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In what looked like a scene out of a movie, the newlywed bride and groom arrived at the Alandur Zonal office in Chennai, straight from their wedding venue and the groom filed his nomination to contest the polls.

It was not something that was intended or staged. Two very important events in 33-year old Vinoth Kumar's life happened to fall on Friday, February 4th 2022 - it was the day on which his wedding with S. Rajeswari was fixed and also the last day to file the nomination for the Urban Local Body election, where he was contesting for the first time.

The B.Sc graduate is contesting in Ward 162 in Chennai's Thillai Ganga Nagar.&nbsp;

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Aftr tying the knot this mrng in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tiruvallur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tiruvallur</a> , newlyweds Vinoth Kumar - Rajeswari skipped celeb &amp; rushed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> to file the ​former's <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4TamilNadu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4TamilNadu</a> 
nomination fr Urban local body <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/polls?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#polls</a> 
 
Wedding coincided wit last day to file papers.. so they did both<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/tOaIpYochy">pic.twitter.com/tOaIpYochy</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1489627122419200005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a full-time worker of the party since 2014, contesting the polls on the party ticket was a dream come true.

In 2016 too, he was granted a party ticket to contest the polls, but the elections weren't conducted that year. 2022 presented him with the next opportunity.

"It was only last week that I got the party ticket to contest for the Corporation Councillor post. Our wedding and reception were scheduled for the 3rd and 4th, respectively, I wanted to file the nomination well in advance, but things didn't go as planned. Due to certain delays, only by last night I was able to complete all the preparatory work to file the nomination, " he told WION.

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A full-time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> worker since 2014, Feb4th also happens to be the day he joined the party.. 
 
He says there was a delay in paperwork, hence had to file nomination on last day, which also happened to be the fixed date for his wedding 
 
Wife &amp; family fully supportive, he adds <a href="https://t.co/usTvYL8oMO">pic.twitter.com/usTvYL8oMO</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1489627895710371844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After tying the knot in Tiruvallur, a district adjoining Chennai, the newlywed couple rushed to Chennai (a drive of over two hours), even skipping some of the mandatory photo sessions and the wedding festivities.

When asked about his wife's and family's thoughts about his rushing right after the wedding to file a nomination, he replied that they were all fully supportive of his decision and wanted him to succeed in his mission.

"I feel really rewarded today for my work and am grateful to the leadership. It was on February 4, 2014, that I joined the party. Today I myself have filed my nomination for contesting on the party's ticket. Eight years later, " he says with enthusiasm.&nbsp;

In what looked like a scene out of a movie, the newlywed bride and groom arrived at the Alandur Zonal office in Chennai, straight from their wedding venue and the groom filed his nomination to contest the polls.

In what looked like a scene out of a movie, the newlywed bride and groom arrived at the Alandur Zonal office in Chennai, straight from their wedding venue and the groom filed his nomination to contest the polls. It was not something that was intended or staged. Two very important events in 33-year old Vinoth Kumar's life happened to fall on Friday, February 4th 2022 - it was the day on which his wedding with S. Rajeswari was fixed and also the last day to file the nomination for the Urban Local Body election, where he was contesting for the first time. The B.Sc graduate is contesting in Ward 162 in Chennai's Thillai Ganga Nagar. Aftr tying the knot this mrng in #tiruvallur , newlyweds Vinoth Kumar - Rajeswari skipped celeb & rushed to #Chennai to file the former's @BJP4TamilNadu nomination fr Urban local body #polls Wedding coincided wit last day to file papers.. so they did both#India #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/tOaIpYochy — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 4, 2022 × As a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a full-time worker of the party since 2014, contesting the polls on the party ticket was a dream come true. In 2016 too, he was granted a party ticket to contest the polls, but the elections weren't conducted that year. 2022 presented him with the next opportunity. "It was only last week that I got the party ticket to contest for the Corporation Councillor post. Our wedding and reception were scheduled for the 3rd and 4th, respectively, I wanted to file the nomination well in advance, but things didn't go as planned. Due to certain delays, only by last night I was able to complete all the preparatory work to file the nomination, " he told WION. A full-time #BJP worker since 2014, Feb4th also happens to be the day he joined the party.. He says there was a delay in paperwork, hence had to file nomination on last day, which also happened to be the fixed date for his wedding Wife & family fully supportive, he adds pic.twitter.com/usTvYL8oMO — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 4, 2022 × After tying the knot in Tiruvallur, a district adjoining Chennai, the newlywed couple rushed to Chennai (a drive of over two hours), even skipping some of the mandatory photo sessions and the wedding festivities. When asked about his wife's and family's thoughts about his rushing right after the wedding to file a nomination, he replied that they were all fully supportive of his decision and wanted him to succeed in his mission. "I feel really rewarded today for my work and am grateful to the leadership. It was on February 4, 2014, that I joined the party. Today I myself have filed my nomination for contesting on the party's ticket. Eight years later, " he says with enthusiasm.

This Indian poll candidate arrives with his bride to file nomination in full wedding attire

India has joined the world in diplomatically boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics. Indian diplomats won't attend the opening & closing ceremonies; this after a Galwan soldier was made the Olympic torchbearer. Is China politicizing winter Olympics?

Top Indian diplomat to boycott Beijing Games over torchbearer, China politicizing winter Olympics?

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Goa Assembly Elections will be released by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Panaji on Sunday.

On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a virtual rally at 20 locations in the North Goa district at 4:30 pm, as per an official statement from BJP`s Goa unit.

The BJP stated that it has taken into account grass-roots suggestions made to the party through various channels of communication.

To elicit public opinion for drafting its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls, BJP Goa has sent Sankalp Peti across all the places to receive valuable suggestions from the people.

"The thrust of the manifesto will be to carry forward the BJP's Golden Goa," the party said.

It further stated that the party has been working towards 'Progressive Goa' and has brought human and infrastructural development.

In the last 10 years of the BJP government in Goa and seven years at the Centre, the visionary policies of the BJP have ensured long-term development for Goa.

The BJP said that the soon-to-be-released manifesto will not be just a document but BJP`s commitment to the people of Goa.

"Every suggestion and promise made in the manifesto will be executed soon after BJP forms government, yet again. BJP has completed nearly all the poll promises made during the last election," it said.

"BJP is confident that Goans will once again shower their blessings and love to the country's largest party on February 14," the party's statement read. Goa will go to the Assembly polls on February 14. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Goa Assembly Elections will be released by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Panaji on Sunday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Goa Assembly Elections will be released by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Panaji on Sunday. On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a virtual rally at 20 locations in the North Goa district at 4:30 pm, as per an official statement from BJP`s Goa unit. The BJP stated that it has taken into account grass-roots suggestions made to the party through various channels of communication. To elicit public opinion for drafting its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls, BJP Goa has sent Sankalp Peti across all the places to receive valuable suggestions from the people. "The thrust of the manifesto will be to carry forward the BJP's Golden Goa," the party said. It further stated that the party has been working towards 'Progressive Goa' and has brought human and infrastructural development. In the last 10 years of the BJP government in Goa and seven years at the Centre, the visionary policies of the BJP have ensured long-term development for Goa. The BJP said that the soon-to-be-released manifesto will not be just a document but BJP`s commitment to the people of Goa. "Every suggestion and promise made in the manifesto will be executed soon after BJP forms government, yet again. BJP has completed nearly all the poll promises made during the last election," it said. "BJP is confident that Goans will once again shower their blessings and love to the country's largest party on February 14," the party's statement read. Goa will go to the Assembly polls on February 14. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

Goa Assembly polls 2022: PM Modi to address virtual rally across 20 locations in Panaji

A joint team of scientists from Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology and HCG Cancer centre have identified 114 genetic variants which cause oral cancer in humans. 
 
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology, has also revealed key genetic signatures that can predict survival in oral cancer patients with over 90 per cent accuracy. 
 
Further, the analysis of mutations gave out a list of unique genes associated with 114 novel variants, of which 35 were oncogenes, 11 were tumour suppressors, and 2 DNA damage repair genes. 
 
Oral cancer is one of the most common in the country and accounts for 40 per cent of all the cancer cases, with significant morbidity and mortality. 
 
Currently, even after the best treatment, oral cancer is found to recur in up 50 per cent of cases. 
 
But the newA research would make it possible to provide treatment in an effective way such that the disease does not recur and enables precise treatment with improved quality of life, said Prof. Vibha Choudhary, from IBAB, in a statement. 
 
The researchers have also identified novel mutations in the IRAK1 gene, which would pave the way to provide target-directed treatment without affecting the healthy cells in the body. 
 
The findings would guide towards cell-targeted personalised treatment, the researchers said.

A joint team of scientists from Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology and HCG Cancer centre have identified 114 genetic variants which cause oral cancer in humans.

A joint team of scientists from Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology and HCG Cancer centre have identified 114 genetic variants which cause oral cancer in humans. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology, has also revealed key genetic signatures that can predict survival in oral cancer patients with over 90 per cent accuracy. Further, the analysis of mutations gave out a list of unique genes associated with 114 novel variants, of which 35 were oncogenes, 11 were tumour suppressors, and 2 DNA damage repair genes. Oral cancer is one of the most common in the country and accounts for 40 per cent of all the cancer cases, with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, even after the best treatment, oral cancer is found to recur in up 50 per cent of cases. But the newA research would make it possible to provide treatment in an effective way such that the disease does not recur and enables precise treatment with improved quality of life, said Prof. Vibha Choudhary, from IBAB, in a statement. The researchers have also identified novel mutations in the IRAK1 gene, which would pave the way to provide target-directed treatment without affecting the healthy cells in the body. The findings would guide towards cell-targeted personalised treatment, the researchers said.

Indian scientists identify 114 genetic variants linked to oral cancer

Curdi was formerly a thriving village community with approximately 600 families in the South Goa district.

It is nestled among the Western Ghats, with the Salaulim river running through it.

But that was all in the past because the lovely hamlet vanished beneath the waves.&nbsp;

Since then, it has been a ghost town.

It spends 11 months of the year underwater in the Salaulim Dam's waters.

