Macron’s awkward embrace with Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir goes viral – What happened?

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

'Miracle on the Mississippi': Cruise boat capsizes after colliding with tanker in New Orleans, all 180 passengers aboard safe

Why are modern GPUs so expensive? 7 things that drive graphics card prices

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

CPU vs GPU vs NPU: Which processor does your computer actually need?

'Forbidden' light proposed 40 years ago detected for first time in the universe

Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, keeps baby's name and partner's identity private

Why did the FAA suddenly ground flights across the US? Officials reveal what went wrong

Reply 1988 star Ko Kyung Pyo under police investigation after drunk-driving collision in Seoul

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

Vaaste singer Dhvani Bhanushali announces engagement to esports entrepreneur Yash Bhanushali; see pics

From chipmakers to cloud giants: How is Nvidia's stock crash shaking the AI industry?

Crystal-clear Ganga water in Haridwar? Viral video creates buzz online | WATCH

India backs death penalty at UN, says can't equate it with torture

'I don’t negotiate with terrorists'- US school district faces lawsuit over teacher's remark to student

Move over Ram and Ravan, Kunal Kapoor's Lord Indra in Ramayana is stealing hearts in Thailand

Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of fuelling ‘racist’ campaign against Arab Israelis

Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh: India seeks two assurances from Dhaka, says report

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's Australian home targeted by burglars;  3 cars stolen

Ukraine's NATO membership in exchange for ceding territory to Russia: Zelensky reveals US proposal

'Don't hike rates': US Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Fed against rate increase amid Iran war

Trump, Putin and Xi to hold historic trilateral meeting at APEC Summit in China

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

A$AP Rocky's New York event disrupted by on-camera brawl, NYPD steps in

'No civic sense': Viral video shows family bursting crackers inside highway tunnel, sparks outrage | Watch

CM Suvendhu Adhikari turns Bengal's Chhath ghats into launchpad for UP campaign

Video captures horrifying moment Brooklyn apartment building collapses, killing eight people

Colombia 'false positives' scandal: 5 retired army men sentenced over killing of 35 civilians

Telugu actor Giribabu dies at 83; Chiranjeevi, Chandrababu Naidu pay tribute

'It exploded in his mouth': Man dies after friend gives him bomb disguised as rasgulla on Diwali in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori

'He promised me a green card': Lebanese woman accuses Texas ICE officer of sexually assaulting her in detention

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

Around 50 people were stranded after a mid-air collision that killed two people on a ropeway carrying pilgrims in Indian city of Deoghar.

Watch: People trapped on ropeway after collision rescued by authorities in Indian city

Delhi recorded COVID-19 positive rate of 2.70 per cent on Monday from less than 1 per cent which was&nbsp;the highest in two months&nbsp;raising concerns about the revival of virus cases in the city.

As per the data given by the municipal health authority, 137 new COVID-19 cases were&nbsp;reported in Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;As per reports, 447 COVID-19 patients are in home isolation in Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-begins-to-inoculate-all-adults-with-covid-vaccines-precaution-dose-at-private-centres-470014">India begins to inoculate all adults with Covid vaccine precaution dose at private centres</a> &nbsp;

According to reports, the total&nbsp;COVID-19 caseload in the country’s capital is 18,66,380 with a mortality&nbsp;toll of 26,157.

With the positive rate increasing from 0.5 per cent on April 4 to 2.70 per cent on April 11, Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister said:&nbsp;"We are keeping a close watch on the situation. There's no major reason to panic right now. We will take all necessary steps according to the situation.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The growing challenges in India's neighbourhood

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-growing-challenges-in-indias-neighbourhood-470357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Delhi’s Health Minister, Satyendra Jain said, “The daily cases in Delhi are being reported in the range of 100-200. We are keeping an eye on hospital admissions and they are going down. The focus shouldn't be on positivity rate much as of now."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;total of 18 students from three private schools in Noida and Ghaziabad near Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 causing the school authorities to close the schools for three days, IANS reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rise-in-covid-cases-union-government-asks-these-indian-five-states-to-main-strict-watch-469622">Rise in Covid cases: Union government asks these five Indian states to maintain strict watch</a>

According to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry, India registered 796 new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,36928 with 10,889 active cases.

On January 14, the city had the highest number&nbsp;of positive cases during the third wave of pandemics&nbsp;which was largely driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Delhi recorded COVID-19 positive rate of 2.70 per cent on Monday from less than 1 per cent which was the highest in two months raising concerns about the revival of virus cases in the city.

Delhi recorded COVID-19 positive rate of 2.70 per cent on Monday from less than 1 per cent which was the highest in two months raising concerns about the revival of virus cases in the city. As per the data given by the municipal health authority, 137 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi on Monday. As per reports, 447 COVID-19 patients are in home isolation in Delhi. Also read | India begins to inoculate all adults with Covid vaccine precaution dose at private centres According to reports, the total COVID-19 caseload in the country’s capital is 18,66,380 with a mortality toll of 26,157. With the positive rate increasing from 0.5 per cent on April 4 to 2.70 per cent on April 11, Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister said: "We are keeping a close watch on the situation. There's no major reason to panic right now. We will take all necessary steps according to the situation.” Watch | Gravitas: The growing challenges in India's neighbourhood Delhi’s Health Minister, Satyendra Jain said, “The daily cases in Delhi are being reported in the range of 100-200. We are keeping an eye on hospital admissions and they are going down. The focus shouldn't be on positivity rate much as of now." Meanwhile, a total of 18 students from three private schools in Noida and Ghaziabad near Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 causing the school authorities to close the schools for three days, IANS reported. Also read | Rise in Covid cases: Union government asks these five Indian states to maintain strict watch According to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry, India registered 796 new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,36928 with 10,889 active cases. On January 14, the city had the highest number of positive cases during the third wave of pandemics which was largely driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi records new COVID-19 cases; no major reason to panic, says CM Kejriwal

The government of India has said that the Amarnath Yatra or pilgrimage in the Kashmir Valley would be a historic one this year. The government expects around 6-8 lakh (600,000&nbsp;- 800,000) pilgrims to perform the holy pilgrimage. The arrangements for the 43-day long yatra have already begun.&nbsp;

The Amarnath Yatra will start from June 30 and the government says preparations will be grand this year. The Yatra was suspended for two consecutive years due to the Covid Pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-22-dialogue-pak-action-on-terror-caatsa-law-on-russian-s-400-missiles-for-india-470386" hreflang="en">India-US 2+2 dialogue: Pak action on terror, CAATSA law on Russian S-400 missiles for India</a>

''I met the officials of the administration including the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. We were told that this year's Yatra will be a historic one. It will be the biggest one ever, we are expecting 6-8 lakh&nbsp;pilgrims this year. The arrangements have also been doubled this year. Be it drinking water, lodging, or sanitation, the whole administration is equipped to welcome a large number of pilgrims'' said Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry.&nbsp;

The online registration for the Amarnath Yatra has already begun. Security remains one of the biggest concerns for the authorities. Various security review meetings of the Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF and army have already taken place. A three-tier security arrangement would be put in place for the Yatra this year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-arrests-three-hybrid-terrorists-of-lashkar-e-taiba-in-kashmir-470339" hreflang="en">Police arrests three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir</a>

''All the security arrangements have been put in place. All security agencies are already on it, and as we see a huge number of tourists coming to the UT, the Situation has improved a lot. The local economy is getting a lot of benefit from it. The LG said 80 lakh (8 million) tourists had come to UT in the last few months which means a big economic push for the UT. We are making small films about Yatra and Kashmir to promote it so that people from across India come, '' said Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry.&nbsp;

The arrangements for both the Nunwan Pahalgam and Baltal Sonamarg base camps have also begun.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The government of India has said that the Amarnath Yatra or pilgrimage in the Kashmir Valley would be a historic one this year. The government expects around 6-8 lakh (600,000 - 800,000) pilgrims to perform the holy pilgrimage.

The government of India has said that the Amarnath Yatra or pilgrimage in the Kashmir Valley would be a historic one this year. The government expects around 6-8 lakh (600,000 - 800,000) pilgrims to perform the holy pilgrimage. The arrangements for the 43-day long yatra have already begun. The Amarnath Yatra will start from June 30 and the government says preparations will be grand this year. The Yatra was suspended for two consecutive years due to the Covid Pandemic. Also read | India-US 2+2 dialogue: Pak action on terror, CAATSA law on Russian S-400 missiles for India ''I met the officials of the administration including the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. We were told that this year's Yatra will be a historic one. It will be the biggest one ever, we are expecting 6-8 lakh pilgrims this year. The arrangements have also been doubled this year. Be it drinking water, lodging, or sanitation, the whole administration is equipped to welcome a large number of pilgrims'' said Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The online registration for the Amarnath Yatra has already begun. Security remains one of the biggest concerns for the authorities. Various security review meetings of the Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF and army have already taken place. A three-tier security arrangement would be put in place for the Yatra this year. Also read | Police arrests three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir ''All the security arrangements have been put in place. All security agencies are already on it, and as we see a huge number of tourists coming to the UT, the Situation has improved a lot. The local economy is getting a lot of benefit from it. The LG said 80 lakh (8 million) tourists had come to UT in the last few months which means a big economic push for the UT. We are making small films about Yatra and Kashmir to promote it so that people from across India come, '' said Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The arrangements for both the Nunwan Pahalgam and Baltal Sonamarg base camps have also begun.

