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India has put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines made by the SII to meet domestic demand as infections rise.

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Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said on Thursday the threat to India has only "abated" following the disengagement in Pangong lake areas in eastern Ladakh after the agreement with China but it has not gone away altogether.

He also asserted that it would be incorrect to say that the Chinese troops were still sitting on territories in eastern Ladakh that were in India's control before the face-off erupted in May last year.

Referring to the situation in the mountainous region, Gen Naravane told an interactive session at the India Economic Conclave that the military strength in rear areas remained what it was even at the height of border tensions.

The Army Chief replied in the affirmative when asked by the moderator whether he concurs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks after the border standoff that the Chinese have not come into control of Indian territory.

"Yes, absolutely," he said.

He also said that patrolling has not resumed in the region as tensions are still running high and there are always chances of face-offs and inadvertent escalation of the situation when it starts.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement last month.

"There are some areas which we still have to negotiate but in the overall scheme of things, (I) feel that we have very strong grounds to believe that we will be able to achieve all our aims," Gen Naravane said.

When asked specifically whether the Chinese were still sitting on territories that were in India's control before April 2020, he said: "No, that will be an incorrect statement."

"There are areas which are under nobody's control. So where we were controlling we were in those areas and where they were controlling, they were in those areas," he said.

"The whole issue of Line of Actual Control (LAC) is because of these grey areas. Because there is no demarcated LAC and there are different claims and perceptions. So unless the LAC is demarcated, you cannot make the statement that I am where I am, he is where he is," he added.

Asked about allegations in some quarters that the Chinese were in Indian territories, the Army Chief responded by saying the force was confident of its capabilities and that it knew what it had achieved.

"They (the Army personnel) have done their job....In the Army you learn to be thick-skinned," he said, when asked about some criticism of handling of the border situation.

Gen Naravane said unless the troops in rear bases go back, it would not be possible to say that things are back to normal.

"After several rounds of talks, we succeeded in getting some agreement on the disengagement of troops which were face-to-face with each other which could have led to some misunderstandings and flare ups," he said.

"Now they are not face-to-face but have disengaged and gone back to the agreed positions. But the strength in rear areas remains what it was even at the height of the tension. So the threat has only abated and it has not gone away altogether," he said.

On the military talks, the Army Chief said the political leadership very clearly enunciated that it has to return to the status quo of April 2020 and that remained the bottom line for India in all the negotiations.

To a question whether India has access to all the areas that it had before the face-off, the Army Chief said: "I won't say that we do not have occupation of those areas, but that will be the focus of our talks in the next round of discussions."

"There are some areas which still remain to be negotiated."

On patrolling, he said the view has been that there is a need to go step by step.

"We have done the disengagement, let us see how that goes and then, through the talks we will see how to resume the patrolling," he added.

Replying to a question on developments in Depsang and some other friction points, the Army Chief said these are the issues that will be discussed in future rounds of talks.

"The guiding principles still remain that we need to restore the traditional rights and that would apply to both sides, after all it is not as if only they were doing the patrolling," he said.

On whether China can be trusted, he quoted the term used by former US President Ronald Regan-- "trust but verify".

"All agreements are based on trust and all agreements are based on the premise that they will be followed in letter and spirit. If you decide not to do that then why do you have an agreement in the first place."

"We have to believe that they are serious this time and they will abide by all the clauses of the particular agreement as also abide by the clauses of the previous agreements," he said.

The Army Chief said if need be, there is a room for renegotiating those agreements so that the incidents which took place because of not following them in letter and spirit do not take place in the future.&nbsp;

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said on Thursday the threat to India has only "abated" following the disengagement in Pangong lake areas in eastern Ladakh after the agreement with China but it has not gone away altogether.

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said on Thursday the threat to India has only "abated" following the disengagement in Pangong lake areas in eastern Ladakh after the agreement with China but it has not gone away altogether. He also asserted that it would be incorrect to say that the Chinese troops were still sitting on territories in eastern Ladakh that were in India's control before the face-off erupted in May last year. Referring to the situation in the mountainous region, Gen Naravane told an interactive session at the India Economic Conclave that the military strength in rear areas remained what it was even at the height of border tensions. The Army Chief replied in the affirmative when asked by the moderator whether he concurs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks after the border standoff that the Chinese have not come into control of Indian territory. "Yes, absolutely," he said. He also said that patrolling has not resumed in the region as tensions are still running high and there are always chances of face-offs and inadvertent escalation of the situation when it starts. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement last month. "There are some areas which we still have to negotiate but in the overall scheme of things, (I) feel that we have very strong grounds to believe that we will be able to achieve all our aims," Gen Naravane said. When asked specifically whether the Chinese were still sitting on territories that were in India's control before April 2020, he said: "No, that will be an incorrect statement." "There are areas which are under nobody's control. So where we were controlling we were in those areas and where they were controlling, they were in those areas," he said. "The whole issue of Line of Actual Control (LAC) is because of these grey areas. Because there is no demarcated LAC and there are different claims and perceptions. So unless the LAC is demarcated, you cannot make the statement that I am where I am, he is where he is," he added. Asked about allegations in some quarters that the Chinese were in Indian territories, the Army Chief responded by saying the force was confident of its capabilities and that it knew what it had achieved. "They (the Army personnel) have done their job....In the Army you learn to be thick-skinned," he said, when asked about some criticism of handling of the border situation. Gen Naravane said unless the troops in rear bases go back, it would not be possible to say that things are back to normal. "After several rounds of talks, we succeeded in getting some agreement on the disengagement of troops which were face-to-face with each other which could have led to some misunderstandings and flare ups," he said. "Now they are not face-to-face but have disengaged and gone back to the agreed positions. But the strength in rear areas remains what it was even at the height of the tension. So the threat has only abated and it has not gone away altogether," he said. On the military talks, the Army Chief said the political leadership very clearly enunciated that it has to return to the status quo of April 2020 and that remained the bottom line for India in all the negotiations. To a question whether India has access to all the areas that it had before the face-off, the Army Chief said: "I won't say that we do not have occupation of those areas, but that will be the focus of our talks in the next round of discussions." "There are some areas which still remain to be negotiated." On patrolling, he said the view has been that there is a need to go step by step. "We have done the disengagement, let us see how that goes and then, through the talks we will see how to resume the patrolling," he added. Replying to a question on developments in Depsang and some other friction points, the Army Chief said these are the issues that will be discussed in future rounds of talks. "The guiding principles still remain that we need to restore the traditional rights and that would apply to both sides, after all it is not as if only they were doing the patrolling," he said. On whether China can be trusted, he quoted the term used by former US President Ronald Regan-- "trust but verify". "All agreements are based on trust and all agreements are based on the premise that they will be followed in letter and spirit. If you decide not to do that then why do you have an agreement in the first place." "We have to believe that they are serious this time and they will abide by all the clauses of the particular agreement as also abide by the clauses of the previous agreements," he said. The Army Chief said if need be, there is a room for renegotiating those agreements so that the incidents which took place because of not following them in letter and spirit do not take place in the future.

After disengagement in Pangong, threat to India only 'abated': Gen Naravane

After the recent military coup in Myanmar, a total of 733 persons, including policemen, have fled to Mizoram in India and are staying illegally across the state. These people entered Mizoram after facing persecution from the military in Myanmar. 
 
Top sources said that a total of 642 Myanmar nationals living at various camps across Mizoram have been located and verified. The intelligence agencies are trying to identify a fresh influx of another 91 refugees. They have been put in the "unconfirmed" category by the agencies. The fresh influx happened between March 18 and March 20. 
 
As per the internal report of an intelligence agency, the maximum number of refugees are staying in Champhai district. The report stated that a total 324 identified refugees are staying in Champhai district and a fresh influx of 91 persons, who have not been accounted for so far, are also staying in the same district. 
 
After Champhai, a total 144 refugees are staying in the border district of Siaha. As per the report, 83 persons are staying at Hnahthial, 55 at Lawngtalai, 15 at Serchhip, 14 at Aizwal, three at Saitual, and two each at Kolasib and Lunglei. 
 
