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Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council.

Colombo wants to avoid a defeat at the world stage and escape the global scrutiny on the issue of human rights. Especially after its recent decision to ban the burqa and close 1,000 Islamic schools. &nbsp;

A press release from New Delhi says, among other things, the two leaders discussed cooperation in multilateral fora.&nbsp;The&nbsp;statement says a lot more, but mention of 'multilateral forums' stands out. Next week, Sri Lanka faces a crucial vote at the UNHRC in Geneva and it's bad news for Colombo.&nbsp;

The resolution is backed by Canada and the UK. It says the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating. The civilian government's functions are being militarised. Institutions like the judiciary are losing their independence, minorities are being marginalised and the civil society and media are facing intimidation.&nbsp;

When this scathing resolution comes up for a vote in Geneva, Sri Lanka reportedly wants India's support. Will they get it?&nbsp;

India can choose to abstain but Colombo cannot be sure.&nbsp;

A statement made by an Indian diplomat in Geneva signals that India is unhappy with Sri Lanka. Last month, India said the UN Human Rights chief's report on Sri Lanka raises ''important concerns''. There was also a mention of "respecting the rights of the Tamil community".&nbsp;

India was referring to the report from January released by the UN Human Rights chief. The report says Sri Lanka is on an alarming path towards the recurrence of grave human rights violations. It adds that,&nbsp;since taking power, the Sri Lankan president has appointed at least 28 serving or former military and intelligence personnel. They have been given key administrative posts in the government. This includes senior military officials, who were implicated by the United Nations in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war that ended nearly 12 years ago. &nbsp;

New Delhi has more reasons to be upset with Colombo. Sri Lanka recently refused to honour a port agreement with Japan and India and went ahead with an energy project with a Chinese company close to the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Rajapaksa government says it has offered an alternative terminal project with the vote at the UNHRC looming.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan foreign secretary said last month in an interview, "India cannot abandon us". The Modi government has a choice to listen to that appeal and abstain from the vote but if it chooses to send a message, Sri Lanka might struggle to defend itself at the UN.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council.

Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council. Colombo wants to avoid a defeat at the world stage and escape the global scrutiny on the issue of human rights. Especially after its recent decision to ban the burqa and close 1,000 Islamic schools. A press release from New Delhi says, among other things, the two leaders discussed cooperation in multilateral fora. The statement says a lot more, but mention of 'multilateral forums' stands out. Next week, Sri Lanka faces a crucial vote at the UNHRC in Geneva and it's bad news for Colombo. The resolution is backed by Canada and the UK. It says the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating. The civilian government's functions are being militarised. Institutions like the judiciary are losing their independence, minorities are being marginalised and the civil society and media are facing intimidation. When this scathing resolution comes up for a vote in Geneva, Sri Lanka reportedly wants India's support. Will they get it? India can choose to abstain but Colombo cannot be sure. A statement made by an Indian diplomat in Geneva signals that India is unhappy with Sri Lanka. Last month, India said the UN Human Rights chief's report on Sri Lanka raises ''important concerns''. There was also a mention of "respecting the rights of the Tamil community". India was referring to the report from January released by the UN Human Rights chief. The report says Sri Lanka is on an alarming path towards the recurrence of grave human rights violations. It adds that, since taking power, the Sri Lankan president has appointed at least 28 serving or former military and intelligence personnel. They have been given key administrative posts in the government. This includes senior military officials, who were implicated by the United Nations in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war that ended nearly 12 years ago. New Delhi has more reasons to be upset with Colombo. Sri Lanka recently refused to honour a port agreement with Japan and India and went ahead with an energy project with a Chinese company close to the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Rajapaksa government says it has offered an alternative terminal project with the vote at the UNHRC looming. The Sri Lankan foreign secretary said last month in an interview, "India cannot abandon us". The Modi government has a choice to listen to that appeal and abstain from the vote but if it chooses to send a message, Sri Lanka might struggle to defend itself at the UN.

Sri Lanka seeks India's help to save face at crucial UNHRC vote 

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament.

"I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said.

It is expected that Johnson will visit Pune as well. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in Pune. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. It has been exported to many countries.

The visit has been in the making for a long time, with Boris Johnson was expected to visit India in January for Indian Republic Day but could not due to outbreak of new strain of COVID in UK.

Johnson's visit comes as UK releases its key foreign policy document that sees India as key to London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The just-released "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy" mentioned India over 15 times, calling India an "international actor of growing importance."

The document said, "The UK-India relationship is already strong, but over the next ten years we seek transformation in our cooperation across the full range of our shared interests. India – as the largest democracy in the world".

UK as the chair of G7 grouping, has invited India for the meeting of the grouping in June. Indian PM Modi will be travelling to the country for the summit, which could see its first in-person Quad meeting as well. Both sides are also working on a trade deal.

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament.

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament. "I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said. It is expected that Johnson will visit Pune as well. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in Pune. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. It has been exported to many countries. The visit has been in the making for a long time, with Boris Johnson was expected to visit India in January for Indian Republic Day but could not due to outbreak of new strain of COVID in UK. Johnson's visit comes as UK releases its key foreign policy document that sees India as key to London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The just-released "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy" mentioned India over 15 times, calling India an "international actor of growing importance." The document said, "The UK-India relationship is already strong, but over the next ten years we seek transformation in our cooperation across the full range of our shared interests. India – as the largest democracy in the world". UK as the chair of G7 grouping, has invited India for the meeting of the grouping in June. Indian PM Modi will be travelling to the country for the summit, which could see its first in-person Quad meeting as well. Both sides are also working on a trade deal.

UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on&nbsp;April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region.

During his India visit, Johnson is also expected to visit Pune. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune.&nbsp;World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in the city. SII has been manufacturing&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID&nbsp;vaccine Covishield.

Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was forced to cancel amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home.

At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

Last month, Britain made a formal request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), seeking membership of the 11-country bloc to open new avenues for post-Brexit trade and influence.

It has also applied to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We are pursuing trade deals from Australia to the US&nbsp;and around the world – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge growth market for the future," foreign minister Dominic Raab wrote in December.

(With inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region. During his India visit, Johnson is also expected to visit Pune. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in the city. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was forced to cancel amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home. At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. Last month, Britain made a formal request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), seeking membership of the 11-country bloc to open new avenues for post-Brexit trade and influence. It has also applied to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We are pursuing trade deals from Australia to the US and around the world – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge growth market for the future," foreign minister Dominic Raab wrote in December. (With inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

UK PM Boris Johnson to visit India in April

India has taken care of the needs of the world along with its domestic struggle during the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday at a virtual summit with his Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin.

More than 58 million made-in-India coronavirus vaccine doses had reached about 70 countries in the recent weeks, the prime minister said.

He also said both India and Finland believed in a rules-based, transparent, humanitarian and democratic global order and the two countries have strong cooperation in areas like technology, innovation, clean energy, environment and education.

 
In his opening remarks, Modi also urged Finland to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Both the organisations took shape following India's initiative.

"These international institutions will benefit from Finland's ability and expertise," he said.

The Finnish prime minister said there was scope for further intensification of bilateral ties in areas of education, technology and trade.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said the virtual summit will provide a blueprint for the future expansion and diversification of the India-Finland partnership.

India has taken care of the needs of the world along with its domestic struggle during the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday at a virtual summit with his Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin.

India has taken care of the needs of the world along with its domestic struggle during the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday at a virtual summit with his Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin. More than 58 million made-in-India coronavirus vaccine doses had reached about 70 countries in the recent weeks, the prime minister said. He also said both India and Finland believed in a rules-based, transparent, humanitarian and democratic global order and the two countries have strong cooperation in areas like technology, innovation, clean energy, environment and education. In his opening remarks, Modi also urged Finland to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Both the organisations took shape following India's initiative. "These international institutions will benefit from Finland's ability and expertise," he said. The Finnish prime minister said there was scope for further intensification of bilateral ties in areas of education, technology and trade. The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said the virtual summit will provide a blueprint for the future expansion and diversification of the India-Finland partnership.

PM Narendra Modi holds virtual summit with Finnish counterpart Sanna Marin

Inter-Parliamentary Union President&nbsp;Duarte Pacheco&nbsp;on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers.&nbsp;

"I came to New Delhi to show that you have a friend, a special friend in IPU. This special relationship is not just personal. We have a special relationship between our two countries. Portugal and India have over 500-year-old relations, so we know each other so better that I may say that we aren't just friends, we are brothers," Pacheco said.&nbsp;

He added, "India is the largest democracy in the world and in all levels, from local to national, is looking to be more inclusive with more women and young people. India respects convictions, political and religious, of each person."&nbsp;

He further expressed Portugal's support for the reform process and the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council stating that India 'is an important player' in all fields 'whose opinions are respected'.&nbsp;

"I think India should achieve the place you should have in all international levels... In the United Nations, Portugal supports reform process (to the Security Council) and inclusion of India as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said. He further told the MPs that he 'feels at home'.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that India is the world's largest working democracy and represents 130 crore citizens of the country adding that the Central Hall is a witness to independence.&nbsp;

"In the last 74 years of independence, our democratic system has only strengthened. We are now celebrating 75 years of independence. This Central Hall is a witness to independence," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'amazing', said Duarte Pacheco, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, on Monday.&nbsp;

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is in India on a seven-day visit. "It is impossible for us to interfere with the internal matters of a country, but can say that the Indian economy under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is amazing," Pacheco said.&nbsp;

Praising Indian society and its vitality the IPU president added, "I wish we had a society in Europe that has the same vitality that we find here in India. Other continents are thinking in past, in history but here in India towards a better future." &nbsp;

The Inter-Parliamentary Union formed in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest international Parliamentary body consisting of more than 179 members. &nbsp;

Pacheco, a Member of Parliament of Portugal, was recently elected as the President of IPU, an international organization of national parliaments, for a three-year term from 2021 to 2023. He is visiting India at the invitation of the Parliament of India. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Inter-Parliamentary Union President Duarte Pacheco on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers.