The water levels drop just before the monsoons strike Goa in early June, and the village reappears for a moment.

Actually, not just Curdi, but roughly 17 villages in Goa's Sanguem Taluka were evacuated to make space for the Salaulim dam's catchment area.

The dam was conceived by Goa's first chief minister in the late 1970s.

Villagers were relocated in 1983-84 to the neighbouring villages of Velip and Valkini.

On the banks of the Kushavati River, the villagers lived.

Someshwar Temple was built on a rocky outcropping near the river's edge.

It stands towering now as a memory of the hamlet that once surrounded it.&nbsp;

Despite being submerged for more than 35 years, the village's dwellings, temples, caverns, and paths have managed to survive.

They'll give up one way or another.

As a result, visiting Curdi is like visiting a piece of Goa's past that you knew would be lost to future generations.

Even if some of these indicators of civilization survive, the condition of affairs will change with each passing year.

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Do you know about the place in Goa that submerges underwater during the rainy season? It is only accessible during summer. The abandoned curdi village is where we go for summer shoots it is our version of Atlantis 
. 
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/goatourismasg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@goatourismasg</a> <a href="https://t.co/qj9gPfYpdD">pic.twitter.com/qj9gPfYpdD</a>
— ASG Goa (@goatourismasg) <a href="https://twitter.com/goatourismasg/status/1275869661943357440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When should you go to Curdi village?

In Goa, there is just a brief window when you can visit the village.

The best time to visit the village is in the second part of May.

You can check the monsoon forecast and plan your trip to arrive as late as possible before the pre-monsoon showers arrive in Goa.&nbsp;

Depending on how low the water levels have dropped, you'll be able to see more of the village and its ruins.

So, save for select high points like the hilltop Someshwar Temple, what you see each year is slightly different.

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During Winter at Shree Someshwar Temple, Curdi... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goldengoa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goldengoa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/curdi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#curdi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sanguem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sanguem</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/temple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#temple</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/water?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#water</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/submerged?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#submerged</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/village?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#village</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/salaulimdam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#salaulimdam</a> <a href="https://t.co/kbkWWypSbw">https://t.co/kbkWWypSbw</a> <a href="https://t.co/DwZhYjAhuH">pic.twitter.com/DwZhYjAhuH</a>
— Golden Goa (@Golden_Goa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Golden_Goa/status/1058268876260032512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Curdi was formerly a thriving village community with approximately 600 families in the South Goa district. It is nestled among the Western Ghats, with the Salaulim river running through it.

Curdi was formerly a thriving village community with approximately 600 families in the South Goa district. It is nestled among the Western Ghats, with the Salaulim river running through it. But that was all in the past because the lovely hamlet vanished beneath the waves. Since then, it has been a ghost town. It spends 11 months of the year underwater in the Salaulim Dam's waters. The water levels drop just before the monsoons strike Goa in early June, and the village reappears for a moment. Actually, not just Curdi, but roughly 17 villages in Goa's Sanguem Taluka were evacuated to make space for the Salaulim dam's catchment area. The dam was conceived by Goa's first chief minister in the late 1970s. Villagers were relocated in 1983-84 to the neighbouring villages of Velip and Valkini. On the banks of the Kushavati River, the villagers lived. Someshwar Temple was built on a rocky outcropping near the river's edge. It stands towering now as a memory of the hamlet that once surrounded it. Despite being submerged for more than 35 years, the village's dwellings, temples, caverns, and paths have managed to survive. They'll give up one way or another. As a result, visiting Curdi is like visiting a piece of Goa's past that you knew would be lost to future generations. Even if some of these indicators of civilization survive, the condition of affairs will change with each passing year. Do you know about the place in Goa that submerges underwater during the rainy season? It is only accessible during summer. The abandoned curdi village is where we go for summer shoots it is our version of Atlantis . Follow @goatourismasg pic.twitter.com/qj9gPfYpdD — ASG Goa (@goatourismasg) June 24, 2020 × When should you go to Curdi village? In Goa, there is just a brief window when you can visit the village. The best time to visit the village is in the second part of May. You can check the monsoon forecast and plan your trip to arrive as late as possible before the pre-monsoon showers arrive in Goa. Depending on how low the water levels have dropped, you'll be able to see more of the village and its ruins. So, save for select high points like the hilltop Someshwar Temple, what you see each year is slightly different. During Winter at Shree Someshwar Temple, Curdi... #goldengoa #curdi #sanguem #temple in #water #submerged #village #goa #salaulimdam https://t.co/kbkWWypSbw pic.twitter.com/DwZhYjAhuH — Golden Goa (@Golden_Goa) November 2, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

This underwater Goa village emerges from the water just once a year

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of India's Mumbai police detained Daljit Singh Bal, one of the major suspects in the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank Scam, on Thursday in Bihar, according to officials.

The Mumbai police issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Daljit in 2019.He is one of the major suspects in the Rs 43 billion money laundering scheme.&nbsp;

According to reports, Daljit was detained by the immigration department 200 metres before entering Nepal.

The EOW has been notified by the Immigration Department.

Daljit is now being held at the Raxaul police station.

The EOW team has arrived in Patna, according to sources.

<img alt="Daljit Singh Bal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e89b80df-e968-47c6-b224-1636976372b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Daljit%20Singh%20Bal.jpg" /> 
 
Daljit Singh Bal

The multi-billion fraud was exposed in September 2019 when it was discovered that the co-operative bank had reportedly created phoney accounts to disguise approximately Rs 67 billion in loans granted to the nearly insolvent HDIL.

According to the investigations launched by the ED in 2019, Diljeet assisted in the clearing of loans to HDIL, which led to the bank's crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of India's Mumbai police detained Daljit Singh Bal, one of the major suspects in the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank Scam, on Thursday in Bihar, according to officials.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of India's Mumbai police detained Daljit Singh Bal, one of the major suspects in the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank Scam, on Thursday in Bihar, according to officials. The Mumbai police issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Daljit in 2019.He is one of the major suspects in the Rs 43 billion money laundering scheme. According to reports, Daljit was detained by the immigration department 200 metres before entering Nepal. The EOW has been notified by the Immigration Department. Daljit is now being held at the Raxaul police station. The EOW team has arrived in Patna, according to sources. Daljit Singh Bal The multi-billion fraud was exposed in September 2019 when it was discovered that the co-operative bank had reportedly created phoney accounts to disguise approximately Rs 67 billion in loans granted to the nearly insolvent HDIL. According to the investigations launched by the ED in 2019, Diljeet assisted in the clearing of loans to HDIL, which led to the bank's crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Rs 43 billion PMC Bank scam accused arrested close to the India-Nepal border while trying to flee country

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. &nbsp;

Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag. &nbsp;

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In my life, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things. However, that Manipal lad trying to sneak a girl out via a suitcase is right at the top <a href="https://t.co/yOteKVCAh3">pic.twitter.com/yOteKVCAh3</a>
— Shibubuu (@shibubuu27) <a href="https://twitter.com/shibubuu27/status/1488834391283744770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The incident occurred in Manipal on Tuesday night, said several media reports. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-dip-in-covid-cases-on-mind-indias-national-capital-orders-reopening-of-schools-colleges-gyms-450442" hreflang="en">With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms</a>

According to the eye-witnesses, the trolley bag caught the caretaker’s attention when the student tried to enter the hostel. The boy was questioned by the caretaker as to why he was carrying a huge and heavy luggage. &nbsp;

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IIT hostel - we sneaked in alcohol in our drafter bags 
 
Manipal hostel - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suitcase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suitcase</a> <a href="https://t.co/WaaWkSNryv">pic.twitter.com/WaaWkSNryv</a>
— Ibu Hatela™ (@Esmilebhai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Esmilebhai/status/1488986095413088259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At this, the student stuttered and said that it contained items he had ordered online. The answer did not quell but only confirmed the caretaker’s suspicions. &nbsp;

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Dating app bios in Manipal: There's always a space for you in my suitcase.
— Ena Robinson (@enaaa_robinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/enaaa_robinson/status/1488927496762392578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So, he asked the boy to open the bag as he wanted to see the items inside it. &nbsp;

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Most people staying in manipal hostels have probably thought about the suitcase thing. 
 
However it’s not the idea that matters, it’s the execution. <a href="https://t.co/lj2n9X6JEZ">pic.twitter.com/lj2n9X6JEZ</a>
— Panshul Pant (@panshul_pant) <a href="https://twitter.com/panshul_pant/status/1488938096116654082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Although the student tried to stop the caretaker by giving the argument that the goods were quite delicate, the caretaker didn’t budge. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/movies-vs-reality-man-tries-to-smuggle-red-sandalwood-in-allu-arjuns-pushpa-style-arrested-450413" hreflang="en">Movies vs Reality! Man tries to smuggle red sandalwood in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' style; arrested</a>

When the bag was opened, the girl was found curled up inside it. She was also a student of the college and a dancer, a report said citing an eye-witness student. &nbsp;

Social media has erupted over the incident. Several people have shared comments, memes, etc.

Both the boy and the girl have been suspended from the hostel and have been sent home, it added citing sources. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag.