It further stated that most of the refugees are policemen and their families, and some are even army personnel who refused to shoot at the protesters opposing the military rule in Myanmar, sources said. 
 
They are staying in community halls near the borders that are meant to facilitate accommodation under the Free Movement Regime arrangement while some others have taken shelter with relatives away from the border areas. A Free Movement Regime allows people to travel up to 16 km on either side of the borders and stay for up to 14 days. 
 
India and Myanmar share 1,643 km borders and people on either side have familial ties due to the ethnic affiliations. Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are the Indian states that share borders with Myanmar but the influx after the coup has been limited to Mizoram, which shares 510 km borders with Myanmar. 
 
The influx of these people is a sensitive issue in the state as people on either side of the borders have ethnic affiliations. 
 
The Central and Mizoram governments are at odds over the influx of refugees from Myanmar after the military coup over there. 
 
Mizoram government opened the gates for the facilitation of refugees and migrants from Myanmar in connection with the political development in Myanmar and issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding this. 
 
Learning about the Mizoram government`s SOP for refugees, the Centre directed the state to immediately revoke it. 
 
Thereafter, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that the Centre`s order to prevent illegal immigration from Myanmar is not acceptable. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide them asylum on humanitarian grounds.

After the recent military coup in Myanmar, a total of 733 persons, including policemen, have fled to Mizoram in India and are staying illegally across the state.

After the recent military coup in Myanmar, a total of 733 persons, including policemen, have fled to Mizoram in India and are staying illegally across the state. These people entered Mizoram after facing persecution from the military in Myanmar. Top sources said that a total of 642 Myanmar nationals living at various camps across Mizoram have been located and verified. The intelligence agencies are trying to identify a fresh influx of another 91 refugees. They have been put in the "unconfirmed" category by the agencies. The fresh influx happened between March 18 and March 20. As per the internal report of an intelligence agency, the maximum number of refugees are staying in Champhai district. The report stated that a total 324 identified refugees are staying in Champhai district and a fresh influx of 91 persons, who have not been accounted for so far, are also staying in the same district. After Champhai, a total 144 refugees are staying in the border district of Siaha. As per the report, 83 persons are staying at Hnahthial, 55 at Lawngtalai, 15 at Serchhip, 14 at Aizwal, three at Saitual, and two each at Kolasib and Lunglei. It further stated that most of the refugees are policemen and their families, and some are even army personnel who refused to shoot at the protesters opposing the military rule in Myanmar, sources said. They are staying in community halls near the borders that are meant to facilitate accommodation under the Free Movement Regime arrangement while some others have taken shelter with relatives away from the border areas. A Free Movement Regime allows people to travel up to 16 km on either side of the borders and stay for up to 14 days. India and Myanmar share 1,643 km borders and people on either side have familial ties due to the ethnic affiliations. Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are the Indian states that share borders with Myanmar but the influx after the coup has been limited to Mizoram, which shares 510 km borders with Myanmar. The influx of these people is a sensitive issue in the state as people on either side of the borders have ethnic affiliations. The Central and Mizoram governments are at odds over the influx of refugees from Myanmar after the military coup over there. Mizoram government opened the gates for the facilitation of refugees and migrants from Myanmar in connection with the political development in Myanmar and issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding this. Learning about the Mizoram government`s SOP for refugees, the Centre directed the state to immediately revoke it. Thereafter, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that the Centre`s order to prevent illegal immigration from Myanmar is not acceptable. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide them asylum on humanitarian grounds.

733 Myanmar refugees living in Mizoram

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives.

Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25.

Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies.

However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events.

As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot.

With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter.

The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh.

Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way.

While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states.

Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains.

Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive.

After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many.

On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength.

Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported.

All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown.

From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown.

From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way.

The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order.

The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21.

After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September.

On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15.

The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner.

The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size.

On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases.

The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones.

On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK.

On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all.

As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic.

Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups.

Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment.

The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said.

All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country. Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives. Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25. Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies. However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events. As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot. With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter. The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way. While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states. Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains. Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive. After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases. On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many. On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength. Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported. All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown. From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown. From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way. The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order. The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21. After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September. On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15. The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner. The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size. On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases. The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones. On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK. On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all. As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic. Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups. Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment. The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said. All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

'Janata curfew' to vaccination: India's year-long fight against COVID-19

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers.

Admiral John Aquilino, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday to be the next commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM, was responding to a question from Senator Jeanne Shaheen on India's decision to purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia.

"Should we sanction India if they acquire the S-400?" Shaheen asked.

"I would leave that to the policymakers to determine... I think we certainly should understand where we are with India and I think potentially the encouragement angle in providing alternatives might be a better approach," Aquilino replied.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

In October 2018, India had signed a&nbsp;$5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the then Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

The US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent CAATSA. The law also provides for punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia.

"India is really a terrific partner and as we've seen from the recent Quad discussions, I think the importance of India and the rest of the nations in the Quad will increase.

We're at a balance. However, India has had a longstanding relationship with the Russians for security cooperation and for military equipment," Aquilino said.

"...If confirmed, I would work to continue to encourage India to look at and consider US equipment. Number one, it's the best. Number two, it generates interoperability and makes it easier to work together and I think we should encourage India to do that through all the elements of national power and see where that goes," he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Responding to another question from Senator Debra Fischer, Aquilino said the work or the effort that India has taken on to protect its northern border amid a standoff with China is noteworthy.

"The fact that the PRC has decided to instigate that skirmish on the northern border is noteworthy to all of us," he said.

"So, the strength of multilateral operations with India and with all allies and partners is certainly a mechanism to add to our deterrents in the region," he added.

"The deadly skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops underscored the high level of tension along the border and China has made no secret of its ambition to encircle India with military and economic influence. As INDOPACOM commander, how would you approach this dynamic and what do you see as the future of the US-India military cooperation?" Senator Fischer asked.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

Subsequently, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in over four decades. Eight months after the confrontation, China admitted that its four soldiers were killed in the fight.

"The work with India, the Quad, as well as all the allies and partners in the region, continues to be the strength and it highlights our ability to ensure that the entire force, the entire region understands the cooperation and the alignment with international norms, standards, rules and laws," the admiral said.

Aquilino said the goal of the Chinese is to supplant US security leadership in the region, be it in the South China Sea or on the northern border of India, and change international rules beyond what the nations agreed to under the 1982 UNCLOS Treaty to their benefit.

"We need to engage with every aspect of national power to be able to compete against the PLA," the US admiral further said.

Be it diplomacy, science or information, every aspect has the ability to generate deterrence, extend cooperation with allies and partners. And that's one example from the military perspective this last year, he said.

Senator Josh Hawley said the Quad appears to be forming the basis for a regional coalition to stand up to Chinese aggression.

"How do you see the Quad contributing to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific now and in the future?" he asked.

"It is extremely important when you look at India as the world's largest democracy, combined with three other nations (that) have shared values and beliefs. When an organisation of that magnitude comes together, it would generate concern for anyone with an opposite opinion," Aquilino said.

Quad countries - the US, India, Australia and Japan - held their first summit on March 12 during which President Joe Biden told leaders of the coalition that a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is essential to their countries and that his country was committed to working with its partners and allies in the region to achieve stability.&nbsp;

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers.

