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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, March 15, in which he lauded The Kashmir Files and complimented the film industry's role in conveying history, despite an effort to trash it.

PM Modi said in a new video that a "entire ecosystem" was working to undermine the film because it tells the "truth."&nbsp;

Vivek Agnihotri's film The Kashmir Files was released on March 11th.

The film is based on the 1990s Kashmiri Hindu exodus from the Valley.

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<h5>This ecosystem is hell-bent on condemning an individual who has demonstrated the bravery to tell the truth. They also refuse to comprehend or permit others to do so. They do not want to accept the reality, and they do not want the truth to be presented in public.</h5>
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It has sparked passionate debate on all sides.

PM Modi commented on the film, saying, "For the past few days, people have been talking about it.People who normally spend their lives fighting for freedom of expression have become angry.They aren't talking about the movie as a work of art.Instead, the entire ecosystem is attempting to discredit the film."&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheKashmirFiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheKashmirFiles</a>… 
 
Truth based on facts presented in the movie, but the whole “ecosystem” is out to discredit it. <a href="https://t.co/V4cuQhNuCq">pic.twitter.com/V4cuQhNuCq</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1503645403123961860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi said such films should be made so that people get to know the truth, the source added.&nbsp;

"My issue is not a film. My concern is that whatever is the truth needs to be presented in the right manner for the good of the country," he added, saying that if "one wants they can bring another movie on the same issue with a different perspective".

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, March 15, in which he lauded The Kashmir Files and complimented the film industry's role in conveying history, despite an effort to trash it.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, March 15, in which he lauded The Kashmir Files and complimented the film industry's role in conveying history, despite an effort to trash it. PM Modi said in a new video that a "entire ecosystem" was working to undermine the film because it tells the "truth." Vivek Agnihotri's film The Kashmir Files was released on March 11th. The film is based on the 1990s Kashmiri Hindu exodus from the Valley. This ecosystem is hell-bent on condemning an individual who has demonstrated the bravery to tell the truth. They also refuse to comprehend or permit others to do so. They do not want to accept the reality, and they do not want the truth to be presented in public. × It has sparked passionate debate on all sides. PM Modi commented on the film, saying, "For the past few days, people have been talking about it.People who normally spend their lives fighting for freedom of expression have become angry.They aren't talking about the movie as a work of art.Instead, the entire ecosystem is attempting to discredit the film." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on #TheKashmirFiles… Truth based on facts presented in the movie, but the whole “ecosystem” is out to discredit it. pic.twitter.com/V4cuQhNuCq — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 15, 2022 × PM Modi said such films should be made so that people get to know the truth, the source added. "My issue is not a film. My concern is that whatever is the truth needs to be presented in the right manner for the good of the country," he added, saying that if "one wants they can bring another movie on the same issue with a different perspective". (With inputs from agencies)

Entire ecosystem out to discredit a film that tells the truth: PM Modi on 'The Kashmir Files'

The flower bloom on Almond trees indicates the arrival of Spring in the Kashmir Valley. The famous Almond Garden, ''Badamwari' of Srinagar city has thousands of Almond trees, which are in full bloom and all set to welcome tourists as well as locals.&nbsp;

The tourism department of Kashmir plans to celebrate the full spring season across the various gardens of Srinagar city. The festival will start from Badamwari as almond flowers are the first to bloom. The garden located at the foothills of Kohi-Maraan mountain on 300 kanals of land has more than 1000 almond trees.&nbsp;

''We are having spring season and let me share the good news that we will be celebrating springtime as the full season this year.&nbsp; It would normally be confined to celebrating tulip festival only. But tulips come in the last week of March or the first week of April so this time we have decided to celebrate other flowers also which come early in the spring season. We start with badamwari, when the almond bloom is there, then we have wild tulips which bloom much earlier than the tulips we have in Srinagar. Similarly,&nbsp;we have some other flowers which come in March. We have decided we will be having a full-time season. We are expecting a good number of tourists this season as well. '' said Director Tourism, GN Itoo.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-help-the-local-talent-jammu-and-kashmir-police-organises-musical-competition-461715" hreflang="en">To help the local talent, Jammu and Kashmir police organises musical competition</a>

The locals, as well as the tourists, are already thronging these gardens. Social networking sites are filled with pictures of the flowers of Almond. And now the government expects that all previous records of tourist arrivals would be broken this spring. The tourists already in the valley are enjoying the view of the bloom.&nbsp;

''It's quite beautiful, when we think about Kashmir, we mostly&nbsp;think of snow, but this side of Kashmir is so mesmerizing and beautiful too. The spring is pretty, and people should experience&nbsp;this as well. This is our first time in this garden and it's so amazing. We googled to see what an almond bloom looks like before coming here. '' said Anupama, Tourist.&nbsp;

The government is planning to organise many events in the Gardens of Kashmir Valley to promote spring tourism as well as these gardens. The people who are visiting are mesmerised by the views of these blooms.&nbsp;

''We are finding it very beautiful,&nbsp;and we had no plans of coming to this almond garden, so someone in the flight suggested we come here. We found&nbsp;it so beautiful&nbsp;and it's worth coming to this garden. And coming to Kashmir is just fantastic&nbsp;and everything is proving worth it to come to Kashmir. I would ask people to visit as it's the real heaven. '' said Rashmi, a Tourist.&nbsp;

The spring season had seen very less tourist arrivals in the Kashmir Valley in the last two years due to the pandemic. The tourist stakeholders now hope that this year, they would be able to compensate for the losses.&nbsp;

The flower bloom on Almond trees indicates the arrival of Spring in the Kashmir Valley. The famous Almond Garden, ''Badamwari' of Srinagar city has thousands of Almond trees, which are in full bloom and all set to welcome tourists as well as locals.

The flower bloom on Almond trees indicates the arrival of Spring in the Kashmir Valley. The famous Almond Garden, ''Badamwari' of Srinagar city has thousands of Almond trees, which are in full bloom and all set to welcome tourists as well as locals. The tourism department of Kashmir plans to celebrate the full spring season across the various gardens of Srinagar city. The festival will start from Badamwari as almond flowers are the first to bloom. The garden located at the foothills of Kohi-Maraan mountain on 300 kanals of land has more than 1000 almond trees. ''We are having spring season and let me share the good news that we will be celebrating springtime as the full season this year. It would normally be confined to celebrating tulip festival only. But tulips come in the last week of March or the first week of April so this time we have decided to celebrate other flowers also which come early in the spring season. We start with badamwari, when the almond bloom is there, then we have wild tulips which bloom much earlier than the tulips we have in Srinagar. Similarly, we have some other flowers which come in March. We have decided we will be having a full-time season. We are expecting a good number of tourists this season as well. '' said Director Tourism, GN Itoo. Also read | To help the local talent, Jammu and Kashmir police organises musical competition The locals, as well as the tourists, are already thronging these gardens. Social networking sites are filled with pictures of the flowers of Almond. And now the government expects that all previous records of tourist arrivals would be broken this spring. The tourists already in the valley are enjoying the view of the bloom. ''It's quite beautiful, when we think about Kashmir, we mostly think of snow, but this side of Kashmir is so mesmerizing and beautiful too. The spring is pretty, and people should experience this as well. This is our first time in this garden and it's so amazing. We googled to see what an almond bloom looks like before coming here. '' said Anupama, Tourist. The government is planning to organise many events in the Gardens of Kashmir Valley to promote spring tourism as well as these gardens. The people who are visiting are mesmerised by the views of these blooms. ''We are finding it very beautiful, and we had no plans of coming to this almond garden, so someone in the flight suggested we come here. We found it so beautiful and it's worth coming to this garden. And coming to Kashmir is just fantastic and everything is proving worth it to come to Kashmir. I would ask people to visit as it's the real heaven. '' said Rashmi, a Tourist. The spring season had seen very less tourist arrivals in the Kashmir Valley in the last two years due to the pandemic. The tourist stakeholders now hope that this year, they would be able to compensate for the losses.

