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The Dutch National Security Advisor (NSA) Geoffrey Van Leeuwen on Thursday held talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval during in which the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan dominated.

It&nbsp;was the first such visit by the Dutch NSA to Delhi and comes even as the Indian capital has seen a slew of visits, including by the foreign ministers from&nbsp;UK, Russia, Mexico, German NSA and Deputy American NSA in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Security and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands&nbsp;Geoffrey&nbsp;said, "As national security advisor’s to our respective PMs our main objective was to exchange views on the current security challenges we are facing. We discussed the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and we discussed how we can strengthen our cooperation in the Asia Pacific."

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between India and the Netherlands. In April, the Indian president will pay a state visit to the Netherlands to celebrate the establishment of ties.&nbsp;

NSA Geoffrey highlighted that, "we touched upon several bilateral issues. The visit must be seen in the intensification of our bilateral relationship over the last couple of years. The massive trade and investment relationship, the many visits of our PMs, a state visit by our King and Queen, and next week's state visit by the President of India are all testimony to how close we have become. My visit today fits within that picture."

PM Modi had visited the Netherlands in 2017.&nbsp;During the visit, the PM called on the King and Queen of the Netherlands and held bilateral discussions with PM Mark Rutte and other members of his Cabinet. It&nbsp;was followed by the&nbsp;visit of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to India in May, 2018. He led the largest ever Dutch trade mission to India which comprised over 130 companies/institutions and nearly 200 trade representatives.

The Dutch National Security Advisor (NSA) Geoffrey Van Leeuwen on Thursday held talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval during in which the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan dominated.

The Dutch National Security Advisor (NSA) Geoffrey Van Leeuwen on Thursday held talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval during in which the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan dominated. It was the first such visit by the Dutch NSA to Delhi and comes even as the Indian capital has seen a slew of visits, including by the foreign ministers from UK, Russia, Mexico, German NSA and Deputy American NSA in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to WION, Security and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Geoffrey said, "As national security advisor’s to our respective PMs our main objective was to exchange views on the current security challenges we are facing. We discussed the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and we discussed how we can strengthen our cooperation in the Asia Pacific." This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between India and the Netherlands. In April, the Indian president will pay a state visit to the Netherlands to celebrate the establishment of ties. NSA Geoffrey highlighted that, "we touched upon several bilateral issues. The visit must be seen in the intensification of our bilateral relationship over the last couple of years. The massive trade and investment relationship, the many visits of our PMs, a state visit by our King and Queen, and next week's state visit by the President of India are all testimony to how close we have become. My visit today fits within that picture." PM Modi had visited the Netherlands in 2017. During the visit, the PM called on the King and Queen of the Netherlands and held bilateral discussions with PM Mark Rutte and other members of his Cabinet. It was followed by the visit of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to India in May, 2018. He led the largest ever Dutch trade mission to India which comprised over 130 companies/institutions and nearly 200 trade representatives.

Discussed Ukraine, Afghanistan with NSA Doval: Dutch NSA Geoffrey Van Leeuwen

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”.

Jaishankar was speaking at the first India-UK Strategic Futures Forum (IUSFF), which also saw the attendance of UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Truss is on a two-day visit to India for a “wider diplomatic push” following Russia’s illegal invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine.

The event was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs’ think tank, Indian Council for World Affairs.

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Without mentioning names, EAM Jaishankar says "It's like a campaign on this issue.." over India Importing Oil from Russia. Points to Europe importing energy from Russia <a href="https://t.co/2S6y23xRfH">pic.twitter.com/2S6y23xRfH</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1509565139619807232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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During the event, the minister pointed out that European countries remained the biggest buyers of oil and gas from Russia despite the sanctions.

He added that India’s own energy purchases were mostly from the Middle East and from the US.

“I was reading a report&nbsp;that in the month of March&nbsp;Europe has bought 15 per cent more oil and gas from Russia than it did the month before. If you look at the major buyers of oil and gas from Russia, you will find most of them in Europe,” Jaishankar said.

“We get the bulk of our energy supplies from the Middle East, 7.5 – 8 per cent from the US and it was less than a per cent from Russia earlier,” he added.

Defending India’s position, Jaishankar said, “When oil prices go up it is natural for countries to go out into the market and look for what are the good deals for their people. I am pretty sure if we wait two or three months, and actually look at who are the big buyers of Russian gas and oil, I suspect the list will not be very different from what it used to be, and I suspect we won’t be on the top 10 on that list.”&nbsp;

When Truss was asked about UK’s reaction on India purchasing discounted Russian oil, she said, “India is a sovereign nation; I am not going to tell India what to do… I feel very strongly on support for Ukraine, but that is not the same as going around and telling other countries what to do.”

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”. Jaishankar was speaking at the first India-UK Strategic Futures Forum (IUSFF), which also saw the attendance of UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”. Jaishankar was speaking at the first India-UK Strategic Futures Forum (IUSFF), which also saw the attendance of UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Truss is on a two-day visit to India for a “wider diplomatic push” following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The event was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs’ think tank, Indian Council for World Affairs. Without mentioning names, EAM Jaishankar says "It's like a campaign on this issue.." over India Importing Oil from Russia. Points to Europe importing energy from Russia pic.twitter.com/2S6y23xRfH — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 31, 2022 × During the event, the minister pointed out that European countries remained the biggest buyers of oil and gas from Russia despite the sanctions. He added that India’s own energy purchases were mostly from the Middle East and from the US. “I was reading a report that in the month of March Europe has bought 15 per cent more oil and gas from Russia than it did the month before. If you look at the major buyers of oil and gas from Russia, you will find most of them in Europe,” Jaishankar said. “We get the bulk of our energy supplies from the Middle East, 7.5 – 8 per cent from the US and it was less than a per cent from Russia earlier,” he added. Defending India’s position, Jaishankar said, “When oil prices go up it is natural for countries to go out into the market and look for what are the good deals for their people. I am pretty sure if we wait two or three months, and actually look at who are the big buyers of Russian gas and oil, I suspect the list will not be very different from what it used to be, and I suspect we won’t be on the top 10 on that list.” When Truss was asked about UK’s reaction on India purchasing discounted Russian oil, she said, “India is a sovereign nation; I am not going to tell India what to do… I feel very strongly on support for Ukraine, but that is not the same as going around and telling other countries what to do.”

Foreign minister Jaishankar hits out at 'campaign' against India for buying Russian oil

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year.

Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory.

"All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted.

Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus.

Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19.

The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters.

The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts.

Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources.

The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places.

Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death.&nbsp;The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month.

For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country.

On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates. On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year. Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory. "All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted. Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19. The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters. The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts. Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources. The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places. Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi. On Thursday, Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death. The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month. For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country. On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Signalling normalcy: Some Indian states lift all Covid restrictions, drop mask mandate rule

Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubónan, who is on India visit, has termed the country an "important partner" in trade and space. This is the first visit of Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón to India in his capacity as foreign minister, during which he will also visit Mumbai with a big delegation.

Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubónan, who is on India visit, has termed the country an "important partner" in trade and space. This is the first visit of Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón to India in his capacity as foreign minister, during which he will also visit Mumbai with a big delegation. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, FM Ebrard said, "We have the opportunity for cooperation with India, with production and (scientific) investigation" when it comes to joint production of Covid vaccines. The visit of the foreign minister of Mexico follows EAM Jaishankar's visit to Mexico City in September last year. Currently, Mexico is India’s second-largest trade partner in Latin America and is a non-permanent member of the UNSC alongside India for the period 2021-22. On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the minister said, "We condemn the invasion, it's an invasion, we are proposing a political solution, to look for a political solution and not to corner each other." Sidhant Sibal: What is your key focus during India visit? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We have a huge opportunity in order to increase our relationship with pharmaceuticals, medicines, learnt from the lessons of the pandemic we collaborate both countries successfully. To expand in this positive experience in this field, also in other fields. Already India is the 9th largest trading partner of Mexico in the world. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Mexico amid Covid crisis and joint production of vaccines? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We are working and we want to have cooperation and plan production in Mexico, investigation, scientific one between both countries. In Latin America, we are advancing regulatory unification right now because of the lessons of the pandemic. We have different regulations, we waste time and spend time in other to fulfil things, so right now we are unifying the regulatory atmosphere, and we have the opportunity for cooperation with India, with production and investigation. Sidhant Sibal: Science and innovation have been a priority for the relationship. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: It's the main drive right now. Sidhant Sibal: We both are non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, what kind of consultations both are having? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We are very close on political issues, similar positions in favour of multilateralism, in favour of peaceful solutions to the conflicts. So every day we are in consultations and have common initiatives. Sidhant Sibal: Space is another area of cooperation, what can you tell about this? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We organize in Latin America last year, the Latin America and Caribbean agency for space which right now has the support of 20 countries. This is a new chapter for Latin America and the Caribbean in space. We cannot do alone, each one, but we have 20 countries, same network and budget, you can image the budget and power. So India can be very important for us in this regard because we are in a very similar plans and programs, why not, why not to have direct connection and share some objectives in the future for space. We are going to start in this way. Sidhant Sibal: So sir, do you plan to use Mexico's low-cost space technology to launch Mexican satellites? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: Can be, as part of the program. Sidhant Sibal: What are your views about the Indo pacific vision? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: Mexico has the presidency of the Pacific alliance, which is an alliance between Chile, Peru, Mexico and Colombia. In near future Ecuador. Recently Singapore joined the group, so the pacific approach and the Indo Pacific approach, you have common ground to work together with India. We want peaceful solution of the conflict; we want to protect the trade and investment and communication between our countries. Mexico is a player in the pacific too.\ Sidhant Sibal: Trade has been the show stopper, and it has grown despite the pandemic. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: It's growing, as I mentioned to you, India is right now 9th partner of Mexico in all over the world. It will be 8th, then 7th, and in case of Mexico - India we are climbing and on the right pattern for the future. Sidhant Sibal: And you're going to Mumbai, you have a business delegation, if you can talk about that? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We have a representative delegation to Mumbai, because it's not only political statement but matter of collaboration agreement and that is why we are visiting Mumbai. Sidhant Sibal: Mexico recently led a resolution on humanitarian situation in Ukraine, what is your country's position as to what has happened in Ukraine? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We condemn the invasion, its an invasion, we are proposing a political solution, to look for political solution and not to corner each other, not to escalate the conflict, it doesn't make sense to do this. We need to provide some political space in other to have solution in short term. Not to allow the situation to be a new cold war. Sidhant Sibal: There have been talks in Turkey between the 2 sides, termed as very positive? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: We are very excited about this and we want to support any political solution that is in the horizon. That is why see this with a positive approach. Sidhant Sibal: And are you going to talk about this with EAM Dr Jaishankar? Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: Absolutely, he is a brillant man and a good friend and will talks about this issue. Sidhant Sibal: And perhaps more high-level visits... Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón: Certainly, very soon, we are very close right now, and we are going to be even more in the next months. We are very positive about this relationship. ×

India is an important partner in trade, space says Mexico Foreign Minister Ebrard

A special court on Thursday granted 60 days extension to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to file a chargesheet in the drugs case involving Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan

The probe agency had on Monday filed an application before special judge V V Patil, seeking a 90-day extension to file a charge sheet in the case since the investigation in the high-profile case was still on.