India has had a longstanding relationship with Russia for security cooperation and for armaments and the Biden administration should encourage New Delhi to move away from Moscow rather than take the route of sanctions for the purchase of major defence equipment like the S-400 missile system, a top US admiral has told lawmakers. Admiral John Aquilino, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday to be the next commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM, was responding to a question from Senator Jeanne Shaheen on India's decision to purchase the S-400 missile system from Russia. "Should we sanction India if they acquire the S-400?" Shaheen asked. "I would leave that to the policymakers to determine... I think we certainly should understand where we are with India and I think potentially the encouragement angle in providing alternatives might be a better approach," Aquilino replied. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding warning from the then Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions. The US had imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent CAATSA. The law also provides for punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia. "India is really a terrific partner and as we've seen from the recent Quad discussions, I think the importance of India and the rest of the nations in the Quad will increase. We're at a balance. However, India has had a longstanding relationship with the Russians for security cooperation and for military equipment," Aquilino said. "...If confirmed, I would work to continue to encourage India to look at and consider US equipment. Number one, it's the best. Number two, it generates interoperability and makes it easier to work together and I think we should encourage India to do that through all the elements of national power and see where that goes," he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Responding to another question from Senator Debra Fischer, Aquilino said the work or the effort that India has taken on to protect its northern border amid a standoff with China is noteworthy. "The fact that the PRC has decided to instigate that skirmish on the northern border is noteworthy to all of us," he said. "So, the strength of multilateral operations with India and with all allies and partners is certainly a mechanism to add to our deterrents in the region," he added. "The deadly skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops underscored the high level of tension along the border and China has made no secret of its ambition to encircle India with military and economic influence. As INDOPACOM commander, how would you approach this dynamic and what do you see as the future of the US-India military cooperation?" Senator Fischer asked. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. Subsequently, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in over four decades. Eight months after the confrontation, China admitted that its four soldiers were killed in the fight. "The work with India, the Quad, as well as all the allies and partners in the region, continues to be the strength and it highlights our ability to ensure that the entire force, the entire region understands the cooperation and the alignment with international norms, standards, rules and laws," the admiral said. Aquilino said the goal of the Chinese is to supplant US security leadership in the region, be it in the South China Sea or on the northern border of India, and change international rules beyond what the nations agreed to under the 1982 UNCLOS Treaty to their benefit. "We need to engage with every aspect of national power to be able to compete against the PLA," the US admiral further said. Be it diplomacy, science or information, every aspect has the ability to generate deterrence, extend cooperation with allies and partners. And that's one example from the military perspective this last year, he said. Senator Josh Hawley said the Quad appears to be forming the basis for a regional coalition to stand up to Chinese aggression. "How do you see the Quad contributing to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific now and in the future?" he asked. "It is extremely important when you look at India as the world's largest democracy, combined with three other nations (that) have shared values and beliefs. When an organisation of that magnitude comes together, it would generate concern for anyone with an opposite opinion," Aquilino said. Quad countries - the US, India, Australia and Japan - held their first summit on March 12 during which President Joe Biden told leaders of the coalition that a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is essential to their countries and that his country was committed to working with its partners and allies in the region to achieve stability.

India has longstanding relationship with Russia: US admiral John Aquilino

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This is the highest single day rise so far this year, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,17,87,534, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

Apart from the new infections, 26,490 recoveries were reported, taking the total recoveries to 1.12 crore.

The Health Ministry also announced as many as 251 virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, which raised the toll to 1.60 lakh.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,12,31,650, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.36 per cent, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, &nbsp;90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 23,75,03,882 samples have been tested up to March 24 with 10,65,021 samples being tested on Wednesday.

The 251 new fatalities include 95 from Maharashtra, 39 &nbsp;Punjab, 29 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and 10 from Kerala.

A total of 1,60,692 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 53,684 from Maharashtra, 12,630 from Tamil Nadu, 12,461 from Karnataka, 10,973 from Delhi, 10,312 from West Bengal, 8,769 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,197 from Andhra Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single day rise so far this year, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,17,87,534, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. Apart from the new infections, 26,490 recoveries were reported, taking the total recoveries to 1.12 crore. The Health Ministry also announced as many as 251 virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, which raised the toll to 1.60 lakh. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,12,31,650, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.36 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 23,75,03,882 samples have been tested up to March 24 with 10,65,021 samples being tested on Wednesday. The 251 new fatalities include 95 from Maharashtra, 39 Punjab, 29 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and 10 from Kerala. A total of 1,60,692 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 53,684 from Maharashtra, 12,630 from Tamil Nadu, 12,461 from Karnataka, 10,973 from Delhi, 10,312 from West Bengal, 8,769 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,197 from Andhra Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 53,476 new covid-19 infections in a day, highest since October 2020

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects.&nbsp;

It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-receive-first-purchase-of-over-1-mn-doses-of-chinese-vaccines-372606">Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines</a>

The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019.&nbsp;

After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region.&nbsp;

Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries.&nbsp;

According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use.&nbsp;

The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

The two-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up on Wednesday, in which New Delhi justified its stand on the two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan raised objections to the designs of Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects. It also asked for more information on hydropower projects in Ladakh approved by India after the revocation of special provisions of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, sources told news agency PTI. Also read | Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines The meeting was held after a pause of two years when India approved the removal of special status in August 2019. After the withdrawal of Article 370, New Delhi gave a green signal to many hydropower projects for the region. Indus river and its tributaries water is important to peoples of both nations and according to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), both nations must hold a meeting on the issue at least once a year alternatively in the two countries. According to the treaty signed between New Delhi and Islamabad in 1960, the waters of the eastern rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi annually are allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, forming the western rivers have been majorly given to Pakistan.

India, Pakistan meeting on Indus river concludes, New Delhi justifies developing hydropower projects in J&K

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister <a href="http://wionnews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-interact-with-matua-community-372664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing.

Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties.

Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50 years of the country's war of liberation</a>. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said.

He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography.

There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added.

During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said.

"Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said.

The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added.

Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.

"Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla.

"Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said.

Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi.

The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.

During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said. Watch | It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. "This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing. Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties. Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of the country's war of liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. "As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said. He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography. There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added. During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said. "Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said. The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added. Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. "Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla. "Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said. Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi. The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity. During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla

Amid the huge spike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus cases</a> in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places.&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry, however, did not say whether the latest rise is due to the recently discovered variants.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, 771 cases of variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, out of which 736 were of the UK strain, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director SK Singh said as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-above-45-years-to-be-vaccinated-from-april-1-says-prakash-javadekar-372539">People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar</a>

India has designated variants found in UK, Brazil, and South Africa as VOCs.&nbsp;

Other than these, some other strains, including the double mutant one, have been detected in some states and union territories such as Maharashtra and Delhi.

"Till now no linkage has been established to say that the surge that we are seeing in different states is directly because of only mutations," Singh said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-40715-fresh-covid-19-cases-199-deaths-in-last-24-hours-372467">India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Meanwhile, India in the last 24 hours recorded 47,262 fresh Covid-19, the most so far this year, taking the overall caseload to 11,734,058, according to the government data.&nbsp;

The nation's coronavirus death toll jumped to 160,441, with 275 new fatalities, the highest in approximately 83 days.&nbsp;

Amid the huge spike in novel coronavirus cases in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places.

Amid the huge spike in novel coronavirus cases in India, the health ministry on Wednesday confirmed a new "double mutant variant" found in Delhi, Maharashtra, and some other places. The Union Health Ministry, however, did not say whether the latest rise is due to the recently discovered variants. On Wednesday, 771 cases of variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, out of which 736 were of the UK strain, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director SK Singh said as reported by news agency PTI. Also read | People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar India has designated variants found in UK, Brazil, and South Africa as VOCs. Other than these, some other strains, including the double mutant one, have been detected in some states and union territories such as Maharashtra and Delhi. "Till now no linkage has been established to say that the surge that we are seeing in different states is directly because of only mutations," Singh said. Also read | India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours Meanwhile, India in the last 24 hours recorded 47,262 fresh Covid-19, the most so far this year, taking the overall caseload to 11,734,058, according to the government data. The nation's coronavirus death toll jumped to 160,441, with 275 new fatalities, the highest in approximately 83 days.

India confirms new double mutant coronavirus variant

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day".

Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

"India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan.

Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

"As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said.

This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year.

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. 
On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.

Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere.

The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India. "India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan. Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said. This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere. The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.

PM Modi writes letter to Imran Khan; greets people of Pak on Pakistan Day

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries.

The death toll has gone up to 1,60,166. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 9,67,459 samples were tested on March 22.A total of 23,54,13,233 samples had been tested up to March 22, ICMR said on Tuesday.

Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are reporting a surge in daily COVID-19 cases and together they account for 80.5 percent of the total new cases registered in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Monday.

As of day-66 of the vaccination drive, more than 4.72 Cr COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. More than 19.65 lakh vaccine doses were given till 7 pm on Monday.&nbsp;

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries.

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,166. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 9,67,459 samples were tested on March 22.A total of 23,54,13,233 samples had been tested up to March 22, ICMR said on Tuesday. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are reporting a surge in daily COVID-19 cases and together they account for 80.5 percent of the total new cases registered in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Monday. As of day-66 of the vaccination drive, more than 4.72 Cr COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. More than 19.65 lakh vaccine doses were given till 7 pm on Monday.

India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours

India is part of the regional and international consensus-building process on bringing peace to Afghanistan and Kabul is seeking a greater role for New Delhi for it, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar said on Tuesday.

At a media briefing, he also said that it was entirely for India to decide on its approach towards the Taliban, observing that matured policies pursued by New Delhi could always place emphasis on any kind of contact with the entity on the condition that it would serve the peace process.

The Afghan foreign minister also said President Ashraf Ghani was ready to make a "political sacrifice" by holding early presidential elections if the Taliban accepts a political settlement for peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue.

The Afghan foreign minister arrived in India&nbsp;on Monday on a three-day visit and he has already held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval covering a range of key issues including the Afghan peace process.

Atmar said the upcoming Afghan peace talks in Turkey will focus on having a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, political settlement consistent with the vision acceptable to the Afghan people and regional and international guarantees for the settlement.

He said India has a legitimate interest in the peace and stability of the region.

"There are those out there that not just threatened Afghanistan but also India. As a legitimate partner in peace making we are seeking a greater role for India. Lasting peace in Afghanistan will critically depend on national, regional and international consensus... India is part of regional and international consensus building," he said.

Asked about indications of improvement in the relationship between India and Pakistan, he said Afghanistan will "fully welcome" any political measure to reduce tensions and to resolve conflicts.

Asked about India's approach towards the Taliban, the Afghan foreign minister said the issue did not figure in his talks with the Indian leaders.

"We have not discussed any kind of India's approach towards the Taliban. We leave it entirely to India to make that decision," he said.

Atmar also said that Jaishankar has confirmed to him that he will attend the upcoming meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in Dushanbe on March 30.

The Heart of Asia Istanbul Process is an initiative launched around 10 years back to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Asked about violence against minorities in his country, he said it is not persecution against minorities but general violence targeting people in the country.

Referring to the Chabahar port, he said it will not just be a game-changer for Afghanistan but for the entire region.

On Atmar's talks with NSA Doval, the Afghan foreign ministry said the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Afghan peace process and political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

In the talks, Atmar discussed the "peace plan" of the government of Afghanistan for the success of the peace negotiations, it said in a statement.

"He said the plan would pave the way for a lasting peace based on the will of the Afghan people and strengthen Afghanistan's role as a bridge for connectivity and cooperation between regional countries and the international community," the Afghan foreign ministry said.

"The foreign minister added that the Islamic Republic was the only structure that could maintain equal participation of citizens for internal peace and cohesion and prevent the return of terrorist groups to Afghanistan needed for regional balance and stability," it added.

Regarding the existence of terrorist groups and networks in the region, Atmar said that the severance of ties between the Taliban and terrorist outfits was one of the group's commitments and a basic condition for the success of peace talks that can allow the return of the Taliban to political and civil life.

According to the statement, Doval said that unity among Afghans and consensus at regional and international levels were essential factors for achieving sustainable peace.

The Taliban and the Afghan government are holding direct talks to end 19 years of war that has killed tens of thousands of people and ravaged various parts of the country.

India has been a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. It has already invested USD two billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the country.

India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

Atmar also met with a number of former Indian ambassadors to Kabul and discussed the peace process and strengthening of people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan.

Highlighting India's critical role in regional peace-building efforts, he stressed that sustainable peace in Afghanistan could be achieved only through a political settlement emanating from the will of Afghans and broadly supported by regional countries and the international community.

Atmar also emphasised that preserving the last twenty years' achievements, especially pluralism, civil and political rights, and democratic structures, including elections, were the essential prerequisites for achieving a nationally accepted settlement leading to sustainable peace in Afghanistan, according to Afghan foreign ministry.&nbsp;

India is part of the regional and international consensus-building process on bringing peace to Afghanistan and Kabul is seeking a greater role for New Delhi for it, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar said on Tuesday.

India is part of the regional and international consensus-building process on bringing peace to Afghanistan and Kabul is seeking a greater role for New Delhi for it, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar said on Tuesday. At a media briefing, he also said that it was entirely for India to decide on its approach towards the Taliban, observing that matured policies pursued by New Delhi could always place emphasis on any kind of contact with the entity on the condition that it would serve the peace process. The Afghan foreign minister also said President Ashraf Ghani was ready to make a "political sacrifice" by holding early presidential elections if the Taliban accepts a political settlement for peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue. The Afghan foreign minister arrived in India on Monday on a three-day visit and he has already held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval covering a range of key issues including the Afghan peace process. Atmar said the upcoming Afghan peace talks in Turkey will focus on having a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, political settlement consistent with the vision acceptable to the Afghan people and regional and international guarantees for the settlement. He said India has a legitimate interest in the peace and stability of the region. "There are those out there that not just threatened Afghanistan but also India. As a legitimate partner in peace making we are seeking a greater role for India. Lasting peace in Afghanistan will critically depend on national, regional and international consensus... India is part of regional and international consensus building," he said. Asked about indications of improvement in the relationship between India and Pakistan, he said Afghanistan will "fully welcome" any political measure to reduce tensions and to resolve conflicts. Asked about India's approach towards the Taliban, the Afghan foreign minister said the issue did not figure in his talks with the Indian leaders. "We have not discussed any kind of India's approach towards the Taliban. We leave it entirely to India to make that decision," he said. Atmar also said that Jaishankar has confirmed to him that he will attend the upcoming meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in Dushanbe on March 30. The Heart of Asia Istanbul Process is an initiative launched around 10 years back to bring peace to Afghanistan. Asked about violence against minorities in his country, he said it is not persecution against minorities but general violence targeting people in the country. Referring to the Chabahar port, he said it will not just be a game-changer for Afghanistan but for the entire region. On Atmar's talks with NSA Doval, the Afghan foreign ministry said the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Afghan peace process and political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries. In the talks, Atmar discussed the "peace plan" of the government of Afghanistan for the success of the peace negotiations, it said in a statement. "He said the plan would pave the way for a lasting peace based on the will of the Afghan people and strengthen Afghanistan's role as a bridge for connectivity and cooperation between regional countries and the international community," the Afghan foreign ministry said. "The foreign minister added that the Islamic Republic was the only structure that could maintain equal participation of citizens for internal peace and cohesion and prevent the return of terrorist groups to Afghanistan needed for regional balance and stability," it added. Regarding the existence of terrorist groups and networks in the region, Atmar said that the severance of ties between the Taliban and terrorist outfits was one of the group's commitments and a basic condition for the success of peace talks that can allow the return of the Taliban to political and civil life. According to the statement, Doval said that unity among Afghans and consensus at regional and international levels were essential factors for achieving sustainable peace. The Taliban and the Afghan government are holding direct talks to end 19 years of war that has killed tens of thousands of people and ravaged various parts of the country. India has been a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. It has already invested USD two billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the country. India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. Atmar also met with a number of former Indian ambassadors to Kabul and discussed the peace process and strengthening of people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. Highlighting India's critical role in regional peace-building efforts, he stressed that sustainable peace in Afghanistan could be achieved only through a political settlement emanating from the will of Afghans and broadly supported by regional countries and the international community. Atmar also emphasised that preserving the last twenty years' achievements, especially pluralism, civil and political rights, and democratic structures, including elections, were the essential prerequisites for achieving a nationally accepted settlement leading to sustainable peace in Afghanistan, according to Afghan foreign ministry.