Almond flowers in full bloom in Kashmir

Amazon.com Inc has gone on the attack in its bitter dispute with two Indian retailers, accusing them of fraud in Indian newspaper ads on Tuesday after Reliance Industries suddenly took over many of Future Retail stores.

Amazon&nbsp;has been contesting the planned $3.4 billion sales of Future Group's retail assets to Reliance, first announced in 2020, and the case is currently before the Indian Supreme Court.

Reliance, India's biggest conglomerate and retailer run by the country's richest man, began taking over the prized real estate with utmost stealth on Feb.25 when its staff showed up at many of Future biggest stores to assume control, sources have told Reuters.

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In ads headlined "PUBLIC NOTICE" in leading Indian newspapers on Tuesday,&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;said: "these actions have been done in a clandestine manner by playing a fraud on the constitutional courts in India."

Future and Reliance did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<img alt="amazon, reliance" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1292bd3e-3110-4f39-abef-ba6570c7dc34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2821%29.jpg" />

Image source: Twitter

Amazon's public outcry comes even though on March 3 it offered to hold talks. The ongoing talks have raised hopes the dispute could be resolved.

Future has said in filings this month that it could not pay rent at many outlets given its distressed financial situation and that Reliance, which had taken over many of its leases, had issued it with termination notices.

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Amazon&nbsp;is concerned that Reliance is continuing to take over Future stores even as the talks continue, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter who was not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified.

The newspaper ads were aimed at alerting all stakeholders, including Future’s lenders, that the transfer of assets to Reliance is legally prohibited, the source added.

Amazon.com Inc has gone on the attack in its bitter dispute with two Indian retailers, accusing them of fraud in Indian newspaper ads on Tuesday after Reliance Industries suddenly took over many of Future Retail stores.

Amazon.com Inc has gone on the attack in its bitter dispute with two Indian retailers, accusing them of fraud in Indian newspaper ads on Tuesday after Reliance Industries suddenly took over many of Future Retail stores. Amazon has been contesting the planned $3.4 billion sales of Future Group's retail assets to Reliance, first announced in 2020, and the case is currently before the Indian Supreme Court. Reliance, India's biggest conglomerate and retailer run by the country's richest man, began taking over the prized real estate with utmost stealth on Feb.25 when its staff showed up at many of Future biggest stores to assume control, sources have told Reuters. Also read | Amazon's suppliers involved in forced labour in Xinjiang: Report In ads headlined "PUBLIC NOTICE" in leading Indian newspapers on Tuesday, Amazon said: "these actions have been done in a clandestine manner by playing a fraud on the constitutional courts in India." Future and Reliance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Image source: Twitter Amazon's public outcry comes even though on March 3 it offered to hold talks. The ongoing talks have raised hopes the dispute could be resolved. Future has said in filings this month that it could not pay rent at many outlets given its distressed financial situation and that Reliance, which had taken over many of its leases, had issued it with termination notices. Also read | Amazon is less able to recover from droughts and logging, study finds Amazon is concerned that Reliance is continuing to take over Future stores even as the talks continue, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter who was not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. The newspaper ads were aimed at alerting all stakeholders, including Future’s lenders, that the transfer of assets to Reliance is legally prohibited, the source added.

Amazon slams Reliance takeover of Future stores as 'fraud' in India newspaper ads

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala.

The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent.

On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries.

&nbsp;The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent.

As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala. The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent. On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million. Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent. As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years

India will start vaccinating children in the 12 to 14 age group from Wednesday. Along with this age group of children, all Indian citizens above the age of 60 are also eligible for a booster shot against Covid-19.

All above 60 to get booster shot in India

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary. 
 
 
Replying to questions of various Congress MLAs, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Kiritsinh Rana, informed the House that a total of 283 lions in Gir, which is the only abode for Asiatic lions in the world, died till December 2021. 
 
During the same period, more than 300 leopards have also died in the state, Rana said. 
 
The minister further informed that 63 lions died of natural causes while five died unnaturally, 57 lionesses died natural deaths while 16 died unnaturally.

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Out of the 142 lion cubs which died, 134 died naturally while eight died of unnatural causes. 
 
Replying to a question on what steps have been taken by the government to curb the unnatural deaths of the big cats, the minister said that patrolling is being carried out day and night by the forest department officials. 
 
Joint patrolling is also being carried out in collaboration with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL). 
 
As per the 2020 Lion Census, with a 29 per cent rise in population from the previous Census conducted in 2015, there are 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.

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The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats. 
 
Replying to a question by Congress MLA Virji Thummar, Rana informed the House that during the same period, Gujarat saw deaths of 333 leopards, including 242 adults and 91 cubs. Out of that, over 27 per cent or 90 deaths were due to unnatural causes, including that of 23 cubs. 
 
The opposition Congress alleged that the Gir National Park has 376 open wells which have turned into death traps for the animals.

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary.

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary. Replying to questions of various Congress MLAs, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Kiritsinh Rana, informed the House that a total of 283 lions in Gir, which is the only abode for Asiatic lions in the world, died till December 2021. During the same period, more than 300 leopards have also died in the state, Rana said. The minister further informed that 63 lions died of natural causes while five died unnaturally, 57 lionesses died natural deaths while 16 died unnaturally. Also read | Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat Out of the 142 lion cubs which died, 134 died naturally while eight died of unnatural causes. Replying to a question on what steps have been taken by the government to curb the unnatural deaths of the big cats, the minister said that patrolling is being carried out day and night by the forest department officials. Joint patrolling is also being carried out in collaboration with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL). As per the 2020 Lion Census, with a 29 per cent rise in population from the previous Census conducted in 2015, there are 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat. Also read | Stunning images from underwater lion dance at Malaysian aquarium days before Chinese New Year The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats. Replying to a question by Congress MLA Virji Thummar, Rana informed the House that during the same period, Gujarat saw deaths of 333 leopards, including 242 adults and 91 cubs. Out of that, over 27 per cent or 90 deaths were due to unnatural causes, including that of 23 cubs. The opposition Congress alleged that the Gir National Park has 376 open wells which have turned into death traps for the animals.