Amarnath Yatra to be historic this year. Government expects 6-8 lakh pilgrims

So, it begins. India has started to administer precaution dose of Covid vaccines to all adults on Sunday. &nbsp;

The jab was given to people aged above 18 years, who have also completed nine months after taking the second dose, at private vaccination centres. &nbsp;

All states and UTs have been informed by the Centre that people will get inoculated with the precaution dose of the same vaccine that they have taken in the past. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bunty-bubbly-style-heist-gang-poses-as-government-officials-steals-60-feet-long-iron-bridge-in-india-469950" hreflang="en">Bunty &amp; Bubbly-style heist? Gang poses as government officials, ‘steals’ 60-feet-long iron bridge in India</a>

Not just this, it has also said that the private vaccination centres can levy a maximum service charge of Rs 150 per dose over and above the cost of the vaccine. &nbsp;

No fresh registrations would be needed for administration of the precaution dose as all the due beneficiaries are already registered on CoWIN, informed Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. &nbsp;

The official had also held an orientation meeting of all health secretaries of states and UTs on Saturday. &nbsp;

Watch | India: Forces beef up security in the Kashmir valley after terrorists killed in encounter

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forces-beef-up-security-in-the-kashmir-valley-after-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-470003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

All vaccinations should be recorded mandatorily on CoWIN platform. Both the options of 'Online appointment' and 'Walk-in' registration and vaccination can be provided at the private Covid vaccination centres (CVCs). They will also have to maintain vaccination sites as per the guidelines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They can charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charge for vaccination over and above the cost of vaccine. Administration of precaution dose will be homologous i.e. same vaccine type will be used for precaution dose which was used for vaccination of first and second dose," Bhushan said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

So, it begins. India has started to administer precaution dose of Covid vaccines to all adults on Sunday. The jab was given to people aged above 18 years, who have also completed nine months after taking the second dose, at private vaccination centres.

So, it begins. India has started to administer precaution dose of Covid vaccines to all adults on Sunday. The jab was given to people aged above 18 years, who have also completed nine months after taking the second dose, at private vaccination centres. All states and UTs have been informed by the Centre that people will get inoculated with the precaution dose of the same vaccine that they have taken in the past. Also Read: Bunty & Bubbly-style heist? Gang poses as government officials, ‘steals’ 60-feet-long iron bridge in India Not just this, it has also said that the private vaccination centres can levy a maximum service charge of Rs 150 per dose over and above the cost of the vaccine. No fresh registrations would be needed for administration of the precaution dose as all the due beneficiaries are already registered on CoWIN, informed Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. The official had also held an orientation meeting of all health secretaries of states and UTs on Saturday. Watch | India: Forces beef up security in the Kashmir valley after terrorists killed in encounter × All vaccinations should be recorded mandatorily on CoWIN platform. Both the options of 'Online appointment' and 'Walk-in' registration and vaccination can be provided at the private Covid vaccination centres (CVCs). They will also have to maintain vaccination sites as per the guidelines. "They can charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charge for vaccination over and above the cost of vaccine. Administration of precaution dose will be homologous i.e. same vaccine type will be used for precaution dose which was used for vaccination of first and second dose," Bhushan said. (With inputs from agencies)

India begins to inoculate all adults with Covid vaccine precaution dose at private centres  

Jammu and Kashmir police has arrested three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Sopore area of North Kashmir.&nbsp;

Police along with CRPF and army have arrested three hybrid terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT in Sopore. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, and cash was recovered from their possession.

Police had got a tip-off about the movement of terrorists and acting on specific information regarding movement of terrorists, a special checkpoint was established by Police, 22RR and&nbsp;179Bn CRPF near Sunwani bridge Wadoora Bala.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forces-beef-up-security-in-the-kashmir-valley-after-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-470003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“During checking, the joint party intercepted three persons coming from Wadoora Bala towards Sunwani bridge who on seeing joint naka party tried to escape from the spot but were apprehended tactfully. They have been identified as Tufail Majid Mir son of Ab Majeed Mir resident of Brathkalan, Owais Ahmed Mir son of Gh Hassan Mir resident of Brathkalan, and Shabir Ahmed Wagay son of Nazir Ahmed resident of Warpora. “ said Jammu Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-police-to-seize-property-of-those-harbouring-terrorist-470217" hreflang="en">Jammu and Kashmir: Police to seize property of those harbouring terrorists</a>

Police said that they have recovered incriminating materials of proscribed terror outfit LeT, arms and ammunition including three&nbsp;pistols, three&nbsp;pistol magazines, 22 pistol rounds, 1 grenade, and cash amounting to Rs 79,800 were recovered from their possession.&nbsp;

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested persons are hybrid terrorists of proscribed terrorist organisation LeT and were in constant search of an opportunity to carry out attacks on security forces as well as civilians. “ said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police has arrested three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Sopore area of North Kashmir. Police along with CRPF and army have arrested three hybrid terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT in Sopore.

Jammu and Kashmir police has arrested three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Sopore area of North Kashmir. Police along with CRPF and army have arrested three hybrid terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT in Sopore. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, and cash was recovered from their possession. Police had got a tip-off about the movement of terrorists and acting on specific information regarding movement of terrorists, a special checkpoint was established by Police, 22RR and 179Bn CRPF near Sunwani bridge Wadoora Bala. “During checking, the joint party intercepted three persons coming from Wadoora Bala towards Sunwani bridge who on seeing joint naka party tried to escape from the spot but were apprehended tactfully. They have been identified as Tufail Majid Mir son of Ab Majeed Mir resident of Brathkalan, Owais Ahmed Mir son of Gh Hassan Mir resident of Brathkalan, and Shabir Ahmed Wagay son of Nazir Ahmed resident of Warpora. “ said Jammu Kashmir Police. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Police to seize property of those harbouring terrorists Police said that they have recovered incriminating materials of proscribed terror outfit LeT, arms and ammunition including three pistols, three pistol magazines, 22 pistol rounds, 1 grenade, and cash amounting to Rs 79,800 were recovered from their possession. “Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested persons are hybrid terrorists of proscribed terrorist organisation LeT and were in constant search of an opportunity to carry out attacks on security forces as well as civilians. “ said Jammu and Kashmir Police. Police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated.

Police arrests three hybrid terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden held virtual talks on Monday (April 11) and discussed a range of issues. However, the main topic remained the Russia and Ukraine war.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, "Today, our interaction is being held at a time when the situation in Ukraine is a matter of concern. A few weeks back, over 20,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine, most of them were young students."&nbsp;

Calling for the de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine situation and progressing toward a path of peace, PM Modi said, "I have spoken with Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over the telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President."&nbsp;

PM Modi also said that India has sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and other neighbouring nations. Further, on the demand of Ukraine, the Indian government is sending another consignment of medicines soon.&nbsp;

PM Modi also said that detailed discussions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict were held in the Indian Parliament, where the reports of killing innocent citizens in Bucha city were immediately condemned. He said that India had supported an impartial probe.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President said, "I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you virtually today and with two of your ministers and your ambassador."

"We take same concerns about the global challenges we faced during Covid-19, advancing health securities and tracking economic crisis," Biden added.&nbsp;

The Biden-Modi&nbsp;meeting will precede a meeting between US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US&nbsp;Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the White House said.&nbsp;

Biden told&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;he is looking forward to seeing him in Japan "on about the 24th of May."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting: Focus on improving bilateral ties and&nbsp;cooperation in Asia

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-22-ministerial-meeting-focus-on-improving-bilateral-ties-cooperation-in-asia-470310/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden held virtual talks on Monday (April 11) and discussed a range of issues. However, the main topic remained the Russia and Ukraine war.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden held virtual talks on Monday (April 11) and discussed a range of issues. However, the main topic remained the Russia and Ukraine war. PM Modi said, "Today, our interaction is being held at a time when the situation in Ukraine is a matter of concern. A few weeks back, over 20,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine, most of them were young students." Calling for the de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine situation and progressing toward a path of peace, PM Modi said, "I have spoken with Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over the telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President." PM Modi also said that India has sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and other neighbouring nations. Further, on the demand of Ukraine, the Indian government is sending another consignment of medicines soon. PM Modi also said that detailed discussions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict were held in the Indian Parliament, where the reports of killing innocent citizens in Bucha city were immediately condemned. He said that India had supported an impartial probe. Meanwhile, US President said, "I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you virtually today and with two of your ministers and your ambassador." "We take same concerns about the global challenges we faced during Covid-19, advancing health securities and tracking economic crisis," Biden added. The Biden-Modi meeting will precede a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the White House said. Biden told Modi he is looking forward to seeing him in Japan "on about the 24th of May." WATCH | India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting: Focus on improving bilateral ties and cooperation in Asia ×

Narendra Modi and Joe Biden hold virtual talks, discuss Russia-Ukraine war and other issues

Comparing India's foreign exchange reserves in the early 1990s and the present scenario, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said that India presently had a foreign exchange reserve that was well over $600bn.&nbsp;

He said that the country has come a long way from the tight spot (economic crisis) that it had found itself in, when there was barely enough foreign currency for a few weeks worth of imports of essential commodities such as fuel.&nbsp;

He emphasized the importance of conserving and using oil (fuel) judiciously, as it was essential for the country's growth and saving fuel was equal to saving precious foreign exchange.&nbsp;

"Energy (fuel) is one of the key materials needed for growth and our energy needs are only increasing. To reach the country's destiny of being a world leader, comprehensive, all-around growth is very crucial. The focus must switch from conserving oil to producing clean and green energy. The warning is very stark, we have to move to clean and green energy" he said while presiding over and inaugurating an event aimed at creating awareness of Oil and Gas conservation. Dubbed 'Saksham 2022', the campaign is led by India's Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA).&nbsp;

Specifically making a mention of Tamil Nadu, he lauded the state for being a leader in the wind energy sector. However, he also added that Tamil Nadu could work much harder in terms of harnessing solar power, like similar-sized states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc.&nbsp;

The Governor also made mentioned India's ambitious target of achieving 500GW clean energy by 2030.&nbsp;

Comparing India's foreign exchange reserves in the early 1990s and the present scenario, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said that India presently had a foreign exchange reserve that was well over $600bn.

Comparing India's foreign exchange reserves in the early 1990s and the present scenario, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said that India presently had a foreign exchange reserve that was well over $600bn. He said that the country has come a long way from the tight spot (economic crisis) that it had found itself in, when there was barely enough foreign currency for a few weeks worth of imports of essential commodities such as fuel. He emphasized the importance of conserving and using oil (fuel) judiciously, as it was essential for the country's growth and saving fuel was equal to saving precious foreign exchange. "Energy (fuel) is one of the key materials needed for growth and our energy needs are only increasing. To reach the country's destiny of being a world leader, comprehensive, all-around growth is very crucial. The focus must switch from conserving oil to producing clean and green energy. The warning is very stark, we have to move to clean and green energy" he said while presiding over and inaugurating an event aimed at creating awareness of Oil and Gas conservation. Dubbed 'Saksham 2022', the campaign is led by India's Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA). Specifically making a mention of Tamil Nadu, he lauded the state for being a leader in the wind energy sector. However, he also added that Tamil Nadu could work much harder in terms of harnessing solar power, like similar-sized states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc. The Governor also made mentioned India's ambitious target of achieving 500GW clean energy by 2030.

