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Amid the standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), India and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-foils-chinas-intrusion-bid-in-sikkim-359265">China</a> completed their ninth round of corps commander level meeting on Sunday with the Indian Army asserting that meeting was "positive, practical and constructive".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-chinese-troops-clash-in-sikkim-injuries-reported-on-both-sides-359179/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The talks had taken place in Moldo-Chushul border meeting point. "The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops," the Indian Army said.

The Indian Army said both sides agreed to follow important "consensus of their state leaders, maintain the good momentum of dialogue and negotiation".

There will be another round of talks between the two sides to jointly advance de-escalation, the Indian Army informed.

"The two sides agreed to continue their effective efforts in ensuring the restraint of the frontline troops, stabilise and control the situation along the LAC in the Western sector of the China-India border," the Indian Army said.

The Army informed that both sides decided "jointly to maintain peace and tranquillity."

The talks took place in the backdrop of a "minor faceoff" between the two armies at Naku la in north Sikkim.

The skirmish had led to injuries on both sides. The Indian Army had said the "minor face-off" had taken place on January 20.&nbsp;

"There was a minor face-off at Naku la area of north Sikkim on January 20, 2021. The same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols," the Indian Army said in a statement on Monday.

&nbsp;Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in Galwan Valley on June 15 last year which had led the death of 20 Indian troops, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures.

Amid the escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) both sides have deployed thousands of troops with Chinese troops heavily deployed in frontline areas.

Amid the standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), India and China completed their ninth round of corps commander level meeting on Sunday with the Indian Army asserting that meeting was "positive, practical and constructive".

Amid the standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), India and China completed their ninth round of corps commander level meeting on Sunday with the Indian Army asserting that meeting was "positive, practical and constructive". Watch: The talks had taken place in Moldo-Chushul border meeting point. "The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops," the Indian Army said. The Indian Army said both sides agreed to follow important "consensus of their state leaders, maintain the good momentum of dialogue and negotiation". There will be another round of talks between the two sides to jointly advance de-escalation, the Indian Army informed. "The two sides agreed to continue their effective efforts in ensuring the restraint of the frontline troops, stabilise and control the situation along the LAC in the Western sector of the China-India border," the Indian Army said. The Army informed that both sides decided "jointly to maintain peace and tranquillity." The talks took place in the backdrop of a "minor faceoff" between the two armies at Naku la in north Sikkim. The skirmish had led to injuries on both sides. The Indian Army had said the "minor face-off" had taken place on January 20. "There was a minor face-off at Naku la area of north Sikkim on January 20, 2021. The same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols," the Indian Army said in a statement on Monday. Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in Galwan Valley on June 15 last year which had led the death of 20 Indian troops, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge figures. Amid the escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) both sides have deployed thousands of troops with Chinese troops heavily deployed in frontline areas.

India, China commander-level talks were practical & constructive: Indian Army

In strong remarks against China's expansionist approach, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that Indian forces are "adequately mobilised" to counter any attempt that undermines national security.

"Though we reiterate our commitment to peace, our defence forces: Army, Air Force and Navy are adequately mobilised in a well-coordinated move to thwart any attempt to undermine our security. Our national interest will be protected at all costs," Kovind said in his Republic Day address.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-display-key-military-assets-on-72nd-republic-day-359275/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The president's comments came as Indian and Chinese forces are locked in a tense standoff for months and also led to 20 Indian soldiers losing their lives at the Galwan&nbsp;valley in eastern Ladakh last June.&nbsp;

In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-starts-preparing-for-republic-day-with-dress-rehearsal-359004">India starts preparing for Republic Day with dress rehearsal</a>

Kovind also paid tributes to the 20 soldiers and said that it "was a time of adversity, and it came from many fronts" in a reference also to the coronavirus pandemic that was raging in the country at that juncture.&nbsp;

"We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it. To achieve this objective, 20 of them had to lay down their lives," the president said adding that nation will forever be grateful for their bravery.

The president also spoke on the farmers' protest in the border region of the national capital in New Delhi, saying that the government is "devoted to the farmers' welfare'.

"The path of reform at the initial stages may cause misapprehensions but the government is singularly devoted to the farmers' welfare," the president said.&nbsp;

Several farmers are protesting against the three farm-laws that were passed by the central government and asking for a complete withdrawal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In strong remarks against China's expansionist approach, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that Indian forces are "adequately mobilised" to counter any attempt that undermines national security.

In strong remarks against China's expansionist approach, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that Indian forces are "adequately mobilised" to counter any attempt that undermines national security. "Though we reiterate our commitment to peace, our defence forces: Army, Air Force and Navy are adequately mobilised in a well-coordinated move to thwart any attempt to undermine our security. Our national interest will be protected at all costs," Kovind said in his Republic Day address. Watch | The president's comments came as Indian and Chinese forces are locked in a tense standoff for months and also led to 20 Indian soldiers losing their lives at the Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh last June. In Pics | India starts preparing for Republic Day with dress rehearsal Kovind also paid tributes to the 20 soldiers and said that it "was a time of adversity, and it came from many fronts" in a reference also to the coronavirus pandemic that was raging in the country at that juncture. "We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it. To achieve this objective, 20 of them had to lay down their lives," the president said adding that nation will forever be grateful for their bravery. The president also spoke on the farmers' protest in the border region of the national capital in New Delhi, saying that the government is "devoted to the farmers' welfare'. "The path of reform at the initial stages may cause misapprehensions but the government is singularly devoted to the farmers' welfare," the president said. Several farmers are protesting against the three farm-laws that were passed by the central government and asking for a complete withdrawal.

Indian forces 'adequately mobilised' to thwart attempts that undermine security: President Kovind

Dal lake covered in snow as cold wave hits J&K

India's military might and some of the state-of-the-art assets of the armed forces, including three T-90 tanks, BrahMos missile system, BMP-II, two Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, two bridge laying tanks.

India to display key military assets on 72nd Republic-Day

Indian and Chinese troops clashed once again last week in Naku la in north Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas. The clash was largely hand-to-hand and no shots were fired.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-foils-plas-fresh-intrusion-attempt-359194/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The skirmish led to several injures on both sides. The Indian Army has said it was a "minor face-off" which had taken place on January 20.

