp;

Other leaders in attendance were Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Quad has potential. What it lacked so far, is political will.

The alliance failed to spell out specific goals.&nbsp;Tonight, that wasn't the case. Even before the summit began, all four countries had a clear agenda.

Securing free and open access to Indo-Pacific, the supply of vaccines--a&nbsp;priority considering the pandemic-and&nbsp;resilient supply and production chains. The opening remarks touched upon these themes. The focus was the Indo-Pacific.

All four leaders made a mention of it, and for obvious reasons.

The last year&nbsp;saw China's military aggression in the region: The border standoff in Ladakh, the provocations in Taiwan and South China Sea and around the Senkaku Islands near Japan.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;we told you about America's military assessment on the Indo-Pacific. America's top commander called China "the greatest long-term strategic threat to security".

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a free and open Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; And India's commitment to democratic values.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All Quad allies are robust democracies. Upholding a commitment to democracy is a clear message to China. The next issue was vaccines. China is trying to push its vaccines. Even though they're unreliable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China says it will donate vaccines to 69 developing countries. And it is exporting vaccines to 43 countries. The Quad needs to balance the scales. Reports say it has planned financing agreements to boost manufacturing in India. Meaning they'll pour in money to make in India.

These are deals for drugmakers to make their shots in India. US President Joe Biden said vaccines will drive global growth this year.

The next issue is supply chains. Remember, China controls supply chains. The pandemic taught us why the world must diversify. The Quad today focused on the supply of rare earths. These four countries plan to build a rare earth procurement chain.

Rare earths are crucial elements. They build in practically everything we use today. And will use in the future. From smartphones to computers and batteries, rare earths are used in all. Right now, China produces nearly 60 per cent of the world's rare earths.

It controls the supply. Which means&nbsp;it can also dictate the international rules for future technologies.

The Quad wants to break the monopoly.&nbsp;So the tone is now set.

While the leaders didn't mention China, the three issues they picked up sent a clear message to Beijing:&nbsp;A free and open Indo-Pacific, vaccines, and&nbsp;global supply chains.

The Quad will confront China on all three fronts.

The timing of this Qad summit is significant. Top officials from the United States and China are meeting next week in Alaska. This is the first bilateral engagement of the Biden administration. The Quad has firmed up its alliance, just before those discussions.

And as we discuss the future of the Quad, we must also take some lessons from its past. The Quad has informally existed for 16 long years. But it has failed to go beyond being a talking shop.

Quad member nations have met in the past. They've made promises. Held naval exercises. But done little to achieve their core strategic purpose.&nbsp;Of containing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.

How will it be different this time?

It emerged in 2004. It was formalised in 2007. It lay dormant for the next 10 years.&nbsp;Then it was revived in 2017. But it was in 2020 that the Quad arrived at a turning point.&nbsp;And in 2021, it assembled for the first time at the leader level. This historic gathering could change Asian geopolitics.

But does it intend to? The Quad has been toiling for the last 16 years. The principle aim of this body was strategic, to maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

But for 16 years,&nbsp;the Quad has failed to go beyond being a talking shop.&nbsp;Its promises did not translate into action on ground.

Will it be the same this time?&nbsp;Not really. Four clear and&nbsp;specific areas of cooperation have been identified this time. They will be at the centre of the Quad's future operations.

The first is maritime security and&nbsp;cooperation. Considerable headway was made in this area during the Trump administration. All four countries took part in the Malabar Exercise last year. This year, expanded cooperation involving the Quad and&nbsp;non-Quad members is on the cards.

Reports already indicate that France and the UAE will be joining hands with the Quad for naval exercises. This is being seen as a signal to China to adhere to international norms.

The second area of collaboration will be on covid-19 related issues. From the beginning of this pandemic, India's approach has been global. From rescuing foreign expats trapped in distant countries&nbsp;to nursing the world through its vaccine diplomacy, India has contributed immensely in the fight against Covid-19.

Reports say the Quad is looking to launch an expansive vaccine programme where vaccines will be developed in the US manufactured in India, financed by Japan and supported by Australia.

The cooperation will be stepped up to counter China's growing influence in countries hit hard by the pandemic.

The third area of cooperation is climate change. It has been gaining momentum in Joe Biden's domestic and&nbsp;foreign policy agenda.

This is one area where the Quad will try to corner China into delivering more. Working groups for climate change are expected to be announced soon.

The last area of economic and&nbsp;technological cooperation is of special significance. It indirectly recognises China as an economic and technological threat.

China, which produces 60% of the world's rare earths will see tough competition.

As the Quad joins hands to build a rare earth procurement chain and counter China's dominance,&nbsp;the Quad will also look to dent China's technological influence.

With investments in emerging and&nbsp;critical defence technologies,&nbsp;the Global Times has reported&nbsp;that the Quad could further contain Chinese tech giant Huawei. 
&nbsp; 
China will be the central theme of all of Quad's initiatives but the references are oblique. The leaders have met.

Will they put their money where their mouth is?&nbsp;

Is it just an anti-china coalition?

What does the quad mean for India?

Five things. One:&nbsp;a strategic win. Two: a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).&nbsp;Three: a global leadership role. Four: pushing multilateralism.&nbsp;And five:&nbsp;it will help India become a blue economy.

We'll take these one by one.&nbsp;First, it's a step towards India's strategic goals.

India wants a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;India looks at the Indo-Pacific as a single, strategic construct.&nbsp;

What is the Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;The region linking the waters of the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

In the Quad, India gets a grouping of like-minded nations. A group that is ready to defend the laws of high seas.&nbsp;Second, the Quad will help India rebuild its supply chains, reduce the dependence on China.

Consider this: all the Quad members have one thing in common. They disagree with Chinese military aggression. But no Quad member&nbsp;has been able to drag China to court for militarising the South China Sea.

You know who went to court?&nbsp;The Philippines. Not Japan, not even Australia. Neither the US,&nbsp;nor India. &nbsp;

Why?&nbsp;Because all these countries, like the rest of the world, rely heavily on China for trade.

And that's dangerous. China can weaponise trade. The pandemic has shown us how. China can weaponise essential drugs, medical equipment, ventilators. So the world wants to break away from China.

