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Chief justice NV Ramana on Saturday (April 30) said that India has a backlog of 40 million cases in lower courts.

"We have 20 judges per million population, which is highly inadequate to deal with the rising trend of litigation," Ramana told a conference attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of most states.

He also highlighted that most of the 24,000 approved positions for judicial officers on India's lower courts remain unfilled.

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Meanwhile, Modi said, "I would appeal to all CMs and CJs of high courts to give priority to these matters on the basis of humanitarian sensibility and the law."

"We need to encourage local languages in courts. This will not only increase the confidence of common citizens in the justice system but they will feel more connected to it."&nbsp;

"In 2015, we identified about 1,800 laws that had become irrelevant. Out of these, 1,450 such laws of the Centre were abolished. But, only 75 such laws have been abolished by the states," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xiaomis-assets-worth-rs-55-billion-seized-by-ed-over-forex-violations-475162" hreflang="en">Xiaomi's assets worth Rs 55 billion seized by ED over forex violations</a>

Prime Minister Modi said as India celebrates the 75th anniversary of Independence, the focus should be on the creation of a judicial system where justice is easily available, is quick and for everyone.

"In our country, while the role of the judiciary is that of the guardian of the Constitution, the legislature represents the aspirations of citizens. I believe that the confluence of these two will prepare the roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial system in the country," he said.

PM Modi also reiterated his vision of the use of technology in governance in the context of judicial work.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Chief justice NV Ramana on Saturday (April 30) said that India has a backlog of 40 million cases in lower courts. "We have 20 judges per million population, which is highly inadequate to deal with the rising trend of litigation," Ramana told a conference attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of most states.

Chief justice NV Ramana on Saturday (April 30) said that India has a backlog of 40 million cases in lower courts. "We have 20 judges per million population, which is highly inadequate to deal with the rising trend of litigation," Ramana told a conference attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of most states. He also highlighted that most of the 24,000 approved positions for judicial officers on India's lower courts remain unfilled. Meanwhile, Modi said, "I would appeal to all CMs and CJs of high courts to give priority to these matters on the basis of humanitarian sensibility and the law." "We need to encourage local languages in courts. This will not only increase the confidence of common citizens in the justice system but they will feel more connected to it." "In 2015, we identified about 1,800 laws that had become irrelevant. Out of these, 1,450 such laws of the Centre were abolished. But, only 75 such laws have been abolished by the states," he added. Also read | Xiaomi's assets worth Rs 55 billion seized by ED over forex violations Prime Minister Modi said as India celebrates the 75th anniversary of Independence, the focus should be on the creation of a judicial system where justice is easily available, is quick and for everyone. "In our country, while the role of the judiciary is that of the guardian of the Constitution, the legislature represents the aspirations of citizens. I believe that the confluence of these two will prepare the roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial system in the country," he said. PM Modi also reiterated his vision of the use of technology in governance in the context of judicial work. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Chief justice NV Ramana says India has court backlog of 40 million cases

General Manoj Pande took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday after incumbent Gen MM Naravane retired from service.

Gen Pande, who was serving as vice chief at the time, became the force's first officer from the Corps of Engineers.

Gen Pande was the Chief of the Eastern Army Command, which was entrusted with protecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors until taking over as deputy chief of the Army on February 1.

Gen Pande assumed command of the Army at a time when India is grappling with a slew of security issues, notably along its borders with China and Pakistan.

He would have to collaborate with the Navy and the Indian Air Force on the government's plan to roll out theatre commands as Army chief.

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General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC takes over as the 29th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> from General MM Naravane. 
 
जनरल मनोज पांडे, परम विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, अति विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, ऐड डि कैंप ने जनरल एम एम नरवणे से <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#भारतीयसेना</a> के 29वें <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#सेनाध्यक्ष</a> का पदभार संभाला। <a href="https://t.co/Mphsz1pvrP">pic.twitter.com/Mphsz1pvrP</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1520306104063827968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Bipin Rawat, who died in a helicopter crash in December last year, was in charge of the theaterization plan. Gen Rawat's successor has yet to be named by the government.

Gen Pande also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), India's only tri-services command, during his remarkable career.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982.

Gen Pande has held a number of notable command and staff positions in both conventional and counter-insurgency operations in a variety of environments.

During Operation Parakram in Jammu and Kashmir, he led an engineer regiment along the Line of Control, an engineer brigade in the western sector, an infantry brigade along the LoC, a mountain division in the high-altitude territory of western Ladakh, and a corps in the northeast.

Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade in the Northeast, Assistant Military Secretary (AMS) in the Military Secretary's Branch, and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) in the Eastern Command headquarters are among his staff positions.

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General Manoj Pande took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday after incumbent Gen MM Naravane retired from service. Gen Pande, who was serving as vice chief at the time, became the force's first officer from the Corps of Engineers.

General Manoj Pande took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday after incumbent Gen MM Naravane retired from service. Gen Pande, who was serving as vice chief at the time, became the force's first officer from the Corps of Engineers. Gen Pande was the Chief of the Eastern Army Command, which was entrusted with protecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors until taking over as deputy chief of the Army on February 1. Gen Pande assumed command of the Army at a time when India is grappling with a slew of security issues, notably along its borders with China and Pakistan. He would have to collaborate with the Navy and the Indian Air Force on the government's plan to roll out theatre commands as Army chief. General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC takes over as the 29th #COAS of #IndianArmy from General MM Naravane. जनरल मनोज पांडे, परम विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, अति विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, विशिष्ट सेवा मेडल, ऐड डि कैंप ने जनरल एम एम नरवणे से #भारतीयसेना के 29वें #सेनाध्यक्ष का पदभार संभाला। pic.twitter.com/Mphsz1pvrP — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 30, 2022 × India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Bipin Rawat, who died in a helicopter crash in December last year, was in charge of the theaterization plan. Gen Rawat's successor has yet to be named by the government. Gen Pande also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), India's only tri-services command, during his remarkable career. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982. Gen Pande has held a number of notable command and staff positions in both conventional and counter-insurgency operations in a variety of environments. During Operation Parakram in Jammu and Kashmir, he led an engineer regiment along the Line of Control, an engineer brigade in the western sector, an infantry brigade along the LoC, a mountain division in the high-altitude territory of western Ladakh, and a corps in the northeast. Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade in the Northeast, Assistant Military Secretary (AMS) in the Military Secretary's Branch, and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) in the Eastern Command headquarters are among his staff positions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

General Manoj Pande takes charge as Army chief, first engineer to helm force

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both.

In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Todd called India a ‘strategic partner’ and said that the two countries have a lot in common and increased trade relations between them will be beneficial for both nations. &nbsp;

“We have established relations with India before we got our political independence. It is only fair to say that over the years of our relations, we've been strengthening and deepening our cooperation. We have been working very closely with India and India is a strategic partner of Guyana.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-strategically-trust-india-says-portugal-foreign-minister-cravinho-slams-russia-china-nexus-474891" hreflang="en">Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho</a>

“India is well-positioned in the development goals. We have great potential in terms of oil and gas, but we don't speak much on it. We focus on diversification and the sectors which have great potential and greater sustainability so for us, we see oil and gas as a gift,” Todd explained.

Since last year, India is looking to diversify their imports of crude oil and Todd believes that with Guyana’s resources, the two countries can reach an agreement in that sector.

“India has purchased 1 million barrels of crude oil. Looking at that and also our market, that level of trade will be valuable, and it shall be beneficial for the people of Guyana as well as India.”

Guyana is home to a number of Indian-origin people who went to the Caribbean islands many years ago and India have been an ally to Guyana since the first democratic election in 1992. Todd met with Indian minister of external affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the relationship between the two nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-rulers-fire-50-qualified-university-professors-to-replace-them-with-clerics-taliban-members-474882" hreflang="en">Taliban fire 50 university professors, to replace them with clerics</a>

“When the first democratic election happened in 1992, we were a bankrupt nation. India has been so good and kind with Guyana in terms of the social sector as well, in terms of being a partner as well even though we are geographically apart. We have closer ties in technological advancements,”

“We have paved the way in terms of policies in the ease of travel, ease of business, healthcare, education, security, etc. In terms of access, there is no challenge, and we have to do a bit more in terms of promoting Guyana in the cities here and Guyana is looking toward India not only as a regional leader but even as a global leader,” he said about their relations with India.

Todd also spoke about the number of cricketers like Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and how the sport connects both India and Guyana.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-regulatory-crackdown-china-to-hold-symposium-with-the-countrys-big-tech-firms-474875">End of regulatory crackdown? China to hold symposium with Big Tech firms</a>

“Cricket shows a lot of friendship. It is the most popular sport in Guyana and people from there are here in the IPL. There's a lot of activity in the cricket field and I think it’s good for the region and its good for the sportsmanship. It is also good for the cultural aspect and cricket for us is a very valuable sport. People in Guyana have stars here in India that they follow, and they respect,”

“He (India PM) spoke about cricket. He wanted to know who our star was,” he concluded.

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both.

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both. In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Todd called India a ‘strategic partner’ and said that the two countries have a lot in common and increased trade relations between them will be beneficial for both nations. “We have established relations with India before we got our political independence. It is only fair to say that over the years of our relations, we've been strengthening and deepening our cooperation. We have been working very closely with India and India is a strategic partner of Guyana.” Also read | Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho “India is well-positioned in the development goals. We have great potential in terms of oil and gas, but we don't speak much on it. We focus on diversification and the sectors which have great potential and greater sustainability so for us, we see oil and gas as a gift,” Todd explained. Since last year, India is looking to diversify their imports of crude oil and Todd believes that with Guyana’s resources, the two countries can reach an agreement in that sector. “India has purchased 1 million barrels of crude oil. Looking at that and also our market, that level of trade will be valuable, and it shall be beneficial for the people of Guyana as well as India.” Guyana is home to a number of Indian-origin people who went to the Caribbean islands many years ago and India have been an ally to Guyana since the first democratic election in 1992. Todd met with Indian minister of external affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the relationship between the two nations. Also read | Taliban fire 50 university professors, to replace them with clerics “When the first democratic election happened in 1992, we were a bankrupt nation. India has been so good and kind with Guyana in terms of the social sector as well, in terms of being a partner as well even though we are geographically apart. We have closer ties in technological advancements,” “We have paved the way in terms of policies in the ease of travel, ease of business, healthcare, education, security, etc. In terms of access, there is no challenge, and we have to do a bit more in terms of promoting Guyana in the cities here and Guyana is looking toward India not only as a regional leader but even as a global leader,” he said about their relations with India. Todd also spoke about the number of cricketers like Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and how the sport connects both India and Guyana. Also read | End of regulatory crackdown? China to hold symposium with Big Tech firms “Cricket shows a lot of friendship. It is the most popular sport in Guyana and people from there are here in the IPL. There's a lot of activity in the cricket field and I think it’s good for the region and its good for the sportsmanship. It is also good for the cultural aspect and cricket for us is a very valuable sport. People in Guyana have stars here in India that they follow, and they respect,” “He (India PM) spoke about cricket. He wanted to know who our star was,” he concluded.