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag. In my life, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things. However, that Manipal lad trying to sneak a girl out via a suitcase is right at the top pic.twitter.com/yOteKVCAh3 — Shibubuu (@shibubuu27) February 2, 2022 × The incident occurred in Manipal on Tuesday night, said several media reports. Also Read: With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms According to the eye-witnesses, the trolley bag caught the caretaker’s attention when the student tried to enter the hostel. The boy was questioned by the caretaker as to why he was carrying a huge and heavy luggage. IIT hostel - we sneaked in alcohol in our drafter bags Manipal hostel - #Suitcase pic.twitter.com/WaaWkSNryv — Ibu Hatela™ (@Esmilebhai) February 2, 2022 × At this, the student stuttered and said that it contained items he had ordered online. The answer did not quell but only confirmed the caretaker’s suspicions. Dating app bios in Manipal: There's always a space for you in my suitcase. — Ena Robinson (@enaaa_robinson) February 2, 2022 × So, he asked the boy to open the bag as he wanted to see the items inside it. Most people staying in manipal hostels have probably thought about the suitcase thing. However it’s not the idea that matters, it’s the execution. pic.twitter.com/lj2n9X6JEZ — Panshul Pant (@panshul_pant) February 2, 2022 × Although the student tried to stop the caretaker by giving the argument that the goods were quite delicate, the caretaker didn’t budge. Also Read: Movies vs Reality! Man tries to smuggle red sandalwood in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' style; arrested When the bag was opened, the girl was found curled up inside it. She was also a student of the college and a dancer, a report said citing an eye-witness student. Social media has erupted over the incident. Several people have shared comments, memes, etc. Both the boy and the girl have been suspended from the hostel and have been sent home, it added citing sources. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian college student tries to sneak girlfriend into hostel by hiding her inside suitcase, gets caught

In view of the dip in the daily confirmed cases of coronavirus, the government of Indian national capital has decided on Friday to reopen schools for all classes from nursery onwards. &nbsp;

The gyms will also open shutters with certain restrictions. The drivers travelling alone in cars&nbsp;will also be exempted from wearing masks. &nbsp;

The announcement of relaxation of Covid restrictions was made by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/younger-population-infected-more-in-third-wave-says-icmr-450374" hreflang="en">Younger population infected more in third wave, says ICMR</a>

The teachers, who are not vaccinated, will not be allowed to come to schools, Sisodia said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The night curfew will continue for now, but will begin from 11 pm instead of 10 pm, the government said. &nbsp;

The restaurants have been allowed by the DDMA to remain open till 11 pm. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"A number of key decisions were taken during the DDMA meeting on Friday. The decisions were taken keeping in mind the decline in coronavirus cases in Delhi. These decisions will help in ensuring that people's lives and businesses can come back on track," Sisodia said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-spell-of-snowfall-greets-tourists-in-kashmir-valley-450194" hreflang="en">Fresh spell of snowfall greets tourists in Kashmir Valley</a>

At an online briefing, Sisodia added, "Schools will reopen for classes 9-12 from February 7 and for nursery to 8 from February 14. The classes will continue to be in a hybrid mode." &nbsp;

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has also decided to reopen higher education institutions and coaching centres from February 7. "However, colleges will be discouraged to hold online classes and should start offline teaching," he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In view of the dip in the daily confirmed cases of coronavirus, the government of Indian national capital has decided on Friday to reopen schools for all classes from nursery onwards.

In view of the dip in the daily confirmed cases of coronavirus, the government of Indian national capital has decided on Friday to reopen schools for all classes from nursery onwards. The gyms will also open shutters with certain restrictions. The drivers travelling alone in cars will also be exempted from wearing masks. The announcement of relaxation of Covid restrictions was made by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Also Read: Younger population infected more in third wave, says ICMR The teachers, who are not vaccinated, will not be allowed to come to schools, Sisodia said. The night curfew will continue for now, but will begin from 11 pm instead of 10 pm, the government said. The restaurants have been allowed by the DDMA to remain open till 11 pm. "A number of key decisions were taken during the DDMA meeting on Friday. The decisions were taken keeping in mind the decline in coronavirus cases in Delhi. These decisions will help in ensuring that people's lives and businesses can come back on track," Sisodia said. Also Read: Fresh spell of snowfall greets tourists in Kashmir Valley At an online briefing, Sisodia added, "Schools will reopen for classes 9-12 from February 7 and for nursery to 8 from February 14. The classes will continue to be in a hybrid mode." The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has also decided to reopen higher education institutions and coaching centres from February 7. "However, colleges will be discouraged to hold online classes and should start offline teaching," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms

Yogi Adityanath, a senior BJP leader and the Chief Minister of India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, filed his nomination papers today in Gorakhpur, where he is contesting in his first state election.

Amit Shah, India's Home Minister, was by his side.

The five-time MP prayed and conducted a havan at the Gorakhnath temple, where he remains head priest, before taking his first formal move toward fighting the UP Assembly election.

Yogi Adityanath's stronghold is Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where he has won every parliamentary election he has run.&nbsp;

Because several significant leaders and politicians from the Indian government were present during the official procedure, the nomination became a major political event.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mammoth-state-elections-five-states-to-vote-from-feb-10-counting-on-march-10-445328">India's mammoth state elections: Five states to vote from Feb 10, counting on March 10</a>

Yogi, a five-time former Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) MP, is running for the first time in the state Assembly elections.

Yogi had previously been declared the party's Chief Ministerial candidate by Shah.

When Yogi Adityanath was elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, he chose to join the legislative council rather than run for an Assembly seat.

Earlier in the day, Shah spoke to a workers' meeting, claiming that the BJP was on track to replicate its 2014, 2017 and 2019 victories, in which it won by a large margin.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

He said that the party would win over 300 seats this time.

The Home Minister of India further said that Yog had freed the state of the mafia. "Today mafia is either in jail or outside Uttar Pradesh. He has worked relentlessly to change the image of the state," he said.

Shah went on to list the various welfare schemes introduced by the BJP governments to benefit the poor.

Yogi Adityanath, while speaking, thanked the party leadership for reposing faith in him and asked every party worker to work like a contestant and ensure BJP`s victory.

He lauded Shah for scripting the party's success and making it the biggest political organisation in the world, adding that the double engine government in Delhi and Lucknow had excelled in various spheres.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections-2022-this-man-set-to-contest-his-94th-poll-wants-to-lose-100-times-446516" hreflang="en">Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: This man set to contest his 94th poll, wants to lose 100 times</a> 
 
Yogi had done 'Rudrabhishek' (an ancient chanting) at the Gorakhnath temple before filing the nomination papers.

Eleven pandits performed the intricate pooja.

Heavy barricades had been built on the route to the district collectorate as part of the security plans for the event.

Drone cameras were seen keeping a tight eye on people and vehicles moving around.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Yogi Adityanath, a senior BJP leader and the Chief Minister of India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, filed his nomination papers today in Gorakhpur, where he is contesting in his first state election.

Yogi Adityanath, a senior BJP leader and the Chief Minister of India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, filed his nomination papers today in Gorakhpur, where he is contesting in his first state election. Amit Shah, India's Home Minister, was by his side. The five-time MP prayed and conducted a havan at the Gorakhnath temple, where he remains head priest, before taking his first formal move toward fighting the UP Assembly election. Yogi Adityanath's stronghold is Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where he has won every parliamentary election he has run. Because several significant leaders and politicians from the Indian government were present during the official procedure, the nomination became a major political event. Also read | India's mammoth state elections: Five states to vote from Feb 10, counting on March 10 Yogi, a five-time former Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) MP, is running for the first time in the state Assembly elections. Yogi had previously been declared the party's Chief Ministerial candidate by Shah. When Yogi Adityanath was elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, he chose to join the legislative council rather than run for an Assembly seat. Earlier in the day, Shah spoke to a workers' meeting, claiming that the BJP was on track to replicate its 2014, 2017 and 2019 victories, in which it won by a large margin. Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls He said that the party would win over 300 seats this time. The Home Minister of India further said that Yog had freed the state of the mafia. "Today mafia is either in jail or outside Uttar Pradesh. He has worked relentlessly to change the image of the state," he said. Shah went on to list the various welfare schemes introduced by the BJP governments to benefit the poor. Yogi Adityanath, while speaking, thanked the party leadership for reposing faith in him and asked every party worker to work like a contestant and ensure BJP`s victory. He lauded Shah for scripting the party's success and making it the biggest political organisation in the world, adding that the double engine government in Delhi and Lucknow had excelled in various spheres. Also read | Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: This man set to contest his 94th poll, wants to lose 100 times Yogi had done 'Rudrabhishek' (an ancient chanting) at the Gorakhnath temple before filing the nomination papers. Eleven pandits performed the intricate pooja. Heavy barricades had been built on the route to the district collectorate as part of the security plans for the event. Drone cameras were seen keeping a tight eye on people and vehicles moving around. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Yogi Adityanath files papers from Gorakhpur, flanked by Amit Shah

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. In a written reply, India's Minister of State for Science and Technology informed the parliament about the mission's timeline.

India reveals timeline for its third Lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-3'

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), the third COVID-19 wave due to the Omicron variant affected the younger population the most.

ICMR said the data was compiled from 37 hospitals with at least 1,520 individuals analysed from&nbsp;across the country. The data showed patients in the average age group of 44 years infected compared to the earlier average age of 55.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-researchers-claim-to-have-discovered-a-godsend-antibody-that-can-defeat-omicron-450057">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a 'godsend' antibody that can defeat Omicron</a>

"There were two time periods which we studied. One was November 15 to December 15, which was presumed to be dominated by the strain of Delta, and the other was December 16 to January 17, when the presumed dominant strain was Omicron," ICMR's Balram Bhargava said.

The ICMR official added that "co-morbidities present in this younger population were pretty high" while pointing out that "about 46 per cent had co-morbidities, these are the people who are younger but nearly half of them had some co-morbidities."

The patients primarily complained of sore throat, cough and fever which were the predominant symptom. The was also lesser use of drugs reported, the government report noted. The report said the number of complications arising out of the virus was also reportedly less in renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-update-india-reports-dip-in-virus-cases-1733-deaths-in-24-hours-449783">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 update: India reports dip in virus cases</a>

The ICMR informed that the&nbsp;death rate was 10 per cent among those who were vaccinated and 22 per cent in those who were unvaccinated.