Inter-Parliamentary Union President Duarte Pacheco on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers. "I came to New Delhi to show that you have a friend, a special friend in IPU. This special relationship is not just personal. We have a special relationship between our two countries. Portugal and India have over 500-year-old relations, so we know each other so better that I may say that we aren't just friends, we are brothers," Pacheco said. He added, "India is the largest democracy in the world and in all levels, from local to national, is looking to be more inclusive with more women and young people. India respects convictions, political and religious, of each person." He further expressed Portugal's support for the reform process and the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council stating that India 'is an important player' in all fields 'whose opinions are respected'. "I think India should achieve the place you should have in all international levels... In the United Nations, Portugal supports reform process (to the Security Council) and inclusion of India as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said. He further told the MPs that he 'feels at home'. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that India is the world's largest working democracy and represents 130 crore citizens of the country adding that the Central Hall is a witness to independence. "In the last 74 years of independence, our democratic system has only strengthened. We are now celebrating 75 years of independence. This Central Hall is a witness to independence," he said. The Indian economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'amazing', said Duarte Pacheco, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, on Monday. The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is in India on a seven-day visit. "It is impossible for us to interfere with the internal matters of a country, but can say that the Indian economy under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is amazing," Pacheco said. Praising Indian society and its vitality the IPU president added, "I wish we had a society in Europe that has the same vitality that we find here in India. Other continents are thinking in past, in history but here in India towards a better future." The Inter-Parliamentary Union formed in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest international Parliamentary body consisting of more than 179 members. Pacheco, a Member of Parliament of Portugal, was recently elected as the President of IPU, an international organization of national parliaments, for a three-year term from 2021 to 2023. He is visiting India at the invitation of the Parliament of India. (With inputs from agencies)

IPU chief: India, Portugal are brothers; backs UNSC permanent membership for India 

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to&nbsp;crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms.&nbsp;

Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. The reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc,&nbsp;where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms.

To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered that the violators of Covid protocols be fined under the Public Health Act. Resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitiser be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels, it was recommended.&nbsp;

Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship and tourist places.&nbsp;

The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu reported 836 Covid-19 cases on Monday, which took the active cases to 5,149. A total of 8.60 lakh persons have tested positive and 8.42 lakh persons have been discharged following treatment to date.&nbsp;

According to the government, the test positivity rate in the state had been brought below 1% in January and February, but now it has risen to 1.2%.&nbsp;

However, in big cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore, the test positivity rate has gone past 2%, this is at a time when the average daily testing is around 65,000.

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms.

With election-bound southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu also reporting a significant spike in Covid-19 cases over the last 10 days, its chief secretary has asked authorities to intensify prevention efforts and to crack down on violators of mask-wearing and related Covid-19 safety norms. Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. The reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc, where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms. To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered that the violators of Covid protocols be fined under the Public Health Act. Resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitiser be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels, it was recommended. Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship and tourist places. The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year. Tamil Nadu reported 836 Covid-19 cases on Monday, which took the active cases to 5,149. A total of 8.60 lakh persons have tested positive and 8.42 lakh persons have been discharged following treatment to date. According to the government, the test positivity rate in the state had been brought below 1% in January and February, but now it has risen to 1.2%. However, in big cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore, the test positivity rate has gone past 2%, this is at a time when the average daily testing is around 65,000.

Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts

Indian Army's Col Ashok Tara in 1971 was just 29 years old, and along with 2 Jawan went to save the life of the family of Bangladesh's father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. During a daring rescue from the clutches of the Pakistani Army, Tara saved the life of Sheikh Hasina and her newborn child. Hasina is the current PM of Bangladesh.

Meet India Army's Col Ashok Tara, who save the life of Sheikh Hasina

Indian gamers spend more than eight hours and 36 minutes each week playing, according to a report by Limelight Networks Inc.Binge gaming has emerged as a phenomenon with over 60 per cent of Indian gamers have spent more than three hours consecutively playing games, said findings of the report released on Monday.

From 2020 to 2021, the average for binge gaming in India increased from 4.1 hours to 5.5 hours -- largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic as people are forced to stay at home for long hours due to subsequent lockdowns.Three quarters (74 per cent) of gamers are interested in purchasing a new console due to updated technology (32 per cent) and faster gameplay (31 per cent).

Gamers in India are among those who are most likely to consider upgrading their console (88.4 per cent), said the report. More than 94 per cent of Indian gamers say the process of downloading games is frustrating and that it needs to be improved.

Moreover, gamers who spend anywhere between five to 15 hours in binge gaming account for a whopping 54 per cent of gamers.Three in five (62 per cent) gamers say they prefer to play video games versus watching a movie or television show.

India leads the chart in this case with more than 75 per cent preferring to play games over watching or streaming shows and movies on television or OTT platforms."Social interactions improved game performance and latency-free environments are expected by Indian gamers as it gives them an opportunity to connect with gamers across the world and remain engaged for longer durations," said Ashwin Rao, Country Director of Limelight Networks in India.

"Edge-based content and computing can provide top-notch environments to users for gaming and even emerging economies like India will need that emphasis."

Video game playing rose to a new level across the world with consumers` playing time up by 14 per cent over last year. Gamers across the globe are playing video games at an average of eight hours and 27 minutes each week, said the report. New data shows that the spikes in gaming over the last year are driven by gamers` desire for social connections. Half of the global gamers (53 per cent) say they have made new friends through online games in the past year and one in three (36 per cent) say the ability to interact with other players is extremely important.

Opportunities for interactively and social engagement are likely drivers for video game adoption with a majority (64 per cent) of global gamers saying they started playing video games in the past year.Limelight Networks Inc is a leading provider of digital content delivery, video, cloud security and edge computing services. It empowers customers to provide exceptional digital experiences. Limelight`s edge services platform includes a unique combination of global private infrastructure, intelligent software, and expert support services that enable current and future workflows.&nbsp;

Indian gamers spend more than eight hours and 36 minutes each week playing, according to a report by Limelight Networks Inc.Binge gaming has emerged as a phenomenon with over 60 per cent of Indian gamers have spent more than three hours consecutively playing games, said findings of the report released on Monday.

Indian gamers spend more than eight hours and 36 minutes each week playing, according to a report by Limelight Networks Inc.Binge gaming has emerged as a phenomenon with over 60 per cent of Indian gamers have spent more than three hours consecutively playing games, said findings of the report released on Monday. From 2020 to 2021, the average for binge gaming in India increased from 4.1 hours to 5.5 hours -- largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic as people are forced to stay at home for long hours due to subsequent lockdowns.Three quarters (74 per cent) of gamers are interested in purchasing a new console due to updated technology (32 per cent) and faster gameplay (31 per cent). Gamers in India are among those who are most likely to consider upgrading their console (88.4 per cent), said the report. More than 94 per cent of Indian gamers say the process of downloading games is frustrating and that it needs to be improved. Moreover, gamers who spend anywhere between five to 15 hours in binge gaming account for a whopping 54 per cent of gamers.Three in five (62 per cent) gamers say they prefer to play video games versus watching a movie or television show. India leads the chart in this case with more than 75 per cent preferring to play games over watching or streaming shows and movies on television or OTT platforms."Social interactions improved game performance and latency-free environments are expected by Indian gamers as it gives them an opportunity to connect with gamers across the world and remain engaged for longer durations," said Ashwin Rao, Country Director of Limelight Networks in India. "Edge-based content and computing can provide top-notch environments to users for gaming and even emerging economies like India will need that emphasis." Video game playing rose to a new level across the world with consumers` playing time up by 14 per cent over last year. Gamers across the globe are playing video games at an average of eight hours and 27 minutes each week, said the report. New data shows that the spikes in gaming over the last year are driven by gamers` desire for social connections. Half of the global gamers (53 per cent) say they have made new friends through online games in the past year and one in three (36 per cent) say the ability to interact with other players is extremely important. Opportunities for interactively and social engagement are likely drivers for video game adoption with a majority (64 per cent) of global gamers saying they started playing video games in the past year.Limelight Networks Inc is a leading provider of digital content delivery, video, cloud security and edge computing services. It empowers customers to provide exceptional digital experiences. Limelight`s edge services platform includes a unique combination of global private infrastructure, intelligent software, and expert support services that enable current and future workflows.