However, the judge, after hearing arguments of both the prosecution and defence lawyers, gave the probe agency another 60 days to file a chargesheet in the case.

The NCB, through a special public prosecutor, had argued that there were "compelling reasons" to seek the extension. 
Aryan Khan was named an accused in the case along with 19 others by the NCB last year.

The 24-year-old was arrested by the NCB on October 3 last year, following a raid on a cruise ship off the coast of Mumbai. The accused persons were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for alleged possession, consumption, sale/purchase of banned drugs, conspiracy and abetment, among others.

The probe agency has claimed that the chemical examination reports of all the 17 samples were received on March 12, which proved that the entire contraband recovered during the raid was narcotics/psychotropic drugs.

The central probe agency stated that some of the accused are highly influential persons and have incriminating chats with foreign nationals, who are also located outside India. Examination of such chats is in progress as foreign nationals are involved, it said.

Due to the severe COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country from November 2021 to February 2022, the response has been delayed from the foreign agencies, the plea said.

Seeking time to file a chargesheet, the NCB in its plea claimed that the investigation was almost complete with respect to six accused as their role is intertwined and interconnected.

The examination and recording of voluntary statements of K P Gosavi, the main panch witness, during the two recoveries made on October 2, 2021, is not complete as he is under judicial custody in other cases, it said.

Further, the NCB said that the second panch witness - Prabhakar Sail - has turned hostile and his purported affidavit in this regard is still pending before the court. Thus in such a situation, examining Gosavi becomes necessary and pivotal to unearth the true and correct facts of this case.

Of the 20 arrested accused in the case, only two - Abdul Kadar and Chinedu Igwe - are currently in judicial custody and the rest are out on bail.

Opposing the probe agency's plea, Kadar's lawyer Kushal Mor submitted that the probe agency has filed the application only to keep him behind the bars.&nbsp;Further, he argued that there is no "justifiable reason" to seek the extension.

Appearing for Igwe, advocate Ayaz Khan submitted that they were "handicapped" because of non-supply of report submitted to the court by the prosecution.

"My right to express is affected," he added.

As per the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the drug law enforcement agency was supposed to file the chargesheet in the October 2021 case within 180 days of the arrest of the accused. If the chargesheet is not filed within the stipulated period then the accused can seek default bail as per the provisions of CrPC.

In case a prosecuting agency requires further time, the CrPC allows it to seek a maximum extension of another 90 days to file such a document.&nbsp;

A special court on Thursday granted 60 days extension to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to file a chargesheet in the drugs case involving Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan The probe agency had on Monday filed an application before special judge V V Patil, seeking a 90-day extension to file a charge sheet in the case since the investigation in the high-profile case was still on.

A special court on Thursday granted 60 days extension to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to file a chargesheet in the drugs case involving Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan The probe agency had on Monday filed an application before special judge V V Patil, seeking a 90-day extension to file a charge sheet in the case since the investigation in the high-profile case was still on. However, the judge, after hearing arguments of both the prosecution and defence lawyers, gave the probe agency another 60 days to file a chargesheet in the case. The NCB, through a special public prosecutor, had argued that there were "compelling reasons" to seek the extension. Aryan Khan was named an accused in the case along with 19 others by the NCB last year. The 24-year-old was arrested by the NCB on October 3 last year, following a raid on a cruise ship off the coast of Mumbai. The accused persons were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for alleged possession, consumption, sale/purchase of banned drugs, conspiracy and abetment, among others. The probe agency has claimed that the chemical examination reports of all the 17 samples were received on March 12, which proved that the entire contraband recovered during the raid was narcotics/psychotropic drugs. The central probe agency stated that some of the accused are highly influential persons and have incriminating chats with foreign nationals, who are also located outside India. Examination of such chats is in progress as foreign nationals are involved, it said. Due to the severe COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country from November 2021 to February 2022, the response has been delayed from the foreign agencies, the plea said. Seeking time to file a chargesheet, the NCB in its plea claimed that the investigation was almost complete with respect to six accused as their role is intertwined and interconnected. The examination and recording of voluntary statements of K P Gosavi, the main panch witness, during the two recoveries made on October 2, 2021, is not complete as he is under judicial custody in other cases, it said. Further, the NCB said that the second panch witness - Prabhakar Sail - has turned hostile and his purported affidavit in this regard is still pending before the court. Thus in such a situation, examining Gosavi becomes necessary and pivotal to unearth the true and correct facts of this case. Of the 20 arrested accused in the case, only two - Abdul Kadar and Chinedu Igwe - are currently in judicial custody and the rest are out on bail. Opposing the probe agency's plea, Kadar's lawyer Kushal Mor submitted that the probe agency has filed the application only to keep him behind the bars. Further, he argued that there is no "justifiable reason" to seek the extension. Appearing for Igwe, advocate Ayaz Khan submitted that they were "handicapped" because of non-supply of report submitted to the court by the prosecution. "My right to express is affected," he added. As per the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the drug law enforcement agency was supposed to file the chargesheet in the October 2021 case within 180 days of the arrest of the accused. If the chargesheet is not filed within the stipulated period then the accused can seek default bail as per the provisions of CrPC. In case a prosecuting agency requires further time, the CrPC allows it to seek a maximum extension of another 90 days to file such a document.

Narcotics Bureau gets 60 more days to file chargesheet in Aryan Khan drugs case

Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón who is on India visit has termed the country "important partner" in the trade and space. This is the first visit of Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón to India in his capacity as Foreign Minister, during which he will also visit Mumbai with a big delegation. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, FM Ebrard said,"we have the opportunity for cooperation with India, with production and (scientific) investigation" when it comes to joint production of covid vaccines.

India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard

Russian foreign minister Sergei&nbsp;Lavrov arrived in India's capital New Delhi on Thursday evening.

The Russian foreign minister will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on April 1.

Lavrov arrived in India amid the war in Ukraine. Before arriving in India, Lavrov had held discussions with the Chinese minister of foreign affairs Wang Yi in Tunxi, China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-reinforce-offensive-in-donbas-maintains-pressure-on-kyiv-nato-467184">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas, says NATO</a>

The Chinese foreign minister was in the Indian capital last week to discuss the regional situation and bilateral relations. Wang had met India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval as de-escalation talks in eastern Ladakh took centre stage during talks.

Lavrov's meeting is the first high-level visit of a Russian official since the war began on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited India in December last year as he held summit talks with PM Narendra Modi.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;UK aims to rally India to support West against Kremlin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-uk-aims-to-rally-india-to-support-west-against-kremlin-467213/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss visited met Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on Thursday. "Of course, it's a vital time for global security in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion in Ukraine," Truss said.

"It's essential to respect the principle sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law and it's very important for the United Kingdom that we are improving our economic, our security and defence relationships," Truss said in New Delhi.

The visit by the UK foreign secretary comes amid "wider diplomatic push" with the Ukraine war in focus. US Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh had arrived in India on Wednesday.

The British High Commission in India said Truss wants to "counter" Russia's aggression and reduce global strategic dependence on the country ahead of the key NATO and G7 meetings next week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in India's capital New Delhi on Thursday evening. The Russian foreign minister will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in India's capital New Delhi on Thursday evening. The Russian foreign minister will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on April 1. Lavrov arrived in India amid the war in Ukraine. Before arriving in India, Lavrov had held discussions with the Chinese minister of foreign affairs Wang Yi in Tunxi, China. Also Read: Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas, says NATO The Chinese foreign minister was in the Indian capital last week to discuss the regional situation and bilateral relations. Wang had met India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval as de-escalation talks in eastern Ladakh took centre stage during talks. Lavrov's meeting is the first high-level visit of a Russian official since the war began on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited India in December last year as he held summit talks with PM Narendra Modi. Watch: UK aims to rally India to support West against Kremlin Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss visited met Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on Thursday. "Of course, it's a vital time for global security in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion in Ukraine," Truss said. "It's essential to respect the principle sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law and it's very important for the United Kingdom that we are improving our economic, our security and defence relationships," Truss said in New Delhi. The visit by the UK foreign secretary comes amid "wider diplomatic push" with the Ukraine war in focus. US Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh had arrived in India on Wednesday. The British High Commission in India said Truss wants to "counter" Russia's aggression and reduce global strategic dependence on the country ahead of the key NATO and G7 meetings next week. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian foreign minister Lavrov arrives in India

India's&nbsp;electricity&nbsp;shortage&nbsp;from&nbsp;March&nbsp;1 to&nbsp;March&nbsp;30 was its&nbsp;worst&nbsp;since&nbsp;October, a Reuters analysis of government data shows.

A surge in power demand in&nbsp;March&nbsp;has forced India to cut&nbsp;coal&nbsp;supplies to the non-power sector and put on hold plans for some fuel auctions for utilities without supply deals due to a slump in inventories.

Many northern states suffered hours-long power outages in&nbsp;October, when a crippling&nbsp;coal&nbsp;shortage&nbsp;caused the worst electricity deficit in nearly five years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-sets-an-example-of-brotherhood-sharda-peeth-base-temple-near-loc-467194">Kashmir sets an example of brotherhood, Sharda Peeth base temple near LoC</a>

Shortages in the eastern state of Jharkhand and Uttarakhand in the north surpassed those of&nbsp;October, the latest data showed.

The western state of Gujarat, one of the country's most industrialized, has ordered a staggered shutdown of "non-continuous process" industries in key cities next week, according to a government note reviewed by Reuters.

A Gujarat energy department official said the move was due to power&nbsp;shortages and to facilitate continuous power supply to farmers, adding a similar strategy was last used in 2010. He declined to comment on how long the staggered shutdown will be in place.

The official declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The southern state of Andhra Pradesh and the tourist resort state of Goa, which registered marginal&nbsp;shortages in&nbsp;October, suffered deficits several times larger in&nbsp;March.

The deficit in&nbsp;March&nbsp;was 574 million kilowatt-hours, a measure that multiplies power level by duration, a Reuters analysis of data from federal grid regulator POSOCO showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467045">India is an important partner in trade, space says Mexico Foreign Minister Ebrard</a>

That amounted to 0.5 per cent&nbsp;of overall demand for the period, or half the deficit of 1per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;October.

The northern states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab and the eastern state of Bihar, some parts of which suffered widespread outages in&nbsp;October, accounted for most of the deficit in&nbsp;March, but shortfalls were lower, the data showed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: NYT misleads readers on Indian strike

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nyt-misleads-readers-on-indian-strike-466787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's electricity shortage from March 1 to March 30 was its worst since October, a Reuters analysis of government data shows. A surge in power demand in March has forced India to cut coal supplies to the non-power sector and put on hold plans for some fuel auctions for utilities without supply deals due to a slump in inventories.