Exclusive | Guyana is looking towards India as a global leader, says foreign minister Hugh Hilton Todd

India logged 3,377 new COVID-19 infections taking the country's total tally of cases to 4,30,72,176, while the active cases rose to 17,801, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 5,23,753 with 60 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.04 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.74 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 821 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-more-than-3000-new-cases-and-39-deaths-474526">&nbsp;COVID-19: India records more than 3,000 new cases and 39 deaths</a>

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.71 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.63 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,30,622, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 188.65 crore.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties

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India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

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The 60 new fatalities include 42 from Karnataka, 14 from Kerala, and two each from Delhi and Maharashtra.

A total of 5,23,753 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,840 from Maharashtra, 68,966 from Kerala, 40,099 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,172 from Delhi, 23,506 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,201 from West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-fourth-covid-19-wave-fears-india-reports-3303-new-cases-active-cases-increase-to-16980-474564">Amid fourth COVID-19 wave fears, India experiences substantial growth in daily number of cases</a>

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logged 3,377 new COVID-19 infections taking the country's total tally of cases to 4,30,72,176, while the active cases rose to 17,801, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

India logged 3,377 new COVID-19 infections taking the country's total tally of cases to 4,30,72,176, while the active cases rose to 17,801, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,23,753 with 60 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.04 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.74 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 821 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also read | COVID-19: India records more than 3,000 new cases and 39 deaths The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.71 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.63 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,30,622, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 188.65 crore. Watch | Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The 60 new fatalities include 42 from Karnataka, 14 from Kerala, and two each from Delhi and Maharashtra. A total of 5,23,753 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,840 from Maharashtra, 68,966 from Kerala, 40,099 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,172 from Delhi, 23,506 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,201 from West Bengal. Also read | Amid fourth COVID-19 wave fears, India experiences substantial growth in daily number of cases The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India's active cases rise to 17,801

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Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together". The comments come as the European Union (EU), and its members state deepen engagement with India, with high-level visits, including the upcoming visit of PM Modi to the continent next week. It is important to remember that the idea of starting an India-EU Summit was raised for the first time by Portugal when the current United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the Portuguese Prime Minister.

The visiting foreign minister was critical of Russia and China, especially pointing to Bejing's support for Moscow amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively during Delhi visit, FM Cravinho said,"We have been disappointed to hear China produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO, this has been very disappointing".&nbsp;

On New Delhi's engagement with Moscow, FM pointed that while "Russia is not in listening mode", India will be a "positive influence on Russia". &nbsp;PM Modi has spoken to both Russian and Ukrainian President and called for direct talks between the 2 countries to diffuse the crisis.

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa visited India in January 2017. PM Modi visited Portugal the same year. PM Costa is the first Indian-origin head of government in the western world. &nbsp;

In December 2019, PM Costa visited India to attend a meeting of the organising committee overseeing the 2-year global commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

WION: How do you see this relationship going forward between India and Portugal?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, we are very excited about India and Portugal's relationship. There is an excellent rapport between our prime ministers. They know each other well, they have very good personal relationship, but the personal relationship between leaders, important as it is, has to be built upon closer relationship between people, between our foreign ministries, between our structure and in that way, what we are seeing in past few years is an intensification of interactions at all levels and Portugal has always been a keen promoter of EU-India relationship.&nbsp;

So we have also been using our position inside the European Union, including our occasional rotating presidency of the European union to push for this. So at the moment, we are living in a very promising phase in the relationship. (I am) very pleased to feel that Mr Jaishankar feels the same. My role as foreign minister is to build upon this and to take the opportunities as they arise to create a closer interaction between our people.

WION: You met EAM Jaishankar, what kind of conversation happened and how much was there a mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I would say three quarters of our time was dedicated to our bilateral relations which is indicative of our ambitions and how much there is to be done in field of culture, economic and science, mobility. So we spent a good deal of time on what we need to do create the best circumstances for each of our countries to work closely with the other. Then ofcourse, we talked about the wider implications of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the way it impacts on the region security in Europe, the way it impacts upon gobal geopolitics, the way it impacts on order, the United Nations based international order. We felt that it was possible to develop a very strong shared sense of concern and shared sense also of what we need to do working together to fix what is being destroyed currently. Particularly, in the UN system for example.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: You used an interesting phrase, ambition. What ambition you see for India-Portugal relationship?&nbsp;

João Gomes Cravinho: I think best definition of our ambition is that it should live up to the high level of personal warmth between the leaders, in the future, India and Portugal both being democracies will have other leaders who may not know each other but what is fundamental is when that happens, we have very solid basis of the relationship at all levels. I think in the field of science, in the field of education, in the field of all the issues that relate to our young people, the future issues that are increasingly relevant to our world. Connectivity, the challenges of digitalization, the questions of ocean governance and the potentiality of the blue economies. These are all areas in which Portugal and India can work more closely together in order for the mutual benefit for our populations, for our economies, our societies.

Sidhant Sibal: How much cooperation is there in defence? I know there was an MOU few years ago.&nbsp;

João Gomes Cravinho: That is an interesting point and I am a former defense minister and therefore very much aware of the defense dimension of the relationship. That was also discussed in our bilateral meeting, namely the possibility of working on our defense industries, strengthening of defense industries, creating partnership between our defense industries in the area of aeronautics, in the area of drone technology. So both of us at the end of the meeting felt that there was homework to be done, there are new possibilities we are able to identify. Areas, which we consider to be of mutual interest and so shall be returning to speak to our economic agents, our institutional structures to say that let us get working on these areas because the other side is also interested in this.

WION: Going back to Ukraine, you mentioned shared concerns. What kind of shared concerns are there? There are divergences between EU and India and how do you see New Delhi's stance amid this invasion that has happened?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I think the shared concerns are largely related to the high level of disorder that has been introduced by the Russians, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Disorder of the international system, it is an international system based on international law, and clearly there has been strong abuse of international law.&nbsp;

There is a shared concern about the consequences of very much weakened Russia. We were not in the business before of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to promote a weakened Russia. But this is the result Russia has brought upon itself. But when one thinks about the geopolitical consequences of the war, for Europe and for India, these are not positive consequences.&nbsp;

We would much rather have a Russia, (that is) strong and respected partner in the international sphere but unfortunately this is not the case. Also, another shared concern is with Russia being the permanent member of the Security Council, so one of the anchors of the international system , to have that member of the United Nations actually putting into question whole structure of the international order based on the UN, it is extremely problematic.&nbsp;

We are very much interested, Portugal, the EU and India in functioning of the UN. So one of the things we have to work together on is in what manner that we can recover something of what has been lost. There is another aspect which has been as result of Russian invasion of Ukraine, but before that pandemic, which is the sense that globalisation has broken down and there is a fragmentation of globalisation, because, globalisation happened in manner in which issues of strategic trust were forgotten. There was level of international integration which created vulnerabilities which countries, in many cases were not paying attention too. Now they paying lot of attention to them.&nbsp;

So what is fundamental now is that the right balance is found between global integration and international integration, which is advantageous for the populations and our societies and strategic trust. With India, we -- Portugal, Europe feel that we have a partner which we can strategically trust. So although the whole situation is a very negative one, one of the results can be positive, which can be a deepened sense from both sides that we can do a lot more together, we need to do lot more together.

WION: But the strategic partner India has close relationship with Moscow as well. Do you think India to be in an influential role to somehow persuade Moscow, President Putin and that this is enough?

João Gomes Cravinho: Firstly, I am very much aware the history of Indo-Russian relations, Indo-Soviet relations, practically from Independence, relations in last 30 years. This is something we fully understand, fully respect, we know how it developed and this is something that doesn't disappear from one moment to another. And it very good the Russia should be listening to views, from around the world, including India. Unfortunately, the sense we have is that Russia is not in listening mode. And if Russia is not in listening mode, there are limits to what any well-intentioned international partner such as India can achieve.&nbsp;

So I would say, that at the moment there is a platform of mediation that has not been successful so far, which is provided by Turkey and we believe that it is functioning as far as it is possible with current Russian attitudes. I hope Russia will be available to hear from India, that it is really not in its own interest to continue down this path and sooner or later it is going to need to opt for a negotiated solution. I know that when that happens, I know India will be positive influence on Russia.&nbsp;

WION: If we taking about Russia, how can China be far? India, China ties have been strained due to Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control. How do you see Chinese action in the Indo-Pacific and how do you see the Indo pacific vision?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, clearly one of the most remarkable aspects of the changing geopolitical landscape is last couple of decades have been of rise of China. Historically, this tends to lead to friction and we are seeing this currently, in the Indo-Pacific. What we would like is to not to negate the rise of China. This is historically inevitable, just as rise of India is. But (we need) to ensure that it happens in a manner that is peaceful and that provides stability rather than instability and unpredictability. We have been disappointed to hear China re-produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO. This has been very disappointing and we think this may well be related to the fact Russia has been increasingly in need of having a lifeline thrown to it by China.&nbsp;

Russia is clearly has weakened itself politically, economically, and it needs Chinese support. Now I think that greatest contribution China can make to international order would be not to embrace this Russian narrative. But on the contrary say that we are also in favor of stability and therefore we cannot be in favor of this process. Currently the support is given, at least at the narrative level. We hope it goes no further than that. (If it does), then this (is) very negative indication for the Indo-Pacific region. So as Europeans, we are very much concerned with this support by China.&nbsp;

WION: Portugal has played a key role in Indo-European Union relations, proposing the summit level talks as well. How do u see the relationship going? Also on FTA, how hopeful are u on it?

João Gomes Cravinho: Couple of points, first to underline that you are very right that Portugal has always used its position and sometimes its rotating presidency of the European Union to promote Indo-EU relations. At the time of Manmohan Singh, at the first summit relationship. Last year, there was the first meeting under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union. The first meetings of PM Modi and all 27 member states of the European Union. That was a landmark. We need now this landmark be translated into, amongst other things, into Free Trade Agreement.&nbsp;

The sense that I have at the moment is that we all have positive expectations about the Free Trade Agreement. I have known these negotiations well over the years and they have always been bogged down in details. At the moment the challenge is, the awareness we both have on either side, is that this is more than simply about trade. This is a strategic relationship, it is important for us to go beyond the counting, looking at the intricate details of the trade agreement and to see that wider picture.&nbsp;

Wider picture is of an evolving world in which the European union and India need each other and can benefit greatly from the strong understanding that is created by FTA. So I believe the current time we have the best possible circumstances and we need to have the determination, the ambition, the capacity, to stick with difficulties and to overcome them that will allow us to conclude the free trade agreement.&nbsp;

WION: The diaspora connect still there between the 2 countries. PM Costa had Indian links with Goa, how do you see the role played by this link in terms of the relationship?