Tamil Nadu a leader in wind energy, must work to harness solar power like other states: TN Governor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Shehbaz Sharif, who has taken oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday (April 11).&nbsp;

Taking to his Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan."&nbsp;

"India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people," PM Modi added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1513556114855501829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as the newly-elected Prime Minister of Pakistan.&nbsp;

In his maiden address as PM, Shehbaz Sharif talked about a range of issues, including Kashmir, He said that he wants good relations with India, but it can't be achieved without the resolution of the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

He raised the issue of abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and claimed that people in Pakistan will provide them with "diplomatic and moral support" besides raising the matter at every international forum.&nbsp;

Shehbaz also asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come forward to address the Kashmir issue so that the two countries could concentrate on tackling poverty, unemployment, shortage of medicines and other issues on the two sides of the border.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Shehbaz Sharif, who has taken oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday (April 11). Taking to his Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to H.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Shehbaz Sharif, who has taken oath as the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday (April 11). Taking to his Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan." "India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people," PM Modi added. Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2022 × Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as the newly-elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. In his maiden address as PM, Shehbaz Sharif talked about a range of issues, including Kashmir, He said that he wants good relations with India, but it can't be achieved without the resolution of the Kashmir issue. He raised the issue of abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and claimed that people in Pakistan will provide them with "diplomatic and moral support" besides raising the matter at every international forum. Shehbaz also asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come forward to address the Kashmir issue so that the two countries could concentrate on tackling poverty, unemployment, shortage of medicines and other issues on the two sides of the border.

'India desires peace and stability': PM Modi congratulates newly elected Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). &nbsp;

The attachments being done are for properties where it has been proved beyond doubt that the house owner or member had wilfully provided shelter/ harboured terrorists, in most cases for days together and that it was not done under any duress whatsoever.&nbsp;

''We will seize all the properties of the people, wherever there is an encounter, or is being used as a hideout or are harbouring the terrorists, their property will be seized, '' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forces-beef-up-security-in-the-kashmir-valley-after-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-470003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Legal action will be supplemented by property attachments as per sections 2(g) &amp; 25 of the ULP Act. The police has said that decision regarding enforcement of these sections of law is due to the fact that many supporters of terrorism are wilfully providing safe havens to terrorists who conduct attacks on civilians and security forces in Srinagar City.

In a recent encounter that took place in Srinagar's Bishember Nagar, JK Police said that they will seize the property of the owner in whose house the terrorists were hiding.&nbsp;

''Yes, we will seize the property in today's encounter,'' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-pakistan-based-let-terrorists-killed-in-srinagar-encounter-470001" hreflang="en">Two Pakistan-based LeT terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also said that if there is a 'forceful entry' of terrorists into any house or other structure, the house owner or any other member claiming duress should timely inform the authorities about the same, as many provisions for hiding identity of such informant are available under law.&nbsp;

However, the politicians in the valley have criticised the step taken by the JK Police. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called the step completely wrong.&nbsp;

''It's completely wrong. This is like punishing the whole community . If you have to fight the militants, fight them but what's with punishing the locals for it. '' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that there will be zero tolerance towards terror.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The attachments being done are for properties where it has been proved beyond doubt that the house owner or member had wilfully provided shelter/ harboured terrorists, in most cases for days together and that it was not done under any duress whatsoever. ''We will seize all the properties of the people, wherever there is an encounter, or is being used as a hideout or are harbouring the terrorists, their property will be seized, '' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Legal action will be supplemented by property attachments as per sections 2(g) & 25 of the ULP Act. The police has said that decision regarding enforcement of these sections of law is due to the fact that many supporters of terrorism are wilfully providing safe havens to terrorists who conduct attacks on civilians and security forces in Srinagar City. In a recent encounter that took place in Srinagar's Bishember Nagar, JK Police said that they will seize the property of the owner in whose house the terrorists were hiding. ''Yes, we will seize the property in today's encounter,'' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Also read | Two Pakistan-based LeT terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also said that if there is a 'forceful entry' of terrorists into any house or other structure, the house owner or any other member claiming duress should timely inform the authorities about the same, as many provisions for hiding identity of such informant are available under law. However, the politicians in the valley have criticised the step taken by the JK Police. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called the step completely wrong. ''It's completely wrong. This is like punishing the whole community . If you have to fight the militants, fight them but what's with punishing the locals for it. '' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that there will be zero tolerance towards terror.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police to seize property of those harbouring terrorists

This week on Melt: Shormistha Mukherjee / Flying Cursor anchors the show + GroupM ESP's 'Sporting Nation' report with Vinit Karnik and Anant Rangaswami. This Sat 1130am & Sun 1030am only on WION & readytomelt.com.

Melt | In Conversation With Roopak Saluja

In pics: Punjab, Haryana and Delhi sizzle as heatwave hits India

In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday.&nbsp;

This has taken the total number of persons who fled the island and reached India via sea route to 39. Earlier, persons from the Northern part of the island nation had arrived in two groups of sixteen and four.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-doctors-warn-that-economic-crisis-would-have-a-even-higher-toll-than-covid-19-pandemic-470133" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka doctors warn that economic crisis would have higher death toll than COVID-19 pandemic</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The group which is said to comprise of members from a few families includes babies and children.. all of them took the dangerous boat ride across the palk strait to reach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamilnadu</a> shores 
 
Some families sold all belongings to manage funds to flee island nation <a href="https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v">https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v</a> <a href="https://t.co/PovFi7rtEI">pic.twitter.com/PovFi7rtEI</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1513392416736542721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The group of 19 members consists of seven women and five children. It is said that they arrived in two boats and were stuck near a point known as Arichal Munai, from where they were rescued by Tamil Nadu Coastal police and taken to Mandapam, near Rameswaram.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-to-seek-us-3-billion-to-stave-off-economic-crisis-readies-for-negotiations-with-imf-470096/embed" width="560"></iframe>

This exodus is happening at a time when the fast-deteriorating economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka has led thousands from across the country to take to the streets in protest against the ruling Rajapaksa clan.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Signal jammers used, roads blocked, yet sea of humanity converged at Galle face (most iconic sea-facing road) in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colombo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colombo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> , in protest against the ruling <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajapaksa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajapaksa</a> clan, asking them to go home 
 
No stopping public anger&amp; anti-govt sentiment<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> <a href="https://t.co/iU2iSLMdQU">pic.twitter.com/iU2iSLMdQU</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1512995217108246530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While people across sections of Lankan society are facing hardships owing to a shortage of essential commodities and widespread power cuts, it's the poor that are the worst hit owing to the skyrocketing prices and stagnant wages. For context, a cup of tea costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees in the island nation (Equal to Indian Rs. 33).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-hold-crucial-meeting-with-41mps-470002" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs</a>

This has forced groups of people to sell or leave behind their belongings in the northern and northeastern parts of the island, collect some money and use it to flee to Tamil Nadu. They take immense risks crossing the Palk Strait the narrow sea lane that connects India and Sri Lanka, in the hope of being supported by the Indian authorities and being put in refugee camps.&nbsp;

In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday.

In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday. This has taken the total number of persons who fled the island and reached India via sea route to 39. Earlier, persons from the Northern part of the island nation had arrived in two groups of sixteen and four. Also read | Sri Lanka doctors warn that economic crisis would have higher death toll than COVID-19 pandemic The group which is said to comprise of members from a few families includes babies and children.. all of them took the dangerous boat ride across the palk strait to reach #Tamilnadu shores Some families sold all belongings to manage funds to flee island nation https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v pic.twitter.com/PovFi7rtEI — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 11, 2022 × The group of 19 members consists of seven women and five children. It is said that they arrived in two boats and were stuck near a point known as Arichal Munai, from where they were rescued by Tamil Nadu Coastal police and taken to Mandapam, near Rameswaram. Watch | Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF This exodus is happening at a time when the fast-deteriorating economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka has led thousands from across the country to take to the streets in protest against the ruling Rajapaksa clan. Signal jammers used, roads blocked, yet sea of humanity converged at Galle face (most iconic sea-facing road) in #Colombo #SriLanka , in protest against the ruling #Rajapaksa clan, asking them to go home No stopping public anger& anti-govt sentiment#SriLankaCrisis #SriLankan pic.twitter.com/iU2iSLMdQU — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 10, 2022 × While people across sections of Lankan society are facing hardships owing to a shortage of essential commodities and widespread power cuts, it's the poor that are the worst hit owing to the skyrocketing prices and stagnant wages. For context, a cup of tea costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees in the island nation (Equal to Indian Rs. 33). Also read | Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs This has forced groups of people to sell or leave behind their belongings in the northern and northeastern parts of the island, collect some money and use it to flee to Tamil Nadu. They take immense risks crossing the Palk Strait the narrow sea lane that connects India and Sri Lanka, in the hope of being supported by the Indian authorities and being put in refugee camps.

19 Sri Lankans flee economic crisis, reach India after dangerous boat ride

Apple fans can soon get their hands on Apple's flagship iPhone 13 that are made in India. Reports indicate that Apple has started production of its flagship iPhone 13 at contract manufacturing partner Foxconn's plant near Chennai.

Apple starts iPhone 13 manufacturing in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting on Monday to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation.

They will also exchange views on the recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest, according to the press statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday.

&nbsp;“The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral comprehensive global strategic partnership,” it said.

Notably, the virtual interaction will take place ahead of the fourth India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue that is scheduled from April 10 and April 15.