India wants to be self-reliant. The Quad can enable that. Third, the Quad is an opportunity for India to shape the emerging world order. And this can only be done with the help of strategic relations. Quad is India's opportunity for cementing ties with the world's most prominent democracies. The US already acknowledges India as a 'major defence partner'.

In 2016, India and the US signed LE MoA,&nbsp;or the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.&nbsp;In 2020, an American military aircraft refuelled at India's strategic base in Andaman and Nicobar islands for the first time.

India has also signed an agreement with Australia on mutual logistics support. The Quad takes these strategic ties a step further.

Fourth: the Quad is India's opportunity to push for multilateralism. Quad meetings have recently been attended by three more Indo-Pacific countries.

New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam.

Countries like New Zealand&nbsp;have long been reluctant to be perceived as anti-China. The pandemic has changed that. The strengthening, expansion and distribution of power works in favour of India.

Fifth:&nbsp;Quad is also a step towards India's dream of becoming a blue economy.

India is accelerating efforts in that direction.&nbsp;Be it cargo, or commerce. India recently hosted a virtual maritime summit. It is improving port facilities at home, developing strategic ports abroad, be it the Chabahar in Iran&nbsp;or the Kaladan project in Myanmar. India is also modernising facilities in the Andaman islands.&nbsp;A plan worth 56.5 billion rupees was finalised in 2019.

It allows for additional warships, troops, aircraft and drones to be stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. India has also commissioned a new naval station- INS&nbsp;Kohassa in the islands.

India wants to be a top maritime economy. But it won't be possible without the cooperation of other maritime powers. This is where the Quad becomes very crucial.

Finally... China.

There is of course, the &nbsp;need to counter China. Its hard and soft powers.

There is no denying it's China's actions that have brought the Quad closer. The militarising of islands in South China Sea, the creating of artificial ones, the exporting of the Wuhan virus, China's muscle flexing in Ladakh, the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

Chinese aggression against Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia,&nbsp;China's quashing of Hong Kong's autonomy.

 
The list is long.&nbsp;It took all of these&nbsp;to finally get the four countries to hold joint military exercises, the 2020 Malabar Exercises. They say nothing makes friends like a common enemy. China is of course the binding factor of the Quad. But for India, the Quad is much more than&nbsp;just China.

It was long overdue, and has finally happened. The Quad met today for its first ever summit. This is an extremely significant geopolitical event. It will shape the strategic alliances of our world.