India's electricity shortage from March 1 to March 30 was its worst since October, a Reuters analysis of government data shows. A surge in power demand in March has forced India to cut coal supplies to the non-power sector and put on hold plans for some fuel auctions for utilities without supply deals due to a slump in inventories. Many northern states suffered hours-long power outages in October, when a crippling coal shortage caused the worst electricity deficit in nearly five years. Also read | Kashmir sets an example of brotherhood, Sharda Peeth base temple near LoC Shortages in the eastern state of Jharkhand and Uttarakhand in the north surpassed those of October, the latest data showed. The western state of Gujarat, one of the country's most industrialized, has ordered a staggered shutdown of "non-continuous process" industries in key cities next week, according to a government note reviewed by Reuters. A Gujarat energy department official said the move was due to power shortages and to facilitate continuous power supply to farmers, adding a similar strategy was last used in 2010. He declined to comment on how long the staggered shutdown will be in place. The official declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media. The southern state of Andhra Pradesh and the tourist resort state of Goa, which registered marginal shortages in October, suffered deficits several times larger in March. The deficit in March was 574 million kilowatt-hours, a measure that multiplies power level by duration, a Reuters analysis of data from federal grid regulator POSOCO showed. Also read | India is an important partner in trade, space says Mexico Foreign Minister Ebrard That amounted to 0.5 per cent of overall demand for the period, or half the deficit of 1per cent in October. The northern states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab and the eastern state of Bihar, some parts of which suffered widespread outages in October, accounted for most of the deficit in March, but shortfalls were lower, the data showed. Watch | Gravitas: NYT misleads readers on Indian strike

India's March electricity shortage worst since coal crisis in October

A passenger flying on India's IndiGo airline said that he hacked the airline's website after he lost his baggage. Nandan Kumar, the passenger, took to Twitter and described the sequence of events tagging IndiGo.

"Hey IndiGo, want to hear a story? And at the end of it I will tell you hole (technical vulnerability )in your system?", read Kumar's first tweet posted on March 28

In his tweet thread, Kumar has mentioned that he took an IndiGo flight from Patna to Bengaluru on March 27. His bag got exchanged with that of a fellow passenger as both of them were nearly identical.

"After multiple calls and navigating through @IndiGo6E IVR and of course a lot of wait I was able to connect to one of your customer care agents and they tried to connect me with the co-passenger. But all in vain. 4/n" reads one of his tweets in the thread.

Kumar says that he requested the airline to provide contact details of the other passenger. The customer care agent declined this request citing privacy and data protection rules. However, the agent said that the airline will get back to Kumar once the other passenger was contacted.

Kumar says as he didn't get a response even the next day, he decided to check the developer console on IndiGo website by pressing F12.

"So now, after all the failed attempts, my dev instinct kicked in and I pressed the F12 button on my computer keyboard and opened the developer console on the @IndiGo6E website and started the whole checkin flow with network log record on," he says.

Nandan Kumar said in subsequent tweets that he got his co-passenger's number and they met to return each other the correct baggage.

Here's the complete Twitter thread.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiGo6E</a> , 
Want to hear a story? And at the end of it I will tell you hole (technical vulnerability )in your system? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dev?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bug?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bug</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bugbounty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bugbounty</a> 😝😝 1/n
— Nandan kumar (@_sirius93_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_sirius93_/status/1508423479594733568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

IndiGo has denied that its website was hacked. The airline has posted a statement at the end of Nandan Kumar's thread.

"The airline said in its statement that its "IT processes are completely robust and, at no point was the IndiGo website compromised"

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<a href="https://t.co/GnnGKypGGJ">pic.twitter.com/GnnGKypGGJ</a>
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1508748146717130758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A passenger flying on India's IndiGo airline said that he hacked the airline's website after he lost his baggage. Nandan Kumar, the passenger, took to Twitter and described the sequence of events tagging IndiGo.

A passenger flying on India's IndiGo airline said that he hacked the airline's website after he lost his baggage. Nandan Kumar, the passenger, took to Twitter and described the sequence of events tagging IndiGo. "Hey IndiGo, want to hear a story? And at the end of it I will tell you hole (technical vulnerability )in your system?", read Kumar's first tweet posted on March 28 In his tweet thread, Kumar has mentioned that he took an IndiGo flight from Patna to Bengaluru on March 27. His bag got exchanged with that of a fellow passenger as both of them were nearly identical. "After multiple calls and navigating through @IndiGo6E IVR and of course a lot of wait I was able to connect to one of your customer care agents and they tried to connect me with the co-passenger. But all in vain. 4/n" reads one of his tweets in the thread. Kumar says that he requested the airline to provide contact details of the other passenger. The customer care agent declined this request citing privacy and data protection rules. However, the agent said that the airline will get back to Kumar once the other passenger was contacted. Kumar says as he didn't get a response even the next day, he decided to check the developer console on IndiGo website by pressing F12. "So now, after all the failed attempts, my dev instinct kicked in and I pressed the F12 button on my computer keyboard and opened the developer console on the @IndiGo6E website and started the whole checkin flow with network log record on," he says. Nandan Kumar said in subsequent tweets that he got his co-passenger's number and they met to return each other the correct baggage. Here's the complete Twitter thread. Hey @IndiGo6E , Want to hear a story? And at the end of it I will tell you hole (technical vulnerability )in your system? #dev #bug #bugbounty 😝😝 1/n — Nandan kumar (@_sirius93_) March 28, 2022 × IndiGo has denied that its website was hacked. The airline has posted a statement at the end of Nandan Kumar's thread. "The airline said in its statement that its "IT processes are completely robust and, at no point was the IndiGo website compromised" pic.twitter.com/GnnGKypGGJ — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 29, 2022 ×

IndiGo website 'hacked' by passenger after losing baggage

Kashmir Valley has always set exemplary examples of brotherhood between the communities.

After 75 years of taking care of the property belonging to the Hindu community, Muslims returned the land for the construction of Mata Sharda temple in Teetwal belt close to the Line of Control(LoC).&nbsp;

The temple is located in north Kashmir's Kupwara district and will be built to revive the centuries-old pilgrimage&nbsp;to Sharda Peeth in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK). The plan for the temple has been approved by the Sringeri south matth. The temple would be made with artwork granite stones and is being carved in Karnataka.&nbsp;

''Mata Sharda is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The importance of Sharda Peeth is well known to everyone. It used to be the oldest university much older than Nalanda and Taxila. And the oldest civilization. None of the Hindus have been allowed to go to Sharda Peeth and now we have been trying our best, my committee called Save Sharda Committee (SSC) to get it revived and re-open it,"&nbsp;Ravindra Pandita, head of Save Sharda Committee, said.

<img alt="Sharda Peeth " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61d455b9-f953-4428-982b-19ca64dd2ce7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pee1.jpg" />

"We have a lot of researchers from PoK and here as well working on it. It's a shared heritage, the traditional routes are from places like Keran. Teetwal is the official route for the Sharda pilgrimage. We are constructing a base temple. We are quite hopeful that the LoC permit&nbsp;which exists between two countries, is revived so that we can travel and take the pilgrimage. The Jammu and Kashmir Hindus should be allowed to take this pilgrimage,'' Ravindra Pandita added.

The Hindu community in Kashmir wants the pilgrimage&nbsp;to open on the same pattern as Kartarpur. They want the PoK&nbsp;government to allow them to take this pilgrimage. It is the most important temple for the Kashmiri Pandit community.&nbsp;

''This is basically a base camp for the Sharda temple. The yatra would start from here. The pilgrimage would be taken to PoK. It's the most important temple for Kashmiri Pandits. It's what Mecca is to Muslims; Sharda is for Kashmiri Pandits. This base camp had a Gurudwara before 1947. The people called us and said this is the land that belongs to the temple and welcomed us with open arms. We have started the work,'' said Surinder Mirza a&nbsp;Kashmiri Pandit.&nbsp;

The Muslims handed over the land to the temple committee&nbsp;recently. And have also appealed to both India and Pakistan governments to make open the pilgrimage again&nbsp;so that the Kashmiri Pandit community can visit the temple in PoK.

''It was our duty, our ancestors have always told us that this land belonged to the temple, and they had told us whenever they come and want this land back, we should return it.&nbsp; We are hopeful that routes will be open. We want the old times to return,'' said a local Zameer Ahmad. &nbsp;

The temple construction committee&nbsp;has also kept Muslim members in the team. The temple is being built by a Kashmiri Muslim&nbsp;who says that this is the biggest example of brotherhood in Kashmir. He hopes that it becomes a meeting point for all the communities and an example of peace.&nbsp;

''It's a very old heritage and we had kept the land very safe with us. To strengthen the bond between the communities, we are making a temple, a Gurdwara&nbsp;already exists and we will build&nbsp;a Mosque too.&nbsp;This should be a centre for everyone to meet. We request the governments to allow this pilgrimage. We need the government from across to give us permits. People should remember that Ajaz was a Muslim who made temples, Mosques and Gurudwara,'' Ajaz Khan, member, temple construction committee, said.&nbsp;

The holy mace would be taken from Sharda Peeth temple to Chilhana village in PoK. The base camp would be a traditional&nbsp;route of the yatra.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley has always set exemplary examples of brotherhood between the communities. After 75 years of taking care of the property belonging to the Hindu community, Muslims returned the land for the construction of Mata Sharda temple in Teetwal belt close to the Line of Control(LoC).

Kashmir Valley has always set exemplary examples of brotherhood between the communities. After 75 years of taking care of the property belonging to the Hindu community, Muslims returned the land for the construction of Mata Sharda temple in Teetwal belt close to the Line of Control(LoC). The temple is located in north Kashmir's Kupwara district and will be built to revive the centuries-old pilgrimage to Sharda Peeth in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK). The plan for the temple has been approved by the Sringeri south matth. The temple would be made with artwork granite stones and is being carved in Karnataka. ''Mata Sharda is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The importance of Sharda Peeth is well known to everyone. It used to be the oldest university much older than Nalanda and Taxila. And the oldest civilization. None of the Hindus have been allowed to go to Sharda Peeth and now we have been trying our best, my committee called Save Sharda Committee (SSC) to get it revived and re-open it," Ravindra Pandita, head of Save Sharda Committee, said. "We have a lot of researchers from PoK and here as well working on it. It's a shared heritage, the traditional routes are from places like Keran. Teetwal is the official route for the Sharda pilgrimage. We are constructing a base temple. We are quite hopeful that the LoC permit which exists between two countries, is revived so that we can travel and take the pilgrimage. The Jammu and Kashmir Hindus should be allowed to take this pilgrimage,'' Ravindra Pandita added. The Hindu community in Kashmir wants the pilgrimage to open on the same pattern as Kartarpur. They want the PoK government to allow them to take this pilgrimage. It is the most important temple for the Kashmiri Pandit community. ''This is basically a base camp for the Sharda temple. The yatra would start from here. The pilgrimage would be taken to PoK. It's the most important temple for Kashmiri Pandits. It's what Mecca is to Muslims; Sharda is for Kashmiri Pandits. This base camp had a Gurudwara before 1947. The people called us and said this is the land that belongs to the temple and welcomed us with open arms. We have started the work,'' said Surinder Mirza a Kashmiri Pandit. The Muslims handed over the land to the temple committee recently. And have also appealed to both India and Pakistan governments to make open the pilgrimage again so that the Kashmiri Pandit community can visit the temple in PoK. ''It was our duty, our ancestors have always told us that this land belonged to the temple, and they had told us whenever they come and want this land back, we should return it. We are hopeful that routes will be open. We want the old times to return,'' said a local Zameer Ahmad. The temple construction committee has also kept Muslim members in the team. The temple is being built by a Kashmiri Muslim who says that this is the biggest example of brotherhood in Kashmir. He hopes that it becomes a meeting point for all the communities and an example of peace. ''It's a very old heritage and we had kept the land very safe with us. To strengthen the bond between the communities, we are making a temple, a Gurdwara already exists and we will build a Mosque too. This should be a centre for everyone to meet. We request the governments to allow this pilgrimage. We need the government from across to give us permits. People should remember that Ajaz was a Muslim who made temples, Mosques and Gurudwara,'' Ajaz Khan, member, temple construction committee, said. The holy mace would be taken from Sharda Peeth temple to Chilhana village in PoK. The base camp would be a traditional route of the yatra.