The Indian side will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar, and the US will be represented by Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The visit comes in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war during which the relations between India and US witnessed a slight political hiccup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/total-embargo-on-russian-oil-and-gas-can-stop-war-within-a-month-putins-ex-economic-advisor-469987">Total embargo on Russian oil and gas can stop war within a month: Putin’s ex-economic advisor</a>

It started with India reportedly agreeing to buy Russian oil which&nbsp;didn’t sit down well with the Biden administration.&nbsp;

During the visit of Indian-American Daleep Singh, the key architect of the Biden Administration for Russian sanctions, India was reportedly advised against purchasing Russian oil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-china-breaches-lac-russia-will-not-help-us-deputy-nsa-daleep-singh-467391">If China breaches LAC, Russia will not help: US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh</a>

The White House had, however, clarified that Singh had a constructive dialogue on his trip and his remarks shouldn't be seen as a warning.

"He (Singh) went and had a constructive conversation and made clear that while it's the decision of each individual country, including India, to determine whether they're going to import Russian oil, it is only 1 to 2 per cent of their imports, about 10 per cent of their imports is from the United States," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

“What Daleep did make clear to his counterparts during this visit, was that we don't believe it's in India's interest to accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities,” Psaki had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting on Monday to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation. They will also exchange views on the recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest, according to the press statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting on Monday to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation. They will also exchange views on the recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest, according to the press statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday. “The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral comprehensive global strategic partnership,” it said. Notably, the virtual interaction will take place ahead of the fourth India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue that is scheduled from April 10 and April 15. The Indian side will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar, and the US will be represented by Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The visit comes in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war during which the relations between India and US witnessed a slight political hiccup. Also read | Total embargo on Russian oil and gas can stop war within a month: Putin’s ex-economic advisor It started with India reportedly agreeing to buy Russian oil which didn’t sit down well with the Biden administration. During the visit of Indian-American Daleep Singh, the key architect of the Biden Administration for Russian sanctions, India was reportedly advised against purchasing Russian oil. Also read | If China breaches LAC, Russia will not help: US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh The White House had, however, clarified that Singh had a constructive dialogue on his trip and his remarks shouldn't be seen as a warning. "He (Singh) went and had a constructive conversation and made clear that while it's the decision of each individual country, including India, to determine whether they're going to import Russian oil, it is only 1 to 2 per cent of their imports, about 10 per cent of their imports is from the United States," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. “What Daleep did make clear to his counterparts during this visit, was that we don't believe it's in India's interest to accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities,” Psaki had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi, Biden to hold virtual meeting on Monday amid tensions over Russian ties

Indian security forces have beefed up security in the Kashmir valley after terrorists were killed in an encounter. At least 40 terrorists have been killed in J&K this year.

India: Forces beef up security in the Kashmir valley after terrorists killed in encounter

Two Pakistan-based terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were killed during an encounter in Srinagar's Bishembar Nagar area.

During a joint operation of Jammu Kashmir Police and the paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the terrorists, involved in the attack on CRPF personnel at Maisuma area of Srinagar on April 4 were, neutralised.&nbsp;

The security forces said that they were acting on a specific input about the presence of terrorists in Bhishembar Nagar area, following which a cordon and search operation were launched by the Srinagar Police.

During the search operation, the terrorists fired upon the security forces, who then retaliated to their attacks, resulting in the encounter.&nbsp;In the initial exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed, while the other one was neutralised later.&nbsp;

''Keeping in view the tourist movement and huge rush in the area, Police and CRPF exercised maximum restraint and carried out the operation in a professional manner to avoid any civilian causality. During the course of the evacuation of civilians, the trapped terrorist hurled a grenade resulting in minor splinter injuries to 03 Police/CRPF Jawans who were shifted to hospital for treatment of their injuries.'' J&amp;K Police chief Vijay Kumar said.

The slain terrorists were from Pakistan identified as Mohammad Bhai, also known as Abu Qasim/Mir Shoaib/Mudassir and Abu Arsalan, aka Khalid/Aadil.

''As per police records, both the killed terrorists were category ‘A’ terrorists and linked with LeT. Mohammad Bhai was active since 2019 while Abu Arsalan since 2021 in Central Kashmir. Both the terrorists were wanted for various terror-related activities,'' Vijay Kumar said.

Both the terrorists were carrying fake Aadhaar cards to conceal their identity.

Police also found incriminating materials, arms &amp; ammunition were from the site of the encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.&nbsp;

Since January this year, security forces have killed 46 terrorists, while 26 have been arrested alive. Also, more than 150 Overground Workers (OGWs) have been apprehended too.

OGW is&nbsp;used to describe those persons who provide logistical support, cash, accommodation, and other facilities to militants or terrorists.

Two Pakistan-based terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were killed during an encounter in Srinagar's Bishembar Nagar area. During a joint operation of Jammu Kashmir Police and the paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the terrorists, involved in the attack on CRPF personnel at Maisuma area of Srinagar on April 4 were, neutralised.

Two Pakistan-based terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were killed during an encounter in Srinagar's Bishembar Nagar area. During a joint operation of Jammu Kashmir Police and the paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the terrorists, involved in the attack on CRPF personnel at Maisuma area of Srinagar on April 4 were, neutralised. The security forces said that they were acting on a specific input about the presence of terrorists in Bhishembar Nagar area, following which a cordon and search operation were launched by the Srinagar Police. During the search operation, the terrorists fired upon the security forces, who then retaliated to their attacks, resulting in the encounter. In the initial exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed, while the other one was neutralised later. ''Keeping in view the tourist movement and huge rush in the area, Police and CRPF exercised maximum restraint and carried out the operation in a professional manner to avoid any civilian causality. During the course of the evacuation of civilians, the trapped terrorist hurled a grenade resulting in minor splinter injuries to 03 Police/CRPF Jawans who were shifted to hospital for treatment of their injuries.'' J&K Police chief Vijay Kumar said. The slain terrorists were from Pakistan identified as Mohammad Bhai, also known as Abu Qasim/Mir Shoaib/Mudassir and Abu Arsalan, aka Khalid/Aadil. ''As per police records, both the killed terrorists were category ‘A’ terrorists and linked with LeT. Mohammad Bhai was active since 2019 while Abu Arsalan since 2021 in Central Kashmir. Both the terrorists were wanted for various terror-related activities,'' Vijay Kumar said. Both the terrorists were carrying fake Aadhaar cards to conceal their identity. Police also found incriminating materials, arms & ammunition were from the site of the encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation. Since January this year, security forces have killed 46 terrorists, while 26 have been arrested alive. Also, more than 150 Overground Workers (OGWs) have been apprehended too. OGW is used to describe those persons who provide logistical support, cash, accommodation, and other facilities to militants or terrorists.

Two Pakistan-based LeT terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter

In India, police are currently making concerted efforts to nab members of a gang accused of stealing a bridge. Yes, you read it right. &nbsp;

The gang had dismantled a 60-feet-long iron bridge and sold its parts as scrap metal, a Reuters report said citing officials on Sunday. &nbsp;

The incident, which has happened in Amiyawar village of Bihar state, has raised several eyebrows. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-handle-of-indian-state-up-cms-office-hacked-briefly-says-report-469731" hreflang="en">Twitter handle of Indian state UP CM's Office hacked briefly, says report</a>

Posing as government officials of the irrigation department, the robbers used gas cutters and earthmoving machinery to bring down an abandoned bridge. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier, villagers had asked the irrigation department to dismantle the bridge by submitting an application, a resident said. &nbsp;

This bridge was old and built over a water canal around three decades ago. It was not in use. The residents of Amiyawar assumed that the government officials have decided to dismantle it, a police officer told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Canada: 21-year-old Indian student shot dead in Toronto, Indian govt pledges support to the family

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-21-year-old-indian-student-shot-dead-in-toronto-indian-govt-pledges-support-to-the-family-469944/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When the locals asked the robbers about their identity. They replied that they have been hired by the irrigation department. "People came with heavy machinery, gas cutters and worked for two days during the day time to dismantle the bridge," Gandhi Chaudhary, a villager, told Reuters. &nbsp;

"We have identified some members of the gang and some are yet to be tracked down. They destroyed public property and stolen a bridge," Subash Kumar, a police officer, who is carrying out investigation in the case, told Reuters. &nbsp;

After the bridge was taken down, the scrap metal was loaded onto&nbsp;a vehicle. The site was finally vacated. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In India, police are currently making concerted efforts to nab members of a gang accused of stealing a bridge. Yes, you read it right. The gang had dismantled a 60-feet-long iron bridge and sold its parts as scrap metal, a Reuters report said citing officials on Sunday.

In India, police are currently making concerted efforts to nab members of a gang accused of stealing a bridge. Yes, you read it right. The gang had dismantled a 60-feet-long iron bridge and sold its parts as scrap metal, a Reuters report said citing officials on Sunday. The incident, which has happened in Amiyawar village of Bihar state, has raised several eyebrows. Also Read: Twitter handle of Indian state UP CM's Office hacked briefly, says report Posing as government officials of the irrigation department, the robbers used gas cutters and earthmoving machinery to bring down an abandoned bridge. Earlier, villagers had asked the irrigation department to dismantle the bridge by submitting an application, a resident said. This bridge was old and built over a water canal around three decades ago. It was not in use. The residents of Amiyawar assumed that the government officials have decided to dismantle it, a police officer told Reuters. Watch | Canada: 21-year-old Indian student shot dead in Toronto, Indian govt pledges support to the family × When the locals asked the robbers about their identity. They replied that they have been hired by the irrigation department. "People came with heavy machinery, gas cutters and worked for two days during the day time to dismantle the bridge," Gandhi Chaudhary, a villager, told Reuters. "We have identified some members of the gang and some are yet to be tracked down. They destroyed public property and stolen a bridge," Subash Kumar, a police officer, who is carrying out investigation in the case, told Reuters. After the bridge was taken down, the scrap metal was loaded onto a vehicle. The site was finally vacated. (With inputs from agencies)

Bunty & Bubbly-style heist? Gang poses as government officials, ‘steals’ 60-feet-long iron bridge in India

Union Home minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Indo-Pak border viewing point in Nada Bet in Gujarat`s Banaskantha district.