India part of regional, international process for peace in Afghanistan: Foreign Minister Atmar

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-founding-leader-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-conferred-gandhi-peace-prize-372315">Gandhi Peace Prize</a> for 2019 posthumously.&nbsp;

Sultan Qaboos died last year and had ruled his country for 50 years starting from 1970. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Oman and instituting a number of reforms. &nbsp;

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His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said was a strong advocate of India-Oman friendship, and took special care of the welfare of the Indian community in Oman. I cherished my interactions with His Majesty, and benefited from his wise insights on many subjects. <a href="https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI">https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/dK1vnjrENn">pic.twitter.com/dK1vnjrENn</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1374005214190071808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Gandhi Peace Prize recognises the unparalleled vision and leadership of the late H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in strengthening relations between India and Oman and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the Gulf region," the Indian government said.

In a rare development, the Indian government had announced national mourning for one day on January 13, 2020 in his honour.&nbsp;

India's minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had visited the country on January 14 last year and had his conveyed condolences on behalf of leadership and Indian government on passing away of the late Sultan Qaboos.

"Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights," the Indian government added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Oman in 2018 and had held talks with Sultan Qaboos.

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 posthumously.

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 posthumously. Sultan Qaboos died last year and had ruled his country for 50 years starting from 1970. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Oman and instituting a number of reforms. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said was a strong advocate of India-Oman friendship, and took special care of the welfare of the Indian community in Oman. I cherished my interactions with His Majesty, and benefited from his wise insights on many subjects. https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI pic.twitter.com/dK1vnjrENn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2021 × "Gandhi Peace Prize recognises the unparalleled vision and leadership of the late H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in strengthening relations between India and Oman and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the Gulf region," the Indian government said. In a rare development, the Indian government had announced national mourning for one day on January 13, 2020 in his honour. India's minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had visited the country on January 14 last year and had his conveyed condolences on behalf of leadership and Indian government on passing away of the late Sultan Qaboos. "Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights," the Indian government added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Oman in 2018 and had held talks with Sultan Qaboos.

India honours late Sultan Qaboos of Oman, once Arab world's longest-serving leader

Union Information Minister&nbsp;Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age,&nbsp;irrespective of the co-morbidities.

He&nbsp;added that there was no shortage of doses in India, the world's biggest vaccine maker, which has donated or exported more than 60 million doses but injected only 49 million doses at home.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-40715-fresh-covid-19-cases-199-deaths-in-last-24-hours-372467" hreflang="en">India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Only the elderly and those over 45 suffering from other health conditions are eligible to be vaccinated currently. Health and frontline workers were the first in line when India began its drive in mid-January.

Total vaccinations in India, which aims to vaccinate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people by August, rank as the world's third-highest.&nbsp;

More than 32.53 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Monday, the highest single-day vaccination so far, taking the total number of people inoculated to over 4.8 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Many states want to widen their campaigns to cover all adults after infections rose since late February as the economy reopened fully.

India is also expected to soon approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, which would boost availability.

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, the financial capital, contributing more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of the total. Deaths rose by 199 to 160,166.

The central government on Monday had said that the gap between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University's Covishield vaccine should be increased to 6-8 weeks from the current 28 days.

In a press release, the Union Health Ministry said that in view of the emerging scientific evidence, the interval between two doses of a specific COVID-19 vaccine example Covishield has been revisited by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and subsequently by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) in its 20th meeting.

Union Information Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age, irrespective of the co-morbidities.

Union Information Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age, irrespective of the co-morbidities. He added that there was no shortage of doses in India, the world's biggest vaccine maker, which has donated or exported more than 60 million doses but injected only 49 million doses at home. Also read| India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours Only the elderly and those over 45 suffering from other health conditions are eligible to be vaccinated currently. Health and frontline workers were the first in line when India began its drive in mid-January. Total vaccinations in India, which aims to vaccinate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people by August, rank as the world's third-highest. More than 32.53 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Monday, the highest single-day vaccination so far, taking the total number of people inoculated to over 4.8 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Many states want to widen their campaigns to cover all adults after infections rose since late February as the economy reopened fully. India is also expected to soon approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, which would boost availability. India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, the financial capital, contributing more than 60 per cent of the total. Deaths rose by 199 to 160,166. The central government on Monday had said that the gap between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University's Covishield vaccine should be increased to 6-8 weeks from the current 28 days. In a press release, the Union Health Ministry said that in view of the emerging scientific evidence, the interval between two doses of a specific COVID-19 vaccine example Covishield has been revisited by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and subsequently by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) in its 20th meeting.

People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on the occasion of Martyrs` Day (Shaheed Diwas), stating that the sacrifices of these great sons will remain an inspiration for every generation of the country.

"Salute to the revolutionaries of Independence, Martyrs Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Martyrdom Day. The sacrifice of these great sons of mother India will remain an inspiration for every generation of the country. Jai Hind! #ShaheedDiwas," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter (in Hindi).

March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, the Indian revolutionaries who were hanged by the British Government in 1931.

The trio was found guilty in the murder of deputy police superintendent JP Saunders in 1928, to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. PM Modi also remembered freedom fighter&nbsp;Dr Ram Manohar Lohia&nbsp;on his birth anniversary and said that his contribution to the nation will continue to inspire the countrymen.

"Regards to the great freedom fighter and socialist thinker Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary. He worked to give a new direction to the country with his sharp and progressive ideas. His contribution to the nation will continue to inspire the countrymen," he said.

Born in a small town of Akbarpur in Uttar Pradesh, Lohia, during the last phase of British rule in India, worked with the Congress Radio, which was broadcast secretly from various places in Bombay until 1942. Lohia lost to Nehru in the 1962 general election but entered Lok Sabha in 1963 by winning a by-poll.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on the occasion of Martyrs` Day (Shaheed Diwas), stating that the sacrifices of these great sons will remain an inspiration for every generation of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on the occasion of Martyrs` Day (Shaheed Diwas), stating that the sacrifices of these great sons will remain an inspiration for every generation of the country. "Salute to the revolutionaries of Independence, Martyrs Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Martyrdom Day. The sacrifice of these great sons of mother India will remain an inspiration for every generation of the country. Jai Hind! #ShaheedDiwas," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter (in Hindi). March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, the Indian revolutionaries who were hanged by the British Government in 1931. The trio was found guilty in the murder of deputy police superintendent JP Saunders in 1928, to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. PM Modi also remembered freedom fighter Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary and said that his contribution to the nation will continue to inspire the countrymen. "Regards to the great freedom fighter and socialist thinker Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary. He worked to give a new direction to the country with his sharp and progressive ideas. His contribution to the nation will continue to inspire the countrymen," he said. Born in a small town of Akbarpur in Uttar Pradesh, Lohia, during the last phase of British rule in India, worked with the Congress Radio, which was broadcast secretly from various places in Bombay until 1942. Lohia lost to Nehru in the 1962 general election but entered Lok Sabha in 1963 by winning a by-poll.

PM Modi pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru on Martyrs' Day

Sam Manekshaw & struggle for Bangladesh: How Indian army destroyed Pak in 1971

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent".&nbsp;

In a tweet, PM Modi said, "He remains an icon of indomitable courage and the tireless struggle for his millions of admirers."

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Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the India-Bangladesh friendship. I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit and will again pay homage to him, alongside PM Hasina, during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MujibBorsho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MujibBorsho</a> celebrations. <a href="https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy">https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy</a> <a href="https://t.co/iS2wjPLIdo">pic.twitter.com/iS2wjPLIdo</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1374006072675995652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During&nbsp;his two-day visit to Bangladesh, PM Modi will&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tungipara village of Gopalganj District to pay homage at his mausoleum. Tungipara is the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-founding-leader-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-conferred-gandhi-peace-prize-372315" hreflang="en">Bangladesh's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred Gandhi Peace Prize</a>

He will also inaugurate the Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition during his visit. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Barsho from 2020-21, the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu.&nbsp;

This comes even as India conferred the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 on Bangabandhu. The Indian government in a release said, "The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent."