It was long overdue, and has finally happened. The Quad met today for its first ever summit. This is an extremely significant geopolitical event. It will shape the strategic alliances of our world. The Quad has four members: the United States, Australia, Japan and India. Leaders from all four countries came together for a virtual summit. Before this, the highest level engagement was that of ministers. Foreign ministers of all four countries have met thrice in the last three years, twice in person and once virtually. Each time, they failed to issue a joint statement. They came up with separate statements. And they spoke in different tones. This is the first time the Quad is trying to speak in one voice. We'll decode the first ever Quad summit, what was discussed, what will be done next. Will the quad become more than a talking shop? And what will this alliance mean for India? We'll discuss all this and more. First, let's talk about what happened today. The meeting was virtual. For US President Joe Biden, this was the first high level engagement since he assumed office in January. With him was Vice President Kamala Harris. The meeting was initiated by Washington. That should tell you how much importance the US Attaches to the Quad. Other leaders in attendance were Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Quad has potential. What it lacked so far, is political will. The alliance failed to spell out specific goals. Tonight, that wasn't the case. Even before the summit began, all four countries had a clear agenda. Securing free and open access to Indo-Pacific, the supply of vaccines--a priority considering the pandemic-and resilient supply and production chains. The opening remarks touched upon these themes. The focus was the Indo-Pacific. All four leaders made a mention of it, and for obvious reasons. The last year saw China's military aggression in the region: The border standoff in Ladakh, the provocations in Taiwan and South China Sea and around the Senkaku Islands near Japan. Earlier this week, we told you about America's military assessment on the Indo-Pacific. America's top commander called China "the greatest long-term strategic threat to security". India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a free and open Indo-Pacific. And India's commitment to democratic values. All Quad allies are robust democracies. Upholding a commitment to democracy is a clear message to China. The next issue was vaccines. China is trying to push its vaccines. Even though they're unreliable. China says it will donate vaccines to 69 developing countries. And it is exporting vaccines to 43 countries. The Quad needs to balance the scales. Reports say it has planned financing agreements to boost manufacturing in India. Meaning they'll pour in money to make in India. These are deals for drugmakers to make their shots in India. US President Joe Biden said vaccines will drive global growth this year. The next issue is supply chains. Remember, China controls supply chains. The pandemic taught us why the world must diversify. The Quad today focused on the supply of rare earths. These four countries plan to build a rare earth procurement chain. Rare earths are crucial elements. They build in practically everything we use today. And will use in the future. From smartphones to computers and batteries, rare earths are used in all. Right now, China produces nearly 60 per cent of the world's rare earths. It controls the supply. Which means it can also dictate the international rules for future technologies. The Quad wants to break the monopoly. So the tone is now set. While the leaders didn't mention China, the three issues they picked up sent a clear message to Beijing: A free and open Indo-Pacific, vaccines, and global supply chains. The Quad will confront China on all three fronts. The timing of this Qad summit is significant. Top officials from the United States and China are meeting next week in Alaska. This is the first bilateral engagement of the Biden administration. The Quad has firmed up its alliance, just before those discussions. And as we discuss the future of the Quad, we must also take some lessons from its past. The Quad has informally existed for 16 long years. But it has failed to go beyond being a talking shop. Quad member nations have met in the past. They've made promises. Held naval exercises. But done little to achieve their core strategic purpose. Of containing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. How will it be different this time? It emerged in 2004. It was formalised in 2007. It lay dormant for the next 10 years. Then it was revived in 2017. But it was in 2020 that the Quad arrived at a turning point. And in 2021, it assembled for the first time at the leader level. This historic gathering could change Asian geopolitics. But does it intend to? The Quad has been toiling for the last 16 years. The principle aim of this body was strategic, to maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. But for 16 years, the Quad has failed to go beyond being a talking shop. Its promises did not translate into action on ground. Will it be the same this time? Not really. Four clear and specific areas of cooperation have been identified this time. They will be at the centre of the Quad's future operations. The first is maritime security and cooperation. Considerable headway was made in this area during the Trump administration. All four countries took part in the Malabar Exercise last year. This year, expanded cooperation involving the Quad and non-Quad members is on the cards. Reports already indicate that France and the UAE will be joining hands with the Quad for naval exercises. This is being seen as a signal to China to adhere to international norms. The second area of collaboration will be on covid-19 related issues. From the beginning of this pandemic, India's approach has been global. From rescuing foreign expats trapped in distant countries to nursing the world through its vaccine diplomacy, India has contributed immensely in the fight against Covid-19. Reports say the Quad is looking to launch an expansive vaccine programme where vaccines will be developed in the US manufactured in India, financed by Japan and supported by Australia. The cooperation will be stepped up to counter China's growing influence in countries hit hard by the pandemic. The third area of cooperation is climate change. It has been gaining momentum in Joe Biden's domestic and foreign policy agenda. This is one area where the Quad will try to corner China into delivering more. Working groups for climate change are expected to be announced soon. The last area of economic and technological cooperation is of special significance. It indirectly recognises China as an economic and technological threat. China, which produces 60% of the world's rare earths will see tough competition. As the Quad joins hands to build a rare earth procurement chain and counter China's dominance, the Quad will also look to dent China's technological influence. With investments in emerging and critical defence technologies, the Global Times has reported that the Quad could further contain Chinese tech giant Huawei. China will be the central theme of all of Quad's initiatives but the references are oblique. The leaders have met. Will they put their money where their mouth is? Is it just an anti-china coalition? What does the quad mean for India? Five things. One: a strategic win. Two: a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Three: a global leadership role. Four: pushing multilateralism. And five: it will help India become a blue economy. We'll take these one by one. First, it's a step towards India's strategic goals. India wants a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. India looks at the Indo-Pacific as a single, strategic construct. What is the Indo-Pacific? The region linking the waters of the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. In the Quad, India gets a grouping of like-minded nations. A group that is ready to defend the laws of high seas. Second, the Quad will help India rebuild its supply chains, reduce the dependence on China. Consider this: all the Quad members have one thing in common. They disagree with Chinese military aggression. But no Quad member has been able to drag China to court for militarising the South China Sea. You know who went to court? The Philippines. Not Japan, not even Australia. Neither the US, nor India. Why? Because all these countries, like the rest of the world, rely heavily on China for trade. And that's dangerous. China can weaponise trade. The pandemic has shown us how. China can weaponise essential drugs, medical equipment, ventilators. So the world wants to break away from China. India wants to be self-reliant. The Quad can enable that. Third, the Quad is an opportunity for India to shape the emerging world order. And this can only be done with the help of strategic relations. Quad is India's opportunity for cementing ties with the world's most prominent democracies. The US already acknowledges India as a 'major defence partner'. In 2016, India and the US signed LE MoA, or the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement. In 2020, an American military aircraft refuelled at India's strategic base in Andaman and Nicobar islands for the first time. India has also signed an agreement with Australia on mutual logistics support. The Quad takes these strategic ties a step further. Fourth: the Quad is India's opportunity to push for multilateralism. Quad meetings have recently been attended by three more Indo-Pacific countries. New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam. Countries like New Zealand have long been reluctant to be perceived as anti-China. The pandemic has changed that. The strengthening, expansion and distribution of power works in favour of India. Fifth: Quad is also a step towards India's dream of becoming a blue economy. India is accelerating efforts in that direction. Be it cargo, or commerce. India recently hosted a virtual maritime summit. It is improving port facilities at home, developing strategic ports abroad, be it the Chabahar in Iran or the Kaladan project in Myanmar. India is also modernising facilities in the Andaman islands. A plan worth 56.5 billion rupees was finalised in 2019. It allows for additional warships, troops, aircraft and drones to be stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. India has also commissioned a new naval station- INS Kohassa in the islands. India wants to be a top maritime economy. But it won't be possible without the cooperation of other maritime powers. This is where the Quad becomes very crucial. Finally... China. There is of course, the need to counter China. Its hard and soft powers. There is no denying it's China's actions that have brought the Quad closer. The militarising of islands in South China Sea, the creating of artificial ones, the exporting of the Wuhan virus, China's muscle flexing in Ladakh, the death of 20 Indian soldiers. Chinese aggression against Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia, China's quashing of Hong Kong's autonomy. The list is long. It took all of these to finally get the four countries to hold joint military exercises, the 2020 Malabar Exercises. They say nothing makes friends like a common enemy. China is of course the binding factor of the Quad. But for India, the Quad is much more than just China.

Quad leaders hold much-awaited summit, but what is different now?

In august 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas arrived on the beaches of Bangladesh. Around 60% of them were children.

They were fleeing what the United Nations&nbsp;later called&nbsp;a textbook example of genocide. Myanmar's military had burned Rohingya villages to the ground, separated and killed families, gangraped women and girls, committed unspeakable atrocities.

By September 2019, more than 100,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar. This was only their latest exodus.&nbsp;Nearly 1.4 million Rohingyas are in refuge in Bangladesh now,&nbsp;200,000 in Malaysia,&nbsp;1,200 in Indonesia,&nbsp;800 in Nepal, 650 in Sri Lanka,&nbsp;560 in Japan and&nbsp;50,000 in India.

The world is carrying the weight of Myanmar's misdeeds. And now, the world is bracing for another challenge. After a genocide, Myanmar is now pulling off a coup.&nbsp;

The military is using battle weapons against civilians. It is giving terror groups a free run.

Case in point- the Arakan army, or the AA. It was placed on the list of terror groups in 2020. This was under the government of ousted state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's military has delisted the same Arakan Army. It poses no threat, says the military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-myanmar-becoming-a-security-nightmare-369803">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-myanmar-becoming-a-security-nightmare-369803/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The truth is, the military wants to use the terror army to terrorise civilians, quash the civil disobedience movement. They've already killed at least 70 people. &nbsp;

The terror is far from over. And its threat&nbsp;is spreading beyond the country's borders. Myanmar is becoming a security nightmare for the region. It may sound like a sweeping statement.