"Nine out of 10 had co-morbidities in this young population who died and were vaccinated. Of the unvaccinated, 83 per cent had co-morbidities. So not being vaccinated and having co-morbidities really are the drivers which decide the course of the patient," Bhargava said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), the third COVID-19 wave due to the Omicron variant affected the younger population the most. ICMR said the data was compiled from 37 hospitals with at least 1,520 individuals analysed from across the country.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), the third COVID-19 wave due to the Omicron variant affected the younger population the most. ICMR said the data was compiled from 37 hospitals with at least 1,520 individuals analysed from across the country. The data showed patients in the average age group of 44 years infected compared to the earlier average age of 55. Also Read: Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a 'godsend' antibody that can defeat Omicron "There were two time periods which we studied. One was November 15 to December 15, which was presumed to be dominated by the strain of Delta, and the other was December 16 to January 17, when the presumed dominant strain was Omicron," ICMR's Balram Bhargava said. The ICMR official added that "co-morbidities present in this younger population were pretty high" while pointing out that "about 46 per cent had co-morbidities, these are the people who are younger but nearly half of them had some co-morbidities." The patients primarily complained of sore throat, cough and fever which were the predominant symptom. The was also lesser use of drugs reported, the government report noted. The report said the number of complications arising out of the virus was also reportedly less in renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Also Read: COVID-19 update: India reports dip in virus cases The ICMR informed that the death rate was 10 per cent among those who were vaccinated and 22 per cent in those who were unvaccinated. "Nine out of 10 had co-morbidities in this young population who died and were vaccinated. Of the unvaccinated, 83 per cent had co-morbidities. So not being vaccinated and having co-morbidities really are the drivers which decide the course of the patient," Bhargava said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Younger population infected more in third wave, says ICMR

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision.

"There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed.

Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back".

"India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations.

"Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said.

"That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation.

"My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said.

Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king.

"There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said.

He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations.

"We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said.

The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created".

He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs.

Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states".

The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few.

"I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said.

Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India.

"The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan.

"The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&amp;K and in our foreign policy," he said.

Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers.

"The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally. Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision. "There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed. Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back". "India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations. "Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said. "That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation. "My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said. Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king. "There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said. He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations. "We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said. The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses. "You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs. "You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said. The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created". He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs. Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states". The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few. "I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said. Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India. "The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan. "The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&K and in our foreign policy," he said. Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers. "The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks.&nbsp;

Gandhi in his Parliament speech said&nbsp;that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together.&nbsp;

Responding to the same, Jaishankar recalled some incidents when the Congress government was in office. He said, "Rahul Gandhi alleged in Lok Sabha that it is this Government which brought Pakistan and China together."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-endorse-it-us-on-rahuls-remark-that-china-pakistan-together-due-to-indias-foreign-policy-450010">'Won't endorse it': US on Rahul’s remark that China, Pakistan together due to India’s foreign policy</a>

He said that China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s and CPEC was started in 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre.&nbsp;

"Perhaps, some history lessons are in order: In 1963,Pakistan illegally handed over the Shaksgam valley to China. -China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s," Jaishankar tweeted.&nbsp;

He added, "From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
-From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. 
 
-In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. 
 
So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1488884870449295362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the United States has also reacted to the controversial remarks by Gandhi, stating that it does not agree with Gandhi's claim that Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship.&nbsp;

On being asked about Gandhi's comments, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks."&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi in his speech said the government has brought China and Pakistan together. "The Chinese have a very clear vision of what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India's foreign policy has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. What you have done is, you have brought them together," he said.

"Do not be under any illusion, do not underestimate the force that is standing in front of you. You have brought Pakistan and China together. This is the single biggest crime that you could commit against the people of India," he added.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks. Gandhi in his Parliament speech said that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks. Gandhi in his Parliament speech said that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together. Responding to the same, Jaishankar recalled some incidents when the Congress government was in office. He said, "Rahul Gandhi alleged in Lok Sabha that it is this Government which brought Pakistan and China together." ALSO READ | 'Won't endorse it': US on Rahul’s remark that China, Pakistan together due to India’s foreign policy He said that China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s and CPEC was started in 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre. "Perhaps, some history lessons are in order: In 1963,Pakistan illegally handed over the Shaksgam valley to China. -China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s," Jaishankar tweeted. He added, "From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?" -From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then? — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 2, 2022 × Meanwhile, the United States has also reacted to the controversial remarks by Gandhi, stating that it does not agree with Gandhi's claim that Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship. On being asked about Gandhi's comments, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks." Rahul Gandhi in his speech said the government has brought China and Pakistan together. "The Chinese have a very clear vision of what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India's foreign policy has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. What you have done is, you have brought them together," he said. "Do not be under any illusion, do not underestimate the force that is standing in front of you. You have brought Pakistan and China together. This is the single biggest crime that you could commit against the people of India," he added.

India: Jaishankar gives 'history lessons' to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, slams over China-Pakistan remarks

Indian&nbsp;officials&nbsp;have&nbsp;held&nbsp;heated&nbsp;discussions&nbsp;with&nbsp;Google,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech.

The&nbsp;officials, from the Ministry of Information&nbsp;and&nbsp;Broadcasting (I&amp;B), strongly criticised the companies&nbsp;and&nbsp;said their inaction on fake news was forcing the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;government to order content takedowns, which in turn drew international criticism that authorities were suppressing free expression, two sources said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-youtube-channels-two-websites-taken-down-under-it-act-for-anti-india-propaganda-report-438631">20 YouTube channels, two websites taken down under IT Act for ‘anti-India’ propaganda: Report</a>

The sources, who were familiar with the proceedings at the virtual meeting on Monday, described the conversation as tense&nbsp;and&nbsp;heated, signalling a new low in ties between American tech giants&nbsp;and&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;did not issue an ultimatum to the companies at the meeting, the sources said. The government has been tightening tech sector regulations, but wants companies to do more on content moderation.

The meeting was a follow-up to the I&amp;B ministry's use of "emergency powers" in December&nbsp;and&nbsp;January to order the blocking of 55 channels on&nbsp;Google's YouTube platform,&nbsp;and&nbsp;some&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;account.

The government had said the channels were promoting "fake news" or "anti-India" content&nbsp;and&nbsp;that the disinformation was being spread by accounts based in neighbouring Pakistan.

The I&amp;B ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the meeting, which was also attended by&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;content-sharing platforms ShareChat&nbsp;and&nbsp;Koo, which&nbsp;have&nbsp;millions of users in the country.

Facebook, now known as Meta,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;ShareChat declined to comment.

Without commenting on the meeting, Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said in a statement it reviews government’s requests&nbsp;and&nbsp;“where appropriate, we restrict or remove content in keeping with local laws.” Koo said it complies with local laws&nbsp;and&nbsp;has strong content moderation practices in place.

In its transparency reports,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;has said the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;government makes among the highest number of requests to remove content from its platform. Technology website Comparitech in October said India made 97,631 content removal requests in 2020, the second-highest in the world after Russia, mostly to&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google.

Strained ties

During the meeting, senior tech executives told the&nbsp;officials&nbsp;that they take adequate measures to remove or curb the spread of misinformation on their platforms and&nbsp;act on legally-valid content removal requests, said the sources.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;told&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to review its internal guidelines to remove fake content automatically, said the sources.

The&nbsp;officials&nbsp;also said the government was disappointed that big social media platforms, including&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Twitter, weren't detecting&nbsp;and&nbsp;removing such content on their own.

Instead, the government was forced to order takedowns, opening it to criticism&nbsp;and&nbsp;damaging its public image, the&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said during the meeting, according to the sources.

Executives from&nbsp;Google&nbsp;told the I&amp;B&nbsp;officials&nbsp;that one way to resolve that was for the ministry to avoid making takedown decisions public. The firms could work with the government&nbsp;and&nbsp;act on the alleged fake content, which could be a win-win for both sides,&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said, according to one of the sources.

The idea was summarily rejected by the government&nbsp;officials, who said the takedowns also publicise how the companies weren't doing enough to tackle fake news on their own, the person said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Spotify reportedly loses USD 4 billion in market value

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While ordering takedowns of certain online accounts in January, the government said it was doing so to "secure the overall information environment in India", adding that such fake content was on "sensitive subjects" such as the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;Army, India's foreign relations&nbsp;and&nbsp;local state elections.

Digital rights advocates say such government orders curb free speech&nbsp;and&nbsp;set a worrying precedent.

"Detailed takedown orders are not made public by the government," said Apar Gupta, the executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation, adding that the basis for the action was not explained.

This allowed authorities to censor content even if it does not violate public order or the security of the state, he said.

Indian officials have held heated discussions with Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech.

Indian officials have held heated discussions with Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms, sources told Reuters, the government's latest altercation with Big Tech. The officials, from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), strongly criticised the companies and said their inaction on fake news was forcing the Indian government to order content takedowns, which in turn drew international criticism that authorities were suppressing free expression, two sources said. Also read | 20 YouTube channels, two websites taken down under IT Act for ‘anti-India’ propaganda: Report The sources, who were familiar with the proceedings at the virtual meeting on Monday, described the conversation as tense and heated, signalling a new low in ties between American tech giants and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The officials did not issue an ultimatum to the companies at the meeting, the sources said. The government has been tightening tech sector regulations, but wants companies to do more on content moderation. The meeting was a follow-up to the I&B ministry's use of "emergency powers" in December and January to order the blocking of 55 channels on Google's YouTube platform, and some Twitter and Facebook account. The government had said the channels were promoting "fake news" or "anti-India" content and that the disinformation was being spread by accounts based in neighbouring Pakistan. The I&B ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the meeting, which was also attended by Indian content-sharing platforms ShareChat and Koo, which have millions of users in the country. Facebook, now known as Meta, Twitter and ShareChat declined to comment. Without commenting on the meeting, Alphabet Inc's Google said in a statement it reviews government’s requests and “where appropriate, we restrict or remove content in keeping with local laws.” Koo said it complies with local laws and has strong content moderation practices in place. In its transparency reports, Twitter has said the Indian government makes among the highest number of requests to remove content from its platform. Technology website Comparitech in October said India made 97,631 content removal requests in 2020, the second-highest in the world after Russia, mostly to Facebook and Google. Strained ties During the meeting, senior tech executives told the officials that they take adequate measures to remove or curb the spread of misinformation on their platforms and act on legally-valid content removal requests, said the sources. The officials told Google to review its internal guidelines to remove fake content automatically, said the sources. The officials also said the government was disappointed that big social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, weren't detecting and removing such content on their own. Instead, the government was forced to order takedowns, opening it to criticism and damaging its public image, the officials said during the meeting, according to the sources. Executives from Google told the I&B officials that one way to resolve that was for the ministry to avoid making takedown decisions public. The firms could work with the government and act on the alleged fake content, which could be a win-win for both sides, Google said, according to one of the sources. The idea was summarily rejected by the government officials, who said the takedowns also publicise how the companies weren't doing enough to tackle fake news on their own, the person said. Watch | Gravitas: Spotify reportedly loses USD 4 billion in market value While ordering takedowns of certain online accounts in January, the government said it was doing so to "secure the overall information environment in India", adding that such fake content was on "sensitive subjects" such as the Indian Army, India's foreign relations and local state elections. Digital rights advocates say such government orders curb free speech and set a worrying precedent. "Detailed takedown orders are not made public by the government," said Apar Gupta, the executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation, adding that the basis for the action was not explained. This allowed authorities to censor content even if it does not violate public order or the security of the state, he said.