Kashmir sets an example of brotherhood, Sharda Peeth base temple near LoC

The German National Security Advisor, Jens Plötner, who was on a Delhi visit on Wednesday, has hoped that "back filing" of sanctions imposed by his country against Russia will take place. The West, including Germany and the EU, has announced a number of sanctions against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media, German NSA sitting alongside German Envoy Walter J. Lindner said, "When it comes to sanctions, it's only fair that we carry the brunt of the costs. It's in our neighborhood, it's in Europe." Pointing out that "we know that acting together on sanctions might be asking too much... we would like to see a situation where there is no back filing on the sanctions we operate and no friendly country in the world takes the step of taking economic advantage of the war."

His comments come even as many countries in Asia, including India and China, have not joined the Western sanctions. In fact, Moscow has offered discounted Russian oil to India. Indian state-run oil companies are in talks to get discounted oil, but even then, Russia historically has been a marginal supplier of crude oil to India.

The NSA, who is the Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to German chancellor Olaf Scholz, explained, "we are willing to carry significant weight (of sanction) in this but others won't neutralise the burden we are putting on ourselves." In Delhi, he held meetings with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in which the Russian invasion of Ukraine dominated the agenda.&nbsp;

On German Dependency on Russian Energy, the NSA said Berlin has been "engaged in a forceful policy" of reducing its dependency on Russia and we "hope to be independent from Russian coal in the course of this year, and hope to significantly reduce dependency on Russian oil starting this year," but it will take "longer to totally renounce Russian gas." Germany gets 30% of its gas from Russia. The country also announced it would halt the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline in the aftermath of the Russian invasion.

Presenting his country's case, he said, "As you see, we are steadily decreasing and not increasing what we are buying from Russia." This will be a suggestion we will make to our friends that it might not be the time to do exactly the contrary to what we are all doing. After the Delhi visit, he goes to Tokyo for talks.

On talks in Delhi, NSA Plötner said, "The aim of my discussions here in Delhi is to better understand how this geopolitical specificity of India plays into your analysis of what is going on in Ukraine." We might have different approaches, but we will still come to the common conclusion that that can't go unchecked". While India has abstained at the UN on issues relating to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has called for respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, a long-standing policy of New Delhi.

During the meeting with NSA Doval, he emphasised "India’s consistent approach to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and our commitment to the UN Charter."

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh, and Dutch NSA are in Delhi today for talks, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be there on Friday.Asked about Lavrov's visit, the German NSA said, "It can be very useful that foreign minister Lavrov has discussions here in New Delhi and I trust that our Indian friends, be it behind closed doors, also have a clear message."

He also praised Turkey's "efforts" in Russia-Ukraine talks, and explained Berlin's dialogue with Jakarta as a response to Western countries' calls for Russia to be removed from the G20.Indonesia holds the G20 summit in November as the president of the group for this year.&nbsp;

The German National Security Advisor, Jens Plötner, who was on a Delhi visit on Wednesday, has hoped that "back filing" of sanctions imposed by his country against Russia will take place.

The German National Security Advisor, Jens Plötner, who was on a Delhi visit on Wednesday, has hoped that "back filing" of sanctions imposed by his country against Russia will take place. The West, including Germany and the EU, has announced a number of sanctions against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th. Speaking to the media, German NSA sitting alongside German Envoy Walter J. Lindner said, "When it comes to sanctions, it's only fair that we carry the brunt of the costs. It's in our neighborhood, it's in Europe." Pointing out that "we know that acting together on sanctions might be asking too much... we would like to see a situation where there is no back filing on the sanctions we operate and no friendly country in the world takes the step of taking economic advantage of the war." His comments come even as many countries in Asia, including India and China, have not joined the Western sanctions. In fact, Moscow has offered discounted Russian oil to India. Indian state-run oil companies are in talks to get discounted oil, but even then, Russia historically has been a marginal supplier of crude oil to India. The NSA, who is the Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to German chancellor Olaf Scholz, explained, "we are willing to carry significant weight (of sanction) in this but others won't neutralise the burden we are putting on ourselves." In Delhi, he held meetings with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in which the Russian invasion of Ukraine dominated the agenda. On German Dependency on Russian Energy, the NSA said Berlin has been "engaged in a forceful policy" of reducing its dependency on Russia and we "hope to be independent from Russian coal in the course of this year, and hope to significantly reduce dependency on Russian oil starting this year," but it will take "longer to totally renounce Russian gas." Germany gets 30% of its gas from Russia. The country also announced it would halt the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline in the aftermath of the Russian invasion. Presenting his country's case, he said, "As you see, we are steadily decreasing and not increasing what we are buying from Russia." This will be a suggestion we will make to our friends that it might not be the time to do exactly the contrary to what we are all doing. After the Delhi visit, he goes to Tokyo for talks. On talks in Delhi, NSA Plötner said, "The aim of my discussions here in Delhi is to better understand how this geopolitical specificity of India plays into your analysis of what is going on in Ukraine." We might have different approaches, but we will still come to the common conclusion that that can't go unchecked". While India has abstained at the UN on issues relating to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has called for respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, a long-standing policy of New Delhi. During the meeting with NSA Doval, he emphasised "India’s consistent approach to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and our commitment to the UN Charter." UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh, and Dutch NSA are in Delhi today for talks, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be there on Friday.Asked about Lavrov's visit, the German NSA said, "It can be very useful that foreign minister Lavrov has discussions here in New Delhi and I trust that our Indian friends, be it behind closed doors, also have a clear message." He also praised Turkey's "efforts" in Russia-Ukraine talks, and explained Berlin's dialogue with Jakarta as a response to Western countries' calls for Russia to be removed from the G20.Indonesia holds the G20 summit in November as the president of the group for this year.

In Delhi, German NSA hopes no 'back filing' of sanctions will take place

The long-awaited interim free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Australia will be signed this weekend.

According to insiders, all concerns between the two parties have been settled.

India will benefit from labor-intensive industries such as leather, gems, and jewellery.

Both countries' two-way trade was $24.3 billion in 2020, and India was Australia's seventh largest trading partner.

Earlier this month, Indian PM Modi and Australian PM Morrison held a virtual summit, the second&nbsp;such summit in two years.

During the summit, the PM said, "remarkable progress has been made in a very short time....The early completion of the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) will be crucial for our economic relations, economic revival, and economic security".&nbsp;

Australian Trade minister Dan Tehan and Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal have held a number of talks, including many visits by the Australian minister to Delhi. Minister Tehan was in Delhi in February, during which it was decided that the interim FTA would be signed within 30 days and the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement within 12 months.

India and Australia have seen a number of engagements, including Morrison's government announcing an investment worth $280 million to increase cooperation with India.

According to Australia's Update to the India Economic Strategy to 2035, the Australian government will provide $16.6 million to strengthen linkages with India’s financial institutions.

The diaspora forms a key pillar of ties. The Indian diaspora is Australia’s fastest growing large diaspora community.

The Indian-born population became Australia’s second-largest overseas-born migrant group, behind the UK-born at 721,050-strong in 2020.

The long-awaited interim free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Australia will be signed this weekend. According to insiders, all concerns between the two parties have been settled.

The long-awaited interim free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Australia will be signed this weekend. According to insiders, all concerns between the two parties have been settled. India will benefit from labor-intensive industries such as leather, gems, and jewellery. Both countries' two-way trade was $24.3 billion in 2020, and India was Australia's seventh largest trading partner. Earlier this month, Indian PM Modi and Australian PM Morrison held a virtual summit, the second such summit in two years. During the summit, the PM said, "remarkable progress has been made in a very short time....The early completion of the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) will be crucial for our economic relations, economic revival, and economic security". Australian Trade minister Dan Tehan and Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal have held a number of talks, including many visits by the Australian minister to Delhi. Minister Tehan was in Delhi in February, during which it was decided that the interim FTA would be signed within 30 days and the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement within 12 months. India and Australia have seen a number of engagements, including Morrison's government announcing an investment worth $280 million to increase cooperation with India. According to Australia's Update to the India Economic Strategy to 2035, the Australian government will provide $16.6 million to strengthen linkages with India’s financial institutions. The diaspora forms a key pillar of ties. The Indian diaspora is Australia’s fastest growing large diaspora community. The Indian-born population became Australia’s second-largest overseas-born migrant group, behind the UK-born at 721,050-strong in 2020.

India-Australia interim free trade agreement to be signed over the weekend

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Rainawari area of Srinagar. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, one of the killed terrorists was carrying a media card. The encounter started during the intervening night, and earlier this morning, two terrorist bodies were recovered from the encounter site.

One of the terrorists has been identified as Rayees Ahmad Bhat, who before joining the terror outfit was running a news portal in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.&nbsp;

The killed terrorist (Rayees Ah Bhat) was earlier a journalist and was running the online news portal 'Valley News Service' in Anantnag. joined terrorist ranks in August 2021 and was categorised as 'C' in our list. Two FIRs have already been registered against him for terror crimes.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police have also recovered&nbsp;arms and ammunition from the encounter site. Some incriminating material has also been seized.Police sources say that the second terrorist has been identified as Hilal Ahmad Rah of Bijbehara, South Kashmir. He is believed to be a "C" category terrorist.&nbsp;

"Two terrorists were killed. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered. The search is ongoing.Further details shall follow, "said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir.&nbsp;

The operation was called off after recovery of the dead bodies.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Rainawari area of Srinagar. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, one of the killed terrorists was carrying a media card.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Rainawari area of Srinagar. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, one of the killed terrorists was carrying a media card. The encounter started during the intervening night, and earlier this morning, two terrorist bodies were recovered from the encounter site. One of the terrorists has been identified as Rayees Ahmad Bhat, who before joining the terror outfit was running a news portal in South Kashmir's Anantnag district. The killed terrorist (Rayees Ah Bhat) was earlier a journalist and was running the online news portal 'Valley News Service' in Anantnag. joined terrorist ranks in August 2021 and was categorised as 'C' in our list. Two FIRs have already been registered against him for terror crimes.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. Jammu and Kashmir police have also recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site. Some incriminating material has also been seized.Police sources say that the second terrorist has been identified as Hilal Ahmad Rah of Bijbehara, South Kashmir. He is believed to be a "C" category terrorist. "Two terrorists were killed. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered. The search is ongoing.Further details shall follow, "said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir. The operation was called off after recovery of the dead bodies.