João Gomes Cravinho: It is a very strong one, I would say it is strong in 2 manners. Firstly, historically, India is not an unknown country for the Portuguese. India is a country that is part of our history, own way of seeing ourselves and ofcourse it is home for an important community living in Portugal. Other aspect which is interesting is we have recently signed a migration and mobility agreement between Portugal and India and what we are looking forward to is the strengthening of the Indian community in Portugal in terms of numbers and bringing it up to date, making it based not only on historical heritage and families that have come many years ago but making it very up to date and based on current realities of the countries. So I think at the end of the day people-to-people links are the most important ones. These are the links on which relations between the countries can flourish. So we are very keen to create best possible circumstances for that.

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together".

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together". The comments come as the European Union (EU), and its members state deepen engagement with India, with high-level visits, including the upcoming visit of PM Modi to the continent next week. It is important to remember that the idea of starting an India-EU Summit was raised for the first time by Portugal when the current United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the Portuguese Prime Minister. The visiting foreign minister was critical of Russia and China, especially pointing to Bejing's support for Moscow amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively during Delhi visit, FM Cravinho said,"We have been disappointed to hear China produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO, this has been very disappointing". On New Delhi's engagement with Moscow, FM pointed that while "Russia is not in listening mode", India will be a "positive influence on Russia". PM Modi has spoken to both Russian and Ukrainian President and called for direct talks between the 2 countries to diffuse the crisis. Portuguese PM Antonio Costa visited India in January 2017. PM Modi visited Portugal the same year. PM Costa is the first Indian-origin head of government in the western world. In December 2019, PM Costa visited India to attend a meeting of the organising committee overseeing the 2-year global commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. WION: How do you see this relationship going forward between India and Portugal? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, we are very excited about India and Portugal's relationship. There is an excellent rapport between our prime ministers. They know each other well, they have very good personal relationship, but the personal relationship between leaders, important as it is, has to be built upon closer relationship between people, between our foreign ministries, between our structure and in that way, what we are seeing in past few years is an intensification of interactions at all levels and Portugal has always been a keen promoter of EU-India relationship. So we have also been using our position inside the European Union, including our occasional rotating presidency of the European union to push for this. So at the moment, we are living in a very promising phase in the relationship. (I am) very pleased to feel that Mr Jaishankar feels the same. My role as foreign minister is to build upon this and to take the opportunities as they arise to create a closer interaction between our people. WION: You met EAM Jaishankar, what kind of conversation happened and how much was there a mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I would say three quarters of our time was dedicated to our bilateral relations which is indicative of our ambitions and how much there is to be done in field of culture, economic and science, mobility. So we spent a good deal of time on what we need to do create the best circumstances for each of our countries to work closely with the other. Then ofcourse, we talked about the wider implications of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the way it impacts on the region security in Europe, the way it impacts upon gobal geopolitics, the way it impacts on order, the United Nations based international order. We felt that it was possible to develop a very strong shared sense of concern and shared sense also of what we need to do working together to fix what is being destroyed currently. Particularly, in the UN system for example. Sidhant Sibal: You used an interesting phrase, ambition. What ambition you see for India-Portugal relationship? João Gomes Cravinho: I think best definition of our ambition is that it should live up to the high level of personal warmth between the leaders, in the future, India and Portugal both being democracies will have other leaders who may not know each other but what is fundamental is when that happens, we have very solid basis of the relationship at all levels. I think in the field of science, in the field of education, in the field of all the issues that relate to our young people, the future issues that are increasingly relevant to our world. Connectivity, the challenges of digitalization, the questions of ocean governance and the potentiality of the blue economies. These are all areas in which Portugal and India can work more closely together in order for the mutual benefit for our populations, for our economies, our societies. Sidhant Sibal: How much cooperation is there in defence? I know there was an MOU few years ago. João Gomes Cravinho: That is an interesting point and I am a former defense minister and therefore very much aware of the defense dimension of the relationship. That was also discussed in our bilateral meeting, namely the possibility of working on our defense industries, strengthening of defense industries, creating partnership between our defense industries in the area of aeronautics, in the area of drone technology. So both of us at the end of the meeting felt that there was homework to be done, there are new possibilities we are able to identify. Areas, which we consider to be of mutual interest and so shall be returning to speak to our economic agents, our institutional structures to say that let us get working on these areas because the other side is also interested in this. WION: Going back to Ukraine, you mentioned shared concerns. What kind of shared concerns are there? There are divergences between EU and India and how do you see New Delhi's stance amid this invasion that has happened? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I think the shared concerns are largely related to the high level of disorder that has been introduced by the Russians, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Disorder of the international system, it is an international system based on international law, and clearly there has been strong abuse of international law. There is a shared concern about the consequences of very much weakened Russia. We were not in the business before of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to promote a weakened Russia. But this is the result Russia has brought upon itself. But when one thinks about the geopolitical consequences of the war, for Europe and for India, these are not positive consequences. We would much rather have a Russia, (that is) strong and respected partner in the international sphere but unfortunately this is not the case. Also, another shared concern is with Russia being the permanent member of the Security Council, so one of the anchors of the international system , to have that member of the United Nations actually putting into question whole structure of the international order based on the UN, it is extremely problematic. We are very much interested, Portugal, the EU and India in functioning of the UN. So one of the things we have to work together on is in what manner that we can recover something of what has been lost. There is another aspect which has been as result of Russian invasion of Ukraine, but before that pandemic, which is the sense that globalisation has broken down and there is a fragmentation of globalisation, because, globalisation happened in manner in which issues of strategic trust were forgotten. There was level of international integration which created vulnerabilities which countries, in many cases were not paying attention too. Now they paying lot of attention to them. So what is fundamental now is that the right balance is found between global integration and international integration, which is advantageous for the populations and our societies and strategic trust. With India, we -- Portugal, Europe feel that we have a partner which we can strategically trust. So although the whole situation is a very negative one, one of the results can be positive, which can be a deepened sense from both sides that we can do a lot more together, we need to do lot more together. WION: But the strategic partner India has close relationship with Moscow as well. Do you think India to be in an influential role to somehow persuade Moscow, President Putin and that this is enough? João Gomes Cravinho: Firstly, I am very much aware the history of Indo-Russian relations, Indo-Soviet relations, practically from Independence, relations in last 30 years. This is something we fully understand, fully respect, we know how it developed and this is something that doesn't disappear from one moment to another. And it very good the Russia should be listening to views, from around the world, including India. Unfortunately, the sense we have is that Russia is not in listening mode. And if Russia is not in listening mode, there are limits to what any well-intentioned international partner such as India can achieve. So I would say, that at the moment there is a platform of mediation that has not been successful so far, which is provided by Turkey and we believe that it is functioning as far as it is possible with current Russian attitudes. I hope Russia will be available to hear from India, that it is really not in its own interest to continue down this path and sooner or later it is going to need to opt for a negotiated solution. I know that when that happens, I know India will be positive influence on Russia. WION: If we taking about Russia, how can China be far? India, China ties have been strained due to Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control. How do you see Chinese action in the Indo-Pacific and how do you see the Indo pacific vision? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, clearly one of the most remarkable aspects of the changing geopolitical landscape is last couple of decades have been of rise of China. Historically, this tends to lead to friction and we are seeing this currently, in the Indo-Pacific. What we would like is to not to negate the rise of China. This is historically inevitable, just as rise of India is. But (we need) to ensure that it happens in a manner that is peaceful and that provides stability rather than instability and unpredictability. We have been disappointed to hear China re-produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO. This has been very disappointing and we think this may well be related to the fact Russia has been increasingly in need of having a lifeline thrown to it by China. Russia is clearly has weakened itself politically, economically, and it needs Chinese support. Now I think that greatest contribution China can make to international order would be not to embrace this Russian narrative. But on the contrary say that we are also in favor of stability and therefore we cannot be in favor of this process. Currently the support is given, at least at the narrative level. We hope it goes no further than that. (If it does), then this (is) very negative indication for the Indo-Pacific region. So as Europeans, we are very much concerned with this support by China. WION: Portugal has played a key role in Indo-European Union relations, proposing the summit level talks as well. How do u see the relationship going? Also on FTA, how hopeful are u on it? João Gomes Cravinho: Couple of points, first to underline that you are very right that Portugal has always used its position and sometimes its rotating presidency of the European Union to promote Indo-EU relations. At the time of Manmohan Singh, at the first summit relationship. Last year, there was the first meeting under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union. The first meetings of PM Modi and all 27 member states of the European Union. That was a landmark. We need now this landmark be translated into, amongst other things, into Free Trade Agreement. The sense that I have at the moment is that we all have positive expectations about the Free Trade Agreement. I have known these negotiations well over the years and they have always been bogged down in details. At the moment the challenge is, the awareness we both have on either side, is that this is more than simply about trade. This is a strategic relationship, it is important for us to go beyond the counting, looking at the intricate details of the trade agreement and to see that wider picture. Wider picture is of an evolving world in which the European union and India need each other and can benefit greatly from the strong understanding that is created by FTA. So I believe the current time we have the best possible circumstances and we need to have the determination, the ambition, the capacity, to stick with difficulties and to overcome them that will allow us to conclude the free trade agreement. WION: The diaspora connect still there between the 2 countries. PM Costa had Indian links with Goa, how do you see the role played by this link in terms of the relationship? João Gomes Cravinho: It is a very strong one, I would say it is strong in 2 manners. Firstly, historically, India is not an unknown country for the Portuguese. India is a country that is part of our history, own way of seeing ourselves and ofcourse it is home for an important community living in Portugal. Other aspect which is interesting is we have recently signed a migration and mobility agreement between Portugal and India and what we are looking forward to is the strengthening of the Indian community in Portugal in terms of numbers and bringing it up to date, making it based not only on historical heritage and families that have come many years ago but making it very up to date and based on current realities of the countries. So I think at the end of the day people-to-people links are the most important ones. These are the links on which relations between the countries can flourish. So we are very keen to create best possible circumstances for that.

Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho, slams Russia-China nexus

Covid cases around the world are rising yet again. Amidst this India has also started seeing as new surge in daily infections. India reported 3,377 new cases in the last 24 hours, this is the highest single day spike since mid-March.

India reports 3,377 fresh covid-19 cases, positivity jumps to 4.6%

The Tamil Nadu Assembly, on Friday, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Government of India to permit the state to send humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which has been reeling under a constantly worsening economic crisis. This latest resolution comes after Stalin's earlier requests to the Indian Government to permit Tamil Nadu to send aid to only Sri Lankan Tamils.&nbsp;

Addressing the legislators, Chief Minister Stalin said that his government's decision to send food grains, essential drugs etc. is only a first step. He also added that the Tamil Nadu Government is prepared to offer more help, as maybe required by the people of Sri Lanka.