Bangladesh government was quick to express its "deep gratitude" to New Delhi's decision to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu. 
&nbsp; 
The Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a statement said, "award is also a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu".

Award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The award instituted in 1995 has been in the past conferred on Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Ramakrishna Mission, Baba Amte.

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent".

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent". In a tweet, PM Modi said, "He remains an icon of indomitable courage and the tireless struggle for his millions of admirers." Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the India-Bangladesh friendship. I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit and will again pay homage to him, alongside PM Hasina, during the #MujibBorsho celebrations. https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy pic.twitter.com/iS2wjPLIdo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2021 × During his two-day visit to Bangladesh, PM Modi will visit the Tungipara village of Gopalganj District to pay homage at his mausoleum. Tungipara is the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Also read| Bangladesh's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred Gandhi Peace Prize He will also inaugurate the Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition during his visit. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Barsho from 2020-21, the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu. This comes even as India conferred the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 on Bangabandhu. The Indian government in a release said, "The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent." Bangladesh government was quick to express its "deep gratitude" to New Delhi's decision to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a statement said, "award is also a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu". Award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The award instituted in 1995 has been in the past conferred on Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Ramakrishna Mission, Baba Amte.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi

The&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;region has become&nbsp;the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over.

The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The geographic region has become&nbsp;the biggest maritime flashpoint of the world.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is extremely rich in resources.

The country has been accused by the United States of efforts to "intimidate, coerce and threaten other nations" to control it.

An international tribunal invalidated&nbsp;China's claim to 90 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;in 2016, but Beijing does not recognise the ruling.&nbsp;China&nbsp;has built islands in the disputed waters in recent years, putting airstrips on some of them.

Beijing often invokes the so-called nine-dash line to justify its apparent historic rights over most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin&nbsp;told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he "commended India's leadership role in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

New Delhi has recently shifted&nbsp;its foreign policy focus eastward. Nearly&nbsp;200 billion dollars worth of Indian trade passes through the South China Sea.

Free and open navigation is in India's interest, but&nbsp;Chinese dominance would be disastrous.

The Philippines urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;on Sunday to recall more than 200 Chinese boats it said had been spotted at a reef in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, saying the presence of the vessels violated its maritime rights as it claims ownership of the area.

From the&nbsp;British empire in the 16th and 17th centuries to the&nbsp;United States&nbsp;since World War I, maritime superpowers have dominated world politics.

China's&nbsp;unilateral actions have had an unintended effect.&nbsp;It has brought all the regional stakeholders&nbsp;including the Quad&nbsp;together.

The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan - countries together known as the Quad - held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open&nbsp;Indo-Pacific&nbsp;and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China.

India has been cultivating its ties in the region as a part of the ''act east'' policy. Its&nbsp;major focus is on the ASEAN grouping.

The ASEAN has 10 member nations.&nbsp;It is among the fastest-growing political unions in the world.

India has opted for mini trade deals. It is mulling&nbsp;a preferential trade arrangement with the Philippines,&nbsp;the third-largest economy in ASEAN.

Despite over 70 years of diplomatic ties -- India and the Philippines do not have close ties. Earlier this month,&nbsp;the two countries&nbsp;signed a major defence deal.

The Philippines will buy the Indian-made Brahmos PJ-10 missiles, the fastest cruise missile in the market. Defence cooperation mostly leads to strategic partnerships.

India and the Philippines are also cooperating on the vaccine front. Manila plans to secure 8 million doses of COVAXIN&nbsp;-- developed by India's Bharat biotech.

India could help the Philippines revive its struggling inoculation campaign.

In December last year - India and Vietnam&nbsp;participated in a two-day military drill

An Indian warship was dispatched to Vietnam to deliver humanitarian aid and the naval drills were organised on its return voyage.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the region is ''India's sphere of influence.''

Indians have sailed these waters for more than 1,500 years.

Economically and politically -- India has a lot at stake in the South China Sea.

In the last 40 years -- the Indo-Pacific prospered as a hub of free navigation...

Deterring China's belligerence in the region is key and India could be the bulwark against Beijing.

New Delhi has the economic power, the political clout and the military strength to tackle China on the high seas.

&nbsp;

The Indo-Pacific region has become the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over. The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The Indo-Pacific region has become the geopolitical centre of the world for which several leaders are fighting over. The location is crucial because it is the merging point of two oceans, that is, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The geographic region has become the biggest maritime flashpoint of the world. China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is extremely rich in resources. The country has been accused by the United States of efforts to "intimidate, coerce and threaten other nations" to control it. An international tribunal invalidated China's claim to 90 per cent of the South China Sea in 2016, but Beijing does not recognise the ruling. China has built islands in the disputed waters in recent years, putting airstrips on some of them. Beijing often invokes the so-called nine-dash line to justify its apparent historic rights over most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he "commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. New Delhi has recently shifted its foreign policy focus eastward. Nearly 200 billion dollars worth of Indian trade passes through the South China Sea. Free and open navigation is in India's interest, but Chinese dominance would be disastrous. The Philippines urged China on Sunday to recall more than 200 Chinese boats it said had been spotted at a reef in the South China Sea, saying the presence of the vessels violated its maritime rights as it claims ownership of the area. From the British empire in the 16th and 17th centuries to the United States since World War I, maritime superpowers have dominated world politics. China's unilateral actions have had an unintended effect. It has brought all the regional stakeholders including the Quad together. The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan - countries together known as the Quad - held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China. India has been cultivating its ties in the region as a part of the ''act east'' policy. Its major focus is on the ASEAN grouping. The ASEAN has 10 member nations. It is among the fastest-growing political unions in the world. India has opted for mini trade deals. It is mulling a preferential trade arrangement with the Philippines, the third-largest economy in ASEAN. Despite over 70 years of diplomatic ties -- India and the Philippines do not have close ties. Earlier this month, the two countries signed a major defence deal. The Philippines will buy the Indian-made Brahmos PJ-10 missiles, the fastest cruise missile in the market. Defence cooperation mostly leads to strategic partnerships. India and the Philippines are also cooperating on the vaccine front. Manila plans to secure 8 million doses of COVAXIN -- developed by India's Bharat biotech. India could help the Philippines revive its struggling inoculation campaign. In December last year - India and Vietnam participated in a two-day military drill An Indian warship was dispatched to Vietnam to deliver humanitarian aid and the naval drills were organised on its return voyage. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the region is ''India's sphere of influence.'' Indians have sailed these waters for more than 1,500 years. Economically and politically -- India has a lot at stake in the South China Sea. In the last 40 years -- the Indo-Pacific prospered as a hub of free navigation... Deterring China's belligerence in the region is key and India could be the bulwark against Beijing. New Delhi has the economic power, the political clout and the military strength to tackle China on the high seas.

What is at stake for India in South China Sea?

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip. But the questions posed to Austin by journalists came as no surprise. They wanted to know if America will withdraw from Afghanistan.

As per America's agreement with the Taliban, American forces should withdraw from Afghanistan on 1st of May. That's the deal that the Trump administration had agreed to. Until now, Team Biden has kept its cards close to its chest. In Afghanistan, Austin said it was up to his boss Joe Biden to decide when the American troops will leave.&nbsp;

The US President has said that May 1 withdrawal would be tough. The Biden administration has tried to kick start the withdrawal process again. Earlier this month, the United States had called for a meeting of all stakeholders in Turkey. At the same time it is pushing for a wider, UN-led dialogue.

The US wants India involved.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Defence Secretary Austin discussed Afghanistan with the Indian leadership.

On Monday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar arrived in New Delhi.

It is a three-day working visit during which the Afghan foreign minister is expected to discuss the peace process with the Indian leadership. While the Biden administration might extend the deadline for withdrawal, &nbsp;It does look eager to withdraw. And going by all the signs, it looks like Washington wants New Delhi to be a part of the solution.

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip.