Two terrorists, one carrying a journalist card, killed in Srinagar encounter: Police

The New York Times has drawn the ire of Twitter users, especially in the Indian Twitter space for its coverage and characterisation of the general strike.

National trade unions in India have called for a two-day general strike beginning on Monday (March 28). On the same day, NYT published a story with the headline 'General strike throws India into confusion'.

The strike called by trade unions in India is focussed on their two demands

1. Rolling back proposed changes to the labour law

2. Slowing down privatisation

Although the strike had&nbsp;been called on a national level, there were no reports of any widespread disruption in the daily lives of citizens barring in a few pockets of the country.

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In the southern Indian state of Kerala and the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, there were partial shutdowns. However, even there, essential services were not affected.

In most other parts of the country, cars were moving freely on the roads, trains were plying as usual and government offices were functioning as usual.

There were no reports of mass rallies from these regions, there was no violence and certainly no 'confusion' as the NYT chose to put it.

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A two-day nationwide strike in India is as visible as independent journalism in The New York Times 😂
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashank_ssj/status/1508499994298368001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The NYT report has quotes from two people of which one is a communist party member and the other is a trade union representative. The report did not have any comment from the government, no response from an official.

The report said, "...In Kerala, in the south, streets were empty and shops shuttered..."

However, the report does not mention that Kerala High Court had barred government employees from taking part in the strike.

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Apparently no one in India knows anything about this supposed strike. When I tell you the NYT is not even a reliable news outlet for basic news, I'm not even joking. My contacts in India know nothing about this strike and the comments here are lit <a href="https://t.co/iE35s9yVZD">https://t.co/iE35s9yVZD</a>
— Ukranian Hacker Balding 大老板 (@BaldingsWorld) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldingsWorld/status/1508435481318641671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The New York Times' coverage of the strike has had many Indians expressing their displeasure on Twitter.

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Been 19.5 hours since Monday started in India. Still can't see a strike. Please help me find one 🙏
— ishmohit (@ishmohit1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ishmohit1/status/1508443987673518084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It is not that NYT has not attempted to gauge the intensity of protests around the world.

An NYT headline on March 9 read "Trucker convoy near Washington, D.C., is a low-key protest".

But when it came to India, a strike that was not widespread was seen to have "spared no corner of India" 
&nbsp;

The New York Times has drawn the ire of Twitter users, especially in the Indian Twitter space for its coverage and characterisation of the general strike. National trade unions in India have called for a two-day general strike beginning on Monday (March 28).

The New York Times has drawn the ire of Twitter users, especially in the Indian Twitter space for its coverage and characterisation of the general strike. National trade unions in India have called for a two-day general strike beginning on Monday (March 28). On the same day, NYT published a story with the headline 'General strike throws India into confusion'. The strike called by trade unions in India is focussed on their two demands 1. Rolling back proposed changes to the labour law 2. Slowing down privatisation Although the strike had been called on a national level, there were no reports of any widespread disruption in the daily lives of citizens barring in a few pockets of the country. × In the southern Indian state of Kerala and the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, there were partial shutdowns. However, even there, essential services were not affected. In most other parts of the country, cars were moving freely on the roads, trains were plying as usual and government offices were functioning as usual. There were no reports of mass rallies from these regions, there was no violence and certainly no 'confusion' as the NYT chose to put it. A two-day nationwide strike in India is as visible as independent journalism in The New York Times 😂 — Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) March 28, 2022 × The NYT report has quotes from two people of which one is a communist party member and the other is a trade union representative. The report did not have any comment from the government, no response from an official. The report said, "...In Kerala, in the south, streets were empty and shops shuttered..." However, the report does not mention that Kerala High Court had barred government employees from taking part in the strike. Apparently no one in India knows anything about this supposed strike. When I tell you the NYT is not even a reliable news outlet for basic news, I'm not even joking. My contacts in India know nothing about this strike and the comments here are lit https://t.co/iE35s9yVZD — Ukranian Hacker Balding 大老板 (@BaldingsWorld) March 28, 2022 × The New York Times' coverage of the strike has had many Indians expressing their displeasure on Twitter. Been 19.5 hours since Monday started in India. Still can't see a strike. Please help me find one 🙏 — ishmohit (@ishmohit1) March 28, 2022 × It is not that NYT has not attempted to gauge the intensity of protests around the world. An NYT headline on March 9 read "Trucker convoy near Washington, D.C., is a low-key protest". But when it came to India, a strike that was not widespread was seen to have "spared no corner of India"

New York Times' coverage of general strike in India draws ire online

Fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Wednesday, netting an increase of about Rs 5.60 a litre in eight revisions in nine days so far. In the national capital, petrol now costs Rs 101.01 per litre, while diesel is selling at Rs 92.27 per litre.

In Mumbai, the petrol and diesel prices have gone up by 84 paise and 85 paise per litre respectively, thus costing Rs 115.88 and Rs 100.10 per litre. In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 106.69 (increased by 75 paise) a litre and diesel is Rs 96.76 (increased by 76 paise) per litre. In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 110.52 a litre (increased by 84 paise) and diesel is Rs 95.42 per litre (increased by 80 paise).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-petrol-costs-rs-100-pocket-pinch-leads-to-meme-outbursts-466553" hreflang="en">India: Petrol costs Rs 100, pocket pinch leads to meme outbursts</a>

There had been a pause in the revision of fuel prices since November 4 last year, which was broken on March 22, following the crude oil going upwards in the wake of the Russian military operations in Ukraine.

Prices are set to be raised further given the sharp jump in crude oil prices in the international markets. It will have a cascading impact on the prices of other items and lead to inflationary pressure and hurt growth. It will have a cascading effect on the prices of other items.

Meanwhile, Congress has decided to launch a nationwide programme `Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan` against price rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.

Watch |&nbsp;India resumes international flights: Tourist visas to be resumed for foreign nationals

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Notably, on November 3 last year the Centre had cut excise duty by Rs 5 per litre on petrol and Rs 10 per litre on diesel to bring down the retail prices across the country.

Following this, several state governments had reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to provide relief to people.

Fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Wednesday, netting an increase of about Rs 5.60 a litre in eight revisions in nine days so far.

Fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Wednesday, netting an increase of about Rs 5.60 a litre in eight revisions in nine days so far. In the national capital, petrol now costs Rs 101.01 per litre, while diesel is selling at Rs 92.27 per litre. In Mumbai, the petrol and diesel prices have gone up by 84 paise and 85 paise per litre respectively, thus costing Rs 115.88 and Rs 100.10 per litre. In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 106.69 (increased by 75 paise) a litre and diesel is Rs 96.76 (increased by 76 paise) per litre. In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 110.52 a litre (increased by 84 paise) and diesel is Rs 95.42 per litre (increased by 80 paise). Also read | India: Petrol costs Rs 100, pocket pinch leads to meme outbursts There had been a pause in the revision of fuel prices since November 4 last year, which was broken on March 22, following the crude oil going upwards in the wake of the Russian military operations in Ukraine. Prices are set to be raised further given the sharp jump in crude oil prices in the international markets. It will have a cascading impact on the prices of other items and lead to inflationary pressure and hurt growth. It will have a cascading effect on the prices of other items. Meanwhile, Congress has decided to launch a nationwide programme `Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan` against price rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7. Watch | India resumes international flights: Tourist visas to be resumed for foreign nationals Notably, on November 3 last year the Centre had cut excise duty by Rs 5 per litre on petrol and Rs 10 per litre on diesel to bring down the retail prices across the country. Following this, several state governments had reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to provide relief to people.

Fuel prices: India witnesses 8th hike in 9 days

In a virtual address to the BIMSTEC conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the continuing Russia-Ukraine situation has "raised worries about the stability of the world order."&nbsp;

“The recent developments in Europe have raised questions about the stability of the international order. In this context, it has become a greater priority to have regional cooperation. Today we are adopting the Bimstec charter to develop institution architecture for our group,” he said at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit.

The Prime Minister is virtually addressing the seven-nation BIMSTEC meeting.

Sri Lanka is hosting the summit.

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Speaking at the BIMSTEC Summit. <a href="https://t.co/6ffhno70HR">https://t.co/6ffhno70HR</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1509027688333602818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi announced that India will provide $1 million to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) secretariat to boost its operational budget.&nbsp;

"Today is the time to make Bay of Bengal a Bridge of Connectivity, Bridge of Prosperity, Bridge of Security," he said.

In a virtual address to the BIMSTEC conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the continuing Russia-Ukraine situation has "raised worries about the stability of the world order.

In a virtual address to the BIMSTEC conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the continuing Russia-Ukraine situation has "raised worries about the stability of the world order." “The recent developments in Europe have raised questions about the stability of the international order. In this context, it has become a greater priority to have regional cooperation. Today we are adopting the Bimstec charter to develop institution architecture for our group,” he said at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit. The Prime Minister is virtually addressing the seven-nation BIMSTEC meeting. Sri Lanka is hosting the summit. Speaking at the BIMSTEC Summit. https://t.co/6ffhno70HR — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2022 × PM Modi announced that India will provide $1 million to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) secretariat to boost its operational budget. "Today is the time to make Bay of Bengal a Bridge of Connectivity, Bridge of Prosperity, Bridge of Security," he said.

Europe situation raised question mark over stability of international order: PM Modi at BIMSTEC

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday.

For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high.

On Monday, 90 flights were operated at the Srinagar International Airport. The total number of passengers on that day was the highest ever with 15,014 passengers landing and departing from the airport. On Tuesday,&nbsp;13,538 passengers arrived and departed from the airport.&nbsp;

The buoyancy in the influx of tourists is noteworthy considering that&nbsp;the airport,&nbsp;by its design, can only handle less than 7,000 passengers per day.

Also, the month of March has seen the maximum number of tourists arrivals in Kashmir Valley, breaking a 10-year record.

The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been promoting Kashmir tourism across the country and has organised many spring festivals in the coming days.&nbsp;

“We have handled 45 arriving flights with 7,824 passengers and 45 departing flights with 7,190 passengers on March 28. A total of 90 flights with 15,014 passengers makes it the busiest day in our history. And this is only the beginning of the summer schedule,” said Director of Srinagar International Airport, Kuldeep Singh.&nbsp;

The Srinagar airport authority at present has nine parking slots and six more are being added. In total, 15 parking stands will be available for the planes.

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday. For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high.