Nearly 300 lions died in India's Gujarat in 2 years, govt tells assembly

Mother&nbsp;Teresa's former secretary has been named the new head of the Indian charity founded by the Catholic saint, officials said Monday, months after the organisation's funding came under government scrutiny.

Sister Joseph Michael is the third person to helm the Missionaries of Charity since the 1997 death of the revered nun and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who dedicated her life to helping the poor in Kolkata.

Members of the religious order from 110 countries gathered in the megacity to elect their new leader during a weekend prayer retreat, spokeswoman Sunita Kumar told AFP.&nbsp;

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The new superior general of the charity "has been with the organisation for a long time and was&nbsp;Mother&nbsp;Teresa's secretary for years," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Her predecessor, Sister Prema, had served in the role since 2009 and had recently asked to stand down on account of poor health.

Sister Prema's departure comes after the Indian government threatened to cut off foreign funding to the charity on Christmas Day last year, before backpedalling two weeks later.&nbsp;

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India's home ministry said then that the Missionaries of Charity was ineligible to receive overseas donations.&nbsp;

But critics at the time described the move as further evidence of harassment of Christians under the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

It came soon after police in Gujarat, Modi's home state, began investigating the charity for alleged "forceful conversion" of Hindus to Christianity -- a regular accusation by hardline members of India's majority religion.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Big takeaways from India's state election results

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-big-takeaways-from-indias-state-election-results-461095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Activists say that religious minorities in India have faced increased levels of discrimination and violence since Modi's government took office in 2014.

The government has also increased pressure on non-governmental organisations receiving foreign funding, including rights groups.

Mother Teresa's former secretary has been named the new head of the Indian charity founded by the Catholic saint, officials said Monday, months after the organisation's funding came under government scrutiny.

Mother Teresa's former secretary has been named the new head of the Indian charity founded by the Catholic saint, officials said Monday, months after the organisation's funding came under government scrutiny. Sister Joseph Michael is the third person to helm the Missionaries of Charity since the 1997 death of the revered nun and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who dedicated her life to helping the poor in Kolkata. Members of the religious order from 110 countries gathered in the megacity to elect their new leader during a weekend prayer retreat, spokeswoman Sunita Kumar told AFP. Also read | COVID-19: India to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, boosters for all above 60 The new superior general of the charity "has been with the organisation for a long time and was Mother Teresa's secretary for years," Kumar said. Her predecessor, Sister Prema, had served in the role since 2009 and had recently asked to stand down on account of poor health. Sister Prema's departure comes after the Indian government threatened to cut off foreign funding to the charity on Christmas Day last year, before backpedalling two weeks later. Also read | Five Indian students killed in Canada road accident India's home ministry said then that the Missionaries of Charity was ineligible to receive overseas donations. But critics at the time described the move as further evidence of harassment of Christians under the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It came soon after police in Gujarat, Modi's home state, began investigating the charity for alleged "forceful conversion" of Hindus to Christianity -- a regular accusation by hardline members of India's majority religion. Watch | Gravitas: Big takeaways from India's state election results Activists say that religious minorities in India have faced increased levels of discrimination and violence since Modi's government took office in 2014. The government has also increased pressure on non-governmental organisations receiving foreign funding, including rights groups.

Mother Teresa's former secretary to lead saint's Indian order

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been appointed as Air India Chairman, a group spokesperson said. The development comes as the Tata Group scouts for a new Air India CEO-MD. 
 
Earlier this month, ex-Turkish Airlines head Mehmet Ilker Ayci, who was named as the new Air India CEO-MD, declined the position. No reason was given for Ayci's decision.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-2503-new-covid-infections-lowest-single-day-rise-in-two-years-462056">India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years</a> 
 
Last month, the Tata Group-led Air India announced the appointment of Ayci as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the airline. At that time, Ayci while accepting the position said he is "delighted and honoured to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group". 
 
He was expected to take the charge on or before April 1.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-to-start-vaccinating-children-aged-12-to-14-years-from-march-16-boosters-for-all-above-60-462163">COVID-19: India to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, boosters for all above 60</a> 
 
Ayci, 51, until recently was the Chairman of Turkish Airlines and was also on its Board of Directors prior to that. 
 
Recently, the Tata Group bought the debt ridden state-owned Air India from the Central government by placing a bid of over Rs 18,000 crore at an auction and on January 27, it took over the full control of the airlines.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been appointed as Air India Chairman, a group spokesperson said. The development comes as the Tata Group scouts for a new Air India CEO-MD.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been appointed as Air India Chairman, a group spokesperson said. The development comes as the Tata Group scouts for a new Air India CEO-MD. Earlier this month, ex-Turkish Airlines head Mehmet Ilker Ayci, who was named as the new Air India CEO-MD, declined the position. No reason was given for Ayci's decision. Also read | India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years Last month, the Tata Group-led Air India announced the appointment of Ayci as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the airline. At that time, Ayci while accepting the position said he is "delighted and honoured to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group". He was expected to take the charge on or before April 1. Also read | COVID-19: India to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, boosters for all above 60 Ayci, 51, until recently was the Chairman of Turkish Airlines and was also on its Board of Directors prior to that. Recently, the Tata Group bought the debt ridden state-owned Air India from the Central government by placing a bid of over Rs 18,000 crore at an auction and on January 27, it took over the full control of the airlines.

Tata sons chief N Chandrasekaran appointed as Air India chairman

Share price of Paytm`s parent company, One 97 Communications Ltd, slumped by around 13 per cent to hit an all-time low on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers.

At the BSE, One 97 Communications Ltd share closed 12.84 per cent down at Rs 675.35. The scrip slipped to a low of Rs 662.25 in the intra-day. This is the lowest ever price of One 97 Communications Ltd.

The share price of One 97 Communications Ltd tumbled after the RBI imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank and asked it to appoint an IT audit firm to conduct a comprehensive system audit of its IT system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paytm-ceo-arrested-for-rash-driving-later-released-on-bail-461828">Paytm CEO arrested for rash driving, later released on bail</a>

"Reserve Bank of India has today, in the exercise of its powers, inter alia, under section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, directed Paytm Payments Bank Ltd to stop, with immediate effect, onboarding of new customers," the RBI had said on Friday.

"The bank has also been directed to appoint an IT audit firm to conduct a comprehensive System Audit of its IT system. Onboarding of new customers by Paytm Payments Bank Ltd will be subject to specific permission to be granted by RBI after reviewing report of the IT auditors," RBI said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-plans-to-publicise-its-social-welfare-schemes-and-its-benefits-461916">Government plans to publicise its social welfare schemes and its benefits</a>

In its reply to the RBI's action, One 97 Communications Ltd said, "The bank (Paytm Payments Bank) is taking immediate steps to comply with RBI directions, including the appointment of a reputed external auditor to conduct a comprehensive System Audit of its IT systems. PPBL remains committed to working with the regulator to address their concerns as quickly as possible."