Gamers in India spend 8.5 hours a week playing: Report

As many as 26,291 new COVID-19 cases and 118 deaths were reported in India in the last 24, taking the total number of active cases in the country to 2,19,262, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

With this, the total number of positive cases stands at 1,13,85,339, including 1,10,07,352 recoveries. So far, 1,58,725 lives have been claimed by the coronavirus in the country.

As many as 2,99,08,038 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the country so far.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 22,74,07,413 samples have been tested for the infection, including 7,03,772 in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra, the worst affected state in the country reported 16,620 new COVID-19 cases, 8,861 discharges, and 50 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Sunday.

There are currently 16,630 active cases in the state.

As many as 26,291 new COVID-19 cases and 118 deaths were reported in India in the last 24, taking the total number of active cases in the country to 2,19,262, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

As many as 26,291 new COVID-19 cases and 118 deaths were reported in India in the last 24, taking the total number of active cases in the country to 2,19,262, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday. With this, the total number of positive cases stands at 1,13,85,339, including 1,10,07,352 recoveries. So far, 1,58,725 lives have been claimed by the coronavirus in the country. As many as 2,99,08,038 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the country so far. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 22,74,07,413 samples have been tested for the infection, including 7,03,772 in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra, the worst affected state in the country reported 16,620 new COVID-19 cases, 8,861 discharges, and 50 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed on Sunday. There are currently 16,630 active cases in the state.

India reports 26,291 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

A week-long lockdown with strict restrictions came into force in Nagpur district of Maharashtra on Monday to contain the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Hundreds of persons were fined for not wearing masks and vehicles were detained during the day.

The lockdown will continue till March 21, during which period people have been asked to avoid leaving home unless necessary so that the chain of infection can be broken, officials said.

The district on Monday reported 2,297 new COVID-19 cases, taking the overall tally to 1,72,799, and 12 deaths.

Speaking to reporters in the evening, city police commissioner Amitesh Kumar informed that as of 3.00 pm, 638 vehicles were detained for unwarranted movement, fine was imposed on 861 people for not wearing masks, and 363 were fined for not maintaining physical distancing.

As many as 14 offences were registered at various police stations.

Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B said the response to the lockdown was good on the first day.

"Movement of people was not affected, only unwanted movement is being restricted," the civic chief told PTI.

As many as 99 checkpoints have been set up across Nagpur and eight on the city's border.

Besides, 99 patrolling vehicles, two companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), six platoons of the Riot Control Police and 500 Home Guards have been deployed for the implementation of the lockdown, said the commissioner.

Only one person is allowed to travel on a two-wheeler and two persons in a four-wheeler.

Two persons are permitted on a two-wheeler if they are heading to a hospital or going for vaccination, he said.

Local residents are allowed to travel to other cities as per the guidelines laid down by the district administration.

Passenger and goods vehicles going out or passing through Nagpur city are allowed to travel via the Outer Ring Road.

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court will conduct hearings through video-conference till March 21.

A week-long lockdown with strict restrictions came into force in Nagpur district of Maharashtra on Monday to contain the rise in COVID-19 cases. Hundreds of persons were fined for not wearing masks and vehicles were detained during the day.

A week-long lockdown with strict restrictions came into force in Nagpur district of Maharashtra on Monday to contain the rise in COVID-19 cases. Hundreds of persons were fined for not wearing masks and vehicles were detained during the day. The lockdown will continue till March 21, during which period people have been asked to avoid leaving home unless necessary so that the chain of infection can be broken, officials said. The district on Monday reported 2,297 new COVID-19 cases, taking the overall tally to 1,72,799, and 12 deaths. Speaking to reporters in the evening, city police commissioner Amitesh Kumar informed that as of 3.00 pm, 638 vehicles were detained for unwarranted movement, fine was imposed on 861 people for not wearing masks, and 363 were fined for not maintaining physical distancing. As many as 14 offences were registered at various police stations. Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B said the response to the lockdown was good on the first day. "Movement of people was not affected, only unwanted movement is being restricted," the civic chief told PTI. As many as 99 checkpoints have been set up across Nagpur and eight on the city's border. Besides, 99 patrolling vehicles, two companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), six platoons of the Riot Control Police and 500 Home Guards have been deployed for the implementation of the lockdown, said the commissioner. Only one person is allowed to travel on a two-wheeler and two persons in a four-wheeler. Two persons are permitted on a two-wheeler if they are heading to a hospital or going for vaccination, he said. Local residents are allowed to travel to other cities as per the guidelines laid down by the district administration. Passenger and goods vehicles going out or passing through Nagpur city are allowed to travel via the Outer Ring Road. The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court will conduct hearings through video-conference till March 21.

Maharashtra: Week-long Covid-19 lockdown in Nagpur, hundreds fined on first day

Fresh firing erupted on Monday between terrorists and security forces in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir where a top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit was among two ultras killed in the operation that entered its third day, police said.&nbsp;

"Fresh contact has been established with the third terrorist at Rawalpora in Shopian," a police officer said.

Earlier in the day, Inspector General of Police Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said the security forces achieved a major breakthrough by eliminating a top commander of Jaish who was operating under the nom de guerre of Sajad Afghan.

Vilayat Hussain Lone alias Sajjad Afghani, one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir, was killed in a fresh exchange of fire with security forces on Monday.

One terrorist — identified as Jahangir Ahmad Wani of Lashkar-e-Toiba — was killed in the firefight on Sunday.

Kumar congratulated the security forces for eliminating Afghani.

Meanwhile, a police spokesperson said security forces launched an operation on Saturday night based on specific input generated by Shopian Police regarding the presence of terrorists in Rawalpora village.

"During the search operation, as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given the opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter," the spokesperson said.

According to police records, Wani was active since September last year and involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities.

Arms and ammunition including US-made M4 Carbine rifle and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesperson said.

"During the encounter, three houses caught fire while a group of miscreants tried to disrupt the operation and created law and order problem near the encounter site during which some miscreants were also injured," he added.

Fresh firing erupted on Monday between terrorists and security forces in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir where a top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit was among two ultras killed in the operation that entered its third day, police said.

Fresh firing erupted on Monday between terrorists and security forces in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir where a top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit was among two ultras killed in the operation that entered its third day, police said. "Fresh contact has been established with the third terrorist at Rawalpora in Shopian," a police officer said. Earlier in the day, Inspector General of Police Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said the security forces achieved a major breakthrough by eliminating a top commander of Jaish who was operating under the nom de guerre of Sajad Afghan. Vilayat Hussain Lone alias Sajjad Afghani, one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir, was killed in a fresh exchange of fire with security forces on Monday. One terrorist — identified as Jahangir Ahmad Wani of Lashkar-e-Toiba — was killed in the firefight on Sunday. Kumar congratulated the security forces for eliminating Afghani. Meanwhile, a police spokesperson said security forces launched an operation on Saturday night based on specific input generated by Shopian Police regarding the presence of terrorists in Rawalpora village. "During the search operation, as the presence of terrorists got ascertained they were given the opportunity to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter," the spokesperson said. According to police records, Wani was active since September last year and involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities. Arms and ammunition including US-made M4 Carbine rifle and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesperson said. "During the encounter, three houses caught fire while a group of miscreants tried to disrupt the operation and created law and order problem near the encounter site during which some miscreants were also injured," he added.

J&K: Shopian encounter enters the third day as fresh firing breaks out

India reported 26,291 new COVID-19 infections in a single day on Sunday. Out of the new cases recorded 85 per cent of the cases comes from only 6 states.

India Coronavirus Update: 6 states accounts for 85% of COVID-19 cases

Delhi's Saket Court on Monday awarded the death penalty to convict Ariz Khan for the murder of inspector Mohan Chand Sharma in the 2008 Batla House encounter case.

The court called the case “rarest of rare case”.

Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Yadav also imposed a total fine of Rs 11 lakh against Ariz Khan in the case. The court said Rs 10 lakh should be immediately released to the family of inspector Mohan Chand Sharma.

On March 8, the court had convicted Khan in the case, noting that he murdered encounter specialist and inspector Mohan Chand Sharma.

The Additional Sessions Judge had said that Khan, along with his associates, intentionally and voluntarily caused the murder of Sharma by the use of gunshot.

Ariz Khan was convicted under Sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 333 (voluntarily causes grievous hurt), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

He has also been held guilty under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 174(a) (non-appearance in response to a proclamation) and 34 (criminal intention) of the IPC and Section 27 (using any prohibited weapons) of the Arms Act.

On September 19 in 2008, the Special Cell of Delhi Police had carried out an encounter at the Batla House in Jamia Nagar, in which two suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists and inspector Sharma were killed.

Ariz Khan had fled from the spot and was declared a proclaimed offender. He was arrested on February 14, 2018.