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday. For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high. On Monday, 90 flights were operated at the Srinagar International Airport. The total number of passengers on that day was the highest ever with 15,014 passengers landing and departing from the airport. On Tuesday, 13,538 passengers arrived and departed from the airport. The buoyancy in the influx of tourists is noteworthy considering that the airport, by its design, can only handle less than 7,000 passengers per day. Also, the month of March has seen the maximum number of tourists arrivals in Kashmir Valley, breaking a 10-year record. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been promoting Kashmir tourism across the country and has organised many spring festivals in the coming days. “We have handled 45 arriving flights with 7,824 passengers and 45 departing flights with 7,190 passengers on March 28. A total of 90 flights with 15,014 passengers makes it the busiest day in our history. And this is only the beginning of the summer schedule,” said Director of Srinagar International Airport, Kuldeep Singh. The Srinagar airport authority at present has nine parking slots and six more are being added. In total, 15 parking stands will be available for the planes.

Srinagar airport breaks all records, handles 92 flights in a day for the first time ever

Fuel prices continue to rise, with petrol and diesel prices increasing by 80 paise and 70 paise per litre on Tuesday, respectively, reaching over Rs 5 per litre following seven rate revisions in eight days.

Petrol and diesel prices rose for the sixth time in over a week on Tuesday, with petrol now costing over Rs 100 per litre in the national capital.

After a week of revisions, the overall increase in gasoline prices is nearly Rs 5 due to an increase of 80 paise in petrol and 70 paise in diesel today.&nbsp;

Petrol will cost Rs 100.21 a litre in Delhi today, while diesel will cost Rs 91.47.

Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai have increased by 85 paise and 75 paise, respectively, to Rs 115.04 and Rs 99.25 a litre.

In Chennai, the price of petrol has climbed by 76 paise to Rs 105.94, and the price of diesel has increased by 67 paise to Rs 96.

In Kolkata, the price of petrol has climbed by 83 paise to Rs 109.68, and the price of diesel has increased by 70 paise to Rs 94.62.&nbsp;

Soon after the news went viral, netizens donned their witty hats and began posting the funniest memes.

The following is how the Internet reacted to the recent increase in fuel prices:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Petrol price increased multiple times after elections <a href="https://t.co/JWYeIMeTMX">pic.twitter.com/JWYeIMeTMX</a>
— Finance Memes (@Qid_Memez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Qid_Memez/status/1508276762819526658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Government too believes in SIP, for petrol; systematic increasing plan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PetrolDieselPrice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PetrolDieselPrice</a>
— D.Muthukrishnan (@dmuthuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmuthuk/status/1508004639542677506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PetrolDieselPriceHike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PetrolDieselPriceHike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PetrolDieselPrice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PetrolDieselPrice</a> 
 
Modi’s way of saying Thank you <a href="https://t.co/h0TpnwH5Z1">pic.twitter.com/h0TpnwH5Z1</a>
— AC (@Veniceofeast) <a href="https://twitter.com/Veniceofeast/status/1505771859790422016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Century 🎉🎉🎉 
Next Target ₹150!!
— Not Funny Abhi (@NotFunnyAbhi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotFunnyAbhi1/status/1508607434025156610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Fuel prices continue to rise, with petrol and diesel prices increasing by 80 paise and 70 paise per litre on Tuesday, respectively, reaching over Rs 5 per litre following seven rate revisions in eight days.

Fuel prices continue to rise, with petrol and diesel prices increasing by 80 paise and 70 paise per litre on Tuesday, respectively, reaching over Rs 5 per litre following seven rate revisions in eight days. Petrol and diesel prices rose for the sixth time in over a week on Tuesday, with petrol now costing over Rs 100 per litre in the national capital. After a week of revisions, the overall increase in gasoline prices is nearly Rs 5 due to an increase of 80 paise in petrol and 70 paise in diesel today. Petrol will cost Rs 100.21 a litre in Delhi today, while diesel will cost Rs 91.47. Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai have increased by 85 paise and 75 paise, respectively, to Rs 115.04 and Rs 99.25 a litre. In Chennai, the price of petrol has climbed by 76 paise to Rs 105.94, and the price of diesel has increased by 67 paise to Rs 96. In Kolkata, the price of petrol has climbed by 83 paise to Rs 109.68, and the price of diesel has increased by 70 paise to Rs 94.62. Soon after the news went viral, netizens donned their witty hats and began posting the funniest memes. The following is how the Internet reacted to the recent increase in fuel prices: Petrol price increased multiple times after elections pic.twitter.com/JWYeIMeTMX — Finance Memes (@Qid_Memez) March 28, 2022 × Government too believes in SIP, for petrol; systematic increasing plan.#PetrolDieselPrice — D.Muthukrishnan (@dmuthuk) March 27, 2022 × #PetrolDieselPriceHike #PetrolDieselPrice Modi’s way of saying Thank you pic.twitter.com/h0TpnwH5Z1 — AC (@Veniceofeast) March 21, 2022 × Century 🎉🎉🎉 Next Target ₹150!! — Not Funny Abhi (@NotFunnyAbhi1) March 29, 2022 ×

India: Petrol costs Rs 100, pocket pinch leads to meme outbursts

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be in Delhi from March 31 to April 1.

The Russian foreign minister will hold&nbsp;talks with EAM Jaishankar on April 1 which will be the main day of his engagement in the Indian capital. On the agenda will be many things, including trading under the rupee-ruble mechanism that the Indian finance ministry is looking into amid Western sanctions on Moscow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/retaliatory-visa-measures-russia-set-to-restrict-entry-of-nationals-from-unfriendly-countries-466435">Also Read: Russia set to restrict entry of nationals from 'unfriendly' countries</a>

The Russian foreign minister will be in Delhi on a day when UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss will be in the Indian capital to&nbsp;hold&nbsp;talks with EAM Jaishankar.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "Truss will hold bilateral consultations with external affairs minister, Dr S. Jaishankar on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;

Truss will also participate in the inaugural edition of the India-UK Strategic Futures Forum, a track 1.5 dialogue between the two countries hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs and Policy Exchange, UK.

Lavrov's visit will be the first high-level visit by a Russian official to India since February 24 when the invasion began. The invasion has changed the global geopolitical calculus with the West and Russia at loggerheads.

New Delhi has been engaged by both sides amid the war&nbsp;even as it has been able to display its strategic autonomy. At the United Nations, India abstained from voting&nbsp;on the Ukraine-Russia resolutions on the West-backed resolutions or more recently on the Russia-backed resolution on Ukraine even as it has been calling for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

EAM Jaishankar in the Parliament said, "We have expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for an immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities."

Both Indian and Russian foreign ministers had spoken to each other on February 24 and since then there has been Russian outreach to Delhi in many ways, including Russian FM Lavrov&nbsp;meeting envoys of BRICS countries including Indian envoy Pavan Kapoor.

Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko had met the Indian envoy to Russia Kapoor to brief​ him on the situation in Ukraine. Rudenko has been part of the Russian delegation that held talks with the Ukraine side.

Later this year PM Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit.

Russian President Putin had travelled to Delhi on December 6 for&nbsp;the annual summit. The second&nbsp;2+2 foreign and defence ministers' meet will also take place in Russia this year.&nbsp;India's&nbsp;external affairs minister and defence minister&nbsp;Rajnath Singh will be travelling to Russia for the dialogue. The Russian foreign minister's expected travel comes even as India and US will be holding 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in the second&nbsp;week of April. 
&nbsp;

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be in Delhi from March 31 to April 1. The Russian foreign minister will hold talks with EAM Jaishankar on April 1 which will be the main day of his engagement in the Indian capital.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be in Delhi from March 31 to April 1. The Russian foreign minister will hold talks with EAM Jaishankar on April 1 which will be the main day of his engagement in the Indian capital. On the agenda will be many things, including trading under the rupee-ruble mechanism that the Indian finance ministry is looking into amid Western sanctions on Moscow. Also Read: Russia set to restrict entry of nationals from 'unfriendly' countries The Russian foreign minister will be in Delhi on a day when UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss will be in the Indian capital to hold talks with EAM Jaishankar. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "Truss will hold bilateral consultations with external affairs minister, Dr S. Jaishankar on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest." Truss will also participate in the inaugural edition of the India-UK Strategic Futures Forum, a track 1.5 dialogue between the two countries hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs and Policy Exchange, UK. Lavrov's visit will be the first high-level visit by a Russian official to India since February 24 when the invasion began. The invasion has changed the global geopolitical calculus with the West and Russia at loggerheads. New Delhi has been engaged by both sides amid the war even as it has been able to display its strategic autonomy. At the United Nations, India abstained from voting on the Ukraine-Russia resolutions on the West-backed resolutions or more recently on the Russia-backed resolution on Ukraine even as it has been calling for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. EAM Jaishankar in the Parliament said, "We have expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for an immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities." Both Indian and Russian foreign ministers had spoken to each other on February 24 and since then there has been Russian outreach to Delhi in many ways, including Russian FM Lavrov meeting envoys of BRICS countries including Indian envoy Pavan Kapoor. Last week, Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko had met the Indian envoy to Russia Kapoor to brief him on the situation in Ukraine. Rudenko has been part of the Russian delegation that held talks with the Ukraine side. Later this year PM Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit. Russian President Putin had travelled to Delhi on December 6 for the annual summit. The second 2+2 foreign and defence ministers' meet will also take place in Russia this year. India's external affairs minister and defence minister Rajnath Singh will be travelling to Russia for the dialogue. The Russian foreign minister's expected travel comes even as India and US will be holding 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in the second week of April.

Ukraine war: Russian foreign minister Lavrov to visit India on March 31

Calling for a self-reliant, or 'atmanirbhar' internet for India, India's Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused big tech platforms of weaponsing the internet during the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

His comments came just days after YouTube blocked WION over its coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Chandrasekhar said this highlights the sweeping powers of social media giants and how they preside over the ''splinter-net.'' He said the “Atmanirbhar internet,”&nbsp;will reduce dependency on services being provided by these global firms.

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Chandrasekhar said there is a need to rethink local laws in order to de-risk Indian internet and make it harder for Big Tech businesses to be weaponised in any circumstance. India is readying a new cybersecurity and data governance framework.

According to Chandrasekhar, “If we were depending on SWIFT alone, we are gone. But we have UPI, fintech platforms in India that have reduced our reliance on a SWIFT type of an international money transfer platform. We are seeing through our thinking of Atmanirbhar Bharat that we should not depend on Indian internet being controlled or influenced by these big tech platforms alone.”&nbsp;

“Two phenomenon are very visible: one is weaponisation of the internet of which we were aware of in some sense. The second is the phenomenon of the splinter-net. The internet is increasingly being splintered, driven by power of some Western countries. These platforms have now become dominant and in the event of a conflict between two sovereigns, they are being weaponised and there are no laws that would prevent this.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-coverage-youtube-backs-down-wion-is-back-on-the-platform-465601">Also read |&nbsp;After 12 hours of campaign and 25K posts in support, tech giant YouTube unblocks WION</a>

“It is disturbing that internet intermediaries aren’t doing enough to combat cybercrime and hacking attacks. The use of sanctions to cut off access to internet is disturbing. It is quite a troubling precedent. These recent events strengthen India’s case for data localisation, national champions, resilient internet network architecture, native open APIs (application programming interface) and a strong cyber security command centre,” Chandrasekhar told The Indian Express. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/youtube-blocking-wion-high-time-for-indian-tech-minds-to-beat-tech-giants-465844">OPINION | YouTube blocking WION: High time for Indian tech minds to beat tech giants</a>

“It is validating our thinking in terms of a new digital law, the need for a data governance framework. We will basically create a framework which will have the data protection law, a digital law and other cyber security statutes. Architecturally, we want to build the cyberspace jurisprudence rather than doing it piecemeal or in catch up mode,” he added.