India seeks tougher action from US tech giants on fake news

The United States has stated that it does not agree with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship, adding that the two countries should speak for themselves.&nbsp;

When asked for a reply to Rahul Gandhi's comments in Parliament on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price responded that "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks,".

According to the former Congress president and MP, the Modi government's foreign policy had brought China and Pakistan together.&nbsp;

Price also stated that the United States does not ask other countries to choose between America and China, and that the United States values its relationship with Pakistan.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-indias-created-one-for-rich-and-one-for-poor-gap-widening-congress-mp-rahul-gandhi-449982">Also read | Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi</a>

"We’ve made the point all along that it is not a requirement for any country in the world to choose between the United States and China. It is our intention to provide choices to countries when it comes to what the relationship with the United States looks like.And we think partnership with the United States conveys a series of advantages that countries typically would not find when it comes to the sorts of partnerships that – "partnerships" may be the wrong term; the sorts of relationships that the PRC has seeked to – has sought to have around the world," Ned Price added.

"Pakistan is a strategic partner of the United States. We have an important relationship with the government in Islamabad, and it’s a relationship that we value across a number of fronts, " he said.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has stated that it does not agree with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship, adding that the two countries should speak for themselves.

The United States has stated that it does not agree with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship, adding that the two countries should speak for themselves. When asked for a reply to Rahul Gandhi's comments in Parliament on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price responded that "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks,". According to the former Congress president and MP, the Modi government's foreign policy had brought China and Pakistan together. Price also stated that the United States does not ask other countries to choose between America and China, and that the United States values its relationship with Pakistan. Also read | Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi "We’ve made the point all along that it is not a requirement for any country in the world to choose between the United States and China. It is our intention to provide choices to countries when it comes to what the relationship with the United States looks like.And we think partnership with the United States conveys a series of advantages that countries typically would not find when it comes to the sorts of partnerships that – "partnerships" may be the wrong term; the sorts of relationships that the PRC has seeked to – has sought to have around the world," Ned Price added. "Pakistan is a strategic partner of the United States. We have an important relationship with the government in Islamabad, and it’s a relationship that we value across a number of fronts, " he said. × (With inputs from agencies)

'Won't endorse it': US on Rahul’s remark that China, Pakistan together due to India’s foreign policy

The Klaxon, an Australian tabloid, stated in an investigative report that China had suffered a devastating loss in the Galwan Valley encounter in 2020.

According to the exclusive findings of the editor, Anthony Klan, China's casualties were significantly more than what was stated, since many men drowned while crossing a river in the valley.

According to the author, data and photographs from two distinct clashes in Galwan were mixed to obscure facts.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mixing-sports-with-politics-chinese-soldier-involved-in-galwan-clash-becomes-torchbearer-at-winter-olympics-449839">Also read | Mixing sports with politics? Chinese soldier involved in Galwan clash becomes torchbearer at Winter Olympics</a>

Though China did not reveal the number of casualties in the Galwan fight, it did award posthumous medals to four soldiers who died in the combat, according to the article. However, only four names were published, while the total number of losses was up to 38.

The Klaxon assembled an independent team of social media researchers for this inquiry, who discovered that China's casualties went much beyond the four soldiers named by Beijing.

China went to great measures to keep the conflict from being discussed

Many Chinese soldiers were killed in the early stages of the June 15-16 battle while attempting to swim in the fast-flowing Galwan river in sub-zero temperatures, according to a report released by these social media researchers titled 'Galwan Decoded.' 
 
Watch | Gravitas: WION Exclusive: What transpired at the Galwan valley

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"At least 38 PLA troops, including Wang, perished that night," the report added, citing various Weibo users. "Of the four officially dead soldiers, only Wang was declared."&nbsp;

"China’s losses in the high-altitude 2020 Galwan Valley border clash with India — the deadliest confrontation between the two giants in over four decades — were much higher than reported, with many soldiers drowning while crossing a fast-flowing, sub-zero river in darkness, new research claims," the report said.

The inquiry lasted a year, with materials gathered from mainland Chinese bloggers, residents, and media publications that Beijing had removed.&nbsp;

"Beijing has retained a lot of information regarding what truly happened, what led to the skirmish, and concealed it.What China told the rest of the world was basically made-up stories. According to the publication, "many blogs and pages have been purged by (Chinese officials), but digital archives of mainland China indicate a different story."

Following a severe skirmish in the Pangong lake area on May 5, 2020, the border stalemate in eastern Ladakh erupted, and both sides gradually increased their deployment by bringing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy equipment.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two parties concluded the disengagement process in Gogra, as well as on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake, last year.

In the sensitive sector, each side has between 50,000 and 60,000 troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Klaxon, an Australian tabloid, stated in an investigative report that China had suffered a devastating loss in the Galwan Valley encounter in 2020. According to the exclusive findings of the editor, Anthony Klan, China's casualties were significantly more than what was stated, since many men drowned while crossing a river in the valley.

The Klaxon, an Australian tabloid, stated in an investigative report that China had suffered a devastating loss in the Galwan Valley encounter in 2020. According to the exclusive findings of the editor, Anthony Klan, China's casualties were significantly more than what was stated, since many men drowned while crossing a river in the valley. According to the author, data and photographs from two distinct clashes in Galwan were mixed to obscure facts. Also read | Mixing sports with politics? Chinese soldier involved in Galwan clash becomes torchbearer at Winter Olympics Though China did not reveal the number of casualties in the Galwan fight, it did award posthumous medals to four soldiers who died in the combat, according to the article. However, only four names were published, while the total number of losses was up to 38. The Klaxon assembled an independent team of social media researchers for this inquiry, who discovered that China's casualties went much beyond the four soldiers named by Beijing. China went to great measures to keep the conflict from being discussed Many Chinese soldiers were killed in the early stages of the June 15-16 battle while attempting to swim in the fast-flowing Galwan river in sub-zero temperatures, according to a report released by these social media researchers titled 'Galwan Decoded.' Watch | Gravitas: WION Exclusive: What transpired at the Galwan valley "At least 38 PLA troops, including Wang, perished that night," the report added, citing various Weibo users. "Of the four officially dead soldiers, only Wang was declared." "China’s losses in the high-altitude 2020 Galwan Valley border clash with India — the deadliest confrontation between the two giants in over four decades — were much higher than reported, with many soldiers drowning while crossing a fast-flowing, sub-zero river in darkness, new research claims," the report said. The inquiry lasted a year, with materials gathered from mainland Chinese bloggers, residents, and media publications that Beijing had removed. "Beijing has retained a lot of information regarding what truly happened, what led to the skirmish, and concealed it.What China told the rest of the world was basically made-up stories. According to the publication, "many blogs and pages have been purged by (Chinese officials), but digital archives of mainland China indicate a different story." Following a severe skirmish in the Pangong lake area on May 5, 2020, the border stalemate in eastern Ladakh erupted, and both sides gradually increased their deployment by bringing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy equipment. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two parties concluded the disengagement process in Gogra, as well as on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake, last year. In the sensitive sector, each side has between 50,000 and 60,000 troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control. (With inputs from agencies)

China suffered a huge loss in the Galwan Valley clash, ‘fabricated’ stories to the world: Australian newspaper

Slamming China for politicising the Winter Olympics, India on Thursday announced that its Chargé d' Affaires (Cd’A) will not be attending the opening and&nbsp;closing ceremonies&nbsp;of the Games in Beijing.

This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer during the Olympics relay on Wednesday.

The images of Qi Fabao were shared in a tweet by the Global Times, an English news outlet associated with the Chinese Communist Party.

In response to WION’s question at the weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “It is indeed regrettable that the Chinese side has chosen to politicise an event like Olympics. I wish to inform you that India’s Chargé d' Affaires in Beijing will not be attending the opening or the closing ceremonies&nbsp;of the Beijing Olympics.”

Acquino Vimal is India's Cd’A in Beijing and the new Indian envoy Pradeep Rawat is yet to present his credentials.

China's aggressive actions in Galwan in eastern Ladakh led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China claimed to have lost only 4 of its soldiers, but new estimates that have emerged show the number could be much higher.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mixing-sports-with-politics-chinese-soldier-involved-in-galwan-clash-becomes-torchbearer-at-winter-olympics-449839">Mixing sports with politics? Chinese soldier involved in Galwan clash becomes torchbearer at Winter Olympics</a>

Since then, the ties have gone downhill even as China continues to provoke, including through its embassy in Delhi, by writing letters to Indian MPs for participating in the Tibet event.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: PLA soldier from Galwan clashes turns Olympics torchbearer

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pla-soldier-from-galwan-clashes-turns-olympics-torchbearer-449976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics, which is due to begin on Friday, has seen diplomatic boycott by a number of countries, especially the West. Only one Indian athlete will be present at the games.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-suffered-a-huge-loss-in-the-galwan-valley-clash-fabricated-stories-to-the-world-australian-newspaper-449997">China suffered a huge loss in the Galwan Valley clash, ‘fabricated’ stories to the world: Australian newspaper</a>

Most of the leaders attending the opening ceremony are China's allies or partners. Among them are Russian President Putin, Pakistani PM Imran Khan and leaders of all five Central Asian Countries.

China has been using the Games to showcase normalcy in the country amid the Covid crisis.