Let's start with India.&nbsp; 
The coup in Myanmar has put India's border security at risk. India shares a 1,643 km-long border, kinship and a colonial history with Myanmar.

While Myanmar burns, it is the Indian state of Mizoram&nbsp;that's hurting. There are sit-ins in Mizoram in support of Myanmar's civilians.&nbsp;

Reports say&nbsp;several Mizo village council authorities have even &nbsp;issued letters,&nbsp;declaring their willingness to accommodate refugees.

On the 24th of February, Mizoram's chief minister&nbsp;Zoramthanga assured the state assembly that his government will be ready to assist refugees. It's an interesting history. The Chin people&nbsp;of Myanmar are the ethnic brethren of India's Mizos and Kukis. The boiling of passion is understandable.

But it's in conflict with New Delhi's stand. India has constructive engagements with the military junta.&nbsp;They work together in counter-terror operations. New Delhi is currently walking a geopolitical tightrope. A slight disbalance can threaten India's border security...

 
Then we have Bangladesh.

Look at the kind of trouble Myanmar has put Dhaka in. It is now home to the world's biggest refugee camp.

The Kutupalong camp&nbsp;is one of the many Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. The country is supporting over 1.4 million Rohingyas without much international aid.&nbsp;It recently spent $350 million to develop a sustainable shelter for rohingyas in the Bhasan Char island. Just when Dhaka thought it had got a grip on the refugee crisis, the coup has sparked fears of a fresh exodus.

Those already in Bangladesh are now all the more scared to go back to Myanmar.

 
Next, we come to Thailand.

Bangkok is calling the situation in Myanmar one of the "most difficult political incidents''&nbsp;in a neighbouring country.&nbsp;The coup has led to rising fears of a new wave of political asylum seekers in Thailand.

The Bangkok Post reports that in the first week of March,&nbsp;more than 100 people from Myanmar sneaked into Thailand via various human-smuggling routes in Tak and Kanchanaburi.

Let's look at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next.&nbsp;

Myanmar is a part of it. And it is now challenging the very relevance of this group. Foreign ministers from all of these countries held a meeting with the junta's new foreign minister. This happened on the second of March.

Brunei- the current chair of ASEAN - published a statement:&nbsp;"We reiterated that the political stability in ASEAN member states is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community."

A day later,&nbsp;the deadliest day of Myanmar coup opposition happened: 38 killed.

A security threat does not always have to be a threat to life or territory.

Do you know how the United States described the Myanmar military coup?&nbsp;'Extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States'.

Think about it. Why would a small country, thousands of miles away from Washington be a security threat to the US?

Because in Myanmar, it is democracy that is under attack. Myanmar's military coup has become a security threat to democracies around the world.&nbsp;The threat becomes even more serious when you consider Myanmar's geographical and diplomatic proximity to one northern neighbour:&nbsp;China.

A country that seems to be justifying the coup,&nbsp;by calling it a mere reshuffle.

In 2020, China used the pandemic to impose authoritarianism in Hong Kong.

As we speak, it is moving to vet the city state's political candidates. Its neighbour followed suit.

On the first of February, Myanmar's military staged a coup.&nbsp;It justified the takeover with an unproven assumption that the elections were rigged. It acted with surprising impunity.

Fingers were pointing at China. Experts say Myanmar's junta could not have pulled any of this off without Beijing's support. China's statements are only adding weight to the allegation.

This is a period of worrying uncertainty. So far, Myanmar has sparked a refugee crisis, threatened border security and political stability. What else qualifies as a security threat?

In august 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas arrived on the beaches of Bangladesh. Around 60% of them were children. They were fleeing what the United Nations later called a textbook example of genocide.

In august 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas arrived on the beaches of Bangladesh. Around 60% of them were children. They were fleeing what the United Nations later called a textbook example of genocide. Myanmar's military had burned Rohingya villages to the ground, separated and killed families, gangraped women and girls, committed unspeakable atrocities. By September 2019, more than 100,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar. This was only their latest exodus. Nearly 1.4 million Rohingyas are in refuge in Bangladesh now, 200,000 in Malaysia, 1,200 in Indonesia, 800 in Nepal, 650 in Sri Lanka, 560 in Japan and 50,000 in India. The world is carrying the weight of Myanmar's misdeeds. And now, the world is bracing for another challenge. After a genocide, Myanmar is now pulling off a coup. The military is using battle weapons against civilians. It is giving terror groups a free run. Case in point- the Arakan army, or the AA. It was placed on the list of terror groups in 2020. This was under the government of ousted state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's military has delisted the same Arakan Army. It poses no threat, says the military. WATCH | The truth is, the military wants to use the terror army to terrorise civilians, quash the civil disobedience movement. They've already killed at least 70 people. The terror is far from over. And its threat is spreading beyond the country's borders. Myanmar is becoming a security nightmare for the region. It may sound like a sweeping statement. Let's start with India. The coup in Myanmar has put India's border security at risk. India shares a 1,643 km-long border, kinship and a colonial history with Myanmar. While Myanmar burns, it is the Indian state of Mizoram that's hurting. There are sit-ins in Mizoram in support of Myanmar's civilians. Reports say several Mizo village council authorities have even issued letters, declaring their willingness to accommodate refugees. On the 24th of February, Mizoram's chief minister Zoramthanga assured the state assembly that his government will be ready to assist refugees. It's an interesting history. The Chin people of Myanmar are the ethnic brethren of India's Mizos and Kukis. The boiling of passion is understandable. But it's in conflict with New Delhi's stand. India has constructive engagements with the military junta. They work together in counter-terror operations. New Delhi is currently walking a geopolitical tightrope. A slight disbalance can threaten India's border security... Then we have Bangladesh. Look at the kind of trouble Myanmar has put Dhaka in. It is now home to the world's biggest refugee camp. The Kutupalong camp is one of the many Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. The country is supporting over 1.4 million Rohingyas without much international aid. It recently spent $350 million to develop a sustainable shelter for rohingyas in the Bhasan Char island. Just when Dhaka thought it had got a grip on the refugee crisis, the coup has sparked fears of a fresh exodus. Those already in Bangladesh are now all the more scared to go back to Myanmar. Next, we come to Thailand. Bangkok is calling the situation in Myanmar one of the "most difficult political incidents'' in a neighbouring country. The coup has led to rising fears of a new wave of political asylum seekers in Thailand. The Bangkok Post reports that in the first week of March, more than 100 people from Myanmar sneaked into Thailand via various human-smuggling routes in Tak and Kanchanaburi. Let's look at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next. Myanmar is a part of it. And it is now challenging the very relevance of this group. Foreign ministers from all of these countries held a meeting with the junta's new foreign minister. This happened on the second of March. Brunei- the current chair of ASEAN - published a statement: "We reiterated that the political stability in ASEAN member states is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community." A day later, the deadliest day of Myanmar coup opposition happened: 38 killed. A security threat does not always have to be a threat to life or territory. Do you know how the United States described the Myanmar military coup? 'Extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States'. Think about it. Why would a small country, thousands of miles away from Washington be a security threat to the US? Because in Myanmar, it is democracy that is under attack. Myanmar's military coup has become a security threat to democracies around the world. The threat becomes even more serious when you consider Myanmar's geographical and diplomatic proximity to one northern neighbour: China. A country that seems to be justifying the coup, by calling it a mere reshuffle. In 2020, China used the pandemic to impose authoritarianism in Hong Kong. As we speak, it is moving to vet the city state's political candidates. Its neighbour followed suit. On the first of February, Myanmar's military staged a coup. It justified the takeover with an unproven assumption that the elections were rigged. It acted with surprising impunity. Fingers were pointing at China. Experts say Myanmar's junta could not have pulled any of this off without Beijing's support. China's statements are only adding weight to the allegation. This is a period of worrying uncertainty. So far, Myanmar has sparked a refugee crisis, threatened border security and political stability. What else qualifies as a security threat?