“The platforms are now controlling the access to the internet in many ways, be it through monopolies of search engines, duopolies of app stores, or devices.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Calling for a self-reliant, or 'atmanirbhar' internet for India, India's Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused big tech platforms of weaponsing the internet during the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Calling for a self-reliant, or 'atmanirbhar' internet for India, India's Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused big tech platforms of weaponsing the internet during the Russia-Ukraine crisis. His comments came just days after YouTube blocked WION over its coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war. Chandrasekhar said this highlights the sweeping powers of social media giants and how they preside over the ''splinter-net.'' He said the “Atmanirbhar internet,” will reduce dependency on services being provided by these global firms. Chandrasekhar said there is a need to rethink local laws in order to de-risk Indian internet and make it harder for Big Tech businesses to be weaponised in any circumstance. India is readying a new cybersecurity and data governance framework. According to Chandrasekhar, “If we were depending on SWIFT alone, we are gone. But we have UPI, fintech platforms in India that have reduced our reliance on a SWIFT type of an international money transfer platform. We are seeing through our thinking of Atmanirbhar Bharat that we should not depend on Indian internet being controlled or influenced by these big tech platforms alone.” “Two phenomenon are very visible: one is weaponisation of the internet of which we were aware of in some sense. The second is the phenomenon of the splinter-net. The internet is increasingly being splintered, driven by power of some Western countries. These platforms have now become dominant and in the event of a conflict between two sovereigns, they are being weaponised and there are no laws that would prevent this.” Also read | After 12 hours of campaign and 25K posts in support, tech giant YouTube unblocks WION “It is disturbing that internet intermediaries aren’t doing enough to combat cybercrime and hacking attacks. The use of sanctions to cut off access to internet is disturbing. It is quite a troubling precedent. These recent events strengthen India’s case for data localisation, national champions, resilient internet network architecture, native open APIs (application programming interface) and a strong cyber security command centre,” Chandrasekhar told The Indian Express. OPINION | YouTube blocking WION: High time for Indian tech minds to beat tech giants “It is validating our thinking in terms of a new digital law, the need for a data governance framework. We will basically create a framework which will have the data protection law, a digital law and other cyber security statutes. Architecturally, we want to build the cyberspace jurisprudence rather than doing it piecemeal or in catch up mode,” he added. “The platforms are now controlling the access to the internet in many ways, be it through monopolies of search engines, duopolies of app stores, or devices.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Indian minister accuses big tech platforms of weaponsing internet

In a small village in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, half a dozen houses are being built or renovated in Matan area. These houses belong to the Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to move out from the Kashmir Valley during the early 1990s during the start of the insurgency.&nbsp;

Around 15 Kashmiri Pandit families in this colony have come back, while more&nbsp;are planning to return. These houses were in dilapidated conditions for years and now finally, it seems that these colonies would see happy times again.&nbsp;

''Yes, it's true that houses are being built again. The Kashmiri Pandit community is now finally thinking of returning to their homes. The pandit community in Jammu is also thinking of returning. We used to live with so much love around us. People want to come. There are around 15 houses which are being built and more will be built too. In a few years, I am sure, if conditions are peaceful, everyone would return. '' said Ashok Kumar Sidha, President of Martand Temple Trust.&nbsp;

In the last few years, many such families have come back to the valley and are living happily. Matan village has seen the maximum number of Kashmiri Pandits returning to their&nbsp;homeland.

Without any government help, these people have started to build or renovate their old houses. Some local Muslim Kashmiris say things are returning to how it used to be in the 1980s and before.&nbsp;

''A lot of them have come back and a lot of them are coming back. We have always lived in brotherhood. There are many new houses being built here. As you can see, many houses in this colony are being built. We are with them and would love them to return. We always used to celebrate auspicious occasions days together. Kaka ji (Uncle) has returned back after many years. His house is all ready, and he will come soon to live in it. They have a lot of trust in us, and we have a lot of trust in them too. '' said Mohammad Rajab Lone, neighbour.&nbsp;

Most of the construction work is being done by the Kashmiri Muslim community. They have been taking care of these properties and now, they are helping them to rebuild these houses as well.&nbsp;

''We are so happy that they are returning. We are working on their houses. We have been working on these constructions. There are around 15 new houses being built. We are giving them all the support and we are very happy that they have come back. We are always there for help. Some of them never left and those who left are coming back. Insha Allah (Praise the lord), the brotherhood between us would remain forever,'' said Farooq Ahmad Lone, another local.&nbsp;

The Pandit community wants the government to provide&nbsp;them security and also help them build their houses. They say if there are no homes for the Pandits, how can they return to the valley.

The government had said that 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits have returned to the valley recently, but the community has claimed that they have not been provided proper accommodation and are living in rented rooms.

''The Pandits cannot return if they don't have a place to stay. No 6,000 pandits have returned. These are those who are employees. Six employees live in one room here. That's why we say the government hasn't done anything for us. If the government had done something for these employees that meant creating space for 6000 families. Which would encourage others to come back too, '' said Ashok Kumar Sidha, President of Martand Temple Trust.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a small village in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, half a dozen houses are being built or renovated in Matan area. These houses belong to the Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to move out from the Kashmir Valley during the early 1990s during the start of the insurgency.

In a small village in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, half a dozen houses are being built or renovated in Matan area. These houses belong to the Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to move out from the Kashmir Valley during the early 1990s during the start of the insurgency. Around 15 Kashmiri Pandit families in this colony have come back, while more are planning to return. These houses were in dilapidated conditions for years and now finally, it seems that these colonies would see happy times again. ''Yes, it's true that houses are being built again. The Kashmiri Pandit community is now finally thinking of returning to their homes. The pandit community in Jammu is also thinking of returning. We used to live with so much love around us. People want to come. There are around 15 houses which are being built and more will be built too. In a few years, I am sure, if conditions are peaceful, everyone would return. '' said Ashok Kumar Sidha, President of Martand Temple Trust. In the last few years, many such families have come back to the valley and are living happily. Matan village has seen the maximum number of Kashmiri Pandits returning to their homeland. Without any government help, these people have started to build or renovate their old houses. Some local Muslim Kashmiris say things are returning to how it used to be in the 1980s and before. ''A lot of them have come back and a lot of them are coming back. We have always lived in brotherhood. There are many new houses being built here. As you can see, many houses in this colony are being built. We are with them and would love them to return. We always used to celebrate auspicious occasions days together. Kaka ji (Uncle) has returned back after many years. His house is all ready, and he will come soon to live in it. They have a lot of trust in us, and we have a lot of trust in them too. '' said Mohammad Rajab Lone, neighbour. Most of the construction work is being done by the Kashmiri Muslim community. They have been taking care of these properties and now, they are helping them to rebuild these houses as well. ''We are so happy that they are returning. We are working on their houses. We have been working on these constructions. There are around 15 new houses being built. We are giving them all the support and we are very happy that they have come back. We are always there for help. Some of them never left and those who left are coming back. Insha Allah (Praise the lord), the brotherhood between us would remain forever,'' said Farooq Ahmad Lone, another local. The Pandit community wants the government to provide them security and also help them build their houses. They say if there are no homes for the Pandits, how can they return to the valley. The government had said that 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits have returned to the valley recently, but the community has claimed that they have not been provided proper accommodation and are living in rented rooms. ''The Pandits cannot return if they don't have a place to stay. No 6,000 pandits have returned. These are those who are employees. Six employees live in one room here. That's why we say the government hasn't done anything for us. If the government had done something for these employees that meant creating space for 6000 families. Which would encourage others to come back too, '' said Ashok Kumar Sidha, President of Martand Temple Trust.

Kashmiri Pandit families return to Anantnag, seek government’s help

Eying for close cooperation in space and pharma sectors, Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón will reach India on Wednesday for a three-day India visit.

This is the first visit of Mexico's FM to India&nbsp;during which he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday evening.

A release from India's Ministry Of External Affairs said, "Two Ministers will undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and will also discuss international issues of mutual interest.”

In Delhi, the FM will be meeting Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath.

ISRO and the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) signed a pact in October 2014 on ‘Space Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes’.

Three officials from AEM participated in the training on “Forest Fire Monitoring through Space Technologies” at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun, in August 2019 under the pact.

Pharma and healthcare, including the joint production of vaccines, is another key issue of bilateral cooperation. Several Indian pharma companies have a presence present in the North American country.

The bilateral trade between the two countries had crossed the $10 billion mark in 2021 despite the pandemic.

Both countries are also non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with regular consultations between the two on various issues at the high table.

Recently, Mexico and France co-sponsored resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted by the assembly.&nbsp;

Jaishankar had visited Mexico last year and participated in the commemorative event of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence. PM Modi had visited the country in 2016.

Eying for close cooperation in space and pharma sectors, Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón will reach India on Wednesday for a three-day India visit.

Eying for close cooperation in space and pharma sectors, Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón will reach India on Wednesday for a three-day India visit. This is the first visit of Mexico's FM to India during which he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday evening. A release from India's Ministry Of External Affairs said, "Two Ministers will undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and will also discuss international issues of mutual interest.” In Delhi, the FM will be meeting Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath. ISRO and the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) signed a pact in October 2014 on ‘Space Cooperation for Peaceful Purposes’. Three officials from AEM participated in the training on “Forest Fire Monitoring through Space Technologies” at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun, in August 2019 under the pact. Pharma and healthcare, including the joint production of vaccines, is another key issue of bilateral cooperation. Several Indian pharma companies have a presence present in the North American country. The bilateral trade between the two countries had crossed the $10 billion mark in 2021 despite the pandemic. Both countries are also non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with regular consultations between the two on various issues at the high table. Recently, Mexico and France co-sponsored resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted by the assembly. Jaishankar had visited Mexico last year and participated in the commemorative event of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence. PM Modi had visited the country in 2016.

Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday

United States'&nbsp;Deputy National Security Advisor for international economics Daleep Singh is likely to visit India in the next few days.

The visit by the US official comes amid a flurry of high-profile visitors, including UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, to New Delhi.

Daleep Singh, an Indian American, has been described as the key architect of Washington's sanctions against Russia since the latter's invasion of Ukraine.

Last week in a statement he said, "The United States and our allies and partners will continue taking action to further isolate Russia from the international economic order as long it continues its brutal war against Ukraine".

Responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West, led by the US, have imposed several economic sanctions against Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

While the sanctions have broken the back of Russia’s economy, Moscow is looking towards Asia, in particular China and India, for increased economic engagement.

India's finance ministry and central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, have been working on the rupee-ruble trading system. This is one of the key topics on the agenda of FM Lavrov's Delhi visit.