Stalin expressed that the Tamil Nadu government is willing to accept the donations from the people of Tamil Nadu and the commercial establishments in the state and would facilitate the transfer of this donation to Sri Lanka, via the Indian government.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankas-economic-woes-embattled-president-rajapaksa-chairs-an-all-party-meet-474852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a gesture of political courtesy, Stalin thanked AIADMK Coordinator and Opposition leader O. Panneerselvam for having announced that he was donating Rs.50lakhs to Sri Lanka, from his personal funds. Appreciating Panneerselvam, Stalin said that this act of kindness was worth emulating.&nbsp;

Stalin has been emphasizing the issue of sending aid to Sri Lanka during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier this month and also &nbsp;ubsequent communications with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. It is noteworthy that Tamil Nadu cannot directly send aid to Sri Lanka. Instead, the aid has to be routed via the Indian Government and the country's High Commission in the island nation.&nbsp;

Earlier, Stalin had mentioned only about sending aid to Lankan Tamils living in the Northern and Eastern parts of the island nation and also Colombo. However, this move was met with considerable backlash among sections of Lankan Tamils. They even spoke to media in Sri Lanka and said that they (Tamil Community) alone did not require aid, at a time when the entire country was suffering. They had made their stance clear that they would accept aid only if it were meant for all the people of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since the last week of March 2022, nearly 60 Lankan Tamils fled their home country to reach Indian shores and seek refuge in Tamil Nadu. Arriving in batches, these individuals (including pregnant women, children and elderly) had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home.&nbsp;

Watch WION's live TV here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the lesser-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices.&nbsp;

The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns, over-dependency revenue from tourism, export of tea, spices and other consumables, were contributing factors to the downfall. Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly, on Friday, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Government of India to permit the state to send humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which has been reeling under a constantly worsening economic crisis.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly, on Friday, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Government of India to permit the state to send humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which has been reeling under a constantly worsening economic crisis. This latest resolution comes after Stalin's earlier requests to the Indian Government to permit Tamil Nadu to send aid to only Sri Lankan Tamils. Addressing the legislators, Chief Minister Stalin said that his government's decision to send food grains, essential drugs etc. is only a first step. He also added that the Tamil Nadu Government is prepared to offer more help, as maybe required by the people of Sri Lanka. Stalin expressed that the Tamil Nadu government is willing to accept the donations from the people of Tamil Nadu and the commercial establishments in the state and would facilitate the transfer of this donation to Sri Lanka, via the Indian government. In a gesture of political courtesy, Stalin thanked AIADMK Coordinator and Opposition leader O. Panneerselvam for having announced that he was donating Rs.50lakhs to Sri Lanka, from his personal funds. Appreciating Panneerselvam, Stalin said that this act of kindness was worth emulating. Stalin has been emphasizing the issue of sending aid to Sri Lanka during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier this month and also ubsequent communications with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. It is noteworthy that Tamil Nadu cannot directly send aid to Sri Lanka. Instead, the aid has to be routed via the Indian Government and the country's High Commission in the island nation. Earlier, Stalin had mentioned only about sending aid to Lankan Tamils living in the Northern and Eastern parts of the island nation and also Colombo. However, this move was met with considerable backlash among sections of Lankan Tamils. They even spoke to media in Sri Lanka and said that they (Tamil Community) alone did not require aid, at a time when the entire country was suffering. They had made their stance clear that they would accept aid only if it were meant for all the people of Sri Lanka. Since the last week of March 2022, nearly 60 Lankan Tamils fled their home country to reach Indian shores and seek refuge in Tamil Nadu. Arriving in batches, these individuals (including pregnant women, children and elderly) had taken the arduous boat ride from the northern and eastern parts to Sri Lanka, to alight on Indian territory in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, fleeing the severe economic crisis back at home. Watch WION's live TV here: The economic crisis that has devastated the island nation has taken a severe toll on daily wage earners and those from the lesser-fortunate sections of society, whose wages have been stagnant amid skyrocketing prices. The worst-ever crisis faced by the island nation is primarily caused by a shortage of foreign currency to import essential commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns, over-dependency revenue from tourism, export of tea, spices and other consumables, were contributing factors to the downfall. Angry and distraught citizens are out in protest against the government's handling of the debt-ridden economy.

Tamil Nadu Assembly passes resolution urging Centre to allow aid from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka

An extreme heat wave has gripped India and Pakistan, with no relief in sight south Asia is dealing with furnace like temperatures. Millions are sweltering in the heat and frequent waters and power shortages are the new normal.

Extreme heatwave breaks all records in India, April to become hottest summer month

Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Thursday, arrested three over-the-ground workers (OGWs) involved in smuggling arms and ammunition across Line of Control (LoC). Arm and ammunition was seized from them. In North Kashmir's Kupwara district, JK Police arrested three OGWs involved in arms traficking in the district.&nbsp;

Police had an Input about the module working for the terror organisations operating in the valley. Based on specific information, a police team of Karnah police station led by its Station House Officer Mudasir Ahmed under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Syed Majeed arrested the trio from different localities of the area.&nbsp;

"The trio identified as Mohammed Amir, son of Mohammed Shakoor Kalas, Nisar Ahmad, son of Manzoor Kalas, residents of Hajitra Karnah and Kafeel Ahmad, son of Late Abdul Rehman Bhat, a resident of Sudhpora Karnah during their custodial interrogation revealed that they are involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition from across the LoC to further make it available to the active terrorists operating in the Valley," said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Police also recovered one Chinese pistol along with a magazine and 14 live cartridges from the arrested. Police also say that more recoveries and arrests are expected in coming days. A case under sections 7/25 IA Act, 13, 18, 23, 39 UA(P) Act has been registered.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Thursday, arrested three over-the-ground workers (OGWs) involved in smuggling arms and ammunition across Line of Control (LoC). Arm and ammunition was seized from them.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Thursday, arrested three over-the-ground workers (OGWs) involved in smuggling arms and ammunition across Line of Control (LoC). Arm and ammunition was seized from them. In North Kashmir's Kupwara district, JK Police arrested three OGWs involved in arms traficking in the district. Police had an Input about the module working for the terror organisations operating in the valley. Based on specific information, a police team of Karnah police station led by its Station House Officer Mudasir Ahmed under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Syed Majeed arrested the trio from different localities of the area. "The trio identified as Mohammed Amir, son of Mohammed Shakoor Kalas, Nisar Ahmad, son of Manzoor Kalas, residents of Hajitra Karnah and Kafeel Ahmad, son of Late Abdul Rehman Bhat, a resident of Sudhpora Karnah during their custodial interrogation revealed that they are involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition from across the LoC to further make it available to the active terrorists operating in the Valley," said Jammu and Kashmir Police. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Police also recovered one Chinese pistol along with a magazine and 14 live cartridges from the arrested. Police also say that more recoveries and arrests are expected in coming days. A case under sections 7/25 IA Act, 13, 18, 23, 39 UA(P) Act has been registered.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists

On facing shortage of domestic supplies of cooking oil and soaring prices, Indonesia has imposed a complete ban on palm oil exports on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The ban has led to a huge crisis in the world as the country is the world's largest producer of the commodity, said media reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It may also lead to the destabilisation of global vegetable oil market, where the prices are already hitting peak. &nbsp;

The ban has also brought bad news for India, which is the world's biggest importer of palm oil. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nandan-nilekani-looking-to-help-indian-small-merchants-with-open-network-for-digital-commerce-474634" hreflang="en">Nandan Nilekani looking to help Indian small merchants with ONDC system</a>

India relies on Indonesia for nearly half of the 700,000 tonnes of this oil it imports every month. &nbsp;

At least 290,000 tonnes of the edible oil, which was going to be shipped to India, has got trapped at ports and oil mills in Indonesia, a Reuters report said citing industry officials on Thursday. &nbsp;

"Our vessel of 16,000 tonnes is stuck at Kumai port in Indonesia. We don't know when Indonesia will lift the ban, and stuck shipments will be delivered," Pradeep Chowdhry, managing director, Gemini Edibles &amp; Fats India Pvt Ltd told Reuters. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties

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The company buys around 30,000 tonnes of palm oil every month from Indonesia. &nbsp;

Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive, Sunvin Group, which is a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy firm told Reuters that the buyers are looking to buy the oil from Malaysia, but it cannot fill the demand. &nbsp;

Palm oil is used in many things like cakes, cosmetics and cleaning products. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On facing shortage of domestic supplies of cooking oil and soaring prices, Indonesia has imposed a complete ban on palm oil exports on Thursday. The ban has led to a huge crisis in the world as the country is the world's largest producer of the commodity, said media reports.

On facing shortage of domestic supplies of cooking oil and soaring prices, Indonesia has imposed a complete ban on palm oil exports on Thursday. The ban has led to a huge crisis in the world as the country is the world's largest producer of the commodity, said media reports. It may also lead to the destabilisation of global vegetable oil market, where the prices are already hitting peak. The ban has also brought bad news for India, which is the world's biggest importer of palm oil. Also Read: Nandan Nilekani looking to help Indian small merchants with ONDC system India relies on Indonesia for nearly half of the 700,000 tonnes of this oil it imports every month. At least 290,000 tonnes of the edible oil, which was going to be shipped to India, has got trapped at ports and oil mills in Indonesia, a Reuters report said citing industry officials on Thursday. "Our vessel of 16,000 tonnes is stuck at Kumai port in Indonesia. We don't know when Indonesia will lift the ban, and stuck shipments will be delivered," Pradeep Chowdhry, managing director, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Pvt Ltd told Reuters. Watch: Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties × The company buys around 30,000 tonnes of palm oil every month from Indonesia. Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive, Sunvin Group, which is a vegetable oil brokerage and consultancy firm told Reuters that the buyers are looking to buy the oil from Malaysia, but it cannot fill the demand. Palm oil is used in many things like cakes, cosmetics and cleaning products. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

As 290,000-tonne shipments get trapped, Indonesian palm oil export ban to hit India badly

India's insurance giant LIC has been reduced by 50 in size but it is still the biggest stake sale in India's stock listing history. As per the details announced yesterday, LIC IPO will be worth nearly 21,000 crore rupees or 2.7 billion dollars it will hit primary market on May 4.

LIC IPO: India's insurance giant has biggest stock sale in India

In an important development, scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), along with other researchers from Panjab University, Birbal Sahni Institute, and Benaras Hindu University, unravelled the mystery of the huge human skeletons that were found in the well of Ajnala in Punjab a few years back. The scientists established that these 160-year-old skeletons belonged to residents of the Ganga plain.

In early 2014, a large number of human skeletons were excavated from an old well in Ajnala, Punjab.&nbsp;

Some historians believe that these skeletons belong to people who were killed in riots during the partition of India and Pakistan. The other prevailing belief, based on various historical sources, is that these are the skeletons of the Indian soldiers killed by the British army during the revolt of 1857, when the Indian freedom struggle.&nbsp;

However, the identity and the geographic origins of these soldiers have been under intense debate due to a lack of scientific evidence.&nbsp;

Dr JS Sehrawat, anthropologist from Panjab University, collaborated with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad, Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow, and Benaras Hindu University (BHU) to establish the roots of these martyrs' using DNA and isotope analyses.