The viewing point has been built on the lines of the Wagah-Atari border of Punjab.

Nada Bet, as per the Gujarat Tourism website, is a small slice of land jutting into a sprawling lake, where the "Seema Darshan (border viewing) for tourists is organised.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/central-government-to-introduce-new-data-governance-framework-says-rajeev-chandrasekhar-469624">Central government to introduce new data governance framework, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar</a>

"It offers an opportunity for travellers to see the workings of an army post on the border of India. Some of the activities and sights that will interest the traveller include the retreat ceremony against the backdrop of a glorious orange sunset where the Border Security Force (BSF) jawans put up a gallant show of marching with pride to end another day of guarding the borders," the website stated.

It further added that a weapon display and photo gallery at Nada Bet includes guns, tanks and other sophisticated devices that help in keeping the border and inland places secure. As an ode to the camels and to showcase their expertise and disciple, a camel show is presented for the visitors.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-wont-deploy-army-to-sri-lanka-469481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Before the inauguration, Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offered prayer at the Nadeshwari Mata Temple in Banaskantha on Sunday.

Later in the day, Shah will participate in the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Limited in Gandhinagar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-student-shot-dead-in-canada-eam-jaishankar-expresses-condolences-469596">Indian student shot dead in Canada, EAM Jaishankar expresses condolences</a>

The Union Minister will also inaugurate Gujarat State Co-Operative Marketing Federation, GUJCOMASOL's office at Gandhinagar. In the evening today, he will launch Adarsh Sahakari Gram programme at Ahemdabad.

Union Home minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Indo-Pak border viewing point in Nada Bet in Gujarat`s Banaskantha district. The viewing point has been built on the lines of the Wagah-Atari border of Punjab.

Union Home minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Indo-Pak border viewing point in Nada Bet in Gujarat`s Banaskantha district. The viewing point has been built on the lines of the Wagah-Atari border of Punjab. Nada Bet, as per the Gujarat Tourism website, is a small slice of land jutting into a sprawling lake, where the "Seema Darshan (border viewing) for tourists is organised. Also read | Central government to introduce new data governance framework, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar "It offers an opportunity for travellers to see the workings of an army post on the border of India. Some of the activities and sights that will interest the traveller include the retreat ceremony against the backdrop of a glorious orange sunset where the Border Security Force (BSF) jawans put up a gallant show of marching with pride to end another day of guarding the borders," the website stated. It further added that a weapon display and photo gallery at Nada Bet includes guns, tanks and other sophisticated devices that help in keeping the border and inland places secure. As an ode to the camels and to showcase their expertise and disciple, a camel show is presented for the visitors. Watch | Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka Before the inauguration, Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offered prayer at the Nadeshwari Mata Temple in Banaskantha on Sunday. Later in the day, Shah will participate in the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Limited in Gandhinagar. Also read | Indian student shot dead in Canada, EAM Jaishankar expresses condolences The Union Minister will also inaugurate Gujarat State Co-Operative Marketing Federation, GUJCOMASOL's office at Gandhinagar. In the evening today, he will launch Adarsh Sahakari Gram programme at Ahemdabad.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates Indo-Pak border viewing point in Gujarat

India's foreign ministry has said that New Delhi is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia.

The ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a news conference, "We have an etablished economic relation with Russia. Given the current circumstance post development in Ukraine, I think there is an effort by both sides to ensure that this economic relationship remains stable."

"It is not talking about increasing...it is about stabilising it because this (economic) relationship exists and it's in our interest to make sure some of this economic activity continues, and we are trying to see how we can keep that stable," Bagchi said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-india-abstain-from-unga-vote-469482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India is also working to devise a payment mechanism to settle trade amid Western sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

"India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest and by our national strategy," said Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

"So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population," he added.

India has condemned the killings of civilians in Ukraine's Bucha at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday and sought an independent investigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-were-very-frustrated-with-some-of-the-ukrainian-universities-s-jaishankar-468806" hreflang="en">We were very frustrated with some of the Ukrainian universities: S Jaishankar</a>

New Delhi has historically close ties with Moscow and has refrained from condemning its invasion of its ex-Soviet neighbour, abstaining in several UN votes and hosting Russia's foreign minister for talks in India last week.

Meanwhile, the Biden Administration has told lawmakers that United States would prefer India to move away from its long-term history of non-alignment G77 partnership with Russia.

America's relationship with India is a very critical one, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing.

''They are the largest democracy in the world. We have a strong defence relationship with them. They are part of the Quad, with Australia and Japan, and we are moving forward on many achievements that are critical to Indo-Pacific prosperity and security,'' she said.

''We, obviously, would prefer that India move away from their long-term history of non-alignment G77 partnership with Russia,'' Sherman said in response to a question from Congressman Tim Burchett.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's foreign ministry has said that New Delhi is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia. The ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a news conference, "We have an etablished economic relation with Russia.

India's foreign ministry has said that New Delhi is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia. The ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a news conference, "We have an etablished economic relation with Russia. Given the current circumstance post development in Ukraine, I think there is an effort by both sides to ensure that this economic relationship remains stable." "It is not talking about increasing...it is about stabilising it because this (economic) relationship exists and it's in our interest to make sure some of this economic activity continues, and we are trying to see how we can keep that stable," Bagchi said. India is also working to devise a payment mechanism to settle trade amid Western sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest and by our national strategy," said Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. "So what should India do in these circumstances? At the time when energy costs have spiked, clearly, we need to ensure that the common person in India is not subject to an additional and unavoidable burden. Similarly, fertiliser prices have a direct implication for the livelihoods of the majority of our population," he added. India has condemned the killings of civilians in Ukraine's Bucha at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday and sought an independent investigation. Also read | We were very frustrated with some of the Ukrainian universities: S Jaishankar New Delhi has historically close ties with Moscow and has refrained from condemning its invasion of its ex-Soviet neighbour, abstaining in several UN votes and hosting Russia's foreign minister for talks in India last week. Meanwhile, the Biden Administration has told lawmakers that United States would prefer India to move away from its long-term history of non-alignment G77 partnership with Russia. America's relationship with India is a very critical one, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing. ''They are the largest democracy in the world. We have a strong defence relationship with them. They are part of the Quad, with Australia and Japan, and we are moving forward on many achievements that are critical to Indo-Pacific prosperity and security,'' she said. ''We, obviously, would prefer that India move away from their long-term history of non-alignment G77 partnership with Russia,'' Sherman said in response to a question from Congressman Tim Burchett. (With inputs from agencies)

India is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia: MEA

Reports claim the Omicron variant XE has been found in Gujarat, however, it hasn't been confirmed.

Earlier, reports claimed the XE variant was found in Mumbai however the government denied the presence of Omicron’s XE recombinant variant.

Mumbai's civic authorities had claimed earlier that they had found one case of Omicron’s new sub-variant XE. A woman was reportedly detected with the new recombinant variant. However, the government said the "variant does not correlate with the genomic picture of the XE variant".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-covid-xe-variant-in-india-yet-government-clarifies-469066">Also Read:&nbsp;No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies</a>

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO) the Covid hybrid Omicron XE is a recombinant strain. It is a mutant hybrid of Omicron variants - BA.1 and BA.2.

The WHO had informed that it was first detected in UK with 600 sequences reportedly being&nbsp;detected. According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the most number of XE related cases were reported from east England including London.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shanghai-covid-outbreak-china-deploys-drones-to-silence-protesters-469487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reports say the XE and XF recombinant have been found in England and XD has been found in France. The UK agency said it was currently monitoring the three recombinant lineages namely: XD, XE and XF.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports claim the Omicron variant XE has been found in Gujarat, however, it hasn't been confirmed. Earlier, reports claimed the XE variant was found in Mumbai however the government denied the presence of Omicron’s XE recombinant variant.

Reports claim the Omicron variant XE has been found in Gujarat, however, it hasn't been confirmed. Earlier, reports claimed the XE variant was found in Mumbai however the government denied the presence of Omicron’s XE recombinant variant. Mumbai's civic authorities had claimed earlier that they had found one case of Omicron’s new sub-variant XE. A woman was reportedly detected with the new recombinant variant. However, the government said the "variant does not correlate with the genomic picture of the XE variant". Also Read: No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies According to the World Health Organisation(WHO) the Covid hybrid Omicron XE is a recombinant strain. It is a mutant hybrid of Omicron variants - BA.1 and BA.2. The WHO had informed that it was first detected in UK with 600 sequences reportedly being detected. According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the most number of XE related cases were reported from east England including London. Watch | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters Reports say the XE and XF recombinant have been found in England and XD has been found in France. The UK agency said it was currently monitoring the three recombinant lineages namely: XD, XE and XF. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron variant XE found in Gujarat, claims report

For around 29 minutes on Saturday, the social media account of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office was hacked, a PTI report said citing senior officer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the hack, around 400-500 tweets were sent from the official Twitter handle of the office in the early hours of Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the case was registered with the Cyber Crime police station in Lucknow, the police assured strict action will be taken against the culprits. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/till-further-notice-tata-group-owned-air-india-suspends-non-stop-flights-to-russia-469222" hreflang="en">Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia</a>

"The account was hacked for around 29 minutes at night. The hackers posted around 400-500 tweets, and the account was suspended on grounds of unnatural activity," the senior official told PTI. &nbsp;

In a tweet, the Uttar Pradesh government in Hindi, later said, "There was an attempt by anti-social elements to hack the official Twitter account of the Chief Minister's Office @CMOfficeUP at 12.30 am on April 9. Some tweets were posted by them which were recovered immediately." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;West, Russia pressurise India to pick sides, India continues on path of non-alignment

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-russia-pressurise-india-to-pick-sides-india-continues-on-path-of-non-alignment-469357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After the probe is carried out in the case by cyber experts, strict action will be taken, it added. &nbsp;

Presently in Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the agencies concerned are investigating the matter. &nbsp;

A case has been registered under IT Act, said Triveni Singh, cyber crime, Superintendent of Police, UP Police. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For around 29 minutes on Saturday, the social media account of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office was hacked, a PTI report said citing senior officer. In the hack, around 400-500 tweets were sent from the official Twitter handle of the office in the early hours of Saturday.