Daleep Singh is the great-grandnephew of Dalip Singh Saund who was the first Asian American and the first person from non-Abrahamic religion to be elected to US Congress.

The 46-year-old is an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Daleep's visit comes a week after three top US diplomats visited Delhi for foreign office consultations.

They were United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affair Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Amanda Dory.

The situation in Ukraine, Quad, and Indo-Pacific were among the key issues of discussions in Delhi when Nuland held talks with Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

United States' Deputy National Security Advisor for international economics Daleep Singh is likely to visit India in the next few days. The visit by the US official comes amid a flurry of high-profile visitors, including UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, to New Delhi.

United States' Deputy National Security Advisor for international economics Daleep Singh is likely to visit India in the next few days. The visit by the US official comes amid a flurry of high-profile visitors, including UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, to New Delhi. Daleep Singh, an Indian American, has been described as the key architect of Washington's sanctions against Russia since the latter's invasion of Ukraine. Last week in a statement he said, "The United States and our allies and partners will continue taking action to further isolate Russia from the international economic order as long it continues its brutal war against Ukraine". Responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West, led by the US, have imposed several economic sanctions against Russia and President Vladimir Putin. While the sanctions have broken the back of Russia’s economy, Moscow is looking towards Asia, in particular China and India, for increased economic engagement. India's finance ministry and central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, have been working on the rupee-ruble trading system. This is one of the key topics on the agenda of FM Lavrov's Delhi visit. Daleep Singh is the great-grandnephew of Dalip Singh Saund who was the first Asian American and the first person from non-Abrahamic religion to be elected to US Congress. The 46-year-old is an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard Kennedy School. Daleep's visit comes a week after three top US diplomats visited Delhi for foreign office consultations. They were United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affair Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Amanda Dory. The situation in Ukraine, Quad, and Indo-Pacific were among the key issues of discussions in Delhi when Nuland held talks with Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

Daleep Singh, the key architect of Washington's sanction on Russia, to visit Delhi

For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop.

Conducted amid the pandemic, the training in mobile photography was imparted both in online and offline mode, depending on where the students were from. 'Composition, framing, lighting, exposure' were some of the finer aspects of photography that the school students, aged between 13 and 19 had learnt. At the end of their training, their work was even framed and exhibited at the iconic Egmore museum in Chennai.

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Forty high school students from Tamil Nadu, India captured the vibrance of their communities on iPhone 13 mini. Now their work is featured in the student showcase at the historic Egmore Museum for the Chennai Photo Biennale. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShotOniPhone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShotOniPhone</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm">https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm</a> <a href="https://t.co/I30DTwZkbT">pic.twitter.com/I30DTwZkbT</a>
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1507500405646761984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Mentored by the photography educators from Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, over a period of three months, the students were trained based on the course material prepared by the team. "Mentoring students is an important part of our work and we went online after the pandemic hit. Around 2021-end, we also had a few in-person workshops for the students in Chennai. Our idea was to have children capture the diversity of Tamil Nadu, under the theme 'Land of Stories'- the heritage, people, places" Gayatri Nair, Director of Education, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/a-new-iphone-se-with-5g-new-ipad-air-a-chipset-touted-as-the-fastest-yet-heres-everything-apple-announced-460431" hreflang="en">A new iPhone SE with 5G, new iPad Air &amp; a chipset touted as the fastest yet, here's everything Apple announced</a>

The frames on display showed pets, birds, architectural landmarks, portraits, patterns and what not! But the feelings of the first-time exhibitors were even more vivid.

"This is the first time I've attended a Photography session and I'm so excited that our work is being displayed at the museum" said S. Asreen Banu, a student from Chennai. For Aishwarya, a speech-impaired student from Chennai, photography is more than a mere hobby, it’s a means of expressing herself.

"I'm very happy that my parents and other visitors will be able to see the pictures that we have clicked" she said.

"We are a non-profit foundation that has been teaching photography since 2018. We work a lot with iPhones and we lent these phones to the students for this project (to ensure everyone had access to the same gear). They were asked to click everything that was a quintessential representation of Tamil Nadu, so that we could exhibit the best work in as large as 4feet by 8 feet prints" Varun Gupta, CO-Founder, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION.

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Snaps by school students from across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> mentored by <a href="https://twitter.com/chnpb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chnpb</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/goetheinstitut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@goetheinstitut</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mobile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mobile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photography?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photography</a> , over 2-3months during pandemic. All participants hailed from diff social strata, some were spl kids. 
 
Exhibition underway at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> Egmore Museum till April 17th <a href="https://t.co/CfBh5vHQi6">pic.twitter.com/CfBh5vHQi6</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1508782125931122690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It was a few weeks into the exhibition that Apple CEO Tim Cook had tweeted about the photographic work of school children being on display in Chennai. Open till April 17, the CPB exhibition venue will also witness various photography-related events, every weekend.

&nbsp;

For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop.

For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop. Conducted amid the pandemic, the training in mobile photography was imparted both in online and offline mode, depending on where the students were from. 'Composition, framing, lighting, exposure' were some of the finer aspects of photography that the school students, aged between 13 and 19 had learnt. At the end of their training, their work was even framed and exhibited at the iconic Egmore museum in Chennai. Forty high school students from Tamil Nadu, India captured the vibrance of their communities on iPhone 13 mini. Now their work is featured in the student showcase at the historic Egmore Museum for the Chennai Photo Biennale. #ShotOniPhone https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm pic.twitter.com/I30DTwZkbT — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 25, 2022 × Mentored by the photography educators from Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, over a period of three months, the students were trained based on the course material prepared by the team. "Mentoring students is an important part of our work and we went online after the pandemic hit. Around 2021-end, we also had a few in-person workshops for the students in Chennai. Our idea was to have children capture the diversity of Tamil Nadu, under the theme 'Land of Stories'- the heritage, people, places" Gayatri Nair, Director of Education, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION. Also read | A new iPhone SE with 5G, new iPad Air & a chipset touted as the fastest yet, here's everything Apple announced The frames on display showed pets, birds, architectural landmarks, portraits, patterns and what not! But the feelings of the first-time exhibitors were even more vivid. "This is the first time I've attended a Photography session and I'm so excited that our work is being displayed at the museum" said S. Asreen Banu, a student from Chennai. For Aishwarya, a speech-impaired student from Chennai, photography is more than a mere hobby, it’s a means of expressing herself. "I'm very happy that my parents and other visitors will be able to see the pictures that we have clicked" she said. "We are a non-profit foundation that has been teaching photography since 2018. We work a lot with iPhones and we lent these phones to the students for this project (to ensure everyone had access to the same gear). They were asked to click everything that was a quintessential representation of Tamil Nadu, so that we could exhibit the best work in as large as 4feet by 8 feet prints" Varun Gupta, CO-Founder, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION. Snaps by school students from across #TamilNadu mentored by @chnpb & @goetheinstitut in #mobile #photography , over 2-3months during pandemic. All participants hailed from diff social strata, some were spl kids. Exhibition underway at #Chennai Egmore Museum till April 17th pic.twitter.com/CfBh5vHQi6 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 29, 2022 × It was a few weeks into the exhibition that Apple CEO Tim Cook had tweeted about the photographic work of school children being on display in Chennai. Open till April 17, the CPB exhibition venue will also witness various photography-related events, every weekend.

How a group of student photographers from India caught Apple CEO Tim Cook's attention

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown. The blaze erupted on Monday (March 28) evening.

Forest officials said that Tiger movement in the area has been affected by the fire.

Massive effort is on to douse the fire. Officials have said that around 150-200 people including the forest staff are trying to extinguish the flames.

"Villagers residing in the periphery of the fire-affected area have been asked to move to safety," the official said. The official was quoted by PTI.

Indian Army and Air Force have also joined the effort. Two air force&nbsp;helicopters are helping the forest staff fight the flames.

"At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today," tweeted Indian Air Force.

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At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SariskaTigerReserve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SariskaTigerReserve</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BambiBucket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BambiBucket</a> ops. 
 
Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#आपत्सुमित्रम</a> <a href="https://t.co/HhGEHsdYrS">pic.twitter.com/HhGEHsdYrS</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1508754412201975811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

(More to follow) 
&nbsp;

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown.

A massive fire has broken out in India's Sariska Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan. Officials have been quoted by news agency PTI to say that cause of the fire was unknown. The blaze erupted on Monday (March 28) evening. Forest officials said that Tiger movement in the area has been affected by the fire. Massive effort is on to douse the fire. Officials have said that around 150-200 people including the forest staff are trying to extinguish the flames. "Villagers residing in the periphery of the fire-affected area have been asked to move to safety," the official said. The official was quoted by PTI. Indian Army and Air Force have also joined the effort. Two air force helicopters are helping the forest staff fight the flames. "At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, Indian Air Force has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today," tweeted Indian Air Force. At the behest of Alwar Dist admin to help control the spread of fire over large areas of #SariskaTigerReserve, @IAF_MCC has deployed two Mi 17 V5 heptrs to undertake #BambiBucket ops. Fire Fighting Operations are underway since early morning today.#आपत्सुमित्रम pic.twitter.com/HhGEHsdYrS — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 29, 2022 × (More to follow)

Indian Air Force called to battle massive fire in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

The minimum temperature in the national capital on Tuesday settled at 18.8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal.

Delhi on Monday had recorded its hottest day of the season at 39.1 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the season's average, with the temperature expected to rise further in the next couple of days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-100-stray-dogs-poisoned-in-telangana-village-466574">Over 100 stray dogs poisoned in Telangana village</a>

The relative humidity at 8:30 AM on Tuesday stood at 48 per cent, according to data shared by the India Meteorological Department.

On Monday, the Safdarjung Observatory had recorded a high of 39.1 degrees Celsius and a low of 22.2 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature on Tuesday is likely to hover around 40 degrees Celsius, and heat wave has been forecast.

The minimum and maximum temperature readings on Wednesday are likely to settle at 22 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius respectively, according to IMD data.

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The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded in the poor category (reading 272) in the morning, data from CPCB showed around 9:15 AM.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

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The minimum temperature in the national capital on Tuesday settled at 18.8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Delhi on Monday had recorded its hottest day of the season at 39.

The minimum temperature in the national capital on Tuesday settled at 18.8 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Delhi on Monday had recorded its hottest day of the season at 39.1 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the season's average, with the temperature expected to rise further in the next couple of days. Also read | Over 100 stray dogs poisoned in Telangana village The relative humidity at 8:30 AM on Tuesday stood at 48 per cent, according to data shared by the India Meteorological Department. On Monday, the Safdarjung Observatory had recorded a high of 39.1 degrees Celsius and a low of 22.2 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature on Tuesday is likely to hover around 40 degrees Celsius, and heat wave has been forecast. The minimum and maximum temperature readings on Wednesday are likely to settle at 22 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius respectively, according to IMD data. Also read | 7 Indian-origin techies booked insider trading worth $1 million in US The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded in the poor category (reading 272) in the morning, data from CPCB showed around 9:15 AM. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. Watch | Gravitas: Why Wang Yi came to India

Indian national capital Delhi's maximum temperature in city likely to hover around 40 degrees C

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