"The Company has been informed that this does not impact any existing customers of PPBL, who can continue to use all banking and payment services without interruption. All existing users of Paytm UPI, Paytm Wallet, Paytm FASTag, and bank accounts can continue to use these instruments, including debit cards and net banking, for payments," Paytm's parent firm said.

Share price of Paytm`s parent company, One 97 Communications Ltd, slumped by around 13 per cent to hit an all-time low on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers.

Share price of Paytm`s parent company, One 97 Communications Ltd, slumped by around 13 per cent to hit an all-time low on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding new customers. At the BSE, One 97 Communications Ltd share closed 12.84 per cent down at Rs 675.35. The scrip slipped to a low of Rs 662.25 in the intra-day. This is the lowest ever price of One 97 Communications Ltd. The share price of One 97 Communications Ltd tumbled after the RBI imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank and asked it to appoint an IT audit firm to conduct a comprehensive system audit of its IT system. Also read | Paytm CEO arrested for rash driving, later released on bail "Reserve Bank of India has today, in the exercise of its powers, inter alia, under section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, directed Paytm Payments Bank Ltd to stop, with immediate effect, onboarding of new customers," the RBI had said on Friday. "The bank has also been directed to appoint an IT audit firm to conduct a comprehensive System Audit of its IT system. Onboarding of new customers by Paytm Payments Bank Ltd will be subject to specific permission to be granted by RBI after reviewing report of the IT auditors," RBI said. Also read | Government plans to publicise its social welfare schemes and its benefits In its reply to the RBI's action, One 97 Communications Ltd said, "The bank (Paytm Payments Bank) is taking immediate steps to comply with RBI directions, including the appointment of a reputed external auditor to conduct a comprehensive System Audit of its IT systems. PPBL remains committed to working with the regulator to address their concerns as quickly as possible." "The Company has been informed that this does not impact any existing customers of PPBL, who can continue to use all banking and payment services without interruption. All existing users of Paytm UPI, Paytm Wallet, Paytm FASTag, and bank accounts can continue to use these instruments, including debit cards and net banking, for payments," Paytm's parent firm said.

Paytm shares slump 13 per cent after RBI's restrictions on payments bank

Indian government has announced that the country will start its covid-19 vaccination for 12 to 14 years old from March 16. The health ministry said that the Corbevax will be administered to the new age group as it is India's first indigenously developed covid-19 vaccine.

India to vaccinate 12-14 year old against covid-19

India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday.&nbsp;

The announcement by the health ministry is vital as schools reopen across the country with standard restrictions amid a significant fall in Covid cases.&nbsp;

In a statement, the health ministry said, "Union Government after due deliberations with scientific bodies has decided to start COVID19 vaccination for 12-13 yr and 13-14 yr age groups (those born in 2008, 2009 and 2010. i.e those who are already above 12 years of age) of the population from 16th March 2022."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shenzhen-city-begins-lockdown-amid-virus-surge-in-china-462106">Shenzhen city begins lockdown amid virus surge in China</a>

The ministry also added that it has been decided to remove the condition of co-morbidity for people above 60 years to receive a booster shot.&nbsp;

India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took to his official Twitter&nbsp;account and announced it in Hindi. His comments can be loosely translated in English as: "If the children are safe then the country is safe! I am happy to inform you that the COVID-19 vaccination of children in the age group of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 is starting from March 16. Also, everyone aged 60+ will now be able to get precaution doses."&nbsp;

So far, India has been vaccinating children aged 15 and above and according to government figures, more than 90 million children aged between 15 and 17 have been inoculated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-deltacron-variant-is-rare-and-similar-to-omicron-experts-say-462149">New ‘Deltacron’ variant is rare and similar to Omicron, experts say</a>

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बच्चे सुरक्षित तो देश सुरक्षित! 
 
मुझे बताते हुए खुशी है की 16 मार्च से 12 से 13 व 13 से 14 आयुवर्ग के बच्चों का कोविड टीकाकरण शुरू हो रहा है। 
 
साथ ही 60+ आयु के सभी लोग अब प्रिकॉशन डोज लगवा पाएँगे। 
 
मेरा बच्चों के परिजनों व 60+ आयुवर्ग के लोगों से आग्रह है की वैक्सीन जरूर लगवाएँ।
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1503284436284100610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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India's third wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has receded, with the country reporting 2,503 infections on Monday (March 14) compared to more than 300,000 in late January.&nbsp;

As per the health ministry, children in the age group of 12 to 14 years would be inoculated using vaccine maker Biological E. Ltd's Corbevax, which received an emergency use approval in February for 12- to 18-year-olds.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday.

India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday. The announcement by the health ministry is vital as schools reopen across the country with standard restrictions amid a significant fall in Covid cases. In a statement, the health ministry said, "Union Government after due deliberations with scientific bodies has decided to start COVID19 vaccination for 12-13 yr and 13-14 yr age groups (those born in 2008, 2009 and 2010. i.e those who are already above 12 years of age) of the population from 16th March 2022." ALSO READ | Shenzhen city begins lockdown amid virus surge in China The ministry also added that it has been decided to remove the condition of co-morbidity for people above 60 years to receive a booster shot. India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took to his official Twitter account and announced it in Hindi. His comments can be loosely translated in English as: "If the children are safe then the country is safe! I am happy to inform you that the COVID-19 vaccination of children in the age group of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 is starting from March 16. Also, everyone aged 60+ will now be able to get precaution doses." So far, India has been vaccinating children aged 15 and above and according to government figures, more than 90 million children aged between 15 and 17 have been inoculated. ALSO READ | New ‘Deltacron’ variant is rare and similar to Omicron, experts say बच्चे सुरक्षित तो देश सुरक्षित! मुझे बताते हुए खुशी है की 16 मार्च से 12 से 13 व 13 से 14 आयुवर्ग के बच्चों का कोविड टीकाकरण शुरू हो रहा है। साथ ही 60+ आयु के सभी लोग अब प्रिकॉशन डोज लगवा पाएँगे। मेरा बच्चों के परिजनों व 60+ आयुवर्ग के लोगों से आग्रह है की वैक्सीन जरूर लगवाएँ। — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 14, 2022 × India's third wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has receded, with the country reporting 2,503 infections on Monday (March 14) compared to more than 300,000 in late January. As per the health ministry, children in the age group of 12 to 14 years would be inoculated using vaccine maker Biological E. Ltd's Corbevax, which received an emergency use approval in February for 12- to 18-year-olds. ×

COVID-19: India to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, boosters for all above 60

As the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis is easing up, Delhi is gearing up for a number of high-level visits, especially from Latin America. Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez and&nbsp;Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will be on an India visit in a few weeks' time. The visit comes even as both sides have been firming up relations.&nbsp;

When it comes to Colombia, energy will be a key focus area of talks.&nbsp;ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) is the only Indian public sector enterprise in the south American country involved in&nbsp;both exploration and production of oil.