Ariz Khan is allegedly associated with the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen. The police claimed that he was present at the Batla House during the encounter and had managed to give the police a slip.

In July 2013, a trial court had sentenced Indian Mujahideen terrorist Shahzad Ahmed to life imprisonment in connection with the case.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Saket Court on Monday awarded the death penalty to convict Ariz Khan for the murder of inspector Mohan Chand Sharma in the 2008 Batla House encounter case.

Delhi's Saket Court on Monday awarded the death penalty to convict Ariz Khan for the murder of inspector Mohan Chand Sharma in the 2008 Batla House encounter case. The court called the case “rarest of rare case”. Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Yadav also imposed a total fine of Rs 11 lakh against Ariz Khan in the case. The court said Rs 10 lakh should be immediately released to the family of inspector Mohan Chand Sharma. On March 8, the court had convicted Khan in the case, noting that he murdered encounter specialist and inspector Mohan Chand Sharma. The Additional Sessions Judge had said that Khan, along with his associates, intentionally and voluntarily caused the murder of Sharma by the use of gunshot. Ariz Khan was convicted under Sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 333 (voluntarily causes grievous hurt), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. He has also been held guilty under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 174(a) (non-appearance in response to a proclamation) and 34 (criminal intention) of the IPC and Section 27 (using any prohibited weapons) of the Arms Act. On September 19 in 2008, the Special Cell of Delhi Police had carried out an encounter at the Batla House in Jamia Nagar, in which two suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists and inspector Sharma were killed. Ariz Khan had fled from the spot and was declared a proclaimed offender. He was arrested on February 14, 2018. Ariz Khan is allegedly associated with the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen. The police claimed that he was present at the Batla House during the encounter and had managed to give the police a slip. In July 2013, a trial court had sentenced Indian Mujahideen terrorist Shahzad Ahmed to life imprisonment in connection with the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Batla House encounter case: Delhi Court awards death sentence to Ariz Khan

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-indian-woman-president-of-oxford-student-union-resigns-over-offensive-posts-370039">Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts</a> 
 
Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue.

Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said.

Samant,&nbsp;with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts.&nbsp;&nbsp;A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist.

This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor".

"Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar&nbsp;said.&nbsp; "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora."

He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required".

"We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added.

Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it.

This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue. Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said. Samant, with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts. A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist. This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor". "Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar said. "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora." He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required". "We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added. Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it. This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

India concerned over racism in UK after Meghan Markle, Rashmi Samant rows

India on Sunday recorded 25,320 COVID-19 infections, the highest daily rise in 84 days, taking the case tally to 1,13,59,048, according to Union health ministry data.

As many as 26,624 new infections were recorded on December 20. The death toll increased to 1,58,607 on Sunday with 161 new fatalities, the highest in 44 days, the data updated at 8 am showed. The country's active caseload increased to 2,10,544 and constitutes 1.85 per cent of the total infections.

The recovery rate dropped to 96.75 per cent from 96.82 per cent on Saturday.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,09,89,897, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.40 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, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 22,67,03,641 samples had been tested up to March 13 with 8,64,368 being tested on Saturday.

India on Sunday recorded 25,320 COVID-19 infections, the highest daily rise in 84 days, taking the case tally to 1,13,59,048, according to Union health ministry data.

India on Sunday recorded 25,320 COVID-19 infections, the highest daily rise in 84 days, taking the case tally to 1,13,59,048, according to Union health ministry data. As many as 26,624 new infections were recorded on December 20. The death toll increased to 1,58,607 on Sunday with 161 new fatalities, the highest in 44 days, the data updated at 8 am showed. The country's active caseload increased to 2,10,544 and constitutes 1.85 per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate dropped to 96.75 per cent from 96.82 per cent on Saturday. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,09,89,897, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.40 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, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 22,67,03,641 samples had been tested up to March 13 with 8,64,368 being tested on Saturday.

With over 25,000 new COVID-19 cases, India records highest increase in 84 days

With an average speed of 29.81 km per day, the construction of national highways during 2020-2021 has been the highest ever in the last five years despite the Covid-19 crisis and months of lockdown. 
 
The total length of National Highway construction up to February 5, 2021 is 9,242 km. The daily average length of the National Highways constructed during 2020-21 is to the tune of 29.81 km per day, indicates road construction per day data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 
 
Accessed by IANS, the data mentions that the last highest per day speed was registered in 2018-19. During the year, there was a speed of 29.74 km a day, and a total of 10,855 km roads were constructed. 
 
In 2019-20, a the National Highway construction speed had been 28.04 km per day, and 10,237 km road was constructed during the period. 
 
The National Highway construction showed a remarkable growth during 2017-18 with 26.93 km per day speed compared to 22.55 km in 2016-17 and 16.61 km in 2015-16. A total of 9,829 km roads under National Highways projects were constructed during 2017-18, 8,231 km in 2016-17, and 6,061 km in 2015-16 km. 
 
In 2021-22, the government has fixed a target to construct 12,000 kilometres of National Highways. 
 
The Road Transport Ministry, in its Annual Report (2020-21), has informed that 2020-21 was a year for consolidating the gains that accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous five years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road-blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved last year. 
 
The ministry took a decision to complete all ongoing projects that had been awarded up to 2015-16, and placed the highest ever target of construction of at least 11,000 kilometre of National Highways, while aspiring to upscale the construction of about 12,000 km of National Highways as against 10,237 km achieved during 2019-20. 
 
Overall road projects exceeding 55,000 km in length, costing more than Rs 6.26 lakh crore, are in progress, said the Ministry in the data report submitted to a parliamentary panel. 
 
As per the report, National Highways of 7,767 km length have been completed in the first nine months of 2020-21, as against 6,940 km for the corresponding period during the last financial year. "The Ministry has scaled new heights in expanding the Highway infrastructure throughout the country, despite the nation-wide lockdown due to pandemic Covid-19." 
 
India has the second largest road network in the world of about 62.16 lakh km. This comprises National Highways (1,36,440 km), Expressways (1,76,818 Km), State Highways, Major Roads, other District Roads and village roads. A total of 59,02,539 km are other roads. 
 
Road transport plays a critical role in the economic growth of any country. Set up through an act of Parliament in 1988, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance and management of the National Highways entrusted to it and for matters related to it. The NHAI became operational in February 1995.

With an average speed of 29.81 km per day, the construction of national highways during 2020-2021 has been the highest ever in the last five years despite the Covid-19 crisis and months of lockdown.

With an average speed of 29.81 km per day, the construction of national highways during 2020-2021 has been the highest ever in the last five years despite the Covid-19 crisis and months of lockdown. The total length of National Highway construction up to February 5, 2021 is 9,242 km. The daily average length of the National Highways constructed during 2020-21 is to the tune of 29.81 km per day, indicates road construction per day data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Accessed by IANS, the data mentions that the last highest per day speed was registered in 2018-19. During the year, there was a speed of 29.74 km a day, and a total of 10,855 km roads were constructed. In 2019-20, a the National Highway construction speed had been 28.04 km per day, and 10,237 km road was constructed during the period. The National Highway construction showed a remarkable growth during 2017-18 with 26.93 km per day speed compared to 22.55 km in 2016-17 and 16.61 km in 2015-16. A total of 9,829 km roads under National Highways projects were constructed during 2017-18, 8,231 km in 2016-17, and 6,061 km in 2015-16 km. In 2021-22, the government has fixed a target to construct 12,000 kilometres of National Highways. The Road Transport Ministry, in its Annual Report (2020-21), has informed that 2020-21 was a year for consolidating the gains that accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous five years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road-blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved last year. The ministry took a decision to complete all ongoing projects that had been awarded up to 2015-16, and placed the highest ever target of construction of at least 11,000 kilometre of National Highways, while aspiring to upscale the construction of about 12,000 km of National Highways as against 10,237 km achieved during 2019-20. Overall road projects exceeding 55,000 km in length, costing more than Rs 6.26 lakh crore, are in progress, said the Ministry in the data report submitted to a parliamentary panel. As per the report, National Highways of 7,767 km length have been completed in the first nine months of 2020-21, as against 6,940 km for the corresponding period during the last financial year. "The Ministry has scaled new heights in expanding the Highway infrastructure throughout the country, despite the nation-wide lockdown due to pandemic Covid-19." India has the second largest road network in the world of about 62.16 lakh km. This comprises National Highways (1,36,440 km), Expressways (1,76,818 Km), State Highways, Major Roads, other District Roads and village roads. A total of 59,02,539 km are other roads. Road transport plays a critical role in the economic growth of any country. Set up through an act of Parliament in 1988, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance and management of the National Highways entrusted to it and for matters related to it. The NHAI became operational in February 1995.

National Highways achieved record construction speed in 2020-21

The first Quad in-person meeting could happen on the sidelines of the G7 summit that will take place in the United Kingdom&nbsp;from 11th-13th June 2021. The Quad has US President Joe Biden, India's PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga as its members. The group met last week at the leaders level for the first time, but the meet was virtual amid the covid pandemic.