<img alt="The abandoned well in the Ajnala town of Punjab’s Amritsar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50a5501d-9a10-4201-94bf-965c32e7b7fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WELL.jpg" /> 
 
(The abandoned well in the Ajnala town of Punjab’s Amritsar)

The findings of this study revealed that the skeletons belonged to residents of the Gangetic plain region. The study was published today (April 28, 2022) in the journal- Frontiers in Genetics.&nbsp;

Researchers used 50 samples for DNA analysis and 85 specimens for isotope analysis.

"DNA analysis helps understand the ancestry of people, and isotope analysis sheds light on food habits. Both the research methods supported that the human skeletons found in the well were not of people living in Punjab or Pakistan. Rather, DNA sequences matched with people from UP, Bihar, and West Bengal, "said Dr K. Thangaraj, Chief Scientist, CCMB; Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, and a senior member of this team.&nbsp;

"The results of this research are consistent with the historical evidence that the 26th Native Bengal Infantry Battalion consisted of people from the eastern part of Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, stated Dr. J.S. Sehrawat, the first author of this study.&nbsp;

As per historical records, soldiers from this battalion were posted at Mian-Meer, Pakistan, and killed British officers in a revolt. They were captured by the British army near Ajnala and executed.&nbsp;

Dr Niraj Rai, the lead researcher of this team and an expert on ancient DNA, said that scientific research done by this team helps look at history in a more evidence-based way.&nbsp;

Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Department of Zoology, BHU, which played a crucial role in the DNA study, stressed that the findings of this study would add a significant chapter in the history of the unsung heroes of India's first freedom struggle.&nbsp;

Dr Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CCMB, said, "ancient DNA study is a powerful tool not only to understand our past but also helps us understand historical perspective.&nbsp;He further said that CCMB plans to take up a large-scale ancient DNA study, which would unravel several historical and prehistoric facts."

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In an important development, scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), along with other researchers from Panjab University, Birbal Sahni Institute, and Benaras Hindu University, unravelled the mystery of the huge human skeletons that were found in the well of Ajnala in Punjab a few years back.

In an important development, scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), along with other researchers from Panjab University, Birbal Sahni Institute, and Benaras Hindu University, unravelled the mystery of the huge human skeletons that were found in the well of Ajnala in Punjab a few years back. The scientists established that these 160-year-old skeletons belonged to residents of the Ganga plain. In early 2014, a large number of human skeletons were excavated from an old well in Ajnala, Punjab. Some historians believe that these skeletons belong to people who were killed in riots during the partition of India and Pakistan. The other prevailing belief, based on various historical sources, is that these are the skeletons of the Indian soldiers killed by the British army during the revolt of 1857, when the Indian freedom struggle. However, the identity and the geographic origins of these soldiers have been under intense debate due to a lack of scientific evidence. Dr JS Sehrawat, anthropologist from Panjab University, collaborated with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad, Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow, and Benaras Hindu University (BHU) to establish the roots of these martyrs' using DNA and isotope analyses. (The abandoned well in the Ajnala town of Punjab’s Amritsar) The findings of this study revealed that the skeletons belonged to residents of the Gangetic plain region. The study was published today (April 28, 2022) in the journal- Frontiers in Genetics. Researchers used 50 samples for DNA analysis and 85 specimens for isotope analysis. "DNA analysis helps understand the ancestry of people, and isotope analysis sheds light on food habits. Both the research methods supported that the human skeletons found in the well were not of people living in Punjab or Pakistan. Rather, DNA sequences matched with people from UP, Bihar, and West Bengal, "said Dr K. Thangaraj, Chief Scientist, CCMB; Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, and a senior member of this team. "The results of this research are consistent with the historical evidence that the 26th Native Bengal Infantry Battalion consisted of people from the eastern part of Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, stated Dr. J.S. Sehrawat, the first author of this study. As per historical records, soldiers from this battalion were posted at Mian-Meer, Pakistan, and killed British officers in a revolt. They were captured by the British army near Ajnala and executed. Dr Niraj Rai, the lead researcher of this team and an expert on ancient DNA, said that scientific research done by this team helps look at history in a more evidence-based way. Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Department of Zoology, BHU, which played a crucial role in the DNA study, stressed that the findings of this study would add a significant chapter in the history of the unsung heroes of India's first freedom struggle. Dr Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CCMB, said, "ancient DNA study is a powerful tool not only to understand our past but also helps us understand historical perspective. He further said that CCMB plans to take up a large-scale ancient DNA study, which would unravel several historical and prehistoric facts." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

160-year-old human skeletons found in Punjab are of Ganga Plain martyrs: Report

In a positive sign, India is reportedly working towards making food labelling mandatory. The step may make companies that manufacture packaged food describe the nutrition data with greater clarity and less ambiguity. This in turn may help millions of Indians who suffer from obesity.

India is a country of more than a billion people out of which about 135 million suffer from obesity.

While there is not a concrete announcement from Indian government on this yet, based on international norms, the government has an option of opting for a star system in which healthier foods will get more stars. Another option is to make use of a colour scheme with some colours indicating healthier foods while others signalling the 'not-so-healthy' aspect of a particular packaged food product.

Gravitas: India may soon make food labelling mandatory

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&nbsp;

When such a decision comes into effect, brands may find it tough to hide information about their products possibly having too much sugar or too much salt and so on. It may also make it hard for them to hide true information about ingredients by making use of convoluted or cryptic wording on the packages.

Reports suggest that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has been put in charge of the plan.

India will not be the first country making such rules stricter. At least seven countries have announced plans to have food labels on products. Chile, Israel, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico are some of them.

Italy has what is called a 'traffic light approach'. Food items are colour coded. Food with a green packaging is healthy and that in red packaging is deemed unhealthy.&nbsp;

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In a country like India which has a 'sweet tooth', sweets or Mithai is consumed during almost every festival. Will just labelling the food product will be enough to deter the average Indian buyer? This may surely be a challenge.

In a positive sign, India is reportedly working towards making food labelling mandatory. The step may make companies that manufacture packaged food describe the nutrition data with greater clarity and less ambiguity.

In a positive sign, India is reportedly working towards making food labelling mandatory. The step may make companies that manufacture packaged food describe the nutrition data with greater clarity and less ambiguity. This in turn may help millions of Indians who suffer from obesity. India is a country of more than a billion people out of which about 135 million suffer from obesity. While there is not a concrete announcement from Indian government on this yet, based on international norms, the government has an option of opting for a star system in which healthier foods will get more stars. Another option is to make use of a colour scheme with some colours indicating healthier foods while others signalling the 'not-so-healthy' aspect of a particular packaged food product. Gravitas: India may soon make food labelling mandatory × When such a decision comes into effect, brands may find it tough to hide information about their products possibly having too much sugar or too much salt and so on. It may also make it hard for them to hide true information about ingredients by making use of convoluted or cryptic wording on the packages. Reports suggest that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has been put in charge of the plan. India will not be the first country making such rules stricter. At least seven countries have announced plans to have food labels on products. Chile, Israel, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico are some of them. Italy has what is called a 'traffic light approach'. Food items are colour coded. Food with a green packaging is healthy and that in red packaging is deemed unhealthy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × In a country like India which has a 'sweet tooth', sweets or Mithai is consumed during almost every festival. Will just labelling the food product will be enough to deter the average Indian buyer? This may surely be a challenge.

To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Germany on May 2, he will be holding bilateral with German chancellor Olaf Scholz. The the two sides will be hosting the sixth edition of the India- Germany intergovernmental consultations ahead of the PM Modi's visit to Germany.

'Strategic partnership with India key for Germany,' Dr Tobias Lindner on Indian PM Modi's visit

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution. Every time a permanent member vetoes something, they must give a reason for it- The question is how will it work?

A sham not reform? India slams UN veto resolution

In pics- India experiences heatwave, might get a relief in May

India is currently witnessing its ‘worst summer ever’ with parts of the country experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius along with heat waves and very little chance of rainfall. &nbsp;It has also resulted in increasing power demand and three states have already announced power cuts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, UP and Odisha with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees Celsius and said that things can get worse in the coming days with heat waves expected to affect parts of India in the coming week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-fourth-covid-19-wave-fears-india-reports-3303-new-cases-active-cases-increase-to-16980-474564" hreflang="en">India experiences substantial growth in daily number of COVID-19 cases</a>

&nbsp;"Rise by about 2 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures very likely over most parts of Northwest India during next three days and fall by about 2 degrees Celsius thereafter," IMD announced.

"There has been no significant rainfall since February 25. In between, on April 14 and April 21, there were dust storms in Rajasthan and Haryana but there was no significant rain. Hence the long dry spell has resulted in high temperatures," senior IMD scientist R.K. Jenamani told the media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-highlights-that-being-self-reliant-is-necessary-indian-defence-minister-474611" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights that self-reliance is necessary: Def min</a>

Heat waves are expected to be the norm till at least May 2 with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Telengana getting affected in the coming days.

However, there was some good news as Jenamani said that IMD believes that the northwest and central India can receive rainfall on May 2 due to a western disturbance. IMD also said that the Western Himalayan Region can also receive isolated/scattered rainfall between May 2 and May 4.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)

India is currently witnessing its ‘worst summer ever’ with parts of the country experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius along with heat waves and very little chance of rainfall.

India is currently witnessing its ‘worst summer ever’ with parts of the country experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius along with heat waves and very little chance of rainfall. It has also resulted in increasing power demand and three states have already announced power cuts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, UP and Odisha with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees Celsius and said that things can get worse in the coming days with heat waves expected to affect parts of India in the coming week. Also read | India experiences substantial growth in daily number of COVID-19 cases "Rise by about 2 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures very likely over most parts of Northwest India during next three days and fall by about 2 degrees Celsius thereafter," IMD announced. "There has been no significant rainfall since February 25. In between, on April 14 and April 21, there were dust storms in Rajasthan and Haryana but there was no significant rain. Hence the long dry spell has resulted in high temperatures," senior IMD scientist R.K. Jenamani told the media. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights that self-reliance is necessary: Def min Heat waves are expected to be the norm till at least May 2 with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Telengana getting affected in the coming days. However, there was some good news as Jenamani said that IMD believes that the northwest and central India can receive rainfall on May 2 due to a western disturbance. IMD also said that the Western Himalayan Region can also receive isolated/scattered rainfall between May 2 and May 4. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Heat wave warnings issued in five Indian states as temperatures soar over 45 degrees Celsius

Indian government's Department of Space is currently working majorly with nations like Russia, the US, France, Japan and Israel in the domain of space science and technology. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is in line with the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) efforts towards pursuing cooperation with space agencies of other nations, by carrying out joint missions, sharing expertise in applications of space technology, organising International events in India, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till date, India has signed space cooperation documents with agencies of 60 countries and five multinational bodies, revealed the Department of Space Annual Report for 2021-22. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fascinating-fact-giant-moon-of-saturn-has-a-earth-like-landscape-474452" hreflang="en">Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape</a>