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip. But the questions posed to Austin by journalists came as no surprise. They wanted to know if America will withdraw from Afghanistan. As per America's agreement with the Taliban, American forces should withdraw from Afghanistan on 1st of May. That's the deal that the Trump administration had agreed to. Until now, Team Biden has kept its cards close to its chest. In Afghanistan, Austin said it was up to his boss Joe Biden to decide when the American troops will leave. The US President has said that May 1 withdrawal would be tough. The Biden administration has tried to kick start the withdrawal process again. Earlier this month, the United States had called for a meeting of all stakeholders in Turkey. At the same time it is pushing for a wider, UN-led dialogue. The US wants India involved. Reportedly, Defence Secretary Austin discussed Afghanistan with the Indian leadership. On Monday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar arrived in New Delhi. It is a three-day working visit during which the Afghan foreign minister is expected to discuss the peace process with the Indian leadership. While the Biden administration might extend the deadline for withdrawal, It does look eager to withdraw. And going by all the signs, it looks like Washington wants New Delhi to be a part of the solution.

US wants Indian involvement in Afghanistan

India`s richest state, Maharashtra, reported 30,535 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, which could send the country`s overall cases to a multi-month high when national data is released later on Monday. 
 
A year ago, India had observed what Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a people`s curfew, marking the start of a nationwide lockdown in a bid to contain the virus. With 11.6 million cases, India is now the worst-affected country after the United States and Brazil. 
 
Maharashtra, India`s most industrialised state and home to its financial capital Mumbai, has been accounting for more than 60% of the country`s total cases after a full-scale reopening of its economy unleashed a second wave of infections late last month. 
 
The state recorded 99 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, a case fatality rate of 2.15%, which is higher than the national figure of around 1.5%. 
&nbsp;

India`s richest state, Maharashtra, reported 30,535 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, which could send the country`s overall cases to a multi-month high when national data is released later on Monday.

India`s richest state, Maharashtra, reported 30,535 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, which could send the country`s overall cases to a multi-month high when national data is released later on Monday. A year ago, India had observed what Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a people`s curfew, marking the start of a nationwide lockdown in a bid to contain the virus. With 11.6 million cases, India is now the worst-affected country after the United States and Brazil. Maharashtra, India`s most industrialised state and home to its financial capital Mumbai, has been accounting for more than 60% of the country`s total cases after a full-scale reopening of its economy unleashed a second wave of infections late last month. The state recorded 99 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, a case fatality rate of 2.15%, which is higher than the national figure of around 1.5%.

Second virus surge grips India on first anniversary of lockdown

India plans to offer fresh incentives to companies making electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broad auto sector scheme it expects to attract $14 billion of investment over five years, according to industry sources and a document seen by Reuters.

The country's efforts to promote EVs to reduce its oil dependence and cut pollution has been under discussion since mid-2020 to provide a more focused approach, industry sources close to the matter told Reuters. The plans envisage $8 billion of incentives for carmakers and suppliers over a five-year period to drive large investment in the sector.

Final details of the scheme are expected within a month, but companies will be able to apply for incentives from April 1, the sources said.

Companies will receive 4-7 per cent&nbsp;government cashbacks on the eligible sale and export value of vehicles and components, but for EVs and their components there is an additional 2 per cent&nbsp;as a "growth incentive" to promote electric mobility, according to the draft policy document seen by Reuters.

Elon Musk's Tesla Inc is already gearing up to enter India while rivals including Ford, Volkswagen and India's Tata Motors and Mahindra &amp; Mahindra also have plans to invest billions of dollars in EVs to meet stricter global emissions regulations.

Automotive component manufacturers in India must be ready to pivot their product offerings to cater for the shift towards EVs, the document said.

Made in India

The automotive incentive scheme is part of India's broader $27 billion programme to attract manufacturers from the likes of China and Vietnam to capture a bigger share of the global supply chain and exports.

But for new companies entering India, as well as existing automakers, challenges abound.

Steep interest rates and power tariffs, as well as poor infrastructure and high logistics costs, make it costlier for companies to operate in India compared with rivals such as Thailand or Vietnam.

"The (new) scheme proposes financial incentives to help overcome these disabilities and make India more competitive," the draft policy document said, referring to inefficiencies that it said can lead to 5-8 per cent higher costs for manufacturers in India.

The government expects the scheme to bring an additional investment of $14 billion, create 5.8 million new jobs and rake in more than $4 billion in total tax revenue over five years.

To benefit from the scheme automakers must meet conditions including minimum global revenue of $1.4 billion. For auto parts makers it is $69 million. The companies must grow by at least 8% each year to qualify for the incentives, which are also linked to the distance between the factory and point of sale.

The document added that existing programmes focus on a large number of companies that lack scale and "are constrained in their ability to invest and undertake the risk required for rapid growth".

"A change in strategy is needed to focus on promoting firms that have the scale, competitive ability and management capabilities to be automotive champions," it said.

India plans to offer fresh incentives to companies making electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broad auto sector scheme it expects to attract $14 billion of investment over five years, according to industry sources and a document seen by Reuters.

India plans to offer fresh incentives to companies making electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broad auto sector scheme it expects to attract $14 billion of investment over five years, according to industry sources and a document seen by Reuters. The country's efforts to promote EVs to reduce its oil dependence and cut pollution has been under discussion since mid-2020 to provide a more focused approach, industry sources close to the matter told Reuters. The plans envisage $8 billion of incentives for carmakers and suppliers over a five-year period to drive large investment in the sector. Final details of the scheme are expected within a month, but companies will be able to apply for incentives from April 1, the sources said. Companies will receive 4-7 per cent government cashbacks on the eligible sale and export value of vehicles and components, but for EVs and their components there is an additional 2 per cent as a "growth incentive" to promote electric mobility, according to the draft policy document seen by Reuters. Elon Musk's Tesla Inc is already gearing up to enter India while rivals including Ford, Volkswagen and India's Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra also have plans to invest billions of dollars in EVs to meet stricter global emissions regulations. Automotive component manufacturers in India must be ready to pivot their product offerings to cater for the shift towards EVs, the document said. Made in India The automotive incentive scheme is part of India's broader $27 billion programme to attract manufacturers from the likes of China and Vietnam to capture a bigger share of the global supply chain and exports. But for new companies entering India, as well as existing automakers, challenges abound. Steep interest rates and power tariffs, as well as poor infrastructure and high logistics costs, make it costlier for companies to operate in India compared with rivals such as Thailand or Vietnam. "The (new) scheme proposes financial incentives to help overcome these disabilities and make India more competitive," the draft policy document said, referring to inefficiencies that it said can lead to 5-8 per cent higher costs for manufacturers in India. The government expects the scheme to bring an additional investment of $14 billion, create 5.8 million new jobs and rake in more than $4 billion in total tax revenue over five years. To benefit from the scheme automakers must meet conditions including minimum global revenue of $1.4 billion. For auto parts makers it is $69 million. The companies must grow by at least 8% each year to qualify for the incentives, which are also linked to the distance between the factory and point of sale. The document added that existing programmes focus on a large number of companies that lack scale and "are constrained in their ability to invest and undertake the risk required for rapid growth". "A change in strategy is needed to focus on promoting firms that have the scale, competitive ability and management capabilities to be automotive champions," it said.

India to launch supercharged push for global electric vehicle players

The COVID-19 pandemic is ragging across India. The country has recorded its biggest single-day spike in 4 months with close to 47,000 new infections. Even as it continues to expand its vaccine drive the question remains, is India on the brink of the second COVID-19 wave?

Your Story: India records biggest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases in 4 months

India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries.

This month's&nbsp;talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah.

What is the Indus Valley treaty?

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF)&nbsp; of&nbsp;waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi-&nbsp;are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually.

The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can&nbsp;raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts.&nbsp;

Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting.&nbsp;

This is the 116th&nbsp;meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020&nbsp;while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties. The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries. This month's talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah. What is the Indus Valley treaty? Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF) of waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi- are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually. The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts. Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting. This is the 116th meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020 while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India, Pakistan to hold first meeting in three years on water-sharing rights

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients.