Both countries have been having space collaboration as well. In November 2018 ISRO launched FACSAT 1 satellite of the Colombian Air Force on PSLV-C43/HysIS mission. It was the first-ever Colombian Air Force Nano-satellite.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-share-our-good-bad-experiences-with-india-on-trade-deal-with-us-mexico-256041">Also read |&nbsp;Can share our good, bad experiences with India on trade deal with US: Mexico</a>

Colombia's Vice Prez Marta Lucía Ramírez was on India visit last year. During an exclusive interview with WION that time, Vice President Ramírez said she sees Indo Pacific as a region that has "a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation" even as she highlighted connect with the Pacific Alliance-- a block of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

The visit of Mexico's foreign minister&nbsp;Marcelo Ebrard&nbsp;will have a focus on consultations at the United Nations Security Council. Both India and Mexico are non-permanent members of the security council.&nbsp;Last year India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Mexico, the first such visit by an Indian foreign minister to the country in over 40 years.

With relaxation in coronavirus restrictions, Delhi is expected to see more diplomatic engagements. The new Japanese Prime Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida visits India over the coming weekend. Last year, the Denmark Prime Minister and Russian President had visited Delhi, the first such visit to India amid the COVID-19 crisis in many months. Delhi has been a busy capital in terms of incoming visits in pre-covid time.&nbsp;

As the COVID-19 crisis is easing up, Delhi is gearing up for a number of high-level visits, especially from Latin America. Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will be on an India visit in a few weeks' time.

As the COVID-19 crisis is easing up, Delhi is gearing up for a number of high-level visits, especially from Latin America. Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will be on an India visit in a few weeks' time. The visit comes even as both sides have been firming up relations. When it comes to Colombia, energy will be a key focus area of talks. ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) is the only Indian public sector enterprise in the south American country involved in both exploration and production of oil. Both countries have been having space collaboration as well. In November 2018 ISRO launched FACSAT 1 satellite of the Colombian Air Force on PSLV-C43/HysIS mission. It was the first-ever Colombian Air Force Nano-satellite. Also read | Can share our good, bad experiences with India on trade deal with US: Mexico Colombia's Vice Prez Marta Lucía Ramírez was on India visit last year. During an exclusive interview with WION that time, Vice President Ramírez said she sees Indo Pacific as a region that has "a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation" even as she highlighted connect with the Pacific Alliance-- a block of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The visit of Mexico's foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard will have a focus on consultations at the United Nations Security Council. Both India and Mexico are non-permanent members of the security council. Last year India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Mexico, the first such visit by an Indian foreign minister to the country in over 40 years. With relaxation in coronavirus restrictions, Delhi is expected to see more diplomatic engagements. The new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits India over the coming weekend. Last year, the Denmark Prime Minister and Russian President had visited Delhi, the first such visit to India amid the COVID-19 crisis in many months. Delhi has been a busy capital in terms of incoming visits in pre-covid time.

High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks

On Saturday, five Indian students, all in their twenties, were killed in a car accident on a highway in the province of Ontario.

At 3.45 am local time, all five were riding in a passenger van on Highway 401 when it collided with a tractor-trailer. 
 
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, five students were killed in the terrible incident, while two others were taken to the hospital with critical injuries (OPP).

According to the Canadian Press, the five were identified as Harpreet Singh, 24, Jaspinder Singh, 21, Karanpal Singh, 22, Mohit Chouhan, 23, and Pawan Kumar, 23. They were in Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area for their studies. At the scene of the accident, they were pronounced deceased. Harpreet Singh is thought to be the perpetrator.

Harpreet Singh is believed to have been resident in Montreal, according to the outlet CBC News.

"On Saturday March 12, 2022, at approximately 3:45am officers from the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 westbound, between Aikens Road and St Hilaire Road," the release stated.&nbsp;

It added, "The investigation into this collision is continuing at this time and updates will be provided as they become available. No charges have been laid."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday mourned the death of the five Indian students. "Deeply mourn the passing away of 5 Indian students in Canada. Condolences to their families. Pray for the recovery of those injured. @IndiainToronto will provide all necessary support and assistance," he tweeted.

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Deeply mourn the passing away of 5 Indian students in Canada. Condolences to their families. Pray for the recovery of those injured. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainToronto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainToronto</a> will provide all necessary support and assistance. <a href="https://t.co/MAkMz0uwJ7">https://t.co/MAkMz0uwJ7</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1503223268337418242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

On Saturday, five Indian students, all in their twenties, were killed in a car accident on a highway in the province of Ontario. At 3.45 am local time, all five were riding in a passenger van on Highway 401 when it collided with a tractor-trailer.

On Saturday, five Indian students, all in their twenties, were killed in a car accident on a highway in the province of Ontario. At 3.45 am local time, all five were riding in a passenger van on Highway 401 when it collided with a tractor-trailer. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, five students were killed in the terrible incident, while two others were taken to the hospital with critical injuries (OPP). According to the Canadian Press, the five were identified as Harpreet Singh, 24, Jaspinder Singh, 21, Karanpal Singh, 22, Mohit Chouhan, 23, and Pawan Kumar, 23. They were in Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area for their studies. At the scene of the accident, they were pronounced deceased. Harpreet Singh is thought to be the perpetrator. Harpreet Singh is believed to have been resident in Montreal, according to the outlet CBC News. "On Saturday March 12, 2022, at approximately 3:45am officers from the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 westbound, between Aikens Road and St Hilaire Road," the release stated. It added, "The investigation into this collision is continuing at this time and updates will be provided as they become available. No charges have been laid." External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday mourned the death of the five Indian students. "Deeply mourn the passing away of 5 Indian students in Canada. Condolences to their families. Pray for the recovery of those injured. @IndiainToronto will provide all necessary support and assistance," he tweeted. Deeply mourn the passing away of 5 Indian students in Canada. Condolences to their families. Pray for the recovery of those injured. @IndiainToronto will provide all necessary support and assistance. https://t.co/MAkMz0uwJ7 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 14, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Five Indian students killed in Canada road accident

The central government plans to spread the message on the way various social welfare schemes have benefitted the masses, including women, and people from SC and ST communities.

A decision was taken last week to ask the various central ministries to collate the various welfare schemes launched by them in the past seven-and-a-half years and the number of people they have benefitted.

After a thorough review, the government will launch a campaign to amplify the schemes and their benefits extended across India, sources aware of the decision said on Sunday.

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Various welfare schemes of the government are said to have played a key role in helping BJP win assembly polls in four out of five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

But the decision to ask the ministries to collate data was taken before the voting for assembly polls took place, sources said.