Myanmar is becoming a security threat for the region while China looks the other way

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security&nbsp;and climate change."

The&nbsp;leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement.

Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,&nbsp;first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues&nbsp;with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific."&nbsp;

"A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters.

The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over&nbsp;Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change." The leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement. Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific." "A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters. The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines

Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP),&nbsp;the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1bn&nbsp;is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity.

Multiple attempts have been made to reach out to UAE, especially to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by top Pakistani officials. So far there hasn't been any response.&nbsp;Pakistani has pleaded to UAE that returning such a huge amount can impact its economic situation right now.

It is no secret that&nbsp;Pakistan's economy is in dire straits. According to a World Bank estimate, amid the Covid pandemic, Pakistan’s real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 % in financial year 2019 to -1.5% in FY2020.

Earlier this year, IMF and Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement to release $500 million as part of a larger loan pact. The year 2019 saw the international financial institution&nbsp;agreeing to provide a $6bn loan to the country&nbsp;to rein in the debt crisis in exchange for reform measures.

Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank of the country.

Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1bn is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity. Multiple attempts have been made to reach out to UAE, especially to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by top Pakistani officials. So far there hasn't been any response. Pakistani has pleaded to UAE that returning such a huge amount can impact its economic situation right now. It is no secret that Pakistan's economy is in dire straits. According to a World Bank estimate, amid the Covid pandemic, Pakistan’s real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 % in financial year 2019 to -1.5% in FY2020. Earlier this year, IMF and Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement to release $500 million as part of a larger loan pact. The year 2019 saw the international financial institution agreeing to provide a $6bn loan to the country to rein in the debt crisis in exchange for reform measures.

Panic in Pak govt as UAE demands back its $1bn

One person was shot dead on Wednesday&nbsp;as South African police and protesting students from Wits University in Braamfontein engaged in a violent clash over admissions.

Protesting students have blocked roads in Johannesburg CBD (central business district) with burning tyres and rocks. They&nbsp;are demanding that all students, regardless of their outstanding fees, should be able to register for the new academic year.

As the standoff continued for the second straight day, police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas to disperse the students who are currently protesting over financial exclusion from the university.

The police have not yet responded, but it has been confirmed that the person who died is not a student. Senior executives from Wits University said in a statement that they are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a 35-year-old man in the Braamfontein CBD outside of the institution this morning.

"The university extends its condolences to the family of the deceased. The university condemns any form of violence and call on all persons to keep calm during this very difficult time,” it said.&nbsp;

The university also noted with deep concern the escalation of the situation which is regrettable, and called on all persons to remain calm during this difficult time.&nbsp;

“The university remains committed to seeking creative, peaceful solutions to any outstanding issues in the higher education sector,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Higher Education Minister&nbsp;Blade Nzimande on Monday said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is not able to commit to funding students without the requisite budget available to support this commitment.&nbsp;

However, he said that the department and the treasury have been working on funding options. “We are doing everything possible to resolve this issue as a matter of extreme urgency.” Nzimande said.&nbsp;

One person was shot dead on Wednesday as South African police and protesting students from Wits University in Braamfontein engaged in a violent clash over admissions.

One person was shot dead on Wednesday as South African police and protesting students from Wits University in Braamfontein engaged in a violent clash over admissions. Protesting students have blocked roads in Johannesburg CBD (central business district) with burning tyres and rocks. They are demanding that all students, regardless of their outstanding fees, should be able to register for the new academic year. As the standoff continued for the second straight day, police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas to disperse the students who are currently protesting over financial exclusion from the university. The police have not yet responded, but it has been confirmed that the person who died is not a student. Senior executives from Wits University said in a statement that they are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a 35-year-old man in the Braamfontein CBD outside of the institution this morning. "The university extends its condolences to the family of the deceased. The university condemns any form of violence and call on all persons to keep calm during this very difficult time,” it said. The university also noted with deep concern the escalation of the situation which is regrettable, and called on all persons to remain calm during this difficult time. “The university remains committed to seeking creative, peaceful solutions to any outstanding issues in the higher education sector,” the statement said. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande on Monday said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is not able to commit to funding students without the requisite budget available to support this commitment. However, he said that the department and the treasury have been working on funding options. “We are doing everything possible to resolve this issue as a matter of extreme urgency.” Nzimande said.

One killed in police-student standoff in South Africa

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India,&nbsp;has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines&nbsp;is taking&nbsp;place in India and&nbsp;how it is helping its neighbours.

Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent&nbsp;Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership".

The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making&nbsp;Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit.&nbsp;

Modi had gone to&nbsp;Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark.