Activists are even calling it "genocide games" over China's human rights abuses in the restive western province of Xinjiang.

Slamming China for politicising the Winter Olympics, India on Thursday announced that its Chargé d' Affaires (Cd’A) will not be attending the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games in Beijing.

Slamming China for politicising the Winter Olympics, India on Thursday announced that its Chargé d' Affaires (Cd’A) will not be attending the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games in Beijing. This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer during the Olympics relay on Wednesday. The images of Qi Fabao were shared in a tweet by the Global Times, an English news outlet associated with the Chinese Communist Party. In response to WION’s question at the weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “It is indeed regrettable that the Chinese side has chosen to politicise an event like Olympics. I wish to inform you that India’s Chargé d' Affaires in Beijing will not be attending the opening or the closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.” Acquino Vimal is India's Cd’A in Beijing and the new Indian envoy Pradeep Rawat is yet to present his credentials. China's aggressive actions in Galwan in eastern Ladakh led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China claimed to have lost only 4 of its soldiers, but new estimates that have emerged show the number could be much higher. Also read | Mixing sports with politics? Chinese soldier involved in Galwan clash becomes torchbearer at Winter Olympics Since then, the ties have gone downhill even as China continues to provoke, including through its embassy in Delhi, by writing letters to Indian MPs for participating in the Tibet event. Watch | Gravitas: PLA soldier from Galwan clashes turns Olympics torchbearer Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics, which is due to begin on Friday, has seen diplomatic boycott by a number of countries, especially the West. Only one Indian athlete will be present at the games. Also read | China suffered a huge loss in the Galwan Valley clash, ‘fabricated’ stories to the world: Australian newspaper Most of the leaders attending the opening ceremony are China's allies or partners. Among them are Russian President Putin, Pakistani PM Imran Khan and leaders of all five Central Asian Countries. China has been using the Games to showcase normalcy in the country amid the Covid crisis. Activists are even calling it "genocide games" over China's human rights abuses in the restive western province of Xinjiang.

Galwan soldier row: India's top diplomat in China not to attend Beijing Winter Olympics ceremonies

Kashmir witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, as rain and sleet dropped the minimum temperature across the valley

Several hill stations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, tourist resorts in the north and south of the valley respectively, received the maximum snowfall.

Gulmarg district received around 5 to 7 feet of snow whiles Pahalgam recorded around 2 feet of snow.&nbsp;

The snowfall brought cheers to the skiers and athletes who have descended into the valley in record numbers.

From skiing to snowboarding to riding snow scooters, heavy crowds were witnessed among prominent resorts.

''I have been coming to Kashmir valley for the last five years. People here are respectful and humble. It's a real paradise on earth. I will come again. I came this year to take part in the sports activities. I have done snowboarding, rode snow scooters, sledge etc. Now I will come in the summers to see the greenery of this place. '' said Karuna, a tourist.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley has traditionally attracted stories from all over the world for its picturesque destinations.

Hence, in order to gain more footfall, the government has been offering many discounts.&nbsp;

''This is the&nbsp;real paradise. The experience has been wonderful. The staff was very helpful, the hotels are nice, and the guides are also good. It snowed the whole night, and the view was mesmerising. I will remember this for the rest of my life. I was telling my daughter to come here too.,' said another tourist Vijay Sharma.&nbsp;

The weather officials have predicted that the weather will improve from tomorrow. They have also warned about the possibility of avalanches in the higher reaches. People have been advised to stay alert in higher reaches.

The tourist arrival has been record-breaking this winter in the Valley. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has started many sports adventure activities as well as added new locations for tourists to visit.&nbsp;

Kashmir witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, as rain and sleet dropped the minimum temperature across the valley Several hill stations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, tourist resorts in the north and south of the valley respectively, received the maximum snowfall.

Kashmir witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday, as rain and sleet dropped the minimum temperature across the valley Several hill stations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, tourist resorts in the north and south of the valley respectively, received the maximum snowfall. Gulmarg district received around 5 to 7 feet of snow whiles Pahalgam recorded around 2 feet of snow. The snowfall brought cheers to the skiers and athletes who have descended into the valley in record numbers. From skiing to snowboarding to riding snow scooters, heavy crowds were witnessed among prominent resorts. ''I have been coming to Kashmir valley for the last five years. People here are respectful and humble. It's a real paradise on earth. I will come again. I came this year to take part in the sports activities. I have done snowboarding, rode snow scooters, sledge etc. Now I will come in the summers to see the greenery of this place. '' said Karuna, a tourist. Kashmir Valley has traditionally attracted stories from all over the world for its picturesque destinations. Hence, in order to gain more footfall, the government has been offering many discounts. ''This is the real paradise. The experience has been wonderful. The staff was very helpful, the hotels are nice, and the guides are also good. It snowed the whole night, and the view was mesmerising. I will remember this for the rest of my life. I was telling my daughter to come here too.,' said another tourist Vijay Sharma. The weather officials have predicted that the weather will improve from tomorrow. They have also warned about the possibility of avalanches in the higher reaches. People have been advised to stay alert in higher reaches. The tourist arrival has been record-breaking this winter in the Valley. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has started many sports adventure activities as well as added new locations for tourists to visit.

Fresh spell of snowfall greets tourists in Kashmir Valley

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission.

He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. 
&nbsp; 
Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions.

Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission.

About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)."

The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature.

It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region.

India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing.

Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg.&nbsp;

This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission. He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission. "Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions. Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission. About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)." The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature. It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region. India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing. Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg. This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

The Punjab and Haryana High court on Thursday granted an interim stay on the Haryana government's law providing 75 per cent reservation in private sector jobs for residents of the state.

The counsel for one of the petitioner's, which had challenged the Act, said the court has granted the interim stay.

The order has come as a relief for companies in the state which feel that the law would have a bearing on their future business operations and investments.

The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 provides 75 per cent reservation in the private sector to job seekers from the state and came into force from January 15.

The Act is applicable to employers of private sector companies, societies, trusts, limited liability partnership firms, partnership firms and any person who employs 10 or more persons on salary, wages or other remuneration for the purpose of manufacturing, carrying on business or rendering any service in Haryana.&nbsp;

The Punjab and Haryana High court on Thursday granted an interim stay on the Haryana government's law providing 75 per cent reservation in private sector jobs for residents of the state.

The Punjab and Haryana High court on Thursday granted an interim stay on the Haryana government's law providing 75 per cent reservation in private sector jobs for residents of the state. The counsel for one of the petitioner's, which had challenged the Act, said the court has granted the interim stay. The order has come as a relief for companies in the state which feel that the law would have a bearing on their future business operations and investments. The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 provides 75 per cent reservation in the private sector to job seekers from the state and came into force from January 15. The Act is applicable to employers of private sector companies, societies, trusts, limited liability partnership firms, partnership firms and any person who employs 10 or more persons on salary, wages or other remuneration for the purpose of manufacturing, carrying on business or rendering any service in Haryana.

Haryana state law providing 75% reservation in private sector jobs for locals put on hold

Veganuary, a movement encouraging people to try veganism in January and beyond, has proven to be a huge success in India, where it registered the third highest number of participants globally.

Veganuary this year was attended by participants from every country in the world for the first time. There were more than 6,255,000 Veganuary participants from 229 countries and territories, making this the largest Veganuary yet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gucci-to-dolce-gabbana-luxury-fashion-brands-that-are-vegan-eco-friendly-and-anti-fur-415545">Gucci to Dolce &amp; Gabbana: Luxury fashion brands that are vegan, eco-friendly and anti-fur</a>

The Veganuary campaign officially launched in India in December 2021, and it received instant support from influential vegans, brands, and individuals alike. &nbsp;

According to a YouGov survey, 65 percent of Indians plan to eat more plant-based/vegan foods in the new year, according to a survey of 1033 adults. India ranks third in the world, behind only the US and UK.

Over the past year, climate emergency and health among the most pressing concerns on everyone's mind. Indians have demonstrated their willingness to take action where it is most necessary- by changing how they eat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-vegan-day-are-you-willing-to-switch-to-lab-grown-meat-to-combat-climate-change-425972">World Vegan Day: Are you willing to switch to lab-grown meat to combat climate-change?</a>

Reflecting on the success of the 2022 campaign, Veganuary's India Head Prashanth Vishwanath says: "It is incredibly inspiring to see Veganuary received so well in India. As more people become aware of the large impact our food choices have on our health and the planet, attitudes towards veganism are changing everywhere, and Veganuary's growing popularity reflects this shift. We have indeed become a true desi phenomenon."

Plant-based eating appears to be growing in popularity in India, with the YouGov survey reporting that more than 60 per cent of Indians view plant-based diets positively compared to two years ago. Industry projections confirm this trend.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a>Gravitas: Plant-based meat is taking over menus globally</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plant-based-meat-is-taking-over-menus-globally-442524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the next three years, the plant-based meat market in India is expected to grow to $500 million from $30-40 million today. The Good Food Institute projects that plant-based dairy in India will grow from $21 million at present to $63.9 million by 2024 at a CAGR of 20.7 per cent.&nbsp;

Alternatives to meat and dairy products are already competing with their animal-derived counterparts, even in terms of price and availability.

(With inputs from agencies)

Veganuary, a movement encouraging people to try veganism in January and beyond, has proven to be a huge success in India, where it registered the third highest number of participants globally.