The G7 summit will happen in Carbis Bay, Cornwall and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping for 2021 has invited Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison to attend it. G7 will be for the first-time leaders of all these countries will be together physically. While the UK could oversee the Quad meet, the US is keen on hosting the first in-person meet as well.&nbsp;

Last week's leadership summit saw a major announcement with the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative, seen as major practical cooperation between the members of the grouping. Basically, American vaccines will be produced by India, financed by the US and Japan, and provided logistical support by Australia. These vaccines will be given to countries in the Indo-Pacific, the first being the countries in South East Asia.&nbsp;

Japan, through JICA, is in discussions to provide concessional yen loans for the Indian govt to expand manufacturing for COVID-19 vaccines for export. The US&nbsp;International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with Hyderabad-based Indian manufacturer Biological E to increase its capacity to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022.

The group comes together at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness from Line of Actual Control row with India, issues with Japan over Senkaku Island, trade tiff with Australia and the US. While China obviously wasn't mentioned in the first-ever joint statement, it did call for "a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion."

The statement mentioned&nbsp;prioritising the "role of international law in the maritime domain, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)" and ".. to meet challenges to the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas". China has been known to not only violate UNCLOS but also based on its nine-dash line policy claiming the entire south china sea, much to the dismay of the members of ASEAN grouping.&nbsp;

The first Quad in-person meeting could happen on the sidelines of the G7 summit that will take place in the United Kingdom from 11th-13th June 2021. The Quad has US President Joe Biden, India's PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga as its members.

The first Quad in-person meeting could happen on the sidelines of the G7 summit that will take place in the United Kingdom from 11th-13th June 2021. The Quad has US President Joe Biden, India's PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga as its members. The group met last week at the leaders level for the first time, but the meet was virtual amid the covid pandemic. The G7 summit will happen in Carbis Bay, Cornwall and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping for 2021 has invited Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison to attend it. G7 will be for the first-time leaders of all these countries will be together physically. While the UK could oversee the Quad meet, the US is keen on hosting the first in-person meet as well. Last week's leadership summit saw a major announcement with the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative, seen as major practical cooperation between the members of the grouping. Basically, American vaccines will be produced by India, financed by the US and Japan, and provided logistical support by Australia. These vaccines will be given to countries in the Indo-Pacific, the first being the countries in South East Asia. Japan, through JICA, is in discussions to provide concessional yen loans for the Indian govt to expand manufacturing for COVID-19 vaccines for export. The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with Hyderabad-based Indian manufacturer Biological E to increase its capacity to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022. The group comes together at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness from Line of Actual Control row with India, issues with Japan over Senkaku Island, trade tiff with Australia and the US. While China obviously wasn't mentioned in the first-ever joint statement, it did call for "a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion." The statement mentioned prioritising the "role of international law in the maritime domain, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)" and ".. to meet challenges to the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas". China has been known to not only violate UNCLOS but also based on its nine-dash line policy claiming the entire south china sea, much to the dismay of the members of ASEAN grouping.

G7 meet in UK could witness first in-person Quad meet

Over the next decade, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is targeting several advanced capabilities including a heavy-lift launch vehicle that can carry upto 16-ton payloads to Geostationary Transfer Orbit, said ISRO chief Dr K Sivan. The capacity of heavy-lift vehicle will be four times the current lift capability of GSLV-MK3. In addition to this, ISRO is also aiming to develop partially, fully reusable launch vehicles.

In his address to the students and faculty of UPES University, on 'Future of Aerospace and Avionics in India', he spoke on ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 (Moon mission 3) and also the ambitious human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan).&nbsp;

“We have identified, understood the deficiencies of Chandrayaan-2 and taken corrective measures for the next mission, which we are planning for launch within first half of 2022. Gaganyaan design is in the final stages and project realization has started, all efforts are on for first unmanned mission trial by this year end,” he said.

Elaborating ISRO’s plans for upcoming year and near future, he said that payload capability to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) will be increased to 5 tons (an increase from the current 4 tons) using a semi-cryogenic engine on the existing GSLV Mk3 rocket. Semi-cryo engines burn rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen. Such engines are powerful, environmental friendly and cost-effective.&nbsp;

Sivan also mentioned the need for more powerful booster stages (that power the rocket at lift-off), adding that a more powerful 2000N liquid oxygen and kerosene engine was a work in progress.&nbsp;

The Indian space agency is also making a switch towards environmental-friendly rocket fuels by working on liquid oxygen-methane and similar green propellants.&nbsp; 
Engines powered by methane and liquid oxygen (MethaLOX in short) are widely used in reusable rockets as methane is a clean-burning fuel that leaves no residue, as opposed to kerosene. Clean burning ensures that the engines can be re-used many times with less or no refurbishment.

“For satellites, we are in the final stages of developing a 300mN high-thrust electric propulsion system. This will eliminate use of chemical fuels in satellites and result in lighter satellites by saving on fuel weight” Sivan said.&nbsp;

He added that India’s first test facility for a Semi-cryogenic engine is expected to be ready by later this year and that India had formulated a rocket grade kerosene that they call ISROsene(to fuel the semi-cryo engines), which was formulated using the help of Indian industry. ISRO is also working with industry partners on the long-term production capability of this fuel.&nbsp;

Inviting academia and industry to ideate and provide payloads for India’s second Mars Mission Mangalyaan-2, Sivan said that the second Mars mission project was in its definition stage.

Over the next decade, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is targeting several advanced capabilities including a heavy-lift launch vehicle that can carry upto 16-ton payloads to Geostationary Transfer Orbit, said ISRO chief Dr K Sivan.

Over the next decade, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is targeting several advanced capabilities including a heavy-lift launch vehicle that can carry upto 16-ton payloads to Geostationary Transfer Orbit, said ISRO chief Dr K Sivan. The capacity of heavy-lift vehicle will be four times the current lift capability of GSLV-MK3. In addition to this, ISRO is also aiming to develop partially, fully reusable launch vehicles. In his address to the students and faculty of UPES University, on 'Future of Aerospace and Avionics in India', he spoke on ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 (Moon mission 3) and also the ambitious human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan). “We have identified, understood the deficiencies of Chandrayaan-2 and taken corrective measures for the next mission, which we are planning for launch within first half of 2022. Gaganyaan design is in the final stages and project realization has started, all efforts are on for first unmanned mission trial by this year end,” he said. Elaborating ISRO’s plans for upcoming year and near future, he said that payload capability to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) will be increased to 5 tons (an increase from the current 4 tons) using a semi-cryogenic engine on the existing GSLV Mk3 rocket. Semi-cryo engines burn rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen. Such engines are powerful, environmental friendly and cost-effective. Sivan also mentioned the need for more powerful booster stages (that power the rocket at lift-off), adding that a more powerful 2000N liquid oxygen and kerosene engine was a work in progress. The Indian space agency is also making a switch towards environmental-friendly rocket fuels by working on liquid oxygen-methane and similar green propellants. Engines powered by methane and liquid oxygen (MethaLOX in short) are widely used in reusable rockets as methane is a clean-burning fuel that leaves no residue, as opposed to kerosene. Clean burning ensures that the engines can be re-used many times with less or no refurbishment. “For satellites, we are in the final stages of developing a 300mN high-thrust electric propulsion system. This will eliminate use of chemical fuels in satellites and result in lighter satellites by saving on fuel weight” Sivan said. He added that India’s first test facility for a Semi-cryogenic engine is expected to be ready by later this year and that India had formulated a rocket grade kerosene that they call ISROsene(to fuel the semi-cryo engines), which was formulated using the help of Indian industry. ISRO is also working with industry partners on the long-term production capability of this fuel. Inviting academia and industry to ideate and provide payloads for India’s second Mars Mission Mangalyaan-2, Sivan said that the second Mars mission project was in its definition stage.

