In a huge setback of trade, the massive container ship blocking the Suez Canal may take weeks to clear out. All ships have been stopped from entering the channel.

Suez Canal Blockade: How a giant ship blocking the Suez is hitting global supplies

The Afghan Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who is on a three-day New Delhi visit, has described India's role as "critical" when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

Speaking exclusively to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Atmar said, "India's role is critical to regional and international consensus."

Lauding India's initiative on Chabahar port, Atmar said it "is going to be a key enabler of regional connectivity". India has provided four cranes for the Chabahar port to Iran this year and sees the port as key to its connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.

He also spoke on US proposal for Afghan peace talks under UN umbrella, cross border terror issue, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's proposal for elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Exclusive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Exclusive</a> | "I hope that recent efforts made by Pakistan in support of Afghan peace process will lead to result and that would end terrorism," <a href="https://twitter.com/MHaneefAtmar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHaneefAtmar</a>, Afghan foreign minister, speaks to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a>. <a href="https://t.co/2s6zfQo9Z7">pic.twitter.com/2s6zfQo9Z7</a>
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Here is the full interview:

WION: How do you see New Delhi's role in Afghan peace process?

Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: New Delhi has a critical role in bringing regional and our international partners together. India's role is critical to regional and international consensus.

WION: How do you see issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan? Will Pakistan change its policy?

 
Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: We have been working with Pakistan and with all our regional partners. We have demonstrated quite seriously and provided the evidence that terrorism in the region is the common enemy. Terrorism will effect everybody . It's common enemy to all. It's strong a basis for us all to work together. I hope that recent efforts made by Pakistan in support of Afghan peace process will lead to result and that would end terrorism.

 
WION: There were reports of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani perhaps giving proposal for election if Taliban agrees. Can you share details?

Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: President has already made his intention publicly stated. He said that if Taliban agreed to political settlement, which is consistent with Afghan aspirations and, if Taliban agree to holding election, the president will be willing to hold early presidential election for inclusivity. Free and fair election is a means of allowing the Afghan people to determine their future.

WION: How do you see proposal by America when it comes to UN-led initiative for peace process, in which India has also been named? Is it a welcoming thing in Kabul?

Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: We support all regional and international initiatives in support of the Afghan peace process. Especially if these initiatives remain faithful to a key principle that has been universally agreed that Afghan peace process and outcome of process is &nbsp;acceptable to Afghan people.

WION: How do you see Chabahar Project connecting India to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region?

Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: Chabahar is going to be key enabler of regional connectivity. We believe India has invested with good intention. We are hoping investment in railways, particularly connecting Chabahar to &nbsp;Afghanistan, Afghanistan to Central Asia, and it will be the next step to make that regional connectivity real.

The Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who is on a three-day New Delhi visit, has described India's role as "critical" when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

The Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who is on a three-day New Delhi visit, has described India's role as "critical" when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Speaking exclusively to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Atmar said, "India's role is critical to regional and international consensus." Lauding India's initiative on Chabahar port, Atmar said it "is going to be a key enabler of regional connectivity". India has provided four cranes for the Chabahar port to Iran this year and sees the port as key to its connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond. He also spoke on US proposal for Afghan peace talks under UN umbrella, cross border terror issue, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's proposal for elections. #Exclusive | "I hope that recent efforts made by Pakistan in support of Afghan peace process will lead to result and that would end terrorism," @MHaneefAtmar, Afghan foreign minister, speaks to WION's @sidhant. pic.twitter.com/2s6zfQo9Z7 — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × Here is the full interview: WION: How do you see New Delhi's role in Afghan peace process? Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: New Delhi has a critical role in bringing regional and our international partners together. India's role is critical to regional and international consensus. WION: How do you see issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan? Will Pakistan change its policy? Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: We have been working with Pakistan and with all our regional partners. We have demonstrated quite seriously and provided the evidence that terrorism in the region is the common enemy. Terrorism will effect everybody . It's common enemy to all. It's strong a basis for us all to work together. I hope that recent efforts made by Pakistan in support of Afghan peace process will lead to result and that would end terrorism. WION: There were reports of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani perhaps giving proposal for election if Taliban agrees. Can you share details? Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: President has already made his intention publicly stated. He said that if Taliban agreed to political settlement, which is consistent with Afghan aspirations and, if Taliban agree to holding election, the president will be willing to hold early presidential election for inclusivity. Free and fair election is a means of allowing the Afghan people to determine their future. WION: How do you see proposal by America when it comes to UN-led initiative for peace process, in which India has also been named? Is it a welcoming thing in Kabul? Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: We support all regional and international initiatives in support of the Afghan peace process. Especially if these initiatives remain faithful to a key principle that has been universally agreed that Afghan peace process and outcome of process is acceptable to Afghan people. WION: How do you see Chabahar Project connecting India to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region? Afghan FM Mohammad Haneef Atmar: Chabahar is going to be key enabler of regional connectivity. We believe India has invested with good intention. We are hoping investment in railways, particularly connecting Chabahar to Afghanistan, Afghanistan to Central Asia, and it will be the next step to make that regional connectivity real.