According to the government, such schemes as Ujjwala , Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, and rural employment programme have benefitted lakhs of families by way of employment generation, affordable housing, and cooking gas facility.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russia-needs-a-market-for-its-oil-and-india-could-benefit-but-461797">Russia needs a market for its oil and India could benefit, but...</a>

During the peak of coronavirus pandemic, government had distributed free ration to the poor and migrant workers.

The government had also supported women self-help groups and small business to help them withstand disruption in economy due to the pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin bets on India's help to rescue energy sector

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Petroleum, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Minority Affairs are some of key ministries which have earmarked substantial funds from their budgets for such social welfare schemes.

The central government plans to spread the message on the way various social welfare schemes have benefitted the masses, including women, and people from SC and ST communities.

The central government plans to spread the message on the way various social welfare schemes have benefitted the masses, including women, and people from SC and ST communities. A decision was taken last week to ask the various central ministries to collate the various welfare schemes launched by them in the past seven-and-a-half years and the number of people they have benefitted. After a thorough review, the government will launch a campaign to amplify the schemes and their benefits extended across India, sources aware of the decision said on Sunday. Also read | Paytm CEO arrested for rash driving, later released on bail Various welfare schemes of the government are said to have played a key role in helping BJP win assembly polls in four out of five states, including Uttar Pradesh. But the decision to ask the ministries to collate data was taken before the voting for assembly polls took place, sources said. According to the government, such schemes as Ujjwala , Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, and rural employment programme have benefitted lakhs of families by way of employment generation, affordable housing, and cooking gas facility. Also read | Russia needs a market for its oil and India could benefit, but... During the peak of coronavirus pandemic, government had distributed free ration to the poor and migrant workers. The government had also supported women self-help groups and small business to help them withstand disruption in economy due to the pandemic. Watch | Gravitas: Putin bets on India's help to rescue energy sector Petroleum, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Minority Affairs are some of key ministries which have earmarked substantial funds from their budgets for such social welfare schemes.

Government plans to publicise its social welfare schemes and its benefits

India and Australia will hold a virtual summit later this month led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison. It is expected that a big announcement will be made during the meeting.

The last such virtual summit between the two&nbsp;leaders took place in June 2020. At that time, amid the covid crisis, it was the first such virtual summit PM Modi had with any foreign leader.

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One of the key focus areas during the summit will be the interim trade agreement. India's trade minister Piyush Goyal and his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan had met in Delhi last month and announced that the interim trade pact will be concluded in 30 days' time and will cover areas of interest for both countries. Both countries have decided to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in 12-18 months' time.&nbsp;

In 2018-19, the trade between the two countries was around US$ 21 billion. Australia’s cumulative investment in India is about $10.74 billion whereas India’s total investment in Australia is $10.45 billion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-munich-paris-india-australia-france-fms-trilateral-on-anvil-452012">Also read |&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil</a>

It is part of a series of trade pacts India has been signing.&nbsp;Just last month India and UAE signed FTA during the India-UAE virtual summit.&nbsp;Canadian trade minister had visited India last week as both sides announced the re-launch of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations.&nbsp;

The India, Australia summit comes in the backdrop of fast-paced geopolitical changes with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, firming up of Quad grouping which includes India, Australia, US, and Japan, and an aggressive China in the Indo Pacific.

Both PM Modi, and Australian PM were part of a virtual Quad meet that took place earlier this month at the request of the Americans. The India, Australia summit will happen a few days after Japanese PM&nbsp;Fumio Kishida visits India on March 19. This will be the maiden visit of Fumio to India in his capacity as the Prime Minister.

While this is the second&nbsp;virtual summit, both leaders have met 4 times in per pandemic times. First on&nbsp;the sidelines of East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore in November of 2018, then on the sidelines of G20 in Osaka in June 2019, on the margins of G7 Summit in Biarritz in August 2019, and on the margins of EAS in Bangkok in November 2019.&nbsp;

Domestically the summit comes just a few months before Australia's federal elections. The elections are scheduled for the first half of 2022.

India and Australia will hold a virtual summit later this month led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison. It is expected that a big announcement will be made during the meeting.

India and Australia will hold a virtual summit later this month led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison. It is expected that a big announcement will be made during the meeting. The last such virtual summit between the two leaders took place in June 2020. At that time, amid the covid crisis, it was the first such virtual summit PM Modi had with any foreign leader. One of the key focus areas during the summit will be the interim trade agreement. India's trade minister Piyush Goyal and his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan had met in Delhi last month and announced that the interim trade pact will be concluded in 30 days' time and will cover areas of interest for both countries. Both countries have decided to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in 12-18 months' time. In 2018-19, the trade between the two countries was around US$ 21 billion. Australia’s cumulative investment in India is about $10.74 billion whereas India’s total investment in Australia is $10.45 billion. Also read | EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil It is part of a series of trade pacts India has been signing. Just last month India and UAE signed FTA during the India-UAE virtual summit. Canadian trade minister had visited India last week as both sides announced the re-launch of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. The India, Australia summit comes in the backdrop of fast-paced geopolitical changes with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, firming up of Quad grouping which includes India, Australia, US, and Japan, and an aggressive China in the Indo Pacific. Both PM Modi, and Australian PM were part of a virtual Quad meet that took place earlier this month at the request of the Americans. The India, Australia summit will happen a few days after Japanese PM Fumio Kishida visits India on March 19. This will be the maiden visit of Fumio to India in his capacity as the Prime Minister. While this is the second virtual summit, both leaders have met 4 times in per pandemic times. First on the sidelines of East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore in November of 2018, then on the sidelines of G20 in Osaka in June 2019, on the margins of G7 Summit in Biarritz in August 2019, and on the margins of EAS in Bangkok in November 2019. Domestically the summit comes just a few months before Australia's federal elections. The elections are scheduled for the first half of 2022.

India, Australia virtual summit later this month

Know as the "cradle of warriors", India's oldest military school, the Dehradun based Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), turns a hundred years old today.&nbsp;

The institution has given India 6 Service Chiefs — General KS Thimayya, Gen GG Bewoor, Gen VN Sharma, Air Chief Marshal NC Suri, Gen S Padmanabhan, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, 41 Army Commanders and equivalent, and 163 in the rank of Lt. General.&nbsp;

The role played by RIMC pass outs from World War II to the Balakot Operations has been much appreciated, and the stuff of legends.

The military training institution was inaugurated on March 13, 1922 by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. The aim at that time was to educate and train Indian youth as part of the Indianisation programme of the officer cadre of the British Indian Army.&nbsp;

During his address to the first 37 cadets, the Prince of Wales then said, "It is the first few blows on the anvil of life that give the human weapon the set and temper that carry him through life's battles."&nbsp;

<img alt="First batch of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in 1922." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8657aab8-7a4a-47e6-909d-14b6ab91bb9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-12%20at%206.37.48%20PM.jpeg" /> 
 
First batch of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in 1922.