ISRO: Chandrayaan-3 launch by mid-2022, Mangalyaan-2 in definition stage

(Reuters) - The Grammy Awards, the highest honors in the music industry, will be handed out at a ceremony on Sunday, broadcast on CBS television and hosted by Trevor Noah. Following is a list of nominations in key categories. ALBUM OF THE YEAR "Chilombo" — Jhené Aiko "Black Pumas" (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas "Everyday Life" — Coldplay "Djesse Vol. 3" — Jacob Collier "Women In Music Pt. III" — Haim "Future Nostalgia" — Dua Lipa "Hollywood`s Bleeding" — Post Malone "Folklore" — Taylor Swift RECORD OF THE YEAR "Black Parade" — Beyoncé "Colors" — Black Pumas "Rockstar" — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch "Say So" — Doja Cat "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish "Don`t Start Now" — Dua Lipa "Circles" — Post Malone "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé SONG OF THE YEAR "Black Parade" — Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé) "The Box" — Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch) "Cardigan" — Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) "Circles" — Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone) "Don`t Start Now" — Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa) "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish O`Connell & Finneas O`Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) "I Can`t Breathe" — Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.) "If The World Was Ending" — Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels) BEST NEW ARTIST Ingrid Andress Phoebe Bridgers Chika Noah Cyrus D Smoke Doja Cat Kaytranada Megan Thee Stallion BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE "Un Dia (One Day)" — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy "Intentions" — Justin Bieber featuring Quavo "Dynamite" — BTS "Rain On Me" — Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande "Exile" — Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM "Changes" — Justin Bieber "Chromatica" — Lady Gaga "Future Nostalgia" — Dua Lipa "Fine Line" — Harry Styles "Folklore" — Taylor Swift BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE "Shameika" — Fiona Apple "Not" — Big Thief "Kyoto" — Phoebe Bridgers "The Steps" — Haim "Stay High" — Brittany Howard "Daylight" — Grace Potter BEST RAP PERFORMANCE "Deep Reverence" — Big Sean featuring Nipsey Hussle "Bop" — DaBaby "What`s Poppin" — Jack Harlow "The Bigger Picture" — Lil Baby "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé "Dior" — Pop Smoke BEST COUNTRY ALBUM "Lady Like" — Ingrid Andress "Your Life Is A Record" — Brandy Clark "Wildcard" — Miranda Lambert "Nightfall" — Little Big Town "Never Will" — Ashley McBryde BEST MUSIC FILM "Beastie Boys Story" — Beastie Boys "Black Is King" — Beyoncé "We Are Freestyle Love Supreme" — Freestyle Love Supreme "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice" — Linda Ronstadt "That Little Ol` Band From Texas" — ZZ Top (Reporting by Jill Serjeant in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Diane Craft)

(Reuters) - The Grammy Awards, the highest honors in the music industry, will be handed out at a ceremony on Sunday, broadcast on CBS television and hosted by Trevor Noah.

(Reuters) - The Grammy Awards, the highest honors in the music industry, will be handed out at a ceremony on Sunday, broadcast on CBS television and hosted by Trevor Noah. Following is a list of nominations in key categories. ALBUM OF THE YEAR "Chilombo" — Jhené Aiko "Black Pumas" (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas "Everyday Life" — Coldplay "Djesse Vol. 3" — Jacob Collier "Women In Music Pt. III" — Haim "Future Nostalgia" — Dua Lipa "Hollywood`s Bleeding" — Post Malone "Folklore" — Taylor Swift RECORD OF THE YEAR "Black Parade" — Beyoncé "Colors" — Black Pumas "Rockstar" — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch "Say So" — Doja Cat "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish "Don`t Start Now" — Dua Lipa "Circles" — Post Malone "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé SONG OF THE YEAR "Black Parade" — Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé) "The Box" — Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch) "Cardigan" — Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) "Circles" — Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone) "Don`t Start Now" — Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa) "Everything I Wanted" — Billie Eilish O`Connell & Finneas O`Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) "I Can`t Breathe" — Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.) "If The World Was Ending" — Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels) BEST NEW ARTIST Ingrid Andress Phoebe Bridgers Chika Noah Cyrus D Smoke Doja Cat Kaytranada Megan Thee Stallion BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE "Un Dia (One Day)" — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy "Intentions" — Justin Bieber featuring Quavo "Dynamite" — BTS "Rain On Me" — Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande "Exile" — Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM "Changes" — Justin Bieber "Chromatica" — Lady Gaga "Future Nostalgia" — Dua Lipa "Fine Line" — Harry Styles "Folklore" — Taylor Swift BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE "Shameika" — Fiona Apple "Not" — Big Thief "Kyoto" — Phoebe Bridgers "The Steps" — Haim "Stay High" — Brittany Howard "Daylight" — Grace Potter BEST RAP PERFORMANCE "Deep Reverence" — Big Sean featuring Nipsey Hussle "Bop" — DaBaby "What`s Poppin" — Jack Harlow "The Bigger Picture" — Lil Baby "Savage" — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé "Dior" — Pop Smoke BEST COUNTRY ALBUM "Lady Like" — Ingrid Andress "Your Life Is A Record" — Brandy Clark "Wildcard" — Miranda Lambert "Nightfall" — Little Big Town "Never Will" — Ashley McBryde BEST MUSIC FILM "Beastie Boys Story" — Beastie Boys "Black Is King" — Beyoncé "We Are Freestyle Love Supreme" — Freestyle Love Supreme "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice" — Linda Ronstadt "That Little Ol` Band From Texas" — ZZ Top (Reporting by Jill Serjeant in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Diane Craft)

Factbox: Key nominations for the 2021 Grammy Awards

As the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive is underway in the country, India has nearly administered three crore cumulative vaccination doses with a total of 2,97,38,409 through 5,10,400 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Sunday.

According to the health ministry, a total of 2,91,92,547 vaccine doses has been given as per the provisional report till 7 am&nbsp;today. These include 73,31,498 Health Care Workers who have taken the 1st dose and 42,58,297 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 72,96,474 Front Line Workers (1st dose), 10,53,732 FLWs (2nd dose), 78,66,241 beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 13,86,305 beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities.

As on Day-57 of the vaccination drive on Saturday, more than 15 lakh (15,19,952) vaccine doses were given.Out of which, 12,32,131 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 24,086 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,87,821 HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.States including Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are witnessing a steep rise in the daily new COVID-19 cases and have reported 87.73 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 15,602.

It is followed by Kerala with 2,035 while Punjab reported 1,510 new cases.Eight states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana have been facing an upward trajectory in daily new cases.Meanwhile, India`s total active caseload stands at 2.10 lakh (2,10,544) today.Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab have been accountable for 76.93 per cent of India`s total active cases.

The country`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,09,89,897 today with the national recovery rate standing at 96.75 per cent. As many as 16,637 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours. 83.13 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in the six states - Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 7,467 newly recovered cases. A total number of 161 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and the six states --Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana have accountable for 84.47 per cent of the new deaths due to the virus. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (88).

Punjab follows with 22 daily deaths. Kerala reported 12 deaths.While the fourteen States/UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, D&amp;D &amp; D&amp;N, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Mizoram, A&amp;N Islands and Arunachal Pradesh are among those.&nbsp;

As the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive is underway in the country, India has nearly administered three crore cumulative vaccination doses with a total of 2,97,38,409 through 5,10,400 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Sunday.

As the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive is underway in the country, India has nearly administered three crore cumulative vaccination doses with a total of 2,97,38,409 through 5,10,400 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Sunday. According to the health ministry, a total of 2,91,92,547 vaccine doses has been given as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 73,31,498 Health Care Workers who have taken the 1st dose and 42,58,297 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 72,96,474 Front Line Workers (1st dose), 10,53,732 FLWs (2nd dose), 78,66,241 beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 13,86,305 beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities. As on Day-57 of the vaccination drive on Saturday, more than 15 lakh (15,19,952) vaccine doses were given.Out of which, 12,32,131 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 24,086 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 2,87,821 HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.States including Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are witnessing a steep rise in the daily new COVID-19 cases and have reported 87.73 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 15,602. It is followed by Kerala with 2,035 while Punjab reported 1,510 new cases.Eight states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana have been facing an upward trajectory in daily new cases.Meanwhile, India`s total active caseload stands at 2.10 lakh (2,10,544) today.Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab have been accountable for 76.93 per cent of India`s total active cases. The country`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,09,89,897 today with the national recovery rate standing at 96.75 per cent. As many as 16,637 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours. 83.13 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in the six states - Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 7,467 newly recovered cases. A total number of 161 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and the six states --Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana have accountable for 84.47 per cent of the new deaths due to the virus. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (88). Punjab follows with 22 daily deaths. Kerala reported 12 deaths.While the fourteen States/UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, D&D & D&N, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Mizoram, A&N Islands and Arunachal Pradesh are among those.

More than 29.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in India

India as a democracy has guaranteed the right to protest throughout and the farmers’ protests over agricultural reforms is an issue that is “absolutely and totally” a matter for the government of India, UK minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said on Friday ahead of his visit to New Delhi.

A debate in a UK parliamentary committee room earlier this week over the issue was condemned by India as “gross interference in the politics of another democratic country” and even led to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla calling in British High Commissioner Alex Ellis for a meeting.

Lord Ahmad, the minister of state responsible for Indian affairs in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will begin his five-day visit to India on Monday.

“It was a very cordial meeting. It was the first time they were formally meeting and whilst the issue of the protests was discussed and India made clear their position, we have also reiterated the point that the parliamentary scheduling of debates and the nature of our parliamentary democracy is such (but) the government's position can be made very clear too,” he said during a virtual pre-visit interaction with reporters here.

“The protests have been taking place for several months now and India as a democracy has totally guaranteed and secured the right to protest, which we fully acknowledge. I equally fully want to endorse, and regularly articulate, that the principle of the farmers' protest in terms of the actual nature of it is absolutely and totally a matter for the government of India. That position has been longstanding and has not changed,” he said.

The minister categorically ruled out any scope of the matter overshadowing his extensive schedule in India, which covers ministerial meetings in New Delhi, followed by interactions with regional and community leaders in Chandigarh, Chennai and Hyderabad before concluding with trade talks in Mumbai.