The researchers say that repurposing of Rapamycin is similar to that of using the drug Remdesivir (originally developed to treat Hepatitis C) in the battle against Covid-19. The research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Nebraska

According to a peer-reviewed research paper in the reputed International Elsevier journal, Chemico Biological Interactions, the researchers showed that the biochemical working of Rapamycin drug molecule points to its promise in treating Covid-19.&nbsp;

It states that since the repurposed drug (Rapamycin) has undergone a clinical development process for the treatment of other diseases, toxicity test, many steps in pre-clinical and early clinical development can be avoided. Thus, they said the drug can be directly tested on COVID-19 subjects in phase-II trials.

Dr Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist &amp; CEO IICE, IISER Bhopal said that drug repurposing was an attractive solution, given how developing a new drug would be time-consuming, considering the raging pandemic.&nbsp;

It is added that one of the main challenges in developing antiviral drugs against COVID-19 has been the extensive mutations that the virus undergoes, thus deeming drugs ineffective. However, it says that treatment with drugs such as Rapamycin will not face that problem because it acts on host proteins and not on the virus. Rapamycin inhibits protein synthesis and can also arrest virus replication, irrespective of the type of mutant.&nbsp;

The study says, apart from inhibiting protein synthesis, Rapamycin has been known to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system proteins. A high level of cytokines in the blood indicates a medical phenomenon called ‘cytokine storm’, where the body starts to attack its own cells and tissues rather than just fighting off the virus. The inhibitory action of Rapamycin towards cytokines also makes it a promising treatment for COVID-19, adds the research.

Rapamycin is also known to reduce obesity through various pathways and this can help in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 effects in obese people. Furthermore, the drug is known to induce autophagy, a cellular recycling process that helps in eliminating the damaged proteins and delaying ageing. &nbsp;Given higher fatalities among the aged persons, the anti-ageing properties of Rapamycin can have protective effects against COVID-10-induced morbidities, the study claims.&nbsp;

Recently another study got published in the prestigious journal The Lancet-Healthy Longevity that proposed the potential of Rapamycin analogues (rapalogs) to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Although with a successful vaccination drive, the infection may be brought under control, it would likely not disappear. &nbsp;Currently, there are no universally approved drugs, for the treatment of COVID-19.

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients.

A team of researchers from India and the US has identified that the drug Rapamycin, which is generally used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, by suppressing the body’s immune system, can be repurposed to treat Covid-19 patients. The researchers say that repurposing of Rapamycin is similar to that of using the drug Remdesivir (originally developed to treat Hepatitis C) in the battle against Covid-19. The research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Nebraska According to a peer-reviewed research paper in the reputed International Elsevier journal, Chemico Biological Interactions, the researchers showed that the biochemical working of Rapamycin drug molecule points to its promise in treating Covid-19. It states that since the repurposed drug (Rapamycin) has undergone a clinical development process for the treatment of other diseases, toxicity test, many steps in pre-clinical and early clinical development can be avoided. Thus, they said the drug can be directly tested on COVID-19 subjects in phase-II trials. Dr Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist & CEO IICE, IISER Bhopal said that drug repurposing was an attractive solution, given how developing a new drug would be time-consuming, considering the raging pandemic. It is added that one of the main challenges in developing antiviral drugs against COVID-19 has been the extensive mutations that the virus undergoes, thus deeming drugs ineffective. However, it says that treatment with drugs such as Rapamycin will not face that problem because it acts on host proteins and not on the virus. Rapamycin inhibits protein synthesis and can also arrest virus replication, irrespective of the type of mutant. The study says, apart from inhibiting protein synthesis, Rapamycin has been known to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system proteins. A high level of cytokines in the blood indicates a medical phenomenon called ‘cytokine storm’, where the body starts to attack its own cells and tissues rather than just fighting off the virus. The inhibitory action of Rapamycin towards cytokines also makes it a promising treatment for COVID-19, adds the research. Rapamycin is also known to reduce obesity through various pathways and this can help in mitigating the severity of COVID-19 effects in obese people. Furthermore, the drug is known to induce autophagy, a cellular recycling process that helps in eliminating the damaged proteins and delaying ageing. Given higher fatalities among the aged persons, the anti-ageing properties of Rapamycin can have protective effects against COVID-10-induced morbidities, the study claims. Recently another study got published in the prestigious journal The Lancet-Healthy Longevity that proposed the potential of Rapamycin analogues (rapalogs) to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19. Although with a successful vaccination drive, the infection may be brought under control, it would likely not disappear. Currently, there are no universally approved drugs, for the treatment of COVID-19.

Researchers explore the potential of Rapamycin drug in treating aged, obese Covid-19 patients

A recently published report suggests that immigrant families are more stable than native-born American families, with Indian American families leading in terms of marriage stability. The report was published by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which aims to promote values of marriage and family.

Based on census data, the think tank ascertained that 72 per cent immigrants with children continue to be stable in their first marriage. Among native Americans, 60 per cent stayed in their first marriage.

IFS’ Director of Research Wendy Wang said immigrants generally have higher marriage rates and lower rates of divorce when compared to native Americans. The report added that for every 1,000 unmarried immigrants aged between 18-64 in 2019, at least 59 got married. Among native-born Americans, the number stood at 39.

Divorce rates are relatively higher among native-born Americans compared to immigrants. “Only 13 out of 1000 married immigrants ages 18-64 got a divorce in 2019, compared with 20 out of 1000 among native-born Americans of same age,” the report claims.

Even among immigrants, the numbers vary. Indian Americans came on top in terms of family stability. Based on a survey conducted in 2019 among Americans, the think tank found that 94 per cent of Indian immigrants are in stable marriages.

Only 4 per cent Indian Americans remarried, while 2 per cent with children remain unmarried.

India was followed by Bangladesh at 90 per cent, Pakistan at 87 per cent, Taiwan with 86 per cent, Korea - 85 per cent, and China with 84 per cent. Japan too ranked with 53 per cent, suggesting that Asian families in the US have relatively stabler marriages.

A recently published report suggests that immigrant families are more stable than native-born American families, with Indian American families leading in terms of marriage stability.

A recently published report suggests that immigrant families are more stable than native-born American families, with Indian American families leading in terms of marriage stability. The report was published by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS), which aims to promote values of marriage and family. Based on census data, the think tank ascertained that 72 per cent immigrants with children continue to be stable in their first marriage. Among native Americans, 60 per cent stayed in their first marriage. IFS’ Director of Research Wendy Wang said immigrants generally have higher marriage rates and lower rates of divorce when compared to native Americans. The report added that for every 1,000 unmarried immigrants aged between 18-64 in 2019, at least 59 got married. Among native-born Americans, the number stood at 39. Divorce rates are relatively higher among native-born Americans compared to immigrants. “Only 13 out of 1000 married immigrants ages 18-64 got a divorce in 2019, compared with 20 out of 1000 among native-born Americans of same age,” the report claims. Even among immigrants, the numbers vary. Indian Americans came on top in terms of family stability. Based on a survey conducted in 2019 among Americans, the think tank found that 94 per cent of Indian immigrants are in stable marriages. Only 4 per cent Indian Americans remarried, while 2 per cent with children remain unmarried. India was followed by Bangladesh at 90 per cent, Pakistan at 87 per cent, Taiwan with 86 per cent, Korea - 85 per cent, and China with 84 per cent. Japan too ranked with 53 per cent, suggesting that Asian families in the US have relatively stabler marriages.

Marriage stability highest among Indian Americans in US, new report reveals

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections. 
 
Deaths rose by 197, the highest in more than two months, to 159,755, the health ministry reported. 
 
The rise in India’s COVID-19 cases peaked at nearly 100,000 a day in September, and had been falling steadily until late last month.

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections.

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections. Deaths rose by 197, the highest in more than two months, to 159,755, the health ministry reported. The rise in India’s COVID-19 cases peaked at nearly 100,000 a day in September, and had been falling steadily until late last month.

India's new daily coronavirus cases hit four-month high

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India, Pakistan to hold first meeting in three years on water-sharing rights