For around 29 minutes on Saturday, the social media account of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office was hacked, a PTI report said citing senior officer. In the hack, around 400-500 tweets were sent from the official Twitter handle of the office in the early hours of Saturday. After the case was registered with the Cyber Crime police station in Lucknow, the police assured strict action will be taken against the culprits. Also Read: Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia "The account was hacked for around 29 minutes at night. The hackers posted around 400-500 tweets, and the account was suspended on grounds of unnatural activity," the senior official told PTI. In a tweet, the Uttar Pradesh government in Hindi, later said, "There was an attempt by anti-social elements to hack the official Twitter account of the Chief Minister's Office @CMOfficeUP at 12.30 am on April 9. Some tweets were posted by them which were recovered immediately." Watch: West, Russia pressurise India to pick sides, India continues on path of non-alignment × After the probe is carried out in the case by cyber experts, strict action will be taken, it added. Presently in Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the agencies concerned are investigating the matter. A case has been registered under IT Act, said Triveni Singh, cyber crime, Superintendent of Police, UP Police. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter handle of Indian state UP CM's Office hacked briefly, says report

The Central government is going to introduce a new data governance framework as per Union minister of state for electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

According to Chandrasekhar, “As we are increasing the digitisation of government, we need to create a harmonised setup for the whole government for data management.”

“This will allow government and government departments to better design and better target efficacy of public spending programmes, be it in infrastructure or in service delivery.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-india-abstain-from-unga-vote-469482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“There needs to be an overall approach as to how laws are made; this framework lays out the architecture and defines institutionally the procedure for data collection storage access and anonymisation (with respect to the information contained within the government ecosystem),” he added.&nbsp;

The Modi administration&nbsp;has prepared a draft that mentions the guidelines on how government institutions analyse data within a larger government ecosystem.

Chandrasekhar said, “The feedback on the previous policy called the ‘India Data Accessibility and Use’ was that the name itself (was) being misunderstood, it almost seemed like it was a data sharing policy, which it was not. We have now rejigged the policy framework.”

“It seems like a broader policy for data governance as has been outlined in sections 1 and 2 [of the new policy], but the sections forward are similar to the policy draft shared in February. But it is not clear how the two policies will interrelate,” said Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) trustee Apar Gupta.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-crisis-rajeev-chandrasekhar-accuses-big-tech-platforms-of-weaponsing-internet-466344">Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Indian minister accuses big tech platforms of weaponsing internet</a>

As per the policy, ''India Data Management Office (IDMO) will be responsible for developing rules, standards, and guidelines under the National Data Governance Framework that will be published periodically.''

“IDMO shall formulate all data/datasets/metadata rules, standards, and guidelines in consultation with ministries, state governments, and industry. IDMO will conduct at least two semi-annual consultations and report carding for this purpose with representation from state governments and industry,” it added.

“What you’re seeing today are the building blocks of the overall architecture for the next 10 years of India's tech economy,” Chandrasekhar said.

“The IDMO will be accountable to make sure that the standards of anonymisation are set and that they do not permit any de-anonymisation,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central government is going to introduce a new data governance framework as per Union minister of state for electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. According to Chandrasekhar, “As we are increasing the digitisation of government, we need to create a harmonised setup for the whole government for data management.

The Central government is going to introduce a new data governance framework as per Union minister of state for electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. According to Chandrasekhar, “As we are increasing the digitisation of government, we need to create a harmonised setup for the whole government for data management.” “This will allow government and government departments to better design and better target efficacy of public spending programmes, be it in infrastructure or in service delivery.” “There needs to be an overall approach as to how laws are made; this framework lays out the architecture and defines institutionally the procedure for data collection storage access and anonymisation (with respect to the information contained within the government ecosystem),” he added. The Modi administration has prepared a draft that mentions the guidelines on how government institutions analyse data within a larger government ecosystem. Chandrasekhar said, “The feedback on the previous policy called the ‘India Data Accessibility and Use’ was that the name itself (was) being misunderstood, it almost seemed like it was a data sharing policy, which it was not. We have now rejigged the policy framework.” “It seems like a broader policy for data governance as has been outlined in sections 1 and 2 [of the new policy], but the sections forward are similar to the policy draft shared in February. But it is not clear how the two policies will interrelate,” said Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) trustee Apar Gupta. Also read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Indian minister accuses big tech platforms of weaponsing internet As per the policy, ''India Data Management Office (IDMO) will be responsible for developing rules, standards, and guidelines under the National Data Governance Framework that will be published periodically.'' “IDMO shall formulate all data/datasets/metadata rules, standards, and guidelines in consultation with ministries, state governments, and industry. IDMO will conduct at least two semi-annual consultations and report carding for this purpose with representation from state governments and industry,” it added. “What you’re seeing today are the building blocks of the overall architecture for the next 10 years of India's tech economy,” Chandrasekhar said. “The IDMO will be accountable to make sure that the standards of anonymisation are set and that they do not permit any de-anonymisation,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Central government to introduce new data governance framework, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Alarmed over a slight increase in Covid cases, the Union health ministry has asked the five states reporting higher infections to tighten their vigil and urged them not let to their guard down.

In a letter to Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram states, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has asked them to maintain a strict watch and take any pre-emptive action required.

"Given that the states/UTs have been undertaking various measures to reopen economic and social activities, there is a need for continuous follow up of a risk assessment-based approach for management of COVID 19," Mr Bhushan wrote.

These states have been told to continue the five-fold strategy, including testing, tracking, treating, vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour.

"It is essential that the state must maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required in any areas of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Testing and surveillance still remain important to track the virus, its spread and evolution," Bhushan said in the letter.

Among the five states, Kerala saw a massive jump in Covid infections in the past one week.

The southern state reported 2,321 new cases in the last week, accounting to 31.8 per cent of India's new cases. The weekly positivity rate in the state has also gone up to 15.53 per cent from 13.45 per cent.

The national capital Delhi’s weekly new cases reported a rise from 724 new cases in the week ending April 1 to 826 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.33 per cent of India's new cases.

It has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.25 per cent. &nbsp;

Haryana has reported an increase in weekly new cases from 367 new cases in the week ending (April 1) to 416 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 5.70 per cent of India's new cases. The state has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.06 per cent.

Maharashtra has reported 794 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting for 10.9 per cent of India's new cases. The state has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.39 per cent to 0.43 per cent. &nbsp;

Mizoram has reported 814 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.16 per cent of India's new cases and also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 14.38 per cent to 16.48 per cent, the letter to the state highlighted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alarmed over a slight increase in Covid cases, the Union health ministry has asked the five states reporting higher infections to tighten their vigil and urged them not let to their guard down.

Alarmed over a slight increase in Covid cases, the Union health ministry has asked the five states reporting higher infections to tighten their vigil and urged them not let to their guard down. In a letter to Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram states, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has asked them to maintain a strict watch and take any pre-emptive action required. "Given that the states/UTs have been undertaking various measures to reopen economic and social activities, there is a need for continuous follow up of a risk assessment-based approach for management of COVID 19," Mr Bhushan wrote. These states have been told to continue the five-fold strategy, including testing, tracking, treating, vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour. "It is essential that the state must maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required in any areas of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Testing and surveillance still remain important to track the virus, its spread and evolution," Bhushan said in the letter. Among the five states, Kerala saw a massive jump in Covid infections in the past one week. The southern state reported 2,321 new cases in the last week, accounting to 31.8 per cent of India's new cases. The weekly positivity rate in the state has also gone up to 15.53 per cent from 13.45 per cent. The national capital Delhi’s weekly new cases reported a rise from 724 new cases in the week ending April 1 to 826 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.33 per cent of India's new cases. It has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.25 per cent. Haryana has reported an increase in weekly new cases from 367 new cases in the week ending (April 1) to 416 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 5.70 per cent of India's new cases. The state has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.06 per cent. Maharashtra has reported 794 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting for 10.9 per cent of India's new cases. The state has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.39 per cent to 0.43 per cent. Mizoram has reported 814 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.16 per cent of India's new cases and also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 14.38 per cent to 16.48 per cent, the letter to the state highlighted. (With inputs from agencies)

Rise in Covid cases: Union government asks these five Indian states to maintain strict watch

A 21-year old Indian student was killed after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds following a shooting at the entrance of a subway station in Canada's Toronto city while he was on his way to work, according to police here.

The victim, identified as Kartik Vasudev, was shot on Thursday evening at the Glen Road entrance to Sherbourne TTC station in St James Town.

Vasudev received medical attention from an off-duty paramedic and was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the Toronto Police Service said in a statement.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-focusing-on-stablisation-of-economic-ties-with-russia-mea-469521">&nbsp;India is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia: MEA</a>

The homicide squad of the Toronto Police Service has taken over the investigation.

Investigators would like to speak to any witnesses that were in the area at the time, as well as any drivers or businesses that have camera footage, the police said.

We are shocked &amp; distressed at the unfortunate killing of Indian student Kartik Vasudev in a shooting incident in Toronto yesterday, the Consulate General of India wrote in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday.

We are in touch with the family and will provide all possible assistance in the early repatriation of mortal remains," it said. 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief at the killing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family. <a href="https://t.co/guG7xMwEMt">https://t.co/guG7xMwEMt</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1512537921454505984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family, Jaishankar tweeted.

Vasudev's brother told CP24 news channel he was a student at Seneca College and was taking the subway to his job when he was killed.

He arrived in Canada in January.

Seneca College said Vasudev was enrolled in its marketing management programme.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-one-can-tell-india-what-to-do-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-praises-new-delhis-independent-foreign-policy-469475">&nbsp;'No one can tell India what to do': Pakistan PM Imran Khan praises New Delhi's independent foreign policy</a>

"The Seneca community is saddened to hear of the tragic death of Kartik Vasudev, a first-semester Marketing Management student," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Vasudev's family, friends and classmates. Counselling support is being made available to students and employees."

Police said the suspect in the shooting is a Black male standing five-foot-six to five-foot-seven inches tall with a medium build.