WION Exclusive: Afghan foreign minister says India has a critical role to play in peace process

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh. The country had just&nbsp;come out fresh from the Liberation War, and was reeling under a refugee crisis, poverty and mass hunger among others.&nbsp;

As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence after the 1971 war, we take a look at what can easily be called the first-of-its kind charity concert that paved the way for a model that is well-known today in the world of music.&nbsp;

In August 1971, former Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison, his good friend Pandit Ravi Shankar from India and other well-known musicians took to stage in New York for The Concert for Bangladesh.

That musical event is remembered even today as a path-breaker as it not only raised international awareness but organised a relief fund for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War. By the time the concert took place, it is estimated that millions of Bangladeshi refugees had fled the country and crossed over into India.

The magnanimous first-ever benefit concert featured performers like George Harrison, fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, as well as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell and the band Badfinger. It also featured Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan – both of whom had ancestral roots in Bangladesh. In fact, it was the Indian musician&nbsp;Ravi Shankar&nbsp;who had highlighted the issue of displacement, hunger and misery among the people of the newly independent nation to George Harrison, who then took it upon himself to use his platform and popularity to raise awareness about the plight of the people of Bangladesh.

Harrison performed a special song he wrote for the occasion, also titled ‘Bangla Desh’ which interestingly featured Ravi Shankar’s plea to him for assistance, as the lyrics go "My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes / Told me that he wanted help before his country dies".

Years later, former&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan&nbsp;recognised the basic human aspect behind the cause.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

The concert, with gigs that experimented with a fusion of Western music and Indian classical music, was attended by a total of 40,000 people, under the auspices of UNICEF. It managed to raise over $250,000.

The event is known as George Harrison’s first live appearance before a paying audience since the Beatles quit touring in August 1966.&nbsp;

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh.

Before there was Live Aid or any other benefit/charity concert, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and friends took over the Madison Square in New York for Bangladesh. The country had just come out fresh from the Liberation War, and was reeling under a refugee crisis, poverty and mass hunger among others. As Bangladesh marks 50 years of independence after the 1971 war, we take a look at what can easily be called the first-of-its kind charity concert that paved the way for a model that is well-known today in the world of music. In August 1971, former Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison, his good friend Pandit Ravi Shankar from India and other well-known musicians took to stage in New York for The Concert for Bangladesh. That musical event is remembered even today as a path-breaker as it not only raised international awareness but organised a relief fund for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War. By the time the concert took place, it is estimated that millions of Bangladeshi refugees had fled the country and crossed over into India. The magnanimous first-ever benefit concert featured performers like George Harrison, fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, as well as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell and the band Badfinger. It also featured Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan – both of whom had ancestral roots in Bangladesh. In fact, it was the Indian musician Ravi Shankar who had highlighted the issue of displacement, hunger and misery among the people of the newly independent nation to George Harrison, who then took it upon himself to use his platform and popularity to raise awareness about the plight of the people of Bangladesh. Harrison performed a special song he wrote for the occasion, also titled ‘Bangla Desh’ which interestingly featured Ravi Shankar’s plea to him for assistance, as the lyrics go "My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes / Told me that he wanted help before his country dies". Years later, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recognised the basic human aspect behind the cause. Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles The concert, with gigs that experimented with a fusion of Western music and Indian classical music, was attended by a total of 40,000 people, under the auspices of UNICEF. It managed to raise over $250,000. The event is known as George Harrison’s first live appearance before a paying audience since the Beatles quit touring in August 1966.

George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music

Russian scientists launch one of the world's biggest underwater space telescopes that will study the mysteries of the universe while floating in the pristine waters of Lake Baikal. Check out the video to know more.

Inside Russia’s mega underwater space telescope

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-indian-woman-president-of-oxford-student-union-resigns-over-offensive-posts-370039">Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts</a> 
 
Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue.

Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said.

Samant,&nbsp;with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts.&nbsp;&nbsp;A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist.

This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor".

"Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar&nbsp;said.&nbsp; "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora."

He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required".

"We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added.

Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it.

This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue. Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said. Samant, with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts. A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist. This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor". "Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar said. "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora." He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required". "We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added. Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it. This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

India concerned over racism in UK after Meghan Markle, Rashmi Samant rows

Coup-themed tattoos are uniting anti-junta protesters in Myanmar. Some are opting to have "Freedom from Fear" or "Spring Revolution" written on their bodies, while others favour drawings of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's face or the movement's three-finger salute.

Why Myanmar anti-coup protesters are getting matching tattoos

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

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