On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes?</h2>

Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines?</h2>

Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018?</h2>

Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally.

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government&nbsp;and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us&nbsp;and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government&nbsp;see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction?</h2>

Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say. &nbsp;

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours.

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours. Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership". The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit. Modi had gone to Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark. On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India. Sidhant Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes? Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines? Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised. Sidhant Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018? Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally. Sidhant Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit? Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development. Sidhant Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit? Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction? Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say.

Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024.

A&nbsp;Gallup&nbsp;poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030.

The majority of respondents in only three countries - Mauritania, Belarus and Sri Lanka - said they did not expect to see a woman leader in the years ahead, found the poll conducted from 2019 to 2020 and released for International Women's Day.

Women serve as heads of state or government in only 22 countries and 119 nations have never had a woman leader, UN Women data showed in January, while on average women hold just over a quarter of seats in parliaments worldwide.

But Harris's election as the first female U.S. vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women's political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners.

"We all believe (Harris) is going to run for president again very, very soon," said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women's political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris's election as a "huge cultural shift".

"That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call.

Harris, 56, who also made history by becoming the first Black American and first Asian American to win the second highest U.S. office, is seen as an obvious contender for her party's 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run.

Monday's poll findings follow a warning last week that despite recent high-profile appointments of women globally, wider progress towards equality in political representation and other key areas is faltering.

A report by the Equal Measures 2030 partnership found half of the 129 countries it examined were lagging behind a target to reach gender equality by 2030 in five key areas including ministerial roles and workplace equity laws.

Progress is "limping along" globally but "rapid change on gender equality is possible", said Alison Holder, director of the organisation, which assesses progress on an ambitious set of global goals against inequality set by world leaders in 2015.

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024.

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024. A Gallup poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030. The majority of respondents in only three countries - Mauritania, Belarus and Sri Lanka - said they did not expect to see a woman leader in the years ahead, found the poll conducted from 2019 to 2020 and released for International Women's Day. Women serve as heads of state or government in only 22 countries and 119 nations have never had a woman leader, UN Women data showed in January, while on average women hold just over a quarter of seats in parliaments worldwide. But Harris's election as the first female U.S. vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women's political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners. "We all believe (Harris) is going to run for president again very, very soon," said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women's political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris's election as a "huge cultural shift". "That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call. Harris, 56, who also made history by becoming the first Black American and first Asian American to win the second highest U.S. office, is seen as an obvious contender for her party's 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run. Monday's poll findings follow a warning last week that despite recent high-profile appointments of women globally, wider progress towards equality in political representation and other key areas is faltering. A report by the Equal Measures 2030 partnership found half of the 129 countries it examined were lagging behind a target to reach gender equality by 2030 in five key areas including ministerial roles and workplace equity laws. Progress is "limping along" globally but "rapid change on gender equality is possible", said Alison Holder, director of the organisation, which assesses progress on an ambitious set of global goals against inequality set by world leaders in 2015.

Madam President? 90% of Americans expect to see a woman at White House by 2030

India has reacted sharply to the meeting of UK MPs on India's farm laws and press freedom, expressing its "deep regret" and describing it as a "one-sided discussion" than a "balanced debate".

The meeting&nbsp;took place in the Westminster hall of the British House of Commons in&nbsp;response to an e-petition campaign.

"False assertions - without substantiation or facts - were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions," the Indian high commission said in a statement.

What was raised are the remit of well-established independent democratic institutions&nbsp;in India, it said, while expressing concern over "comments...made to mislead the British Indian community, raising doubts about treatment of minorities in India, alleged human rights violations in ‘Kashmir’ etc."

This is not the first time such developments have happened. In the past also, Westminster hall has seen discussion on the matter.

The statement by the mission said that "normally (it would) refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of parliamentarians in a limited quorum", but when "aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight."

During the discussion,&nbsp;UK govt's Minister of State for Asia, Nigel Adams, had come in strong support of New Delhi, saying, "India's agriculture reforms are India's internal matter."

He said, "Our officials from British High commission in India have monitored and reported back on the protests in response to the agriculture reform laws...we are also aware that government has met with farmers union on several union, but these talks remain inconclusive and ongoing"

"Understandably, these events have caused alarm and uncertainty for many British people who have family ties to farming community in India...Agriculture policy is domestic matter for Indian government."

India and UK have seen high level engagement, with UK PM Boris Johnson set to visit India and Indian PM Narendra Modi set to attend&nbsp;the G7 summit hosted by Britain later this year.&nbsp;

The discussion saw several MPs speaking against India, which included&nbsp;Pakistan-origin lawmaker Khalid Mahmood and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. Dhesi said, "imagine our collective pain when we see scenes of tear gas and water cannon and brute force being used against farmers".

Jeremy Corbyn, who was the leader of the opposition Labor party till last year, highlighted the "unprecedented nature" of protests, which is the biggest ever "industrial dispute".

Conservative party lawmaker Bob Blackman, in a separate statement said, "farming laws have been the process of 20 years of negotiations covering many different Indian governments, and it's quite clear, new farming laws will benefit small farmers and low income farmers".

India has reacted sharply to the meeting of UK MPs on India's farm laws and press freedom, expressing its "deep regret" and describing it as a "one-sided discussion" than a "balanced debate".