"There was a minor face-off at Naku la area of north Sikkim on January 20, 2021. The same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols," the Indian Army said in a statement.

The latest clash occurred when the Chinese side attempted to intrude into Indian territory and the Indian army responded with some reinforcements.

The latest clash at Naku la comes even as Indian and Chinese troops were already engaged in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh after the ninth round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-talks-9th-round-of-military-negotiations-to-take-place-on-sunday-358748">commander-level</a>&nbsp;talks between India and China which lasted for nearly 16 hours and&nbsp;concluded at around 2:30am(IST) on Sunday.

The border tensions began simmering between the two neighbours in May last year and on June 15 last year, an extended skirmish took place at Galwan Valley&nbsp;which led to casualties for both sides for the first time in 45 years. Twenty Indian soldiers had died in the incident with an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties.

Both sides have deployed thousands of troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially along the three friction points in the eastern Ladakh region.

China remains aggressive&nbsp;not only with India but with other neighbours from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-incursion-by-china-says-its-monitoring-the-situation-358805">Taiwan </a>to Japan and also Australia.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed once again last week in Naku la in north Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas. The clash was largely hand-to-hand and no shots were fired.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed once again last week in Naku la in north Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas. The clash was largely hand-to-hand and no shots were fired. Watch: The skirmish led to several injures on both sides. The Indian Army has said it was a "minor face-off" which had taken place on January 20. "There was a minor face-off at Naku la area of north Sikkim on January 20, 2021. The same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols," the Indian Army said in a statement. The latest clash occurred when the Chinese side attempted to intrude into Indian territory and the Indian army responded with some reinforcements. The latest clash at Naku la comes even as Indian and Chinese troops were already engaged in a border standoff in eastern Ladakh after the ninth round of commander-level talks between India and China which lasted for nearly 16 hours and concluded at around 2:30am(IST) on Sunday. The border tensions began simmering between the two neighbours in May last year and on June 15 last year, an extended skirmish took place at Galwan Valley which led to casualties for both sides for the first time in 45 years. Twenty Indian soldiers had died in the incident with an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties. Both sides have deployed thousands of troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially along the three friction points in the eastern Ladakh region. China remains aggressive not only with India but with other neighbours from Taiwan to Japan and also Australia.

India-China standoff: Indian Army foils China's intrusion bid in Sikkim

Known for its valour on the battlefield and border areas, among others to keep the country safe, the Indian Army has yet again given the countrymen a reason to celebrate their bravery.

Recently, the Indian Army soldiers were seen carrying a woman on a stretcher as she was stuck in a hospital after giving birth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> soldiers carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab, for 6km in knee-deep snow &amp; safely rescued them to their home. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthernComd_IA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorthernComd_IA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/suryacommand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@suryacommand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Whiteknight_IA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Whiteknight_IA</a> <a href="https://t.co/NAXPQYHMIn">pic.twitter.com/NAXPQYHMIn</a>
— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1352931075153006592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army's Chinar Corps posted the video of the incident in which a group of security personnel was seen carrying the woman who was lying in a stretch amid heavy snowfall.

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-army-troops-carry-pregnant-woman-to-hospital-in-knee-deep-snow-in-kashmir-355272">Indian Army troops carry pregnant woman to hospital in knee-deep snow in Kashmir</a>

It said that the army men carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab for six km in "knee-deep snow" and safely dropped them to their home in Kupwara.&nbsp;

"#IndianArmy soldiers carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab, for 6km in knee-deep snow &amp; safely rescued them to their home," the Chinar Corps said in a tweet. &nbsp;

News agency ANI reported that the woman gave birth on January 23 but they got stranded due to the heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

The gesture by the Indian bravehearts won hearts on social media with several people saying that they are "proud" of them and offering them a "salute".

Here are some of the reactions on Twitter.&nbsp;

A few weeks ago, in a similar incident, Indian Army soldiers were seen helping a pregnant woman reach the hospital due to persistent snowfall in Kupwara.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Known for its valour on the battlefield and border areas, among others to keep the country safe, the Indian Army has yet again given the countrymen a reason to celebrate their bravery.

Known for its valour on the battlefield and border areas, among others to keep the country safe, the Indian Army has yet again given the countrymen a reason to celebrate their bravery. Recently, the Indian Army soldiers were seen carrying a woman on a stretcher as she was stuck in a hospital after giving birth in Jammu and Kashmir. Watch | #IndianArmy soldiers carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab, for 6km in knee-deep snow & safely rescued them to their home. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA @suryacommand @Whiteknight_IA pic.twitter.com/NAXPQYHMIn — Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) January 23, 2021 × The Indian Army's Chinar Corps posted the video of the incident in which a group of security personnel was seen carrying the woman who was lying in a stretch amid heavy snowfall. Watch: Indian Army troops carry pregnant woman to hospital in knee-deep snow in Kashmir It said that the army men carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab for six km in "knee-deep snow" and safely dropped them to their home in Kupwara. "#IndianArmy soldiers carried the wife and newborn of Farooq Khasana of Dardpura, Lolab, for 6km in knee-deep snow & safely rescued them to their home," the Chinar Corps said in a tweet. News agency ANI reported that the woman gave birth on January 23 but they got stranded due to the heavy rainfall. The gesture by the Indian bravehearts won hearts on social media with several people saying that they are "proud" of them and offering them a "salute". Here are some of the reactions on Twitter. A few weeks ago, in a similar incident, Indian Army soldiers were seen helping a pregnant woman reach the hospital due to persistent snowfall in Kupwara.

Indian Army earns praise after helping woman, newborn reach home in 'knee-deep' snow

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will launch the e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card) today, which is the National Voter's Day.&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will launch the e-EPIC programme and distribute digital voter ID cards to five new voters.

e-EPIC is a non-editable secure portable document format (PDF) version of the EPIC and will have a secured QR code with image and demographics like serial number, part number, etc.&nbsp;

E-EPIC can be downloaded on a mobile or a computer and can be digitally stored. This is in addition to physical IDs being issued for fresh registration.

In the first phase between 25 January and 31 January, only new voters who have applied for their voter cards and have registered their mobile numbers with the Election Commission will be able to download their digital voter ID cards.

"The second phase will start on February 1. It will be open for the general voters. All those who have given their mobile numbers (linked one) they can also download their e-EPIC", said ECI official.