Listing out the major areas of cooperation between ISRO and foreign space agencies, the report talks about NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, for which ISRO shipped the S-band SAR payload and other hardware's to NASA's JPL for conducting various joint S-band &amp; L-band payload integration tests. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With regard to Russia, four Indian astronaut candidates as part of the Gaganyaan, which is India's Human Spaceflight Programme, successfully completed the general astronaut training at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As a new initiative under India-Russia space cooperation, ISRO and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) have started exploring cooperation in space research. &nbsp;

French Space Agency CNES and ISRO are taking their ties beyond Earth observation and working in the areas of Human Spaceflight and Space Situational Awareness (SSA - the tracking of space debris and orbital objects). In addition to this, there are also deliberations over establishing an ISRO ground station in French Guyana. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian EAM Jaishankar on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties with neighbours

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ISRO and Japanese Space Agency JAXA are working together in the fields of lunar exploration, satellite navigation and Earth observation. The two agencies are specifically working on completing the phase-A study of the Indo-Japan Lunar polar exploration (LUPEX) mission; finalising the instruments to be accommodated lander rover, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) are working on network and operations support for Indian missions, such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, etc. &nbsp;

"As part of India-Australia space cooperation, discussions are progressing towards establishing ISRO's transportable ground station at Australia's Cocos-Keeling island (CKI) for Gaganyaan mission. ISRO and Israel Space Agency (ISA) have a kick-off meeting for cooperation in flying ISA's Electric Propulsion System (EPS) in ISRO's small satellite," the report added. &nbsp;

The Indian Space agency's launch and mission schedules were badly hit during the pandemic years 2020 and 2021 and the accumulated backlog continues. This has meant that work is still underway on multiple high-profile missions, such as Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar exploration via Lander and Rover), Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit) and&nbsp;Aditya L1 (spacecraft mission to probe the sun). &nbsp;&nbsp;

While it was initially said that Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan (maiden unmanned flight) could take place in 2022, recent announcements in the Indian Parliament indicate that they might happen only in 2023 and beyond.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Indian government's Department of Space is currently working majorly with nations like Russia, the US, France, Japan and Israel in the domain of space science and technology.

Indian government's Department of Space is currently working majorly with nations like Russia, the US, France, Japan and Israel in the domain of space science and technology. This is in line with the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) efforts towards pursuing cooperation with space agencies of other nations, by carrying out joint missions, sharing expertise in applications of space technology, organising International events in India, etc. Till date, India has signed space cooperation documents with agencies of 60 countries and five multinational bodies, revealed the Department of Space Annual Report for 2021-22. Also Read | Fascinating fact: Saturn Moon Titan has Earth-like landscape Listing out the major areas of cooperation between ISRO and foreign space agencies, the report talks about NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, for which ISRO shipped the S-band SAR payload and other hardware's to NASA's JPL for conducting various joint S-band & L-band payload integration tests. With regard to Russia, four Indian astronaut candidates as part of the Gaganyaan, which is India's Human Spaceflight Programme, successfully completed the general astronaut training at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia. As a new initiative under India-Russia space cooperation, ISRO and the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) have started exploring cooperation in space research. French Space Agency CNES and ISRO are taking their ties beyond Earth observation and working in the areas of Human Spaceflight and Space Situational Awareness (SSA - the tracking of space debris and orbital objects). In addition to this, there are also deliberations over establishing an ISRO ground station in French Guyana. Watch: Indian EAM Jaishankar on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties with neighbours × ISRO and Japanese Space Agency JAXA are working together in the fields of lunar exploration, satellite navigation and Earth observation. The two agencies are specifically working on completing the phase-A study of the Indo-Japan Lunar polar exploration (LUPEX) mission; finalising the instruments to be accommodated lander rover, etc. ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) are working on network and operations support for Indian missions, such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, etc. "As part of India-Australia space cooperation, discussions are progressing towards establishing ISRO's transportable ground station at Australia's Cocos-Keeling island (CKI) for Gaganyaan mission. ISRO and Israel Space Agency (ISA) have a kick-off meeting for cooperation in flying ISA's Electric Propulsion System (EPS) in ISRO's small satellite," the report added. The Indian Space agency's launch and mission schedules were badly hit during the pandemic years 2020 and 2021 and the accumulated backlog continues. This has meant that work is still underway on multiple high-profile missions, such as Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar exploration via Lander and Rover), Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit) and Aditya L1 (spacecraft mission to probe the sun). While it was initially said that Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan (maiden unmanned flight) could take place in 2022, recent announcements in the Indian Parliament indicate that they might happen only in 2023 and beyond. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘India has signed documents on space cooperation with 60 countries’

Nandan Nilekani is no stranger to both innovation and multi-billion-dollar projects. The 66-year-old is probably the most well-known for founding tech giant Infosys along with N. R. Narayana Murthy and he even played a major part in developing the Aadhar biometric ID system for the government.<o:p></o:p>

The accomplishments continue for Nilekani as also helped in the introduction of United Payment Interface (UPI) – a payment structure which is used by giant companies like Google and WhatsApp.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;However, the latest project for Nilekani is to save the online retail market of India from the challenge of mammoth e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart and to provide the local shops an online platform that will allow them to participate in the space of digital commerce.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/will-elon-musk-take-u-turn-from-offer-to-buy-twitter-474562" hreflang="en">Will Elon Musk take U-turn from offer to buy Twitter?</a><o:p></o:p>

The project currently known as Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will reportedly be an open network for small merchants to directly provide their products to traders as well as consumers.<o:p></o:p>

With companies like Amazon and Flipkart providing door-to-door service at breakneck speeds, the market has become skewed in their favour and this has directly impacted the smaller merchants. <o:p></o:p>

But, with the application and adoption of ONDC, the consumers will have to able to look for a number of services at the same place and it will provide a space for all traders to showcase their products. As a result, it will become a direct competition for foreign companies who currently occupy around 80 per cent of the entire e-commerce market of India, according to News18.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-fourth-covid-19-wave-fears-india-reports-3303-new-cases-active-cases-increase-to-16980-474564" hreflang="en">India experiences substantial growth in daily number of COVID-19 cases</a><o:p></o:p>

According to the report in Business Standard, the ONDC network will soon be rolled out with government assistance and the first five test cities will be Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. However, the plan for the government is to expand it to 100 cities within the next six months.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Nandan Nilekani is no stranger to both innovation and multi-billion-dollar projects. The 66-year-old is probably the most well-known for founding tech giant Infosys along with N.

Nandan Nilekani is no stranger to both innovation and multi-billion-dollar projects. The 66-year-old is probably the most well-known for founding tech giant Infosys along with N. R. Narayana Murthy and he even played a major part in developing the Aadhar biometric ID system for the government. The accomplishments continue for Nilekani as also helped in the introduction of United Payment Interface (UPI) – a payment structure which is used by giant companies like Google and WhatsApp. However, the latest project for Nilekani is to save the online retail market of India from the challenge of mammoth e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart and to provide the local shops an online platform that will allow them to participate in the space of digital commerce. Also read | Will Elon Musk take U-turn from offer to buy Twitter? The project currently known as Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will reportedly be an open network for small merchants to directly provide their products to traders as well as consumers. With companies like Amazon and Flipkart providing door-to-door service at breakneck speeds, the market has become skewed in their favour and this has directly impacted the smaller merchants. But, with the application and adoption of ONDC, the consumers will have to able to look for a number of services at the same place and it will provide a space for all traders to showcase their products. As a result, it will become a direct competition for foreign companies who currently occupy around 80 per cent of the entire e-commerce market of India, according to News18. Also read | India experiences substantial growth in daily number of COVID-19 cases According to the report in Business Standard, the ONDC network will soon be rolled out with government assistance and the first five test cities will be Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. However, the plan for the government is to expand it to 100 cities within the next six months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nandan Nilekani looking to help Indian small merchants with Open Network for Digital Commerce

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases.

The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a>

The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report.&nbsp;

So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West

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Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-ensure-healthy-eating-india-may-make-food-labelling-mandatory-474505">To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory</a>

As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities.

The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry.

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases. The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report. So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme. Watch | Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906. Also read | To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities. The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records more than 3,000 new cases and 39 deaths

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue".

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed, who is in Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2022, said, "People of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign...Indian families, doctors, teachers, accountants— all are contributing to our economic development."

Maldives President Solih had recently issued a decree banning the anti-India protests, calling it a threat to national security.

Police authorities had removed "India out' banners from the residence of Yameen, who is the leader of opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Slamming the Chinese investment policies that have resulted in huge debts, Nasheed, who is also the former president, said, "China has intentionally inflated the price of the project. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad."

He added, "It was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative."

His visit to India comes as part of on-going high-level engagement. Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had visited the country.&nbsp;

Nasheed also did not rule out standing for the presidential elections next year.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India-Maldives relations?

Mohamed Nasheed: India and Maldives relations improved drastically since we came into the government. We have an India first policy, which is exactly the same manner as India's foreign policy in the neighbourhood. There is a credit line for projects which India is assisting us, and the government is submitting very good projects and they are all going very nicely—the cultural exchanges, the capacity building work, the students' exchanges and the university exchanges—everything is happening and we have a very bright future, both of our countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: There have been certain segments indulging in anti-India campaigns and you have taken a strong position on that. Will it help to curtail these campaigns? And who do you think is responsible for these campaigns.

Mohamed Nasheed: You know, people of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign, I am aware of that. I am a politician and by saying this I will get more vote. Because we eat the same food, we watch the same films, we read the same books, we look the same, and why would any sane Maldivian ask an Indian to leave. There are Indian families, doctors, teachers, and accountants, who are contributing to our economic development. For instance, the State Bank of India has single-handedly invested in our tourism industry for the last 50 years. Look at the results, it has become a billion-dollar industry now. The businessmen appreciate this, the people appreciate this. I really do not think it is a popular movement at all.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Your govt has taken actions against this campaign, more actions expected? Also, if you can talk about the bill against such campaigns.

Mohamed Nasheed: We suggested that there should be a legislation and a penal code must, as there is one on nuisance and harmony. Freedom of expression is not limitless, it cannot engage, it cannot be used for hate crimes, it cannot be used to create discord, it cannot be used to create rifts, it cannot be used for increasing xenophobia. So, we thought that there can be a legislation to stop people from creating anger, rifts, hate against our neighbours.

Quran is very clear, that you should love your neighbour. So, legislation must also come and explain that you should love your neighbour. If you have a problem with a neighbour, you can come here, this country is a democratic country, it has its intuitions. Even if Yameen has an issue, he should have approached the court here. It’s just a fabricated issue and he is fuelling it.

&nbsp;

WION: So, is the anti-India campaign an election ploy or a foreign hand?

Mohamed Nasheed: It can't be an election ploy because people don't want it. I am sure the authorities are aware of the funding for all the trips they make, for the campaigns and shirts.

&nbsp;

WION: Are you pointing out at China?

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp; Well, before I say that, police must open up an investigation.