He was last seen carrying a handgun walking south on Glen Road toward Howard Street, according to the news channel.&nbsp;

A 21-year old Indian student was killed after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds following a shooting at the entrance of a subway station in Canada's Toronto city while he was on his way to work, according to police here.

A 21-year old Indian student was killed after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds following a shooting at the entrance of a subway station in Canada's Toronto city while he was on his way to work, according to police here. The victim, identified as Kartik Vasudev, was shot on Thursday evening at the Glen Road entrance to Sherbourne TTC station in St James Town. Vasudev received medical attention from an off-duty paramedic and was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the Toronto Police Service said in a statement. Also read | India is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia: MEA The homicide squad of the Toronto Police Service has taken over the investigation. Investigators would like to speak to any witnesses that were in the area at the time, as well as any drivers or businesses that have camera footage, the police said. We are shocked & distressed at the unfortunate killing of Indian student Kartik Vasudev in a shooting incident in Toronto yesterday, the Consulate General of India wrote in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday. We are in touch with the family and will provide all possible assistance in the early repatriation of mortal remains," it said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief at the killing. Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family. https://t.co/guG7xMwEMt — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 8, 2022 × Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family, Jaishankar tweeted. Vasudev's brother told CP24 news channel he was a student at Seneca College and was taking the subway to his job when he was killed. He arrived in Canada in January. Seneca College said Vasudev was enrolled in its marketing management programme. Also read | 'No one can tell India what to do': Pakistan PM Imran Khan praises New Delhi's independent foreign policy "The Seneca community is saddened to hear of the tragic death of Kartik Vasudev, a first-semester Marketing Management student," a spokesperson said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Mr Vasudev's family, friends and classmates. Counselling support is being made available to students and employees." Police said the suspect in the shooting is a Black male standing five-foot-six to five-foot-seven inches tall with a medium build. He was last seen carrying a handgun walking south on Glen Road toward Howard Street, according to the news channel.

Indian student shot dead in Canada, EAM Jaishankar expresses condolences

Even as the UN General Assembly dealt Russia a devastating diplomatic blow by suspending it from the Human Rights Council, India remained neutral in the matter, abstaining from voting.

Russia, however,&nbsp;announced its voluntary withdrawal from the 47-member Council immediately following the vote on Thursday.

"We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence," T.S. Tirumurti, the Permanent Representative, remarked.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-borodyanka-destruction-more-horrific-than-bucha-says-zelensky-469254" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky</a>

He explained that India was abstaining for both substantive and procedural reasons.

Simultaneously, New Delhi, which is also a member of the Council, refused to vote for the suspension despite pressure from the US and the West.

India has abstained for the eighth time on UN actions relating to Ukraine, since January.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-united-nations-to-vote-on-suspending-russia-from-human-rights-council-469018" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: United Nations to vote on suspending Russia from Human Rights Council</a>

"Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We have unequivocally condemned these killings and support the call for an independent investigation", Tirumurti remarked.

He did, however, say about the resolution, "we firmly believe that all decisions should be taken fully respecting due process, as all our democratic polity and structures enjoin us to do. This applies to international organisations as well, particularly the UN."

Several countries abstained, claiming that suspending Russia before an investigation into the atrocities authorised by the Council was complete was premature.

Watch |&nbsp;India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-neutrality-on-test-at-united-nations-general-assembly-469197/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates were among those who abstained.

Libya was the only Member State to be suspended from the Geneva-based Human Rights Council in 2011 when the General Assembly passed an unprecedented resolution expressing deep concern about the human rights situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in the wake of Muammar Al-Qadhafi's violent crackdown on anti-government protestors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as the UN General Assembly dealt Russia a devastating diplomatic blow by suspending it from the Human Rights Council, India remained neutral in the matter, abstaining from voting.

Even as the UN General Assembly dealt Russia a devastating diplomatic blow by suspending it from the Human Rights Council, India remained neutral in the matter, abstaining from voting. Russia, however, announced its voluntary withdrawal from the 47-member Council immediately following the vote on Thursday. "We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence," T.S. Tirumurti, the Permanent Representative, remarked. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky He explained that India was abstaining for both substantive and procedural reasons. Simultaneously, New Delhi, which is also a member of the Council, refused to vote for the suspension despite pressure from the US and the West. India has abstained for the eighth time on UN actions relating to Ukraine, since January. Also read | Ukraine war: United Nations to vote on suspending Russia from Human Rights Council "Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We have unequivocally condemned these killings and support the call for an independent investigation", Tirumurti remarked. He did, however, say about the resolution, "we firmly believe that all decisions should be taken fully respecting due process, as all our democratic polity and structures enjoin us to do. This applies to international organisations as well, particularly the UN." Several countries abstained, claiming that suspending Russia before an investigation into the atrocities authorised by the Council was complete was premature. Watch | India's neutrality on test at United Nations General Assembly Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates were among those who abstained. Libya was the only Member State to be suspended from the Geneva-based Human Rights Council in 2011 when the General Assembly passed an unprecedented resolution expressing deep concern about the human rights situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in the wake of Muammar Al-Qadhafi's violent crackdown on anti-government protestors. (With inputs from agencies)

Why did India abstain from voting against Russia in UNGA?

The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Mrs&nbsp;Dolma Tsering Teykhang has met over 30 Indian Parliamentarians or MPs and Taiwan's ambassador to India in a high-level engagement starting April 4.

The meeting comes days after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was on an India visit. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Mrs. Dolma Tsering said the focus of her visit was to, "appraise them about the critical human rights situation inside Tibet and other thing is culture and religion situation in Tibet is getting extinct in its birthplace" and also "environment situation inside the Tibetan plateau". The top Tibetan official had met MPs from all major national parties of India--BJP, AAP, and Congress with a large number of MPs from India's northeast.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-tibet-move-backfires-342778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The last&nbsp;Tibetan parliament in exile&nbsp;delegation visited Delhi in December. During that visit, the delegation had met Indian MPs riling up the Chinese embassy which had sent a strongly worded letter about the development. New Delhi had then asked the embassy to behave and that such letters are inappropriate. In her meeting with the Taiwan envoy, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile said, "We had a great exchange of views on how best we have the exchange of students, how best we can make the Taiwanese people interact with the Tibetan people so that people to people relation is built and friendship is flourished. "

During the Delhi meeting, she met,&nbsp;Kiren Rijiju who is the convener of northeastern parliamentarians, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh who is also minister of state in the ministry of external affairs.&nbsp;She slammed the recent visit of Chinese FM, explaining, "visit was just kind of a drama to show, you can do business but we can talk about the border later on."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-shadow-as-south-asian-countries-face-political-and-social-upheavals-468981">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals</a>

WION: What brings you here to Delhi?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: We are here because Tibet is in such a critical situation under the occupation of China. So, the Tibetans in the free world, we are the voice for the voiceless. Therefore, we are doing a job for our brothers and sisters in Tibet.

WION: In Delhi, what were the engagements like?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: We come to Delhi when the Indian Parliament is on. The most important mission is to reach out to the new Parliamentarians, who are new faces in the Parliament. To appraise them about the critical human rights situation inside Tibet and another thing is culture and religion situation in Tibet is getting extinct in its birthplace. Also to have a stable and peaceful border between India and China, resumptions of talks between China and representatives of his holiness Dalai Lama. And the environmental situation inside the Tibetan plateau. The world is crying about climate change and unless you fix the roof of the world, there will not be fixing of the environment. The world needs to give a fair share of its importance to the Tibet&nbsp;plateau and we urge the UN framework on climate change to have scientific research to understand what is happening in Tibet plateau impacting global climate change, so that we can have research proof to give the Chinese counterpart so that they are convinced to fix Tibetan plateau environmental crisis.

WION: Who all did you meet during Delhi visit, the parliamentarians, MPs, or foreign delegation?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: On&nbsp;April 4&nbsp;we started our mission and till today, we were able to meet, 35 Indian parliamentarians from the national 4 big parties of BJP, Congress, AAP, National people's party, and from the regional political parties, almost all the north eastern parliamentarians we met, we had talk in detail about the depletion of Brahmaputra river, Dams, and how the lives of people in that part of India is getting impacted because of the wrong policies of China. We met a number of Indian parliamentarians who are very supportive and vocal about human right crisis, environmental destruction happening in Tibetan Plateau. Coming to envoys, we met the Taiwanese, his excellency the Ambassador. We had a great exchange of views on how best we have the exchange of students, how best we can make the Taiwanese people interact with the Tibetan people, so that people-to-people relation is built and friendship is flourished.&nbsp;

WION: Your met MPs from the ruling BJP party as well during your engagement?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Some of the ruling Naresh Bansal, Mitesh Patel, Pradan Baruah, Kiren Rijiju who is the convener of northeastern Parliamentarians at the Parliamentary annex. These are some of the names. From the northeastern side, we had number of BJP MPs like Rameswar Teli, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Bhubaneshwar Kalita, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Horen Sing Bey, Topon Kumar Gogoi, Queen Oja, Rajdeep roy. We had a number of people who were very supportive and very receptive to what we were trying to convey to them. That was a very encouraging interaction with them.

WION: Your visit comes even as Chinese FM had visited. The last time a Tibet delegation had visited Delhi, the Chinese embassy had reacted in a very strong way. How do you see the visit in this context?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: The importance of India at the international political arena is being seen, withing a very short time you have seen a lot of international foreign ministers coming and visiting.&nbsp; Though the Chinese counterpart visit was just kind of a drama to show, you can do business but we can talk about the border later on. When there can be no security and peace at the border area, how can India manage to do business with China. That is a big issue, so I think world has let loose China so freely that they do what they want to do, it's like, we have spoiled China to bully who does anything against their will. Whatever China dictates, sovereign states succumb to it, that is why they dictate all the time. Even the sovereign Parliamentarians are dictated, who they can or cannot meet. But when we talk about human rights violations, it's all about internal matter. You are intruding in the domestic affairs of the Chinese; these are like two&nbsp;different things. We need to make China accountable for what wrong they are doing in Tibet, not only in there, but in Hong Kong, Taiwan.