Voters who do not have their phone numbers linked will have to get it done to avail of the download feature.

How to download digital voter ID cards:

1) Log on to <a href="https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/">https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/</a>

2) Click on the option of download E-EPIC.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will launch the e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card) today, which is the National Voter's Day. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will launch the e-EPIC programme and distribute digital voter ID cards to five new voters.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will launch the e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card) today, which is the National Voter's Day. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will launch the e-EPIC programme and distribute digital voter ID cards to five new voters. e-EPIC is a non-editable secure portable document format (PDF) version of the EPIC and will have a secured QR code with image and demographics like serial number, part number, etc. E-EPIC can be downloaded on a mobile or a computer and can be digitally stored. This is in addition to physical IDs being issued for fresh registration. In the first phase between 25 January and 31 January, only new voters who have applied for their voter cards and have registered their mobile numbers with the Election Commission will be able to download their digital voter ID cards. "The second phase will start on February 1. It will be open for the general voters. All those who have given their mobile numbers (linked one) they can also download their e-EPIC", said ECI official. Voters who do not have their phone numbers linked will have to get it done to avail of the download feature. How to download digital voter ID cards: 1) Log on to https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/ 2) Click on the option of download E-EPIC.

On National Voters Day, here's all you need to know about digital voter ID cards

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) At 54, age is just a number for Salma Hayek. The Hollywood star continues to grab `em by the eyeballs` on social media, scorching in a fiery red monokini in her new Instagram post.
 
In the image, Salma relaxes in an over-water hammock flaunting her curves in swimsuit and accentuating the impact with designer shades. 
"#sundayvibes," Salma captioned the image. 
Salma will next be seen in "The Eternals", which also stars Angelina Jolie, Madden, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Barry Keoghan and Don Lee. 
The film is about beings with superpowers called The Celestials, and their villainous adversaries, The Deviants, in a war set millions of years ago. 
--IANS 
dc/vnc

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) At 54, age is just a number for Salma Hayek. The Hollywood star continues to grab `em by the eyeballs` on social media, scorching in a fiery red monokini in her new Instagram post.

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) At 54, age is just a number for Salma Hayek. The Hollywood star continues to grab `em by the eyeballs` on social media, scorching in a fiery red monokini in her new Instagram post. In the image, Salma relaxes in an over-water hammock flaunting her curves in swimsuit and accentuating the impact with designer shades. "#sundayvibes," Salma captioned the image. Salma will next be seen in "The Eternals", which also stars Angelina Jolie, Madden, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Barry Keoghan and Don Lee. The film is about beings with superpowers called The Celestials, and their villainous adversaries, The Deviants, in a war set millions of years ago. --IANS dc/vnc

Salma Hayek looks fiery hot in monokini post

India will display BrahMos supersonic cruise missile during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations. Watch this video to know more.

India to display BrahMos supersonic cruise missile during Republic Day celebrations

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) As the pandemic severely hit the economy leaving millions out of job, the wealth of Indian billionaires increased by 35 per cent during the lockdown and by 90 per cent since 2009 to $422.9 billion, ranking India sixth after the US, China, Germany, Russia and France, a new report by Oxfam said on Monday.
 
The 1,000 richest people on the planet recouped their Covid-19 losses within just nine months, but it could take more than a decade for the world`s poorest to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, reveals the report titled `The Inequality Virus,` published on the opening day of the World Economic Forum`s `Davos Agenda`. 
"In fact, the increase in wealth of the top 11 billionaires of India during the pandemic could sustain the NREGS scheme for 10 years or the health ministry for 10 years," according to the Oxfam report. 
Since March as the government announced lockdown, India`s top 100 billionaires saw their fortunes increase by Rs 12.97 trillion. 
The money was enough to :give every one of the 138 million poorest Indians a cheque for Rs 94,045 each". 
"We stand to witness the greatest rise in inequality since records began. The deep divide between the rich and poor is proving as deadly as the virus," said Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International. 
"Rigged economies are funnelling wealth to a rich elite who are riding out the pandemic in luxury, while those on the frontline of the pandemic -- shop assistants, healthcare workers, and market vendors -- are struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table". 
Worldwide, billionaires saw their wealth increase by a staggering $3.9 trillion between March 18 and December 31, 2020. 
Their total wealth now stands at $11.95 trillion, which is equivalent to what G20 governments have spent in response to the pandemic. 
Only three of the 50 richest billionaires in the world saw their fortunes diminish over that period, losing $3 billion between them. 
"Elon Musk increased his net wealth by $128.9bn, Jeff Bezos by $78.2 billion. The world`s 10 richest billionaires have collectively seen their wealth increase by $540bn over this period," the report mentioned. 
The report showed that COVID-19 has the potential to increase economic inequality in almost every country at once, the first time this has happened since records began over a century ago. 
"Rising inequality means it could take at least 14 times longer for the number of people living in poverty to return to pre-pandemic levels than it took for the fortunes of the top 1,000, mostly White male, billionaires to bounce back," the findings showed. 
Oxfam`s report showed how the rigged economic system is enabling a super-rich elite to amass wealth in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression while billions of people are struggling to make ends meet. 
It revealed how the pandemic is deepening long-standing economic, racial and gender divides. 
"Women and marginalized racial and ethnic groups are bearing the brunt of this crisis. They are more likely to be pushed into poverty, more likely to go hungry, and more likely to be excluded from healthcare," said Bucher. 
Women are hardest hit, yet again. 
"Globally, women are overrepresented in the low-paid precarious professions that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. If women were represented at the same rate as men in these sectors, 112 million women would no longer be at high risk of losing their incomes or jobs," the report noted. 
Infection and mortality rates are higher in poorer areas of countries such as France, India, and Spain while England`s poorest regions experience mortality rates double that of the richest areas. 
"Extreme inequality is not inevitable, but a policy choice. Governments around the world must seize this opportunity to build more equal, more inclusive economies that end poverty and protect the planet," added Bucher. 
"Governments must ensure everyone has access to a COVID-19 vaccine and financial support if they lose their job." 
--IANS 
na/in

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) As the pandemic severely hit the economy leaving millions out of job, the wealth of Indian billionaires increased by 35 per cent during the lockdown and by 90 per cent since 2009 to $422.