India has reacted sharply to the meeting of UK MPs on India's farm laws and press freedom, expressing its "deep regret" and describing it as a "one-sided discussion" than a "balanced debate". The meeting took place in the Westminster hall of the British House of Commons in response to an e-petition campaign. "False assertions - without substantiation or facts - were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions," the Indian high commission said in a statement. What was raised are the remit of well-established independent democratic institutions in India, it said, while expressing concern over "comments...made to mislead the British Indian community, raising doubts about treatment of minorities in India, alleged human rights violations in ‘Kashmir’ etc." This is not the first time such developments have happened. In the past also, Westminster hall has seen discussion on the matter. The statement by the mission said that "normally (it would) refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of parliamentarians in a limited quorum", but when "aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight." During the discussion, UK govt's Minister of State for Asia, Nigel Adams, had come in strong support of New Delhi, saying, "India's agriculture reforms are India's internal matter." He said, "Our officials from British High commission in India have monitored and reported back on the protests in response to the agriculture reform laws...we are also aware that government has met with farmers union on several union, but these talks remain inconclusive and ongoing" "Understandably, these events have caused alarm and uncertainty for many British people who have family ties to farming community in India...Agriculture policy is domestic matter for Indian government." India and UK have seen high level engagement, with UK PM Boris Johnson set to visit India and Indian PM Narendra Modi set to attend the G7 summit hosted by Britain later this year. The discussion saw several MPs speaking against India, which included Pakistan-origin lawmaker Khalid Mahmood and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. Dhesi said, "imagine our collective pain when we see scenes of tear gas and water cannon and brute force being used against farmers". Jeremy Corbyn, who was the leader of the opposition Labor party till last year, highlighted the "unprecedented nature" of protests, which is the biggest ever "industrial dispute". Conservative party lawmaker Bob Blackman, in a separate statement said, "farming laws have been the process of 20 years of negotiations covering many different Indian governments, and it's quite clear, new farming laws will benefit small farmers and low income farmers".

'One-sided discussion': India regrets UK House of Commons meeting on farm laws

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The explosive claim was made in a press conference by&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who alleged that the government took the help of intelligence agencies to secure the vote of confidence for Khan.

Maryam, the daughter of PMN-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif,&nbsp;said that government lawmakers were "in touch" with her party.

She alleged that the spy agencies had "made people disappear" on behalf of the prime minister ahead of Saturday's trust vote, Dawn newspaper reported.

Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost the Senate election, leading to calls by the Opposition for the prime minister's resignation.

The trust vote taken by Khan "has no legal, constitutional, political or moral value", Maryam Nawaz said.

"It has come to our personal knowledge that two MNAs who were not ready to vote for [the prime minister] until the last moment were taken to the compound of an institution in Golra (near Islamabad), kept locked up in a container there for four hours and were forced by personnel of agencies to vote in favour of Imran Khan," she said.

"The way you used Pakistan's secret agencies for your benefit is very shameful. Is this all agencies in Pakistan are left for? Will their role from now on be to throw their institution into politics in order to protect a man who is being rejected by the people?" she said.

She pointed that Prime Minister Khan knew he would "lose badly" if the agencies hadn't helped him, Dawn reported.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, has announced a long march in Islamabad on March 26.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The explosive claim was made in a press conference by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who alleged that the government took the help of intelligence agencies to secure the vote of confidence for Khan. Maryam, the daughter of PMN-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, said that government lawmakers were "in touch" with her party. She alleged that the spy agencies had "made people disappear" on behalf of the prime minister ahead of Saturday's trust vote, Dawn newspaper reported. Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost the Senate election, leading to calls by the Opposition for the prime minister's resignation. The trust vote taken by Khan "has no legal, constitutional, political or moral value", Maryam Nawaz said. "It has come to our personal knowledge that two MNAs who were not ready to vote for [the prime minister] until the last moment were taken to the compound of an institution in Golra (near Islamabad), kept locked up in a container there for four hours and were forced by personnel of agencies to vote in favour of Imran Khan," she said. "The way you used Pakistan's secret agencies for your benefit is very shameful. Is this all agencies in Pakistan are left for? Will their role from now on be to throw their institution into politics in order to protect a man who is being rejected by the people?" she said. She pointed that Prime Minister Khan knew he would "lose badly" if the agencies hadn't helped him, Dawn reported. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, has announced a long march in Islamabad on March 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak lawmakers were kept in containers during confidence vote, alleges opposition

More than three years after the massive social media-led #MeToo movement on sexual misconduct, which started in Hollywood and swept all walks of life across the world, much remains to be done in addressing the problem.

Are women's complaints of sexual harassment at workplace being addressed?

An index created by Equileap, a women's workplace equality organisation, showed that most big firms are failing to address sexual harassment at work.

Despite the #MeToo campaign that began in October, 2017 that sparked a wider debate around harassment, pay and representation, 51% of companies assessed for the index did not publish an anti-sexual harassment policy last year, said Equileap. However, this is an improvement on 58% recorded in 2019.

The data was drawn from 3,702 firms in 23 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Britain and Australia.

 
Workplace harassment has been one of the reasons that keeps women from achieving their careers.

According to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal agency in the US, 60% women in the country reported sexual harassment.

Data from Hong Kong City University found 80% of women in China having reported harrasent at some stage of their career.

The situation in India

A ComplyKaro Services analysis of annual reports from BSE 100 companies revealed a 14% rise in sexual harassment complaints in financial year 2019-20 alone.

In India, 95 per cent of women working in the informal sector finds it difficult to access legal mechanisms to report sexual harassment at the workplace.

And because the #MeToo was a social-media led movement, it had little effect in remote and rural areas of the country.

More than three years after the massive social media-led #MeToo movement on sexual misconduct, which started in Hollywood and swept all walks of life across the world, much remains to be done in addressing the problem.

More than three years after the massive social media-led #MeToo movement on sexual misconduct, which started in Hollywood and swept all walks of life across the world, much remains to be done in addressing the problem. Are women's complaints of sexual harassment at workplace being addressed? An index created by Equileap, a women's workplace equality organisation, showed that most big firms are failing to address sexual harassment at work. Despite the #MeToo campaign that began in October, 2017 that sparked a wider debate around harassment, pay and representation, 51% of companies assessed for the index did not publish an anti-sexual harassment policy last year, said Equileap. However, this is an improvement on 58% recorded in 2019. The data was drawn from 3,702 firms in 23 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Britain and Australia. Workplace harassment has been one of the reasons that keeps women from achieving their careers. According to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal agency in the US, 60% women in the country reported sexual harassment. Data from Hong Kong City University found 80% of women in China having reported harrasent at some stage of their career. The situation in India A ComplyKaro Services analysis of annual reports from BSE 100 companies revealed a 14% rise in sexual harassment complaints in financial year 2019-20 alone. In India, 95 per cent of women working in the informal sector finds it difficult to access legal mechanisms to report sexual harassment at the workplace. And because the #MeToo was a social-media led movement, it had little effect in remote and rural areas of the country.