Veganuary, a movement encouraging people to try veganism in January and beyond, has proven to be a huge success in India, where it registered the third highest number of participants globally. Veganuary this year was attended by participants from every country in the world for the first time. There were more than 6,255,000 Veganuary participants from 229 countries and territories, making this the largest Veganuary yet. Also read | Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana: Luxury fashion brands that are vegan, eco-friendly and anti-fur The Veganuary campaign officially launched in India in December 2021, and it received instant support from influential vegans, brands, and individuals alike. According to a YouGov survey, 65 percent of Indians plan to eat more plant-based/vegan foods in the new year, according to a survey of 1033 adults. India ranks third in the world, behind only the US and UK. Over the past year, climate emergency and health among the most pressing concerns on everyone's mind. Indians have demonstrated their willingness to take action where it is most necessary- by changing how they eat. Also read | World Vegan Day: Are you willing to switch to lab-grown meat to combat climate-change? Reflecting on the success of the 2022 campaign, Veganuary's India Head Prashanth Vishwanath says: "It is incredibly inspiring to see Veganuary received so well in India. As more people become aware of the large impact our food choices have on our health and the planet, attitudes towards veganism are changing everywhere, and Veganuary's growing popularity reflects this shift. We have indeed become a true desi phenomenon." Plant-based eating appears to be growing in popularity in India, with the YouGov survey reporting that more than 60 per cent of Indians view plant-based diets positively compared to two years ago. Industry projections confirm this trend. Watch | Gravitas: Plant-based meat is taking over menus globally In the next three years, the plant-based meat market in India is expected to grow to $500 million from $30-40 million today. The Good Food Institute projects that plant-based dairy in India will grow from $21 million at present to $63.9 million by 2024 at a CAGR of 20.7 per cent. Alternatives to meat and dairy products are already competing with their animal-derived counterparts, even in terms of price and availability. (With inputs from agencies)

Veganuary a hit in India as more people switch to a vegan diet to combat climate change

Pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila has started supplying its COVID-19 vaccine to the Indian government nearly six months after it had been authorized for emergency use.

Zydus Cadila begins supplying its COVID-19 vaccine to the Indian government

Myanmar's&nbsp;Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has confirmed that they have handed over five Indian insurgents to the Indian government in December last year and reaffirmed that his country will “never allow any insurgents to use its soil to engage in any hostile activities” against New Delhi.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Aung, in a rare interview, said, “Myanmar and India have been traditionally enjoying a close friendship and amity based on mutual respect."

The relations between India and Myanmar have grown close over the years. Both countries had agreed to implement and operationalise connectivity projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, Trilateral Highway and operationalisation of the Sittwe Port.

Last year, Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Myanmar to hand over more medical supplies, including Covid vaccines.

In fact, Myanmar has been one of the first recipient countries to receive India-made vaccines in January 2021 when New Delhi began exporting.

The envoy highlighted, “Myanmar has received a total of 15 million doses of Covisheld vaccines purchased from Serum Institute of India (SII) and completed the deal already last year".

WION: How do you see India-Myanmar ties? And what kind of engagement has been happening in the last one year, since the Indian Foreign secretary’s visit. One of the key focuses has been on connectivity. What is the latest development? And have Kaladan Multi-Modal project, Sittwe Port, been operationalised?&nbsp;

Moe Kyaw Aung: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and India on 4 January 1948, Myanmar and India have been enjoying traditionally close friendship and amity based on mutual respect, mutual understanding, and time-tested friendly relations under the regional and multilateral frameworks.

Myanmar’s independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and India’s Act East Policy coupled with its ‘neighbourhood first’ policy contribute to forging closer cooperation between the two countries.

For India, Myanmar is not only the gateway to the ASEAN region, but also the only state adjoining India with both land and maritime boundaries. Successive governments of both countries have maintained close and friendly relations in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

In the last one year, there have been many engagements and cooperation in different sectors such as defence, energy and power, connectivity, trade, health and education, etc. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs were on a working visit to Myanmar from December 22 to 23.

The chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received the top official. Connectivity is one of the focuses in the discussion. Singla expressed India's continued support for people-centric socioeconomic developmental projects, as well as their commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway.

The operationalisation of Sittwe Port is underway. Myanmar’s Ministry of Construction is undertaking necessary steps for the construction work starting from 109.2 Km (Myanmar – India border) to southwards of Myanmar. The project will contribute to the promotion of trade and connectivity between the two countries by shortening the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 kilometres.

WION: Covid has been another issue. India recently sent vaccines. Have you requested more? What is the situation in your country?

Moe Kyaw Aung: Apart from the initial donation of 1.5 million doses of Covishield and 2 lakhs doses of Covaxin in the first quarter of 2021, the Indian government has donated additional 1 million doses of Covishield to Myanmar on October 9, 2021.

Myanmar is one of a few countries which received vaccines once the Indian government lifted the restriction on exports of the Covid-19 vaccine. Also, Shringla handed over 1 million Covaxin jabs to the Myanmar Red Cross Society during his visit in December 2021.

Myanmar has received a total of 15 million doses of Covisheld vaccines purchased from the Serum Institute of India (SII) and completed the deal already last year.

Likewise, during the second wave of Covid pandemic faced by India, the State Administration Council donated a total of 8.85 tons of relief materials, including 500,000 surgical masks, 20,000 goggles, 50,000 face shields, 100,000 pairs of examination gloves, 100 5L oxygen concentrators and 20 power air-purifying respirator system to India on May 18, 2021.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Health received a total of 46.1 million of COVID-19 vaccines purchased from abroad and a total of 16.4 million doses as donations, totalling to 62.5 million doses.

COVID-19 vaccines are being given daily to people as per the targeted groups of 18 years and above. Apart from the targeted group of 18 years and above, students aged 12 years and above and displaced persons are also being vaccinated over the targeted scheduled plan since January 2022.

The health workers and people in need are also getting booster doses. As of January 25, 21.8 million people have been vaccinated against. About 18.4 million people have received two doses of the vaccine and 3.4 million people have received the first dose. Around 40.25 million people have been inoculated against COVID-19 in Myanmar.

The figure of Omicron cases has risen to 283 in total in Myanmar till January 29, 2022. Myanmar’s Covid situation is still controllable at this moment. However, I assume that Myanmar will further cooperate with the Indian government and India’s pharmaceutical companies for further vaccine supplies.&nbsp;

WION: Security has been another key issue. We know that India's northeastern states faced a number of attacks, and India and Myanmar have had a long-standing security cooperation. What has been the stance of Myanmar on India's concerns over the insurgent groups

Moe Kyaw Aung: Geographically, Myanmar shares a long land border of over 1,600 km with India. It connects four northeastern states of India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It also shares a maritime boundary through the Bay of Bengal. In this regard, cooperation in the security and defence sector of both countries has strengthened over the years.

Myanmar has reaffirmed our firm commitment to respect&nbsp;the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. Myanmar has clearly reiterated that it will never allow any insurgents and negative elements to use its soil to engage in any hostile activities against its neighbouring country. Myanmar also appreciates India’s stance to uphold the same principle. Myanmar and India are on the same page as both agree that terrorism constitutes a significant threat to peace and stability in the region and should be confronted in all its forms and manifestations.

Both countries share the view that it is important to maintain security and stability along the India-Myanmar borders, which is essential for the socio-economic development of people living in the border areas. The Myanmar Armed Forces handed over a group of 22 Indian insurgents to the Government of India on May 15, 2020, and additional 5 Indian insurgents on December 15, 2021. They were linked to insurgent groups in Manipur, namely, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro), Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup (KYKL) and the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB-S) 5 and the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO). This reflected the deepening ties between the two armed forces of Myanmar and India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: How has been Myanmar's engagement with other neighbours, especially China.

Moe Kyaw Aung: In line with the 2008 Constitution, Myanmar practices independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and shall not commence aggression against any nation. No foreign troops shall be permitted to be deployed in the territory. The five principles of peaceful co-existence— which Myanmar, India and China initiated in 1954—still act as fundamental principles for Myanmar in its relations with its giant neighbours, both India and China. Myanmar has been cooperating with both countries in the spirit of good neighbourliness and time-tested friendly relations under the regional and multilateral frameworks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has confirmed that they have handed over five Indian insurgents to the Indian government in December last year and reaffirmed that his country will “never allow any insurgents to use its soil to engage in any hostile activities” against New Delhi.