&nbsp;

WION: Coming to other aspects of the relationship, we have seen the development projects…How do you see they (China) helping in the development of the country

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, you can't equate development to concrete. Ex-president Yameen thought development is concrete and invited Chinese, and as a result this huge debt was created. Now, if you look at it, debt has no relations to the assets created. The asset value is not a third of the debt. China has intentionally inflated the price of the project, so the business plan will fail.

You will never get a yield to pay back the debt from these assets and then you will default and they ask for equity. With equity you lose land, and with land you lose sovereignty. It is a very grave issue.

Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad. Whatever India gave to us, it was very transparent, it went through proper tendering process, and therefore we get the proper price. You have to have the proper price.

When we were in the government in 2010, I asked GMR for a quotation on bridge and they, I remember, gave a quote of US $76 million, it is now built for $350 million. The housing projects. A luxury apartment in Male can be built for more 900 -1000 Rufiyaa square feet. These houses are 1900 Rufiyaa square feet. They are supposed to be low income.

Therefore, the rent will have to be 14000-15000 but people can't afford that. So that the govt can't afford the rent. Now the government is subsiding the rest. The flats will not give the money to pay back the loan. The actual cost must be found and that is the money we have to pay. These small grant projects, the high impact projects, the projects that have a better impact on our livelihood, they are far more important.

I will give an example. Recently, Indian minister Jaishankar came to Male and inaugurated two projects. One was $50 to $60 million dollar policy academy and another was a $500,000 million drug hospital, and detoxication centre. The whole community was there with Jaishankar.

India is giving a lot of small grants and I don't think we are looking for big concrete. We need nature-based adaptions, and hybrid adaption, and these things can be done through smaller interventions than huge big loans.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: So, you are essentially saying India was right by staying away from the Chinese connectivity projects and the debt crisis it has created as you gave the example of Sri Lanka

Mohamed Nasheed: Of course. India was right for not taking part in that, but India was never taking part in someone else's projects. Jaishankar was saying that they do a self-assessment, and their foreign policy is based on their self-assessment. Not based on what someone else is doing and I think, it was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative.

&nbsp;

WION: Your country is at the heart of the Indian Ocean. How do you assess the security situation in the region and the practical cooperation like the Colombo Security Conclave that can be taken forward?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, in 2011, we started all the National Security Advisors meetings every year. We also have a lot of exercise training, and joint exercises with our coast guards and the Indian navy and Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. I think these programmes are ongoing and hopefully, they will find a structure in itself which would assist India in our safety and security.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Your country is gearing up for the presidential elections. Will you stand for elections? And there seems to be infighting within your party.

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our party does these internal elections, and they have a primary to decide that. If you, for instance, you look at the United States, they shout at each other in their own party. That is how they get a person. Then this person goes to the nation. It’s upon our members to decide who they want to bring out as their presidential candidate. I think I have always said that I will take part in the primary, but I am hopeful I will win.

&nbsp;

WION: So, you do not rule out that you will stand for elections next year.

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp; I don’t want to rule out. If people, our party members decide that I will be contesting, I will do that. I will do everything that will benefit our party and our country. 
&nbsp;

WION: Do you have any plans to change the political structure of the country from a presidential to a parliamentary form of the system?

Mohamed Nasheed:&nbsp;Well, I have always thought that a parliamentary system is far appropriate for the small countries like Maldives, because there is more security. Right now, if a parliamentarian wants to question the minister, we have to give a 4-day notice and by the time 14 days are up, the question gets expired. There is more engagement, more interaction, there is more scrutiny in a parliamentary system, especially for a small country.

&nbsp;

WION: There was an attack on you, who was responsible for it?

Mohamed Nasheed: We still have not found. Authorities have found four people who had their hands on it. But who funded it, who schemed it, from where did they get the technology for bomb—there are thousands of question that still need to be answered, and I hope and believe the government will do it. 
&nbsp;

WION: But any indication who did it? Why will someone target you?

Mohamed Nasheed: I don't know. The police must tell me, the courts must decide.

&nbsp;

WION: You also pointed out to rise of extremism, what has been the worrisome factor?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our youth are getting alienated. Dropout rates are increasing, employment among youth is increasing, drug is increasing and all these together push you to these unnecessary actions. We must take care and try to build a better society that is able to assist our people. I think, de-radicalisation programmes and also employment and training for the young is very important.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: We have two regional groupings, SAARC and BIMSTEC. Do you see Maldives becoming part of the BIMSTEC grouping?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, SAARC is not working. Whatever is said and done, we need to work together. We need the Indian Ocean countries, Indian Ocean Rim countries to work together, and for that, we need another platform.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Would you like to be part of the BIMSTEC?

Mohamed Nasheed: We need another platform; I would not mind to that. We need a platform where we can cooperate and where we can collectively decide on things. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What is your opinion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how has it impacted your country in terms of inflation?

Mohamed Nasheed: Well, actually I really don't want to talk about other countries’ business, but every country must respect sovereignty. War should never be a solution. I hope Russia will be able to the ceasefire, start talking and solve these issues amicably. This has an impact on all of us, tourist arrival, food price, energy price, everything is going up. It will be far worse if the war spreads to other European countries. There are warmongering countries, and when they do fight, my God, they do fight. We have seen two world wars during the last century. And we don't want to see another one. Why do u want to kill so many people&nbsp;that is in no one's interest? I hope they will stop.&nbsp;

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue".

Speaker of Maldives Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has accused former president Abdulla Yameen of "fuelling" anti-India campaign in the country, calling it a "fabricated issue". Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed, who is in Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2022, said, "People of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign...Indian families, doctors, teachers, accountants— all are contributing to our economic development." Maldives President Solih had recently issued a decree banning the anti-India protests, calling it a threat to national security. Police authorities had removed "India out' banners from the residence of Yameen, who is the leader of opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). Slamming the Chinese investment policies that have resulted in huge debts, Nasheed, who is also the former president, said, "China has intentionally inflated the price of the project. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad." He added, "It was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative." His visit to India comes as part of on-going high-level engagement. Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had visited the country. Nasheed also did not rule out standing for the presidential elections next year. WION: How do you see India-Maldives relations? Mohamed Nasheed: India and Maldives relations improved drastically since we came into the government. We have an India first policy, which is exactly the same manner as India's foreign policy in the neighbourhood. There is a credit line for projects which India is assisting us, and the government is submitting very good projects and they are all going very nicely—the cultural exchanges, the capacity building work, the students' exchanges and the university exchanges—everything is happening and we have a very bright future, both of our countries. WION: There have been certain segments indulging in anti-India campaigns and you have taken a strong position on that. Will it help to curtail these campaigns? And who do you think is responsible for these campaigns. Mohamed Nasheed: You know, people of Maldives will never back an ‘India out’ campaign, I am aware of that. I am a politician and by saying this I will get more vote. Because we eat the same food, we watch the same films, we read the same books, we look the same, and why would any sane Maldivian ask an Indian to leave. There are Indian families, doctors, teachers, and accountants, who are contributing to our economic development. For instance, the State Bank of India has single-handedly invested in our tourism industry for the last 50 years. Look at the results, it has become a billion-dollar industry now. The businessmen appreciate this, the people appreciate this. I really do not think it is a popular movement at all. WION: Your govt has taken actions against this campaign, more actions expected? Also, if you can talk about the bill against such campaigns. Mohamed Nasheed: We suggested that there should be a legislation and a penal code must, as there is one on nuisance and harmony. Freedom of expression is not limitless, it cannot engage, it cannot be used for hate crimes, it cannot be used to create discord, it cannot be used to create rifts, it cannot be used for increasing xenophobia. So, we thought that there can be a legislation to stop people from creating anger, rifts, hate against our neighbours. Quran is very clear, that you should love your neighbour. So, legislation must also come and explain that you should love your neighbour. If you have a problem with a neighbour, you can come here, this country is a democratic country, it has its intuitions. Even if Yameen has an issue, he should have approached the court here. It’s just a fabricated issue and he is fuelling it. WION: So, is the anti-India campaign an election ploy or a foreign hand? Mohamed Nasheed: It can't be an election ploy because people don't want it. I am sure the authorities are aware of the funding for all the trips they make, for the campaigns and shirts. WION: Are you pointing out at China? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, before I say that, police must open up an investigation. WION: Coming to other aspects of the relationship, we have seen the development projects…How do you see they (China) helping in the development of the country Mohamed Nasheed: Well, you can't equate development to concrete. Ex-president Yameen thought development is concrete and invited Chinese, and as a result this huge debt was created. Now, if you look at it, debt has no relations to the assets created. The asset value is not a third of the debt. China has intentionally inflated the price of the project, so the business plan will fail. You will never get a yield to pay back the debt from these assets and then you will default and they ask for equity. With equity you lose land, and with land you lose sovereignty. It is a very grave issue. Look at what is happening in Sri Lanka, it is so sad. Whatever India gave to us, it was very transparent, it went through proper tendering process, and therefore we get the proper price. You have to have the proper price. When we were in the government in 2010, I asked GMR for a quotation on bridge and they, I remember, gave a quote of US $76 million, it is now built for $350 million. The housing projects. A luxury apartment in Male can be built for more 900 -1000 Rufiyaa square feet. These houses are 1900 Rufiyaa square feet. They are supposed to be low income. Therefore, the rent will have to be 14000-15000 but people can't afford that. So that the govt can't afford the rent. Now the government is subsiding the rest. The flats will not give the money to pay back the loan. The actual cost must be found and that is the money we have to pay. These small grant projects, the high impact projects, the projects that have a better impact on our livelihood, they are far more important. I will give an example. Recently, Indian minister Jaishankar came to Male and inaugurated two projects. One was $50 to $60 million dollar policy academy and another was a $500,000 million drug hospital, and detoxication centre. The whole community was there with Jaishankar. India is giving a lot of small grants and I don't think we are looking for big concrete. We need nature-based adaptions, and hybrid adaption, and these things can be done through smaller interventions than huge big loans. WION: So, you are essentially saying India was right by staying away from the Chinese connectivity projects and the debt crisis it has created as you gave the example of Sri Lanka Mohamed Nasheed: Of course. India was right for not taking part in that, but India was never taking part in someone else's projects. Jaishankar was saying that they do a self-assessment, and their foreign policy is based on their self-assessment. Not based on what someone else is doing and I think, it was a mistake that we took part in road and belt initiative. WION: Your country is at the heart of the Indian Ocean. How do you assess the security situation in the region and the practical cooperation like the Colombo Security Conclave that can be taken forward? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, in 2011, we started all the National Security Advisors meetings every year. We also have a lot of exercise training, and joint exercises with our coast guards and the Indian navy and Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. I think these programmes are ongoing and hopefully, they will find a structure in itself which would assist India in our safety and security. WION: Your country is gearing up for the presidential elections. Will you stand for elections? And there seems to be infighting within your party. Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our party does these internal elections, and they have a primary to decide that. If you, for instance, you look at the United States, they shout at each other in their own party. That is how they get a person. Then this person goes to the nation. It’s upon our members to decide who they want to bring out as their presidential candidate. I think I have always said that I will take part in the primary, but I am hopeful I will win. WION: So, you do not rule out that you will stand for elections next year. Mohamed Nasheed: I don’t want to rule out. If people, our party members decide that I will be contesting, I will do that. I will do everything that will benefit our party and our country. WION: Do you have any plans to change the political structure of the country from a presidential to a parliamentary form of the system? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, I have always thought that a parliamentary system is far appropriate for the small countries like Maldives, because there is more security. Right now, if a parliamentarian wants to question the minister, we have to give a 4-day notice and by the time 14 days are up, the question gets expired. There is more engagement, more interaction, there is more scrutiny in a parliamentary system, especially for a small country. WION: There was an attack on you, who was responsible for it? Mohamed Nasheed: We still have not found. Authorities have found four people who had their hands on it. But who funded it, who schemed it, from where did they get the technology for bomb—there are thousands of question that still need to be answered, and I hope and believe the government will do it. WION: But any indication who did it? Why will someone target you? Mohamed Nasheed: I don't know. The police must tell me, the courts must decide. WION: You also pointed out to rise of extremism, what has been the worrisome factor? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, our youth are getting alienated. Dropout rates are increasing, employment among youth is increasing, drug is increasing and all these together push you to these unnecessary actions. We must take care and try to build a better society that is able to assist our people. I think, de-radicalisation programmes and also employment and training for the young is very important. WION: We have two regional groupings, SAARC and BIMSTEC. Do you see Maldives becoming part of the BIMSTEC grouping? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, SAARC is not working. Whatever is said and done, we need to work together. We need the Indian Ocean countries, Indian Ocean Rim countries to work together, and for that, we need another platform. WION: Would you like to be part of the BIMSTEC? Mohamed Nasheed: We need another platform; I would not mind to that. We need a platform where we can cooperate and where we can collectively decide on things. WION: What is your opinion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how has it impacted your country in terms of inflation? Mohamed Nasheed: Well, actually I really don't want to talk about other countries’ business, but every country must respect sovereignty. War should never be a solution. I hope Russia will be able to the ceasefire, start talking and solve these issues amicably. This has an impact on all of us, tourist arrival, food price, energy price, everything is going up. It will be far worse if the war spreads to other European countries. There are warmongering countries, and when they do fight, my God, they do fight. We have seen two world wars during the last century. And we don't want to see another one. Why do u want to kill so many people that is in no one's interest? I hope they will stop.