We all are coming together in one platform where we are going to raise voice against Chinese atrocities, against invasion of Taiwan, its airspace, that is kind of intimidation. They dictate about One China policy, when China dictates one China policy, why can't they say Arunachal is inalienable part of India.&nbsp; We should also put conditions to them . To the far west, where people and government doesn't even know the history of Tibet, they are ready to do peace with China and agree on one China policy. When you don't know the history of Tibet, how can you agree to such a dictate. That is big question and we are questioning their credibility towards human rights, when there was holocaust people told enough is enough but what is happening in Tibet, Xinjiang (Uyghurs), Hong Kong and Taiwan is similar violations of human rights.. People are suffering. Being Tibetan is criminal, being able to talk about conservation of the environment in Tibet, put into jail. China tries to show to the world, we are leader in climate change, but in own home, in Tibet, when conservation is talked about you land up in jail. These are double standard of China. World must look at China with pinch of distrust and doubt, so that you know the reality of China because, China will tell you what they want you to hear, and show what they want you to see but ground reality is different. Its not only Tibet but even the Chinese people are suffering under the communist regime. If China has to open up and change, it will explode from within, where there is oppression there is bound to be revolt and that molten lava will come from within China itself and show people can bring the change.

WION: More such engagements being planned by the Tibetan side?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Of course, we are looking to meet ambassadors where pockets of Tibetans are residing, we want to thank them to taken care of Tibetans, and really helped them to improve the financial conditions, to have modern education for youth and open up Tibet youth to the world to advocate for the cause. Wherever you are, US, Canada, Japan, or Europe--France, Germany, Tibetan people are voice of people in Tibet. Presence of Tibetans everywhere is a force for the Tibet issue, so we are looking forwards, though we are yet to get some of the appointments, we look forward to more such engagements.&nbsp;

WION: Any plans by the Tibetan government in exile to meet the PM?

Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Of course, we dream to meet the Lok Sabha speaker, the environment minister Bhupinder Yadav, because we have passed a resolution on the critical environment situation inside Tibet. Since the environment is nonpolitical, it will be looked at from that perspective. Of course, we dream to meet Narendra Modi because at this point of time, he was so busy with foreign dignitaries, we dare not approach and put up a request for an appointment but in the future, we dream to meet PM and have the narrative of Tibet change. Tibet was a sovereign state for 200 years, India and British Raj were the witnesses to it. It was illegally occupied, so to have the narrative changed, India needs to change Tibet policy, we need to change to an occupied nation. On the basis of this, we are asking for genuine autonomy, we are ready to stay with our Chinese counterpart provided they give us meaningful autonomy to keep our identity and cultural heritage intact in our own land.

The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Mrs Dolma Tsering Teykhang has met over 30 Indian Parliamentarians or MPs and Taiwan's ambassador to India in a high-level engagement starting April 4.

The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Mrs Dolma Tsering Teykhang has met over 30 Indian Parliamentarians or MPs and Taiwan's ambassador to India in a high-level engagement starting April 4. The meeting comes days after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was on an India visit. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mrs. Dolma Tsering said the focus of her visit was to, "appraise them about the critical human rights situation inside Tibet and other thing is culture and religion situation in Tibet is getting extinct in its birthplace" and also "environment situation inside the Tibetan plateau". The top Tibetan official had met MPs from all major national parties of India--BJP, AAP, and Congress with a large number of MPs from India's northeast. The last Tibetan parliament in exile delegation visited Delhi in December. During that visit, the delegation had met Indian MPs riling up the Chinese embassy which had sent a strongly worded letter about the development. New Delhi had then asked the embassy to behave and that such letters are inappropriate. In her meeting with the Taiwan envoy, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile said, "We had a great exchange of views on how best we have the exchange of students, how best we can make the Taiwanese people interact with the Tibetan people so that people to people relation is built and friendship is flourished. " During the Delhi meeting, she met, Kiren Rijiju who is the convener of northeastern parliamentarians, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh who is also minister of state in the ministry of external affairs. She slammed the recent visit of Chinese FM, explaining, "visit was just kind of a drama to show, you can do business but we can talk about the border later on." Also read | Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals WION: What brings you here to Delhi? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: We are here because Tibet is in such a critical situation under the occupation of China. So, the Tibetans in the free world, we are the voice for the voiceless. Therefore, we are doing a job for our brothers and sisters in Tibet. WION: In Delhi, what were the engagements like? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: We come to Delhi when the Indian Parliament is on. The most important mission is to reach out to the new Parliamentarians, who are new faces in the Parliament. To appraise them about the critical human rights situation inside Tibet and another thing is culture and religion situation in Tibet is getting extinct in its birthplace. Also to have a stable and peaceful border between India and China, resumptions of talks between China and representatives of his holiness Dalai Lama. And the environmental situation inside the Tibetan plateau. The world is crying about climate change and unless you fix the roof of the world, there will not be fixing of the environment. The world needs to give a fair share of its importance to the Tibet plateau and we urge the UN framework on climate change to have scientific research to understand what is happening in Tibet plateau impacting global climate change, so that we can have research proof to give the Chinese counterpart so that they are convinced to fix Tibetan plateau environmental crisis. WION: Who all did you meet during Delhi visit, the parliamentarians, MPs, or foreign delegation? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: On April 4 we started our mission and till today, we were able to meet, 35 Indian parliamentarians from the national 4 big parties of BJP, Congress, AAP, National people's party, and from the regional political parties, almost all the north eastern parliamentarians we met, we had talk in detail about the depletion of Brahmaputra river, Dams, and how the lives of people in that part of India is getting impacted because of the wrong policies of China. We met a number of Indian parliamentarians who are very supportive and vocal about human right crisis, environmental destruction happening in Tibetan Plateau. Coming to envoys, we met the Taiwanese, his excellency the Ambassador. We had a great exchange of views on how best we have the exchange of students, how best we can make the Taiwanese people interact with the Tibetan people, so that people-to-people relation is built and friendship is flourished. WION: Your met MPs from the ruling BJP party as well during your engagement? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Some of the ruling Naresh Bansal, Mitesh Patel, Pradan Baruah, Kiren Rijiju who is the convener of northeastern Parliamentarians at the Parliamentary annex. These are some of the names. From the northeastern side, we had number of BJP MPs like Rameswar Teli, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Bhubaneshwar Kalita, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Horen Sing Bey, Topon Kumar Gogoi, Queen Oja, Rajdeep roy. We had a number of people who were very supportive and very receptive to what we were trying to convey to them. That was a very encouraging interaction with them. WION: Your visit comes even as Chinese FM had visited. The last time a Tibet delegation had visited Delhi, the Chinese embassy had reacted in a very strong way. How do you see the visit in this context? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: The importance of India at the international political arena is being seen, withing a very short time you have seen a lot of international foreign ministers coming and visiting. Though the Chinese counterpart visit was just kind of a drama to show, you can do business but we can talk about the border later on. When there can be no security and peace at the border area, how can India manage to do business with China. That is a big issue, so I think world has let loose China so freely that they do what they want to do, it's like, we have spoiled China to bully who does anything against their will. Whatever China dictates, sovereign states succumb to it, that is why they dictate all the time. Even the sovereign Parliamentarians are dictated, who they can or cannot meet. But when we talk about human rights violations, it's all about internal matter. You are intruding in the domestic affairs of the Chinese; these are like two different things. We need to make China accountable for what wrong they are doing in Tibet, not only in there, but in Hong Kong, Taiwan. We all are coming together in one platform where we are going to raise voice against Chinese atrocities, against invasion of Taiwan, its airspace, that is kind of intimidation. They dictate about One China policy, when China dictates one China policy, why can't they say Arunachal is inalienable part of India. We should also put conditions to them . To the far west, where people and government doesn't even know the history of Tibet, they are ready to do peace with China and agree on one China policy. When you don't know the history of Tibet, how can you agree to such a dictate. That is big question and we are questioning their credibility towards human rights, when there was holocaust people told enough is enough but what is happening in Tibet, Xinjiang (Uyghurs), Hong Kong and Taiwan is similar violations of human rights.. People are suffering. Being Tibetan is criminal, being able to talk about conservation of the environment in Tibet, put into jail. China tries to show to the world, we are leader in climate change, but in own home, in Tibet, when conservation is talked about you land up in jail. These are double standard of China. World must look at China with pinch of distrust and doubt, so that you know the reality of China because, China will tell you what they want you to hear, and show what they want you to see but ground reality is different. Its not only Tibet but even the Chinese people are suffering under the communist regime. If China has to open up and change, it will explode from within, where there is oppression there is bound to be revolt and that molten lava will come from within China itself and show people can bring the change. WION: More such engagements being planned by the Tibetan side? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Of course, we are looking to meet ambassadors where pockets of Tibetans are residing, we want to thank them to taken care of Tibetans, and really helped them to improve the financial conditions, to have modern education for youth and open up Tibet youth to the world to advocate for the cause. Wherever you are, US, Canada, Japan, or Europe--France, Germany, Tibetan people are voice of people in Tibet. Presence of Tibetans everywhere is a force for the Tibet issue, so we are looking forwards, though we are yet to get some of the appointments, we look forward to more such engagements. WION: Any plans by the Tibetan government in exile to meet the PM? Dolma Tsering Teykhang: Of course, we dream to meet the Lok Sabha speaker, the environment minister Bhupinder Yadav, because we have passed a resolution on the critical environment situation inside Tibet. Since the environment is nonpolitical, it will be looked at from that perspective. Of course, we dream to meet Narendra Modi because at this point of time, he was so busy with foreign dignitaries, we dare not approach and put up a request for an appointment but in the future, we dream to meet PM and have the narrative of Tibet change. Tibet was a sovereign state for 200 years, India and British Raj were the witnesses to it. It was illegally occupied, so to have the narrative changed, India needs to change Tibet policy, we need to change to an occupied nation. On the basis of this, we are asking for genuine autonomy, we are ready to stay with our Chinese counterpart provided they give us meaningful autonomy to keep our identity and cultural heritage intact in our own land.

Exclusive: Days after Chinese FM visit, top Tibetan official meets Indian MPs, Taiwan envoy in Delhi

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news