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) As the pandemic severely hit the economy leaving millions out of job, the wealth of Indian billionaires increased by 35 per cent during the lockdown and by 90 per cent since 2009 to $422.9 billion, ranking India sixth after the US, China, Germany, Russia and France, a new report by Oxfam said on Monday. The 1,000 richest people on the planet recouped their Covid-19 losses within just nine months, but it could take more than a decade for the world`s poorest to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, reveals the report titled `The Inequality Virus,` published on the opening day of the World Economic Forum`s `Davos Agenda`. "In fact, the increase in wealth of the top 11 billionaires of India during the pandemic could sustain the NREGS scheme for 10 years or the health ministry for 10 years," according to the Oxfam report. Since March as the government announced lockdown, India`s top 100 billionaires saw their fortunes increase by Rs 12.97 trillion. The money was enough to :give every one of the 138 million poorest Indians a cheque for Rs 94,045 each". "We stand to witness the greatest rise in inequality since records began. The deep divide between the rich and poor is proving as deadly as the virus," said Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International. "Rigged economies are funnelling wealth to a rich elite who are riding out the pandemic in luxury, while those on the frontline of the pandemic -- shop assistants, healthcare workers, and market vendors -- are struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table". Worldwide, billionaires saw their wealth increase by a staggering $3.9 trillion between March 18 and December 31, 2020. Their total wealth now stands at $11.95 trillion, which is equivalent to what G20 governments have spent in response to the pandemic. Only three of the 50 richest billionaires in the world saw their fortunes diminish over that period, losing $3 billion between them. "Elon Musk increased his net wealth by $128.9bn, Jeff Bezos by $78.2 billion. The world`s 10 richest billionaires have collectively seen their wealth increase by $540bn over this period," the report mentioned. The report showed that COVID-19 has the potential to increase economic inequality in almost every country at once, the first time this has happened since records began over a century ago. "Rising inequality means it could take at least 14 times longer for the number of people living in poverty to return to pre-pandemic levels than it took for the fortunes of the top 1,000, mostly White male, billionaires to bounce back," the findings showed. Oxfam`s report showed how the rigged economic system is enabling a super-rich elite to amass wealth in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression while billions of people are struggling to make ends meet. It revealed how the pandemic is deepening long-standing economic, racial and gender divides. "Women and marginalized racial and ethnic groups are bearing the brunt of this crisis. They are more likely to be pushed into poverty, more likely to go hungry, and more likely to be excluded from healthcare," said Bucher. Women are hardest hit, yet again. "Globally, women are overrepresented in the low-paid precarious professions that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. If women were represented at the same rate as men in these sectors, 112 million women would no longer be at high risk of losing their incomes or jobs," the report noted. Infection and mortality rates are higher in poorer areas of countries such as France, India, and Spain while England`s poorest regions experience mortality rates double that of the richest areas. "Extreme inequality is not inevitable, but a policy choice. Governments around the world must seize this opportunity to build more equal, more inclusive economies that end poverty and protect the planet," added Bucher. "Governments must ensure everyone has access to a COVID-19 vaccine and financial support if they lose their job." --IANS na/in

Indian billionaires increased their wealth by 35% during Covid

The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday&nbsp;that over 1.5 million people have&nbsp;been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far.

The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added.

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;said on Friday India was completely self-reliant on coronavirus vaccine supplies&nbsp;as the world's second-most populous country inoculated more than 1 million people within a week of starting its campaign.

India's Covid-19 vaccination drive,&nbsp;what the government calls the world's biggest vaccination programme, started with&nbsp;two shots made locally: one licensed from Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, and another developed at home by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research.

India, known as the pharmaceutical capital of the world, has gifted vaccines to neighbours and partners such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. It also started&nbsp;commercial shipments to Brazil and Morocco on Friday.

India's own vaccination drive kicked off with 30 million healthcare and other frontline workers first in the queue, followed by about 270 million people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions.

The health ministry said India inoculated more people on its first day than the United States, Britain or France. Still, it has been urging more frontline workers to come forward to take the shots as only a handful of states have been able to meet their daily targets.

Bharat Biotech said on Friday that 13,000 people participating in the late-stage trial of its COVAXIN had been given the second dose, which could help it soon get some idea about its efficacy. It began the late trial in November, completing the registration of a total 25,800 participants by early January.

In the coming months, India is expected to approve two more vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V and Cadila Healthcare's ZyCov-D.

&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday that over 1.5 million people have been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far. The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added.

The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday that over 1.5 million people have been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far. The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday India was completely self-reliant on coronavirus vaccine supplies as the world's second-most populous country inoculated more than 1 million people within a week of starting its campaign. India's Covid-19 vaccination drive, what the government calls the world's biggest vaccination programme, started with two shots made locally: one licensed from Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, and another developed at home by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research. India, known as the pharmaceutical capital of the world, has gifted vaccines to neighbours and partners such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. It also started commercial shipments to Brazil and Morocco on Friday. India's own vaccination drive kicked off with 30 million healthcare and other frontline workers first in the queue, followed by about 270 million people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions. The health ministry said India inoculated more people on its first day than the United States, Britain or France. Still, it has been urging more frontline workers to come forward to take the shots as only a handful of states have been able to meet their daily targets. Bharat Biotech said on Friday that 13,000 people participating in the late-stage trial of its COVAXIN had been given the second dose, which could help it soon get some idea about its efficacy. It began the late trial in November, completing the registration of a total 25,800 participants by early January. In the coming months, India is expected to approve two more vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V and Cadila Healthcare's ZyCov-D.

Over 1.5 million vaccinated in inoculation drive, says Health Ministry

India's COVID-19 caseload has gone up to 1,06,54,533 with 14,849 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,03,16,786, according to the health ministry. 
 
The death toll due to the viral disease has climbed to 1,53,339 with 155 more fatalities, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. 
 
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 1,03,16,786, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.83 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent. 
 
The active COVID-19 caseload of the country remained below two lakh for the fifth consecutive day. 
 
There are 1,84,408 active cases of the coronavirus infection in the country currently, which account for 1.73 per cent of its total caseload, the data stated. 
 
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark 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 the one-crore mark on December 19. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 19,17,66,871 samples have so far been tested in the country for the viral disease, including 7,81,752 on Saturday. 
 