Maldives' Nasheed blames Yameen for anti-India sentiment; calls joining China's BRI a mistake

Highlighting that the Russian-Ukraine war brought focus on indigenising military equipments, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that being self-reliant in defence is essential to tackle the challenges in uncertain geopolitical times.

Speaking at the Navy Commanders' Conference, Singh said that the government has been focusing on making India a hub of defence manufacturing.

"Coming to the prevailing security environment in the world, the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict has once again highlighted that being self-reliant without dependencies is a vital necessity," Singh said, according to PTI news agency.

He also called for synergy in the tri-services in dealing with national security challenges.

According to the plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory under an operational commander.

"I am aware that adequate progress has been made towards the study on maritime theatre command," he told the commanders.

The defence minister said the delivery of the first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Vikrant, would be "another milestone" event.

The ship has already successfully completed three sea trials.

"All out efforts need to be made so that the ship is delivered and commissioned in the 75th year of our Independence," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-indian-pm-modi-other-quad-leaders-in-tokyo-in-may-474491" hreflang="en">US President Joe Biden to meet PM Modi, other Quad leaders in Tokyo in May</a>

The defence minister also noted that 39 ships and submarines out of 41, which are on order, are being built in Indian shipyards.

The four-day Navy Commanders' Conference began on Monday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-russia-ties-grew-out-of-necessity-as-us-couldnt-do-it-earlier-antony-blinken-474485">&nbsp;India-Russia ties grew out of necessity as US couldn’t do it earlier: Antony Blinken</a>

The naval commanders carried out a comprehensive review of the country's maritime security preparedness as well as possible implications of the Ukraine crisis for regional security among other issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Highlighting that the Russian-Ukraine war brought focus on indigenising military equipments, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that being self-reliant in defence is essential to tackle the challenges in uncertain geopolitical times.

Highlighting that the Russian-Ukraine war brought focus on indigenising military equipments, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that being self-reliant in defence is essential to tackle the challenges in uncertain geopolitical times. Speaking at the Navy Commanders' Conference, Singh said that the government has been focusing on making India a hub of defence manufacturing. "Coming to the prevailing security environment in the world, the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict has once again highlighted that being self-reliant without dependencies is a vital necessity," Singh said, according to PTI news agency. He also called for synergy in the tri-services in dealing with national security challenges. According to the plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory under an operational commander. "I am aware that adequate progress has been made towards the study on maritime theatre command," he told the commanders. The defence minister said the delivery of the first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Vikrant, would be "another milestone" event. The ship has already successfully completed three sea trials. "All out efforts need to be made so that the ship is delivered and commissioned in the 75th year of our Independence," he said. Also read | US President Joe Biden to meet PM Modi, other Quad leaders in Tokyo in May The defence minister also noted that 39 ships and submarines out of 41, which are on order, are being built in Indian shipyards. The four-day Navy Commanders' Conference began on Monday. Also read | India-Russia ties grew out of necessity as US couldn’t do it earlier: Antony Blinken The naval commanders carried out a comprehensive review of the country's maritime security preparedness as well as possible implications of the Ukraine crisis for regional security among other issues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights that being self-reliant is necessary: Indian defence minister

India is looking to strengthen its ties with neighboring countries. Indian external affairs minister will be commencing a three-day visit to Bangladesh and Bhutan today to further boost overall bilateral ties.

Indian EAM Jaishankar on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, Bhutan to deepen ties with neighbors

Security forces in India killed two terrorists belonging to the Al Badr outfit in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Jammu and Kashmir police said that 62 terrorists have been killed in the various operations in the Kashmir valley in the first four months of 2022.&nbsp;

Jammu Kashmir police said that 39 terrorists belonging to&nbsp;&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba, 15 terrorists of Jaish, six terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen, and two&nbsp;terrorists of Al Badr have been killed this year.

Out of 62 terrorists killed, 15 were foreigners, mostly Pakistanis, and 47 were locals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a>

"Total terrorists killed in encounters so far this year= 62. Terror Outfit wise: LeT = 39, JeM=15, HM =06, Al-Badr =02. Among the total 62 killed terrorists, 47 were local terrorists &amp; 15 foreign terrorists," said Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir.&nbsp;

Earlier today, two local militants of the Al-Badr outfit were killed in an encounter between the security forces and militants in Mitrigam village of Murran area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-omar-abdullah-says-pagd-should-fight-elections-jointly-against-bjp-474341">Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says PAGD should fight elections jointly against BJP</a>

"Both killed terrorists have been identified as Aijaz Hafiz and Shahid Ayub. 02 AK 47 rifles recovered. Both belong to Al Badr outfit. Both had been involved in a series of attacks on outside labourers in Pulwama in the month of March-April 2022.Operation is over," said Kumar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jammu Kashmir police informed that a soldier was also injured during initial exchange of fire. The officer has been shifted to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

Security forces in India killed two terrorists belonging to the Al Badr outfit in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Jammu and Kashmir police said that 62 terrorists have been killed in the various operations in the Kashmir valley in the first four months of 2022.

Security forces in India killed two terrorists belonging to the Al Badr outfit in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Jammu and Kashmir police said that 62 terrorists have been killed in the various operations in the Kashmir valley in the first four months of 2022. Jammu Kashmir police said that 39 terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, 15 terrorists of Jaish, six terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen, and two terrorists of Al Badr have been killed this year. Out of 62 terrorists killed, 15 were foreigners, mostly Pakistanis, and 47 were locals. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists "Total terrorists killed in encounters so far this year= 62. Terror Outfit wise: LeT = 39, JeM=15, HM =06, Al-Badr =02. Among the total 62 killed terrorists, 47 were local terrorists & 15 foreign terrorists," said Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir. Earlier today, two local militants of the Al-Badr outfit were killed in an encounter between the security forces and militants in Mitrigam village of Murran area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Watch | Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West Also read | Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says PAGD should fight elections jointly against BJP "Both killed terrorists have been identified as Aijaz Hafiz and Shahid Ayub. 02 AK 47 rifles recovered. Both belong to Al Badr outfit. Both had been involved in a series of attacks on outside labourers in Pulwama in the month of March-April 2022.Operation is over," said Kumar. Jammu Kashmir police informed that a soldier was also injured during initial exchange of fire. The officer has been shifted to the hospital for treatment.

India: Two terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter; so far 62 terrorists killed in Kashmir this year

The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health. This took the number of active cases to 16,980 and also increased the total death toll to 5,23,693.

The upward trend continues in the country as there were 701 more cases reported in comparison to Wednesday while the daily positivity rate also went up to 0.66 per cent. The growing number of cases has been a matter of concern and a lot of states have already implemented mask mandates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521" hreflang="en">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a>

Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks mandatory in public after similar steps in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab.

According to a recent survey, one in three Indians believed that the fourth wave has already started in the country. The survey conducted by an online platform included around 36,000 participants and around 34 per cent of them said that they believe that the fourth wave has started in April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-fight-against-cybercrime-indian-govt-makes-strenuous-efforts-to-spread-awareness-474445" hreflang="en">In fight against cybercrime, Indian govt makes efforts to spread awareness</a>

Countries like China and South Korea have seen a huge jump in cases and with Shanghai and parts of Beijing going under lockdown, the trend in India has been a worrying trend for all experts.

However, the vaccination drive is underway with all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and government data shows that the number of doses given is around 188.4 crore. When it comes to testing, data shows that 4,97,669 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

WATCH |&nbsp;LIC IPO: India's insurance giant has biggest stock sale in India

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The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health. This took the number of active cases to 16,980 and also increased the total death toll to 5,23,693. The upward trend continues in the country as there were 701 more cases reported in comparison to Wednesday while the daily positivity rate also went up to 0.66 per cent. The growing number of cases has been a matter of concern and a lot of states have already implemented mask mandates. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks mandatory in public after similar steps in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab. According to a recent survey, one in three Indians believed that the fourth wave has already started in the country. The survey conducted by an online platform included around 36,000 participants and around 34 per cent of them said that they believe that the fourth wave has started in April. Also read | In fight against cybercrime, Indian govt makes efforts to spread awareness Countries like China and South Korea have seen a huge jump in cases and with Shanghai and parts of Beijing going under lockdown, the trend in India has been a worrying trend for all experts. However, the vaccination drive is underway with all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and government data shows that the number of doses given is around 188.4 crore. When it comes to testing, data shows that 4,97,669 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. WATCH | LIC IPO: India's insurance giant has biggest stock sale in India

Amid fourth COVID-19 wave fears, India experiences substantial growth in daily number of cases

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