The visit is seen as further finalising the groundwork for the forthcoming tour of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is scheduled to visit India in the coming weeks ahead of the G7 summit in Cornwall in June.

“The intense programme underlines the importance of our strong relationship with India. It follows on from our ongoing senior-level engagement at ministerial level. We look forward to the Prime Minister's (Johnson) visit in advance of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi visiting as part of the G7,” the minister said.

“Our relationship with India is not just one of bilateral importance, it's also about how these two countries are working together and there's no better illustration than the current Covid-19 pandemic which grips us… The role that India has played as the pharmacy of the world has been phenomenal.

“We've been extremely collaborative in our approach to this and publicly acknowledged the role India played in unlocking certain other pharmaceuticals, including the delivery of paracetamol,” Ahmad said.

With reference to planned supplies of a batch of Covishield vaccines from the Serum Institute of India to the UK, the minister reiterated that it symbolised the wide range of bilateral ties and would not impact both countries’ commitment to ensuring supplies to more vulnerable regions through the UN-led COVAX facility.

“We work together with India on securing domestic supplies but that hasn't taken away from our commitment through Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) to the COVAX facility. India, through the likes of the Serum Institute of India, are absolutely integrated to ensure the supply of that,” he said.

Ahmad’s visit to India will coincide with the UK’s release of the government’s Integrated Review into its post-Brexit foreign policy priorities next week, which is widely expected to confirm a so-called Indo-Pacific tilt in favour of countries like India.

While not wanting to be drawn into the specifics of the review, the minister said: “It can be taken as read in as much as government policy is concerned, there is a very strong belief and focus on the Indo-Pacific tilt and it’s right we do so. When you look at the countries within that part of the region, India is foremost in our minds.”

This will be the latest in a series of high-profile UK visits to India in preparation for Prime Ministers Johnson and Modi signing off on a highly-anticipated UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership, which is seen a precursor to a wider free trade agreement (FTA) in the future.

Farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at several Delhi border points, including Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur, since November 28, demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price for their crops.

The Indian government has denied allegations that it was trying to put an end to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the mandi system.

Multiple rounds of talks between the government and farmer unions have not been able to resolve the deadlock.

India has emphasised that the protests by farmers must be seen in the context of India's democratic ethos and polity and the Ministry of External Affairs said that some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country.

"Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," it said last month.

India as a democracy has guaranteed the right to protest throughout and the farmers’ protests over agricultural reforms is an issue that is “absolutely and totally” a matter for the government of India, UK minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said on Friday ahead of his visit to New Delhi.

India as a democracy has guaranteed the right to protest throughout and the farmers’ protests over agricultural reforms is an issue that is “absolutely and totally” a matter for the government of India, UK minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said on Friday ahead of his visit to New Delhi. A debate in a UK parliamentary committee room earlier this week over the issue was condemned by India as “gross interference in the politics of another democratic country” and even led to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla calling in British High Commissioner Alex Ellis for a meeting. Lord Ahmad, the minister of state responsible for Indian affairs in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will begin his five-day visit to India on Monday. “It was a very cordial meeting. It was the first time they were formally meeting and whilst the issue of the protests was discussed and India made clear their position, we have also reiterated the point that the parliamentary scheduling of debates and the nature of our parliamentary democracy is such (but) the government's position can be made very clear too,” he said during a virtual pre-visit interaction with reporters here. “The protests have been taking place for several months now and India as a democracy has totally guaranteed and secured the right to protest, which we fully acknowledge. I equally fully want to endorse, and regularly articulate, that the principle of the farmers' protest in terms of the actual nature of it is absolutely and totally a matter for the government of India. That position has been longstanding and has not changed,” he said. The minister categorically ruled out any scope of the matter overshadowing his extensive schedule in India, which covers ministerial meetings in New Delhi, followed by interactions with regional and community leaders in Chandigarh, Chennai and Hyderabad before concluding with trade talks in Mumbai. The visit is seen as further finalising the groundwork for the forthcoming tour of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is scheduled to visit India in the coming weeks ahead of the G7 summit in Cornwall in June. “The intense programme underlines the importance of our strong relationship with India. It follows on from our ongoing senior-level engagement at ministerial level. We look forward to the Prime Minister's (Johnson) visit in advance of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi visiting as part of the G7,” the minister said. “Our relationship with India is not just one of bilateral importance, it's also about how these two countries are working together and there's no better illustration than the current Covid-19 pandemic which grips us… The role that India has played as the pharmacy of the world has been phenomenal. “We've been extremely collaborative in our approach to this and publicly acknowledged the role India played in unlocking certain other pharmaceuticals, including the delivery of paracetamol,” Ahmad said. With reference to planned supplies of a batch of Covishield vaccines from the Serum Institute of India to the UK, the minister reiterated that it symbolised the wide range of bilateral ties and would not impact both countries’ commitment to ensuring supplies to more vulnerable regions through the UN-led COVAX facility. “We work together with India on securing domestic supplies but that hasn't taken away from our commitment through Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) to the COVAX facility. India, through the likes of the Serum Institute of India, are absolutely integrated to ensure the supply of that,” he said. Ahmad’s visit to India will coincide with the UK’s release of the government’s Integrated Review into its post-Brexit foreign policy priorities next week, which is widely expected to confirm a so-called Indo-Pacific tilt in favour of countries like India. While not wanting to be drawn into the specifics of the review, the minister said: “It can be taken as read in as much as government policy is concerned, there is a very strong belief and focus on the Indo-Pacific tilt and it’s right we do so. When you look at the countries within that part of the region, India is foremost in our minds.” This will be the latest in a series of high-profile UK visits to India in preparation for Prime Ministers Johnson and Modi signing off on a highly-anticipated UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership, which is seen a precursor to a wider free trade agreement (FTA) in the future. Farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at several Delhi border points, including Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur, since November 28, demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price for their crops. The Indian government has denied allegations that it was trying to put an end to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the mandi system. Multiple rounds of talks between the government and farmer unions have not been able to resolve the deadlock. India has emphasised that the protests by farmers must be seen in the context of India's democratic ethos and polity and the Ministry of External Affairs said that some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country. "Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," it said last month.

Farmers' issue absolutely, totally a matter for India: UK minister

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised.

Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution".&nbsp;

During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC.

The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges."

It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy."

India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised. Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution". During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC. The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges." It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy." India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of UNHRC vote, Sri Lanka seeks India's support

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise.&nbsp;

France initiated the joint naval exercise "La Pérouse" in 2019 and at that time had included US, Japanese, and Australian forces. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century.&nbsp;

The development comes even as 2020 saw Australia being invited for the Malabar exercises for the first time. The exercises, which happened in the Indian ocean saw QUAD countries coming under one umbrella after a gap of many years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-countries-pledge-cooperation-on-covid-climate-and-security-370185">Watch |</a>&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-countries-pledge-cooperation-on-covid-climate-and-security-370185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

France has been engaging with QUAD member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia Trilateral Senior Officials’ Meeting took place. Then, September saw the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue between the three countries.

The European nation, France, has the world's largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and includes territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean.

EEZ is an area where a country has special rights on maritime resources. France also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region.

In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Last year, France became&nbsp;the 23rd member of the India ocean Rim Association (IORA).

IORA countries have member countries whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean waters.

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise.

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise. France initiated the joint naval exercise "La Pérouse" in 2019 and at that time had included US, Japanese, and Australian forces. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century. The development comes even as 2020 saw Australia being invited for the Malabar exercises for the first time. The exercises, which happened in the Indian ocean saw QUAD countries coming under one umbrella after a gap of many years. Watch | France has been engaging with QUAD member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia Trilateral Senior Officials’ Meeting took place. Then, September saw the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue between the three countries. The European nation, France, has the world's largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and includes territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. EEZ is an area where a country has special rights on maritime resources. France also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Last year, France became the 23rd member of the India ocean Rim Association (IORA). IORA countries have member countries whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean waters.

QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises

The single-day rise of new Covid-19 cases in India on Saturday is the country`s highest tally so far this year. 
 
It recorded 24,882 cases, showing eight per cent increase since Friday. There were 140 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry. With it the cumulative tally rose to 1,13,33,728 while the toll reached 1,58,446. 
 
The infection level in the country is back to what it was in December as it soared to 1.78 per cent from 1.55 within a week. 
 
In the last four days, the number of fatalities has spiked, which earlier was hovering under 100. 
 
The country on Friday reported 22,885 new Covid-19 cases, 117 fatalities. On Thursday, India had reported 22,854 Covid-19 cases and 126 deaths; while on Wednesday, 17,921 Covid-19 cases and 133 deaths were recorded. 
 
As per the Ministry`s data, the active cases present in the country have breached 2-lakh. It was reported 2,02,022 on Saturday. 
 
With the discharge of 19,957 patients in a day, a total of 1,09,73, 260 persons have been discharged so far. 
 
The rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, which had so far appeared confined to Maharashtra and Punjab, is now beginning to show up in several other states. 
 