Of the 155 fresh fatalities, 56 were reported from Maharashtra, 23 from Kerala and 10 each from Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal. 
 
Of the total 1,53,339?COVID-19 deaths reported so far in the country, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of 50,740, followed by Tamil Nadu (12,309), Karnataka (12,193), Delhi (10,799), West Bengal (10,107), Uttar Pradesh (8,609) and Andhra Pradesh (7,147). 
 
The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the country occurred due to comorbidities. 
 
"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," it said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 caseload has gone up to 1,06,54,533 with 14,849 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,03,16,786, according to the health ministry.

India's COVID-19 caseload has gone up to 1,06,54,533 with 14,849 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, while the number of recoveries has surged to 1,03,16,786, according to the health ministry. The death toll due to the viral disease has climbed to 1,53,339 with 155 more fatalities, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 1,03,16,786, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.83 per cent, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload of the country remained below two lakh for the fifth consecutive day. There are 1,84,408 active cases of the coronavirus infection in the country currently, which account for 1.73 per cent of its total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark 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 the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 19,17,66,871 samples have so far been tested in the country for the viral disease, including 7,81,752 on Saturday. Of the 155 fresh fatalities, 56 were reported from Maharashtra, 23 from Kerala and 10 each from Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal. Of the total 1,53,339?COVID-19 deaths reported so far in the country, Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of 50,740, followed by Tamil Nadu (12,309), Karnataka (12,193), Delhi (10,799), West Bengal (10,107), Uttar Pradesh (8,609) and Andhra Pradesh (7,147). The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the country occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," it said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India records 14,849 fresh cases, 155 more fatalities

Brazil's federally funded Fiocruz Institute said on Saturday&nbsp;it had begun distributing 2 million ready-to-use&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;PLC COVID-19 vaccines after they arrived in the country from India on Friday.

Brazil's government has a deal with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;to produce up to 100 million doses of its vaccine locally at Rio de Janeiro's Fiocruz Institute, but the delivery of the active ingredient needed to manufacture them has been plagued by delays from China.

As a result,&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;agreed to supply the government with 2 million ready-to-use doses made in India. After a major diplomatic effort, that included a letter from Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, those shots arrived on Friday.

Until now, Brazil's widely criticised vaccine rollout has depended on a shot developed by Sinovac Biotech Ltd vaccine in partnership with Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute.

Bolsonaro had previously decried the Chinese shot as being useless, but his government is becoming increasingly reliant on it to tame the world's second most deadly coronavirus outbreak after the United States.

The far-right former army captain is under growing pressure for his handling of the rollout, which has been plagued by delays and a lack of vaccines, just as a brutal second-wave gathers steam.

Brazil's federally funded Fiocruz Institute said on Saturday it had begun distributing 2 million ready-to-use AstraZeneca PLC COVID-19 vaccines after they arrived in the country from India on Friday.

Brazil's federally funded Fiocruz Institute said on Saturday it had begun distributing 2 million ready-to-use AstraZeneca PLC COVID-19 vaccines after they arrived in the country from India on Friday. Brazil's government has a deal with AstraZeneca to produce up to 100 million doses of its vaccine locally at Rio de Janeiro's Fiocruz Institute, but the delivery of the active ingredient needed to manufacture them has been plagued by delays from China. As a result, AstraZeneca agreed to supply the government with 2 million ready-to-use doses made in India. After a major diplomatic effort, that included a letter from Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, those shots arrived on Friday. Until now, Brazil's widely criticised vaccine rollout has depended on a shot developed by Sinovac Biotech Ltd vaccine in partnership with Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute. Bolsonaro had previously decried the Chinese shot as being useless, but his government is becoming increasingly reliant on it to tame the world's second most deadly coronavirus outbreak after the United States. The far-right former army captain is under growing pressure for his handling of the rollout, which has been plagued by delays and a lack of vaccines, just as a brutal second-wave gathers steam.

Brazil's Fiocruz begins distributing 2 million India-made AstraZeneca shots

Anti-Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday said that two Chinese nationals had been arrested from Noida for their alleged role in money laundering. &nbsp;Both of them, including a woman allegedly forged documents to bank accounts. The ATS said that the money was used criminal activities.

Names of the accused are Pochnli Tengli and Xu Xunfu.

"The UP ATS had earlier issued Red Corner Notices and Blue Corner Notices against the duo. Both the Chinese nationals were arrested on Saturday on the basis of evidence following an investigation into the money laundering case,"&nbsp;it added.

A Red Corner Notice is a kind of international arrest warrant for fugitives where Interpol requests its member countries to arrest or detain them, while a Blue Corner Notice is an enquiry notice.

(With agency inputs)

Anti-Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday said that two Chinese nationals had been arrested from Noida for their alleged role in money laundering. Both of them, including a woman allegedly forged documents to bank accounts.

Anti-Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday said that two Chinese nationals had been arrested from Noida for their alleged role in money laundering. Both of them, including a woman allegedly forged documents to bank accounts. The ATS said that the money was used criminal activities. Names of the accused are Pochnli Tengli and Xu Xunfu. "The UP ATS had earlier issued Red Corner Notices and Blue Corner Notices against the duo. Both the Chinese nationals were arrested on Saturday on the basis of evidence following an investigation into the money laundering case," it added. A Red Corner Notice is a kind of international arrest warrant for fugitives where Interpol requests its member countries to arrest or detain them, while a Blue Corner Notice is an enquiry notice. (With agency inputs)

Chinese nationals arrested near Delhi for alleged money laundering

India is the world's second-biggest online market. But is the Indian Govt doing enough to regulate the big players? Why India does not have laws to regulate the big tech?

Gravitas: No rules to regulate big tech?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the COVID-19 vaccine and "now we have to fulfil ours" by defeating through the right information every network spreading lies and rumours.

Addressing NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and artists who would be participating in the Republic Day parade, Modi said such organisations have always played their role in dealing with challenging times.

"In COVID times also, the work done by you is laudable. When the government and administration needed it, you came forward as volunteers and provided help," he said.

"Whether it was spreading awareness about the Aarogya Setu App or coronavirus infection spread, the work done by you was praiseworthy," Modi said.

The prime minister said the youths should now step forward to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination programme by providing the right information to the people.