International Women's Day: Sexual harassment policies in global companies leave much to be desired

India has supplied 464.29 lakh made-in-India Covid vaccines to 47 countries as of Thursday, an outreach that has won genuine goodwill for New Delhi in many parts of the world.

Of these vaccine doses, 71.25 lakh were supplied as gift, and 393.04 lakh commercially.&nbsp;The countries that have got India's vaccines both developed and developing countries, from Africa to the Caribbean to ASEAN and in the neighborhood.

On Wednesday, India-made vaccines reached Canada, with the country getting 500,000. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India will be sending 1.5 million more doses of&nbsp;Covishield vaccine.&nbsp;In a tweet, India's envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria said, "India is proud to support Canada’s vaccination programme as a strategic partner."

&nbsp;

One of India's significant outreach efforts has been to CARICOM, or Caribbean countries such as Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, St&nbsp;Kitts &amp; Nevis, St&nbsp;Vincent &amp; Grenadines, and Antigua &amp; Barbuda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lauding India's generosity,&nbsp;Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said,&nbsp;"PM Narendra Modi has demonstrated perhaps the most significant of benevolence, kindness and certainly of empathy" that "we would have seen in the recent times, compared to any act of any other leader globally".

"I have to admit that this is easily one of the most notable acts of benevolence that we have seen in the last 100 years," he added.

Other Caribbean leaders also thanked India, with&nbsp;Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley tweeting, "PM Modi @narendramodi made it possible for more than 40K persons in Barbados and tens of thousands elsewhere, to receive their 1st dose of COVISHIELD via #VaccineMaitri before receiving his. A genuine demonstration of generosity. Thank you and we wish you continued good health."

Caribbean countries included a special thanks to India in a resolution adopted by the Organisation of American States (OAS) - a group of 34 countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.

&nbsp;

At a time of vaccine nationalism,&nbsp;CARICOM's envoy to the OAS permanent council, Ambassador Ronald Sanders said, "India has demonstrated that it is a caring nation and is an example to the world in international cooperation at a time of global crisis. Further, India has not sought to extract any conditions for its generosity to countries that have no vaccines. India will be remembered by the Caribbean with great gratitude."

Indian High Commissioner accredited to the CARICOM Secretariat Dr KJ Srinivasa explained&nbsp;that the statement seems to echo the general sentiments of the CARICOM region. He told WION, "India’s role as the first responder during crises and as the “pharmacy of the world” are now recognised throughout the region and this #VaccineMaitri will go a long way in further consolidating India’s role as a world leader."

&nbsp;

Eleven countries have got India-made vaccines under the COVAX facility. Ten of them are from&nbsp;Africa-- Ghana, Ivory Coast, Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan and one from ASEAN--Cambodia.

All of India's neighbors, barring Pakistan, have been supplied with vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh began their vaccination drive using India-made vaccines.

Last week, when Afghanistan started its vaccination drive with healthcare workers and members of the Afghan military, President Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani said,&nbsp;"India, the world's largest democracy and the largest producer of&nbsp;vaccines, not only provided the house of Parliament of Afghanistan and the dams that are the pride of this country, but also partners with us in terms of securing our lives and livelihood."

India had started its mega domestic vaccination in January and since then more than 1.66 crore vaccine doses have been administered.

India has supplied 464.29 lakh made-in-India Covid vaccines to 47 countries as of Thursday, an outreach that has won genuine goodwill for New Delhi in many parts of the world.

India has supplied 464.29 lakh made-in-India Covid vaccines to 47 countries as of Thursday, an outreach that has won genuine goodwill for New Delhi in many parts of the world. Of these vaccine doses, 71.25 lakh were supplied as gift, and 393.04 lakh commercially. The countries that have got India's vaccines both developed and developing countries, from Africa to the Caribbean to ASEAN and in the neighborhood. On Wednesday, India-made vaccines reached Canada, with the country getting 500,000. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India will be sending 1.5 million more doses of Covishield vaccine. In a tweet, India's envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria said, "India is proud to support Canada’s vaccination programme as a strategic partner." One of India's significant outreach efforts has been to CARICOM, or Caribbean countries such as Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & Grenadines, and Antigua & Barbuda. Lauding India's generosity, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said, "PM Narendra Modi has demonstrated perhaps the most significant of benevolence, kindness and certainly of empathy" that "we would have seen in the recent times, compared to any act of any other leader globally". "I have to admit that this is easily one of the most notable acts of benevolence that we have seen in the last 100 years," he added. Other Caribbean leaders also thanked India, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley tweeting, "PM Modi @narendramodi made it possible for more than 40K persons in Barbados and tens of thousands elsewhere, to receive their 1st dose of COVISHIELD via #VaccineMaitri before receiving his. A genuine demonstration of generosity. Thank you and we wish you continued good health." Caribbean countries included a special thanks to India in a resolution adopted by the Organisation of American States (OAS) - a group of 34 countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. At a time of vaccine nationalism, CARICOM's envoy to the OAS permanent council, Ambassador Ronald Sanders said, "India has demonstrated that it is a caring nation and is an example to the world in international cooperation at a time of global crisis. Further, India has not sought to extract any conditions for its generosity to countries that have no vaccines. India will be remembered by the Caribbean with great gratitude." Indian High Commissioner accredited to the CARICOM Secretariat Dr KJ Srinivasa explained that the statement seems to echo the general sentiments of the CARICOM region. He told WION, "India’s role as the first responder during crises and as the “pharmacy of the world” are now recognised throughout the region and this #VaccineMaitri will go a long way in further consolidating India’s role as a world leader." Eleven countries have got India-made vaccines under the COVAX facility. Ten of them are from Africa-- Ghana, Ivory Coast, Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan and one from ASEAN--Cambodia. All of India's neighbors, barring Pakistan, have been supplied with vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh began their vaccination drive using India-made vaccines. Last week, when Afghanistan started its vaccination drive with healthcare workers and members of the Afghan military, President Ashraf Ghani said, "India, the world's largest democracy and the largest producer of vaccines, not only provided the house of Parliament of Afghanistan and the dams that are the pride of this country, but also partners with us in terms of securing our lives and livelihood." India had started its mega domestic vaccination in January and since then more than 1.66 crore vaccine doses have been administered.

India sends Covid vaccines to 47 countries; Canada gets 500,000

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vinod Janardhanan

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