States/UTs such as Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh have had very similar growth trajectories in recent weeks. 
 
Delhi on Friday reported 431 cases, a high not witnessed in over two months. 
 
As the number of Covid-19 cases is rising across the country, the Centre sounded a word of caution for states which are not yet seeing a surge but are at the threshold. 
 
Niti Aayog (health) member V.K. Paul on Thursday said the situation in Maharashtra was worrying as part of the state returns to strict lockdown. However, Maharashtra is not alone. 
 
"Would like to caution Delhi-NCR, Gurugram, part of Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad too some extent. These areas are seeing a slight rise in the number of cases," Paul said adding that the pandemic is not over yet. 
 
The Ministry also informed that 8,40,635 samples were tested on Friday. The cumulative tests done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,58,39,273. 
 
So far, 2,82,18,457 doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval to `Covishield` and `Covaxin`.

The single-day rise of new Covid-19 cases in India on Saturday is the country`s highest tally so far this year. It recorded 24,882 cases, showing eight per cent increase since Friday.

The single-day rise of new Covid-19 cases in India on Saturday is the country`s highest tally so far this year. It recorded 24,882 cases, showing eight per cent increase since Friday. There were 140 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry. With it the cumulative tally rose to 1,13,33,728 while the toll reached 1,58,446. The infection level in the country is back to what it was in December as it soared to 1.78 per cent from 1.55 within a week. In the last four days, the number of fatalities has spiked, which earlier was hovering under 100. The country on Friday reported 22,885 new Covid-19 cases, 117 fatalities. On Thursday, India had reported 22,854 Covid-19 cases and 126 deaths; while on Wednesday, 17,921 Covid-19 cases and 133 deaths were recorded. As per the Ministry`s data, the active cases present in the country have breached 2-lakh. It was reported 2,02,022 on Saturday. With the discharge of 19,957 patients in a day, a total of 1,09,73, 260 persons have been discharged so far. The rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, which had so far appeared confined to Maharashtra and Punjab, is now beginning to show up in several other states. States/UTs such as Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh have had very similar growth trajectories in recent weeks. Delhi on Friday reported 431 cases, a high not witnessed in over two months. As the number of Covid-19 cases is rising across the country, the Centre sounded a word of caution for states which are not yet seeing a surge but are at the threshold. Niti Aayog (health) member V.K. Paul on Thursday said the situation in Maharashtra was worrying as part of the state returns to strict lockdown. However, Maharashtra is not alone. "Would like to caution Delhi-NCR, Gurugram, part of Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad too some extent. These areas are seeing a slight rise in the number of cases," Paul said adding that the pandemic is not over yet. The Ministry also informed that 8,40,635 samples were tested on Friday. The cumulative tests done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,58,39,273. So far, 2,82,18,457 doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval to `Covishield` and `Covaxin`.

At 24,900, India reports highest number of coronavirus cases in 2021

Maharashtra recorded this year's highest one-day spike on the third day in a row on Friday with 15,817 new infections coming to light, a health official said.

The caseload in the state rose to 22,82,191, while the death toll reached 52,723 with 56 new fatalities.

The state had earlier reported more than 15,000 cases on October 2 last year, after which new cases had declined.

But a fresh surge in cases began last month and the state recorded 13,659 and 14,317 cases on Wednesday and Thursday.

As many as 11,344 patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday, taking the total of recoveries to 21,17,744. There are 1,10,485 active cases.

Pune city recorded the highest 1,845 new cases, followed by 1,729 in Nagpur and 1,647 in Mumbai.

Pune division comprising civic bodies of Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad as well as districts of Pune, Solapur and Satara reported total of 3,580 cases, highest among the divisions.

The number of cases in the Pune division so far stood at 5,53,064 and death toll at 11,832.

Mumbai's COVID-19 tally increased to 3,40,290 and four deaths took the fatality count to 11,523.

The wider Mumbai division reported 3,137 new cases and 11 deaths, taking the cumulative caseload to 7,52,986 and death toll to 19,932.

Nashik division's case tally till now stood at 3,12,328 and the death toll at 5,357.

Kolhapur division has reported 1,20,859 cases and 4,084 deaths till now, while Aurangabad division's case tally stood at 88,467 and death count at 2,085.

Latur division has reported 90,774 cases until now and 2,557 fatalities.

Akola division has reported 1,14,655 cases while 1,893 people have succumbed to the disease until now.

Nagpur division has reported 2,48,912 infections and 4,893 fatalities so far.

With 97,274 tests carried out on Thursday, the state has so far tested 1,73,10,586 samples for coronavirus.

There are 5,42,693 people in home quarantine while 4,884 are in institutional quarantine.

Out of 56 deaths reported on Friday, 32 occurred in the last 48 hours, eight in the last week and 16 deaths were from the period before the last week. 
Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases: 22,82,191, new cases: 15,817, death toll: 52,723, discharged: 21,17,744, active cases: 1,10,485, people tested so far: 1,73,10,586.

Maharashtra recorded this year's highest one-day spike on the third day in a row on Friday with 15,817 new infections coming to light, a health official said. The caseload in the state rose to 22,82,191, while the death toll reached 52,723 with 56 new fatalities.

Maharashtra recorded this year's highest one-day spike on the third day in a row on Friday with 15,817 new infections coming to light, a health official said. The caseload in the state rose to 22,82,191, while the death toll reached 52,723 with 56 new fatalities. The state had earlier reported more than 15,000 cases on October 2 last year, after which new cases had declined. But a fresh surge in cases began last month and the state recorded 13,659 and 14,317 cases on Wednesday and Thursday. As many as 11,344 patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday, taking the total of recoveries to 21,17,744. There are 1,10,485 active cases. Pune city recorded the highest 1,845 new cases, followed by 1,729 in Nagpur and 1,647 in Mumbai. Pune division comprising civic bodies of Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad as well as districts of Pune, Solapur and Satara reported total of 3,580 cases, highest among the divisions. The number of cases in the Pune division so far stood at 5,53,064 and death toll at 11,832. Mumbai's COVID-19 tally increased to 3,40,290 and four deaths took the fatality count to 11,523. The wider Mumbai division reported 3,137 new cases and 11 deaths, taking the cumulative caseload to 7,52,986 and death toll to 19,932. Nashik division's case tally till now stood at 3,12,328 and the death toll at 5,357. Kolhapur division has reported 1,20,859 cases and 4,084 deaths till now, while Aurangabad division's case tally stood at 88,467 and death count at 2,085. Latur division has reported 90,774 cases until now and 2,557 fatalities. Akola division has reported 1,14,655 cases while 1,893 people have succumbed to the disease until now. Nagpur division has reported 2,48,912 infections and 4,893 fatalities so far. With 97,274 tests carried out on Thursday, the state has so far tested 1,73,10,586 samples for coronavirus. There are 5,42,693 people in home quarantine while 4,884 are in institutional quarantine. Out of 56 deaths reported on Friday, 32 occurred in the last 48 hours, eight in the last week and 16 deaths were from the period before the last week. Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases: 22,82,191, new cases: 15,817, death toll: 52,723, discharged: 21,17,744, active cases: 1,10,485, people tested so far: 1,73,10,586.

Maharashtra records 15,000-plus new coronavirus cases, 56 deaths

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board.&nbsp;

The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks.&nbsp;

"INS Jalashwa reaches the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar with a five-member @indiannavytraining team to help capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks," Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

India and Madagascar share wide cooperation in defence sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation was signed between India and Madagascar in March 2018 during the visit of the President to Madagascar and several bilateral cooperation projects in the area of defence are under discussions between the two countries.&nbsp;

A four-member delegation led by Major General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina, Minister of National Defence, Republic of Madagascar visited India from February 3 to 5 to participate in the Aero India 2021 and IOR Defence Ministers Conclave at Bengaluru.&nbsp;

INS Jalashwa will leave for Comoros to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and then, will head to the Port of Ehoala in Madagascar to deliver a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 100,000 tablets of HCQ to help Madagascar in dealing with the drought situation in South Madagascar.&nbsp;

The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to Madagascar is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region and India's time-tested role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board. The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks.

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board. The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks. "INS Jalashwa reaches the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar with a five-member @indiannavytraining team to help capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks," Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar wrote in a tweet. India and Madagascar share wide cooperation in defence sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation was signed between India and Madagascar in March 2018 during the visit of the President to Madagascar and several bilateral cooperation projects in the area of defence are under discussions between the two countries. A four-member delegation led by Major General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina, Minister of National Defence, Republic of Madagascar visited India from February 3 to 5 to participate in the Aero India 2021 and IOR Defence Ministers Conclave at Bengaluru. INS Jalashwa will leave for Comoros to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and then, will head to the Port of Ehoala in Madagascar to deliver a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 100,000 tablets of HCQ to help Madagascar in dealing with the drought situation in South Madagascar. The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to Madagascar is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region and India's time-tested role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. (With inputs from agencies)

INS Jalashwa arrives at Antsiranana port, Madagascar with naval training team 

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