"You need to take it to the next level now. Your reach is in all parts of society. I request you to come forward to help the country with the COVID-19 vaccination programme. You have to provide the right information on vaccines to the poor and general public," Modi said.

"Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the coronavirus vaccine and now we have to fulfill ours. We have to defeat through right information every network spreading lies and rumours," Modi said.

He also said that India will not become self-reliant just by somebody saying so, but this will be achieved by actions of the youth for which they have to be armed with necessary skills.

"India will not become 'aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) just by somebody saying so, it will become so by actions of youths like you. You will be able to do this better when you will have the necessary skill set," Modi said.

Realizing the importance of this, the ministry of skill development was formed when his government came in 2014 and more than 5.5 crore youths have been given training for different skills till now, Modi said.

Under this skill development programme, not just training is being given, help is being provided for getting employment, the prime minister said.

The aim is that the youths in India get new employment opportunities based on their skill sets, Modi said.

He again stressed on 'Vocal for Local', saying it will gain more strength from the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' sentiment.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the COVID-19 vaccine and "now we have to fulfil ours" by defeating through the right information every network spreading lies and rumours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the COVID-19 vaccine and "now we have to fulfil ours" by defeating through the right information every network spreading lies and rumours. Addressing NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and artists who would be participating in the Republic Day parade, Modi said such organisations have always played their role in dealing with challenging times. "In COVID times also, the work done by you is laudable. When the government and administration needed it, you came forward as volunteers and provided help," he said. "Whether it was spreading awareness about the Aarogya Setu App or coronavirus infection spread, the work done by you was praiseworthy," Modi said. The prime minister said the youths should now step forward to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination programme by providing the right information to the people. "You need to take it to the next level now. Your reach is in all parts of society. I request you to come forward to help the country with the COVID-19 vaccination programme. You have to provide the right information on vaccines to the poor and general public," Modi said. "Indian scientists have done their duty by developing the coronavirus vaccine and now we have to fulfill ours. We have to defeat through right information every network spreading lies and rumours," Modi said. He also said that India will not become self-reliant just by somebody saying so, but this will be achieved by actions of the youth for which they have to be armed with necessary skills. "India will not become 'aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant) just by somebody saying so, it will become so by actions of youths like you. You will be able to do this better when you will have the necessary skill set," Modi said. Realizing the importance of this, the ministry of skill development was formed when his government came in 2014 and more than 5.5 crore youths have been given training for different skills till now, Modi said. Under this skill development programme, not just training is being given, help is being provided for getting employment, the prime minister said. The aim is that the youths in India get new employment opportunities based on their skill sets, Modi said. He again stressed on 'Vocal for Local', saying it will gain more strength from the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' sentiment.

Indian PM exhorts youth to defeat 'network of lies and rumours' on Covid vaccination

India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 every year. The country hosts a grand parade to display India's hard as well as soft power. But this year the celebrations will be a little bit different due to the pandemic.

India prepares for its 72nd Republic Day

In the first week of the Coronavirus vaccine that has been rolled out India has successfully administered 1.4 million doses of the vaccines that nearly about 200 thousand shots given to the people.

India vaccinates more than 1 million people

India starts preparing for Republic Day with dress rehearsal

An amusement park in India has come up with a &nbsp;unique and fun way to celebrate Indian-origin US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris'</a> win in the recently-concluded US election 2020.

Wonderla, a popular amusement park in a Bengaluru, a city in the southern state of Karnataka, has started an exclusive offer for people who share their name with the recently-elected US Vice President.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-simpsons-had-predicted-kamala-harris-inaugural-purple-outfit-21-years-ago-heres-proof-358554" hreflang="en">'The Simpsons' had predicted Kamala Harris' inaugural purple outfit 21 years ago. Here's proof</a>

"This Sunday all Kamala's WIN!," the amusement park's Facebook post read.

Any visitor whose name is Kamala will be given free entry into the amusement park in Bengaluru and its other branches in Kochi and Hyderabad.

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This Sunday all Kamala's WIN!&nbsp; Any guest in the name of Kamala will get a free entry to the park on Sunday, 24th Jan...
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wonderla/">Wonderla</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wonderla/posts/5013060178765447">Friday, January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In fact, anyone with similar names such as Kamla, Kama and Kamalam can also get free entry in the amusement park. However, no other variations of the name will be allowed to avail the offer.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-indian-family-is-waiting-for-her-to-become-president-358310" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris' Indian family is waiting for her to become president</a>

However, there is a condition. "The offer is available only for the first 100 guests eligible for the offer under each park," the Facebook post clarified.

The offer has also coincided with Girl Child Day, which is being celebrated on January 24&nbsp;in India.

Harris is the first South Asian-origin, African-American woman to become the Vice President of the United States of America. She was sworn in for her post on January 20 in an inauguration ceremony held in Washington.

An amusement park in India has come up with a unique and fun way to celebrate Indian-origin US Vice President Kamala Harris' win in the recently-concluded US election 2020.

An amusement park in India has come up with a unique and fun way to celebrate Indian-origin US Vice President Kamala Harris' win in the recently-concluded US election 2020. Wonderla, a popular amusement park in a Bengaluru, a city in the southern state of Karnataka, has started an exclusive offer for people who share their name with the recently-elected US Vice President. Also read| 'The Simpsons' had predicted Kamala Harris' inaugural purple outfit 21 years ago. Here's proof "This Sunday all Kamala's WIN!," the amusement park's Facebook post read. Any visitor whose name is Kamala will be given free entry into the amusement park in Bengaluru and its other branches in Kochi and Hyderabad. This Sunday all Kamala's WIN! Any guest in the name of Kamala will get a free entry to the park on Sunday, 24th Jan... Posted by Wonderla on Friday, January 22, 2021 × In fact, anyone with similar names such as Kamla, Kama and Kamalam can also get free entry in the amusement park. However, no other variations of the name will be allowed to avail the offer. Also read| Kamala Harris' Indian family is waiting for her to become president However, there is a condition. "The offer is available only for the first 100 guests eligible for the offer under each park," the Facebook post clarified. The offer has also coincided with Girl Child Day, which is being celebrated on January 24 in India. Harris is the first South Asian-origin, African-American woman to become the Vice President of the United States of America. She was sworn in for her post on January 20 in an inauguration ceremony held in Washington.