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has confirmed that they have handed over five Indian insurgents to the Indian government in December last year and reaffirmed that his country will “never allow any insurgents to use its soil to engage in any hostile activities” against New Delhi. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Aung, in a rare interview, said, “Myanmar and India have been traditionally enjoying a close friendship and amity based on mutual respect." The relations between India and Myanmar have grown close over the years. Both countries had agreed to implement and operationalise connectivity projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, Trilateral Highway and operationalisation of the Sittwe Port. Last year, Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Myanmar to hand over more medical supplies, including Covid vaccines. In fact, Myanmar has been one of the first recipient countries to receive India-made vaccines in January 2021 when New Delhi began exporting. The envoy highlighted, “Myanmar has received a total of 15 million doses of Covisheld vaccines purchased from Serum Institute of India (SII) and completed the deal already last year". WION: How do you see India-Myanmar ties? And what kind of engagement has been happening in the last one year, since the Indian Foreign secretary’s visit. One of the key focuses has been on connectivity. What is the latest development? And have Kaladan Multi-Modal project, Sittwe Port, been operationalised? Moe Kyaw Aung: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and India on 4 January 1948, Myanmar and India have been enjoying traditionally close friendship and amity based on mutual respect, mutual understanding, and time-tested friendly relations under the regional and multilateral frameworks. Myanmar’s independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and India’s Act East Policy coupled with its ‘neighbourhood first’ policy contribute to forging closer cooperation between the two countries. For India, Myanmar is not only the gateway to the ASEAN region, but also the only state adjoining India with both land and maritime boundaries. Successive governments of both countries have maintained close and friendly relations in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. In the last one year, there have been many engagements and cooperation in different sectors such as defence, energy and power, connectivity, trade, health and education, etc. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs were on a working visit to Myanmar from December 22 to 23. The chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received the top official. Connectivity is one of the focuses in the discussion. Singla expressed India's continued support for people-centric socioeconomic developmental projects, as well as their commitment for expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway. The operationalisation of Sittwe Port is underway. Myanmar’s Ministry of Construction is undertaking necessary steps for the construction work starting from 109.2 Km (Myanmar – India border) to southwards of Myanmar. The project will contribute to the promotion of trade and connectivity between the two countries by shortening the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 kilometres. WION: Covid has been another issue. India recently sent vaccines. Have you requested more? What is the situation in your country? Moe Kyaw Aung: Apart from the initial donation of 1.5 million doses of Covishield and 2 lakhs doses of Covaxin in the first quarter of 2021, the Indian government has donated additional 1 million doses of Covishield to Myanmar on October 9, 2021. Myanmar is one of a few countries which received vaccines once the Indian government lifted the restriction on exports of the Covid-19 vaccine. Also, Shringla handed over 1 million Covaxin jabs to the Myanmar Red Cross Society during his visit in December 2021. Myanmar has received a total of 15 million doses of Covisheld vaccines purchased from the Serum Institute of India (SII) and completed the deal already last year. Likewise, during the second wave of Covid pandemic faced by India, the State Administration Council donated a total of 8.85 tons of relief materials, including 500,000 surgical masks, 20,000 goggles, 50,000 face shields, 100,000 pairs of examination gloves, 100 5L oxygen concentrators and 20 power air-purifying respirator system to India on May 18, 2021. Myanmar’s Ministry of Health received a total of 46.1 million of COVID-19 vaccines purchased from abroad and a total of 16.4 million doses as donations, totalling to 62.5 million doses. COVID-19 vaccines are being given daily to people as per the targeted groups of 18 years and above. Apart from the targeted group of 18 years and above, students aged 12 years and above and displaced persons are also being vaccinated over the targeted scheduled plan since January 2022. The health workers and people in need are also getting booster doses. As of January 25, 21.8 million people have been vaccinated against. About 18.4 million people have received two doses of the vaccine and 3.4 million people have received the first dose. Around 40.25 million people have been inoculated against COVID-19 in Myanmar. The figure of Omicron cases has risen to 283 in total in Myanmar till January 29, 2022. Myanmar’s Covid situation is still controllable at this moment. However, I assume that Myanmar will further cooperate with the Indian government and India’s pharmaceutical companies for further vaccine supplies. WION: Security has been another key issue. We know that India's northeastern states faced a number of attacks, and India and Myanmar have had a long-standing security cooperation. What has been the stance of Myanmar on India's concerns over the insurgent groups Moe Kyaw Aung: Geographically, Myanmar shares a long land border of over 1,600 km with India. It connects four northeastern states of India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It also shares a maritime boundary through the Bay of Bengal. In this regard, cooperation in the security and defence sector of both countries has strengthened over the years. Myanmar has reaffirmed our firm commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. Myanmar has clearly reiterated that it will never allow any insurgents and negative elements to use its soil to engage in any hostile activities against its neighbouring country. Myanmar also appreciates India’s stance to uphold the same principle. Myanmar and India are on the same page as both agree that terrorism constitutes a significant threat to peace and stability in the region and should be confronted in all its forms and manifestations. Both countries share the view that it is important to maintain security and stability along the India-Myanmar borders, which is essential for the socio-economic development of people living in the border areas. The Myanmar Armed Forces handed over a group of 22 Indian insurgents to the Government of India on May 15, 2020, and additional 5 Indian insurgents on December 15, 2021. They were linked to insurgent groups in Manipur, namely, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro), Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup (KYKL) and the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB-S) 5 and the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO). This reflected the deepening ties between the two armed forces of Myanmar and India. WION: How has been Myanmar's engagement with other neighbours, especially China. Moe Kyaw Aung: In line with the 2008 Constitution, Myanmar practices independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and shall not commence aggression against any nation. No foreign troops shall be permitted to be deployed in the territory. The five principles of peaceful co-existence— which Myanmar, India and China initiated in 1954—still act as fundamental principles for Myanmar in its relations with its giant neighbours, both India and China. Myanmar has been cooperating with both countries in the spirit of good neighbourliness and time-tested friendly relations under the regional and multilateral frameworks.

Handed insurgents to India in December, confirms Myanmar's envoy to Delhi; Says won't allow hostile activities

From infrastructure to credit, India has reached out to its neighbours from Nepal to Sri Lanka in a number of ways.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, India and Nepal signed a MoU for the construction of a motorable bridge over the Mahakali River with Indian grant assistance.

The MoU was signed between the Indian envoy to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and the Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Government of Nepal, Rabindra Nath Shrestha, and connects Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal).

The project will increase cross-border connectivity between Nepal's Sudurpaschim province and India's Uttarakhand even as construction is set to commence soon.&nbsp;

As of now, traditional means, including suspensions, are used to go to either side, which obviously is not a very safe option. The Indian mission in Nepal said in a statement, "This&nbsp;is in line with the priority shared by both the governments to expand cross-border connectivity for streamlining commercial, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges."

On Wednesday, India extended a $500 million line of credit to Sri Lanka for the purchase of petroleum products. The pact was signed between India's Export Import Bank (EXIM) and the Sri Lankan government in the presence of Sri Lankan finance minister Basil Rajapaksa and Indian envoy to the country, Gopal Baglay.&nbsp;

In a release, the Indian mission in the country said, "As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and long-standing partner, India is committed to assisting Sri Lanka in its post-Covid economic recovery." The development comes even as the Sri Lankan finance minister and Indian external affairs minister spoke last month and New Delhi continues with its foreign exchange support of over USD 900 million to the country. India's overall development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at close to USD 4 billion.

Wednesday also saw the opening of an artificial limb camp in the country, which is supported by the Indian government and the Indian NGO Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), well known for the distribution of Jaipur feet. The NGO, which is the world's largest organisation for providing artificial limbs and other related aids, had in the past organised 2 camps in Sri Lanka, one in Vavuniya in March-April 2010 and later in Jaffna in September 2011. More than 2500 people had benefited from these camps at the time, with over 1600 receiving the "Jaipur Foot."

Meanwhile, next week will see India begin to send 50,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;Afghan Envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay, has said that New Delhi will start delivering the promised wheat support to the Afghan people between February 10th and 12th.

He said, "India is going to deliver 50,000 MT of wheat in the next week or two, and is going to start delivery, which should be completed by months' time."

Pakistan has given all the assurances that we, the Afghan side and India, required to start the delivery of ​operation".&nbsp;

New Delhi has already sent 6 tonnes of medical supplies and half a million COVID vaccines to Afghan people in the last 6 weeks. In its budget announcement on February 1, India allocated Rs 200 crore to Afghanistan, even as the country has seen a Taliban takeover.

From infrastructure to credit, India has reached out to its neighbours from Nepal to Sri Lanka in a number of ways. On Tuesday, India and Nepal signed a MoU for the construction of a motorable bridge over the Mahakali River with Indian grant assistance.

From infrastructure to credit, India has reached out to its neighbours from Nepal to Sri Lanka in a number of ways. On Tuesday, India and Nepal signed a MoU for the construction of a motorable bridge over the Mahakali River with Indian grant assistance. The MoU was signed between the Indian envoy to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and the Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Government of Nepal, Rabindra Nath Shrestha, and connects Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal). The project will increase cross-border connectivity between Nepal's Sudurpaschim province and India's Uttarakhand even as construction is set to commence soon. As of now, traditional means, including suspensions, are used to go to either side, which obviously is not a very safe option. The Indian mission in Nepal said in a statement, "This is in line with the priority shared by both the governments to expand cross-border connectivity for streamlining commercial, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges." On Wednesday, India extended a $500 million line of credit to Sri Lanka for the purchase of petroleum products. The pact was signed between India's Export Import Bank (EXIM) and the Sri Lankan government in the presence of Sri Lankan finance minister Basil Rajapaksa and Indian envoy to the country, Gopal Baglay. In a release, the Indian mission in the country said, "As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and long-standing partner, India is committed to assisting Sri Lanka in its post-Covid economic recovery." The development comes even as the Sri Lankan finance minister and Indian external affairs minister spoke last month and New Delhi continues with its foreign exchange support of over USD 900 million to the country. India's overall development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at close to USD 4 billion. Wednesday also saw the opening of an artificial limb camp in the country, which is supported by the Indian government and the Indian NGO Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), well known for the distribution of Jaipur feet. The NGO, which is the world's largest organisation for providing artificial limbs and other related aids, had in the past organised 2 camps in Sri Lanka, one in Vavuniya in March-April 2010 and later in Jaffna in September 2011. More than 2500 people had benefited from these camps at the time, with over 1600 receiving the "Jaipur Foot." Meanwhile, next week will see India begin to send 50,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Afghan Envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay, has said that New Delhi will start delivering the promised wheat support to the Afghan people between February 10th and 12th. He said, "India is going to deliver 50,000 MT of wheat in the next week or two, and is going to start delivery, which should be completed by months' time." Pakistan has given all the assurances that we, the Afghan side and India, required to start the delivery of operation". New Delhi has already sent 6 tonnes of medical supplies and half a million COVID vaccines to Afghan people in the last 6 weeks. In its budget announcement on February 1, India allocated Rs 200 crore to Afghanistan, even as the country has seen a Taliban takeover.

Infrastructure​​​​​​​, credit and aid, India reaches out to the neighbourhood

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse&nbsp;the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe.

At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact"

The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO.

Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country."

"We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine".

He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. "

There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc.

‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine.

The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact".

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe. At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact" The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO. Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country." "We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine". He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. " There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc. ‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine. The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

India's message to Russia will make impact, says Ukraine foreign minister

India announced its annual budget yesterday, it has given a blueprint of economy for the next 25 years with key points on four main pillars of development. According to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, India is expected to grow at 9.27% in the coming year, here are some of the big announcements in this year's budget.

India Budget 2022: Major announcements from FM Nirmala Sitharaman's speech

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This Indian poll candidate arrives with his bride to file nomination in full wedding attire

Top Indian diplomat to boycott Beijing Games over torchbearer, China politicizing winter Olympics?

Goa Assembly polls 2022: PM Modi to address virtual rally across 20 locations in Panaji

Indian scientists identify 114 genetic variants linked to oral cancer

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Rs 43 billion PMC Bank scam accused arrested close to the India-Nepal border while trying to flee country

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With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms

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India reveals timeline for its third Lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-3'

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India: Jaishankar gives 'history lessons' to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, slams over China-Pakistan remarks

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Infrastructure​​​​​​​, credit and aid, India reaches out to the neighbourhood

Infrastructure, credit and aid, India reaches out to the neighbourhood