The Prince also made reference to the old Indian tradition of 'Guru and Chela.

On Sunday morning, the Governor of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand will be the chief guest at a grand ceremony to commemorate the intuition's centennial year.

On the occasion, a postal stamp will be released. Along with it, A book titled ‘Bal- Vivek’, authored by cadets will also be done.&nbsp;

Other than that, a historical compendium will be released that puts into perspective the history of the college. Rimcollians, as the alumni members are known, are expected to be present in full force.

RIMC is the premier feeder institute for the prestigious National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, Ezhimala.&nbsp;

The college provides public school education to students in the age group of 11½ to 18 years, specially selected through an All India Competitive Examination. 250 students are selected from every state, strictly on merit through a written examination, an interview, and a medical test.

Not only in India, but also in Pakistan and Bangladesh, many top-ranking officers have graduated from the RIMC.

Pakistan's General Gul Hassankhan, the last Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and two Pak Air chiefs, Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Air Marshal Nur Khan, have passed out from the intuition.

Know as the "cradle of warriors", India's oldest military school, the Dehradun based Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), turns a hundred years old today. The institution has given India 6 Service Chiefs — General KS Thimayya, Gen GG Bewoor, Gen VN Sharma, Air Chief Marshal NC Suri, Gen S Padmanabhan, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, 41 Army Commanders and equivalent, and 163 in the rank of Lt.

Know as the "cradle of warriors", India's oldest military school, the Dehradun based Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), turns a hundred years old today. The institution has given India 6 Service Chiefs — General KS Thimayya, Gen GG Bewoor, Gen VN Sharma, Air Chief Marshal NC Suri, Gen S Padmanabhan, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, 41 Army Commanders and equivalent, and 163 in the rank of Lt. General. The role played by RIMC pass outs from World War II to the Balakot Operations has been much appreciated, and the stuff of legends. The military training institution was inaugurated on March 13, 1922 by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. The aim at that time was to educate and train Indian youth as part of the Indianisation programme of the officer cadre of the British Indian Army. During his address to the first 37 cadets, the Prince of Wales then said, "It is the first few blows on the anvil of life that give the human weapon the set and temper that carry him through life's battles." First batch of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in 1922. The Prince also made reference to the old Indian tradition of 'Guru and Chela. On Sunday morning, the Governor of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand will be the chief guest at a grand ceremony to commemorate the intuition's centennial year. On the occasion, a postal stamp will be released. Along with it, A book titled ‘Bal- Vivek’, authored by cadets will also be done. Other than that, a historical compendium will be released that puts into perspective the history of the college. Rimcollians, as the alumni members are known, are expected to be present in full force. RIMC is the premier feeder institute for the prestigious National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The college provides public school education to students in the age group of 11½ to 18 years, specially selected through an All India Competitive Examination. 250 students are selected from every state, strictly on merit through a written examination, an interview, and a medical test. Not only in India, but also in Pakistan and Bangladesh, many top-ranking officers have graduated from the RIMC. Pakistan's General Gul Hassankhan, the last Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and two Pak Air chiefs, Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Air Marshal Nur Khan, have passed out from the intuition.

India's oldest military school turns 100 years old today

India's PM Narendra Modi chaired a key security meeting on India's military preparedness. During the meeting, officials briefed PM on Indians that have been evacuated from Ukraine.

India's PM Narendra Modi chairs key security meeting on India's military preparedness

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly ramming into a senior police official`s car in February and later was released on bail, a senior official confirmed the incident on Sunday. 
 
Delhi Police Spokesperson Suman Nalwa told IANS that the incident took place on February 22 in south Delhi's&nbsp;Malviya Nagar area. 
 
"The accused rammed the car of south Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Benita Mary Jaiker. However, the DCP was not present inside the car at the time of the incident," the official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-oldest-military-school-turns-100-years-old-today-461771">India's oldest military school turns 100 years old today</a> 
 
According to the official, the accident happened outside Mother International School, Sri Aurobindo Marg on February 22 when DCP's driver had taken out the car for refueling. None was injured in the accident and DCP's driver Constable Dipak Kumar immediately noted down the number of the alleged Land Rover that hit his car and informed DCP Jaiker about the incident, who asked him to file a complaint. 
 
The accused driver of the Land Rover had fled the spot after the accident. In the FIR, Constable Kumar alleged that he had gone to re-fuel his car and around 8 a.m. on that day when he reached outside the Mother International School`s Gate No 3, there was a heavy traffic jam as parents had come to drop their children to the school. Seeing the traffic jam, Constable Dipak slowed down and it was at that time when the speeding Land Rover hit his vehicle from behind.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-help-the-local-talent-jammu-and-kashmir-police-organises-musical-competition-461715">To help the local talent, Jammu and Kashmir police organises musical competition</a> 
 
Accordingly, the police registered an FIR under section 279 (Rash driving or riding on a public way) of the Indian Penal Code at the Malviya Nagar Police station." 
 
On investigation, the offending vehicle was identified and its driver Vijay Shekhar Sharma was arrested after identification on February 22 and released on bail on the same day," PRO Nalwa said. 
 
Both the vehicles DL 1 CU 9321 (DCP Jaiker's car) and offending vehicle HR 98 C 0197 were impounded and mechanically inspected. Investigation in the case is still in progress, the official added.

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly ramming into a senior police official`s car in February and later was released on bail, a senior official confirmed the incident on Sunday.

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly ramming into a senior police official`s car in February and later was released on bail, a senior official confirmed the incident on Sunday. Delhi Police Spokesperson Suman Nalwa told IANS that the incident took place on February 22 in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area. "The accused rammed the car of south Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Benita Mary Jaiker. However, the DCP was not present inside the car at the time of the incident," the official said. Also read | India's oldest military school turns 100 years old today According to the official, the accident happened outside Mother International School, Sri Aurobindo Marg on February 22 when DCP's driver had taken out the car for refueling. None was injured in the accident and DCP's driver Constable Dipak Kumar immediately noted down the number of the alleged Land Rover that hit his car and informed DCP Jaiker about the incident, who asked him to file a complaint. The accused driver of the Land Rover had fled the spot after the accident. In the FIR, Constable Kumar alleged that he had gone to re-fuel his car and around 8 a.m. on that day when he reached outside the Mother International School`s Gate No 3, there was a heavy traffic jam as parents had come to drop their children to the school. Seeing the traffic jam, Constable Dipak slowed down and it was at that time when the speeding Land Rover hit his vehicle from behind. Also read | To help the local talent, Jammu and Kashmir police organises musical competition Accordingly, the police registered an FIR under section 279 (Rash driving or riding on a public way) of the Indian Penal Code at the Malviya Nagar Police station." On investigation, the offending vehicle was identified and its driver Vijay Shekhar Sharma was arrested after identification on February 22 and released on bail on the same day," PRO Nalwa said. Both the vehicles DL 1 CU 9321 (DCP Jaiker's car) and offending vehicle HR 98 C 0197 were impounded and mechanically inspected. Investigation in the case is still in progress, the official added.