Bengaluru: Amusement park offers free entry to all 'Kamala' to celebrate Harris' win

India and France have been carrying out combined Air Defence exercises in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. The bilateral exercises go by the code name 'Desert-Knight 21'.

India-France holds combined Air Defence exercise in Jodhpur

The Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force on Saturday concluded the joint military exercise Ex Desert Knight 2021, which was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. 
“A first of its kind bilateral exercise (Ex DK-21), Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF undertook complex missions including Large Force Engagements,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a release.

The ministry said that combat enablers included AWACS, AEW&amp;C aircraft of the IAF as well as A400M and A330 based MRTT (Medium Range Tanker and Transport) aircraft of the FASF.

Both Air Forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet, the release said.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on 21st January 2021 and interacted with participating forces. He also flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the FASF contingent leader where he was given an overview on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed air-to-air refuelling operations by IAF and FASF fighters.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited Air Force Station Jodhpur along with the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain. The visitors were received by Air Marshal SK Ghotia PVSM VSM AOC-in-C SWAC.

CAS interacted with members of IAF and FASF contingents. He expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of 4 days.

He also commended the planning, operational, and maintenance staff from both sides for the smooth and safe conduct of the exercise. CAS wished the FASF contingent the very best for the next phase of their Skyros deployment.

The Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force on Saturday concluded the joint military exercise Ex Desert Knight 2021, which was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force on Saturday concluded the joint military exercise Ex Desert Knight 2021, which was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. “A first of its kind bilateral exercise (Ex DK-21), Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF undertook complex missions including Large Force Engagements,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a release. The ministry said that combat enablers included AWACS, AEW&C aircraft of the IAF as well as A400M and A330 based MRTT (Medium Range Tanker and Transport) aircraft of the FASF. Both Air Forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet, the release said. Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on 21st January 2021 and interacted with participating forces. He also flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the FASF contingent leader where he was given an overview on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed air-to-air refuelling operations by IAF and FASF fighters. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited Air Force Station Jodhpur along with the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain. The visitors were received by Air Marshal SK Ghotia PVSM VSM AOC-in-C SWAC. CAS interacted with members of IAF and FASF contingents. He expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of 4 days. He also commended the planning, operational, and maintenance staff from both sides for the smooth and safe conduct of the exercise. CAS wished the FASF contingent the very best for the next phase of their Skyros deployment.

IAF, French Air Force conclude Ex Desert Knight 2021

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo.

The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November.

The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number.

The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity."

Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks--&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC).

Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

&nbsp;

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months.

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November. The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number. The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity." Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks-- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

India-China talks: 9th round of military negotiations to take place on Sunday

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh.

India's market potential is no secret. When internet exploded in the country in the first half of the century Silicon Valley CEOs rushed to India to profit from the market.

Today, at least 241 million Indians use Facebook. The company's revenue grew 43% in FY 20'. Google's profit increased 24% in FY 20'

India is home to the world's largest digital literacy programme. But in India,&nbsp;tech companies have a free run. There is no awareness or concern about the threat posed by big tech.

India is doing nothing to regulate them. To check their anti-trust approaches, their anti-competitive behaviour, or to break their monopoly. In December 2019, India finally introduced the data protection bill. One year on, it is gathering dust. Even if it is passed, it may not be able to address real problems.

For example, the bill says- the person to whom a data relates should be given the right to control it. In other words, the data can only be processed with the consent of its owner. This is a fair point. But in India, we give away consent for our data in return of discounts and free apps.

India needs laws that can identify loopholes and plug them. India needs laws that can be applied and enforced. Laws- that have provisions for exemplary punishment.

In 2018, India's Competition Commission probed Google, for abusing its dominance online. The complaint was filed by Consim Info,&nbsp;the parent company of a matrimonial site.

Google was found guilty. It was fined 136 crore rupees.

Google appealed. And by all accounts that WION have been able to access, Google hasn't paid the fine, nor has it fixed its ways. It is still playing unfair.

India's competition commission has also not been able to do much to check the monopoly of Big Tech.

Silicon valley companies have abused India's regulatory gaps. They have built a wall of opacity and untouchability around them. There is no clarity on any of their policies.

In another example, Twitter India had temporarily blocked the account of India's Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2020.

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology recently quizzed Twitter about it. The tech giant reportedly said the minister's account had to be blocked because of a copyright issue with a picture.

Earlier it had said that there was 'inadvertent error' under its copyright policies. By the end of the grilling session, India's lawmakers agreed- that the country's existing laws need to be updated. India needs laws that are proactive, not reactive.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation has booked Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research Limited. For illegally harvesting data of Indian users. The data theft was authorised by Facebook.

Nearly 6 lakh Indian Facebook users are expected to have been hit.

All this could have been avoided if India had the necessary frameworks in place.

WhatsApp spoke of privacy policy for Indian users some days ago. Why didn't Whatsapp's parent company Facebook did not dare think of such a policy for Europe? The answer is Europe's tough law-- the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) India doesn't have anything like it

Another reason why India needs tougher laws is illiteracy. The fake news and hate speeches that cannot be spread in letters, are being circulated through videos. Mediums like WhatsApp have penetrated every layer of Indian society. They have become a threat.

India should come up with tough laws to prevent corporate abuse of power. To prevent bundling of products. To ensure 'Made in India' companies are not booted out of the market or acquired by the big 4

The pandemic has forced more companies and consumers to go online. The worldwide web is not the future anymore. It is the present. India needs to keep up with this digital reality.

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh.