Paytm CEO arrested for rash driving, later released on bail

Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive. Three encounters took place in the Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara districts of Kashmir.&nbsp;

Multiple cordon and search operations were launched by security forces at various places in the valley and three of them led to encounters. The entire operation has been deemed as a big success.&nbsp;

"We launched joint operations at 4-5 locations last night. So far two terrorists of JeM including one Pakistani killed in Pulwama, one terrorist of LeT killed each in Ganderbal &amp; Handwara. Encounters over in Handwara &amp; Pulwama. Also arrested 01 terrorist alive," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir.&nbsp;

The first encounter took place in Chewaklan Village of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. Two terrorists were killed by the security forces at the encounter site. Both the terrorists belonged to Jaish Outfit. One of them is said to be a Pakistani terrorist. The operation has been called off.&nbsp;

The second Encounter started in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. In Ganderbal, one terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit was killed in the gunfight.

The third encounter broke out at the Rajwar area of Handwara district in north Kashmir. One terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba has been killed in the gunfight. Security forces have called off the operation at the encounter site.&nbsp;

On Thursday, three terrorists were killed in two operations in the Kashmir valley. Two of them were killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while one of the terrorists was killed in Hazratbal area of Srinagar. All of them were said to be of LeT outfit.&nbsp;

So far, security forces have killed 35 terrorists in the year 2022. This includes 9 top Pakistani terrorists. Around 16 terrorists have been arrested alive by the forces.&nbsp;

The operation at Ganderbal still continues.&nbsp;

Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive.

Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive. Three encounters took place in the Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara districts of Kashmir. Multiple cordon and search operations were launched by security forces at various places in the valley and three of them led to encounters. The entire operation has been deemed as a big success. "We launched joint operations at 4-5 locations last night. So far two terrorists of JeM including one Pakistani killed in Pulwama, one terrorist of LeT killed each in Ganderbal & Handwara. Encounters over in Handwara & Pulwama. Also arrested 01 terrorist alive," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir. The first encounter took place in Chewaklan Village of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. Two terrorists were killed by the security forces at the encounter site. Both the terrorists belonged to Jaish Outfit. One of them is said to be a Pakistani terrorist. The operation has been called off. The second Encounter started in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. In Ganderbal, one terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit was killed in the gunfight. The third encounter broke out at the Rajwar area of Handwara district in north Kashmir. One terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba has been killed in the gunfight. Security forces have called off the operation at the encounter site. On Thursday, three terrorists were killed in two operations in the Kashmir valley. Two of them were killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while one of the terrorists was killed in Hazratbal area of Srinagar. All of them were said to be of LeT outfit. So far, security forces have killed 35 terrorists in the year 2022. This includes 9 top Pakistani terrorists. Around 16 terrorists have been arrested alive by the forces. The operation at Ganderbal still continues.

India: Four terrorists killed in three operations in Kashmir valley, one captured alive

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia".

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, creating Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of World War 2.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Delhaye said, “We think, given the weight of India, also given its moral weight… any clear condemnation by India will make it clear to President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him nowhere.”

India has a close relationship with both Europe and Russia. Earlier this week, Indian PM Modi spoke to both Ukraine and Russian presidents, urging them for direct talks, saying that dialogue is the only way forward.

Asked if a situation in Europe can divert attention from Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus what is happening in Asia."

WION: How do you see the situation right now in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

François Delhaye: What we see is huge human suffering, we have the largest flow of refugees since the Second World War with 2 million refugees. We have seen the destruction of Ukraine, which is huge, and the suffering of people there. This is the first thing we see. The second thing which we see is the direct threat at the border of the EU. We see it as a situation which is unprecedented in nearly 80 years, which is extremely worrying.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in terms of evolving situation? We have seen what has happened at the UN, considering that India has a close relationship with Europe and Russia.

François Delhaye: We understand India's position. What we have been asking is for India to clearly condemn what is war, and war by Russia. We think given the weight of India, and the moral weight it carries, as India is a non-permanent member of the security council, any clear condemnation of what is happening now will have an enormous impact. It will probably in some way make clear to the President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him to nowhere.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you think Europe will now be less invested in Indo Pacific, given that war is&nbsp;creating a distraction?

François Delhaye: Yes, no doubt about it. As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus on what is happening in Asia. It does not mean that situation in Asia is not a matter of great interest. It is. Challenges which we now see in Asia are important for the future but at the moment, all of Europe's resources are completed focused on what is happening at our doorstep.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you see a de-escalation happening soon in Europe?

François Delhaye: It is really hard to tell. I think the situation did not develop as President Putin expected it, probably. What will be his choice, will it be more escalation or will it be de-escalation. It is something that cannot be foreseen, and we should be ready for all options.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia".

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia". The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, creating Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of World War 2. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Delhaye said, “We think, given the weight of India, also given its moral weight… any clear condemnation by India will make it clear to President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him nowhere.” India has a close relationship with both Europe and Russia. Earlier this week, Indian PM Modi spoke to both Ukraine and Russian presidents, urging them for direct talks, saying that dialogue is the only way forward. Asked if a situation in Europe can divert attention from Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus what is happening in Asia." WION: How do you see the situation right now in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? François Delhaye: What we see is huge human suffering, we have the largest flow of refugees since the Second World War with 2 million refugees. We have seen the destruction of Ukraine, which is huge, and the suffering of people there. This is the first thing we see. The second thing which we see is the direct threat at the border of the EU. We see it as a situation which is unprecedented in nearly 80 years, which is extremely worrying. WION: How do you see India's role in terms of evolving situation? We have seen what has happened at the UN, considering that India has a close relationship with Europe and Russia. François Delhaye: We understand India's position. What we have been asking is for India to clearly condemn what is war, and war by Russia. We think given the weight of India, and the moral weight it carries, as India is a non-permanent member of the security council, any clear condemnation of what is happening now will have an enormous impact. It will probably in some way make clear to the President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him to nowhere. WION: Do you think Europe will now be less invested in Indo Pacific, given that war is creating a distraction? François Delhaye: Yes, no doubt about it. As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus on what is happening in Asia. It does not mean that situation in Asia is not a matter of great interest. It is. Challenges which we now see in Asia are important for the future but at the moment, all of Europe's resources are completed focused on what is happening at our doorstep. WION: Do you see a de-escalation happening soon in Europe? François Delhaye: It is really hard to tell. I think the situation did not develop as President Putin expected it, probably. What will be his choice, will it be more escalation or will it be de-escalation. It is something that cannot be foreseen, and we should be ready for all options.

Want India to clearly condemn ‘war by Russia’, says Belgium's envoy to India

WION spoke to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief. He said that people-to-people ties between India and the US are unbeatable.

WION speaks to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief

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