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh. India's market potential is no secret. When internet exploded in the country in the first half of the century Silicon Valley CEOs rushed to India to profit from the market. Today, at least 241 million Indians use Facebook. The company's revenue grew 43% in FY 20'. Google's profit increased 24% in FY 20' India is home to the world's largest digital literacy programme. But in India, tech companies have a free run. There is no awareness or concern about the threat posed by big tech. India is doing nothing to regulate them. To check their anti-trust approaches, their anti-competitive behaviour, or to break their monopoly. In December 2019, India finally introduced the data protection bill. One year on, it is gathering dust. Even if it is passed, it may not be able to address real problems. For example, the bill says- the person to whom a data relates should be given the right to control it. In other words, the data can only be processed with the consent of its owner. This is a fair point. But in India, we give away consent for our data in return of discounts and free apps. India needs laws that can identify loopholes and plug them. India needs laws that can be applied and enforced. Laws- that have provisions for exemplary punishment. In 2018, India's Competition Commission probed Google, for abusing its dominance online. The complaint was filed by Consim Info, the parent company of a matrimonial site. Google was found guilty. It was fined 136 crore rupees. Google appealed. And by all accounts that WION have been able to access, Google hasn't paid the fine, nor has it fixed its ways. It is still playing unfair. India's competition commission has also not been able to do much to check the monopoly of Big Tech. Silicon valley companies have abused India's regulatory gaps. They have built a wall of opacity and untouchability around them. There is no clarity on any of their policies. In another example, Twitter India had temporarily blocked the account of India's Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2020. India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology recently quizzed Twitter about it. The tech giant reportedly said the minister's account had to be blocked because of a copyright issue with a picture. Earlier it had said that there was 'inadvertent error' under its copyright policies. By the end of the grilling session, India's lawmakers agreed- that the country's existing laws need to be updated. India needs laws that are proactive, not reactive. India's Central Bureau of Investigation has booked Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research Limited. For illegally harvesting data of Indian users. The data theft was authorised by Facebook. Nearly 6 lakh Indian Facebook users are expected to have been hit. All this could have been avoided if India had the necessary frameworks in place. WhatsApp spoke of privacy policy for Indian users some days ago. Why didn't Whatsapp's parent company Facebook did not dare think of such a policy for Europe? The answer is Europe's tough law-- the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) India doesn't have anything like it Another reason why India needs tougher laws is illiteracy. The fake news and hate speeches that cannot be spread in letters, are being circulated through videos. Mediums like WhatsApp have penetrated every layer of Indian society. They have become a threat. India should come up with tough laws to prevent corporate abuse of power. To prevent bundling of products. To ensure 'Made in India' companies are not booted out of the market or acquired by the big 4 The pandemic has forced more companies and consumers to go online. The worldwide web is not the future anymore. It is the present. India needs to keep up with this digital reality.

India needs tougher laws to rein in Big Tech

The Central Government can revamp the structure of India's import tariff structure in Union Budget 2021 to provide lower duty on large&nbsp;inputs, especially those used in products that are exported while keeping levies high on exported goods, in a bid to boost local manufacturing.

India&nbsp;is considering hiking import duties by 5-10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;on more than 50 items including smartphones, electronic components and appliances in the upcoming budget, as per sources.

The move to increase import duties is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's self-reliant&nbsp;India&nbsp;campaign that aims to promote and support domestic manufacturing, said three government sources privy to the discussions.

One of the sources said the government was seeking to target additional revenue of about 200 billion to 210 billion rupees ($2.7 billion to $2.8 billion) from the moves, as it looks to shore up revenue amidst the pandemic-driven slowdown that has stung the economy.

Two of the government sources also said the duty hikes could impact furniture and electric vehicles, potentially hurting the likes of Swedish furniture maker Ikea and Tesla, which is planning to launch its cars in&nbsp;India&nbsp;this year.

The officials, however, did not specify how much of a hike was planned on furniture and electric vehicles.

Both Ikea and Tesla executives have previously expressed concerns about the steep duty structure their products already face in&nbsp;India.

The list of items likely to attract steeper duties is set to include appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners too, three of the sources said.

The finance ministry could not be reached by telephone and did not reply to an email seeking comments.

India's finance minister will on February&nbsp;1 unveil the government's annual federal budget for the 2021-22 financial year, which begins April 1.

The sources said the proposals may still be tweaked further before they are finalised.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the budget on February&nbsp;1 amid the shadow of a projected economic contraction of 7.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;for the current fiscal year.

India&nbsp;has in recent years taken a series of measures that industry executives say discriminate against foreign companies. Government officials say such taxes are essential to promote&nbsp;India&nbsp;as a destination for local manufacturing and to support domestic businesses.

"This is part of revenue-raising and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant&nbsp;India) plan," said one of the government sources.

Last year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;raised import taxes on a wide range of products such as footwear, furniture, toys, electrical and electronics items by up to 20%.

The Central Government can revamp the structure of India's import tariff structure in Union Budget 2021 to provide lower duty on large inputs, especially those used in products that are exported while keeping levies high on exported goods, in a bid to boost local manufacturing.

The Central Government can revamp the structure of India's import tariff structure in Union Budget 2021 to provide lower duty on large inputs, especially those used in products that are exported while keeping levies high on exported goods, in a bid to boost local manufacturing. India is considering hiking import duties by 5-10 per cent on more than 50 items including smartphones, electronic components and appliances in the upcoming budget, as per sources. The move to increase import duties is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's self-reliant India campaign that aims to promote and support domestic manufacturing, said three government sources privy to the discussions. One of the sources said the government was seeking to target additional revenue of about 200 billion to 210 billion rupees ($2.7 billion to $2.8 billion) from the moves, as it looks to shore up revenue amidst the pandemic-driven slowdown that has stung the economy. Two of the government sources also said the duty hikes could impact furniture and electric vehicles, potentially hurting the likes of Swedish furniture maker Ikea and Tesla, which is planning to launch its cars in India this year. The officials, however, did not specify how much of a hike was planned on furniture and electric vehicles. Both Ikea and Tesla executives have previously expressed concerns about the steep duty structure their products already face in India. The list of items likely to attract steeper duties is set to include appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners too, three of the sources said. The finance ministry could not be reached by telephone and did not reply to an email seeking comments. India's finance minister will on February 1 unveil the government's annual federal budget for the 2021-22 financial year, which begins April 1. The sources said the proposals may still be tweaked further before they are finalised. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the budget on February 1 amid the shadow of a projected economic contraction of 7.7 per cent for the current fiscal year. India has in recent years taken a series of measures that industry executives say discriminate against foreign companies. Government officials say such taxes are essential to promote India as a destination for local manufacturing and to support domestic businesses. "This is part of revenue-raising and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) plan," said one of the government sources. Last year, India raised import taxes on a wide range of products such as footwear, furniture, toys, electrical and electronics items by up to 20%.

Union Budget 2021: Government may raise duty on finished goods and imports

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