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Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Jacome is the first foreign envoy to be part of phase 3 covid vaccine trials in India. Covaxin recently got approval from India's drug regulator.

Ambassador Jacome hasn't exhibited any "secondary effects" of the vaccine so far and exclusively told WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant&nbsp;Sibbal that his country is on the lookout for an 'efficient, secure, and affordable' vaccine. He explained that he wants "to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work."

The envoy had visited Hyderabad last month as part of the foreign envoys' delegation to visit India's COVID vaccine centers.&nbsp; 
Interestingly, his wife also took part in the clinical trials and has termed the entire exercise "safe".

WION: How do you see the COVID situation globally, in Latin America but also how India has taken action?

Hector Cueva Jacome: I made a lot of research. And what is happening in the world? Normally in the western media, my counterparts say take care, they have more than 11 million cases in India, they are scared.&nbsp;

I tell, yes India has 11 million but you need to see all the picture. You have 11 million cases; you only have 3 lakh active cases. 97 per cent of cases are recovered, this is a huge number. India is very successful in containing the pandemic. You have a rate of 1.46 per cent of dead people, the lowest in the world. You are doing a lot of tests, you are doing well. When the pandemic started here in India, you did not have enough ventilators, now many countries are producing ventilators.&nbsp;

You have the medicines and in future, vaccines. In other countries, in Latin America, you had some problems. During the lockdown, during quarantine, many did come up with solutions to problems. You see the problems in Europe.&nbsp;

India is not the only example of good management of COVID-19, see what is happening in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda. They are doing a very well job in combating COVID-19. India is doing well.

WION: You took part in clinical trials when it comes to Covaxin, if you can tell us the reason you opted in, what prompted this decision of yours...

Hector Cueva Jacome: I am participating in medical trials. So, I don't know, if a got the vaccine. You have to remember that, in this medical trial, under the process, participants don't know if they got the vaccine or the placebo.&nbsp;

I don't know if it was a vaccine or placebo. That was 2-3 days ago when we got the injection. We have to wait for 28 days, to get the second dose. Then I have to wait for 14 days and get a blood test. Then I will get to know was it a vaccine or placebo.&nbsp;

I participated in medical trials and it is the best way to show my trust and confidence in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the Indian vaccine industry. It was a pre-mediated decision.&nbsp;

When I sent all the details of phase 1, phase 2 to my friends, scientist friends in the US, Ecuador, in India they tell me, the vaccine is safe. It was not yesterday, I decided to be part of the medical trials. I want to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work.

WION: Are you Confident of the Indian vaccine?

Hector Cueva Jacome: Let us focus on the vaccine industry. Almost 33 per cent or more vaccines all over the world are produced in India. So, after this number, you can see industry is working well.&nbsp;

You have, companies and industries like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute that are well known around the world, companies who are very serious and they are not going to do something wrong. The vaccine is not just a business, it is more than that, it is survival. 33 &nbsp;per cent of global vaccines are made in India.

WION: Have you approached the Indian government for the COVID vaccine?

Hector Cueva Jacome: Indian govt is a very good friend of mine and the Ecuadorian govt. They are very generous with my govt. During the beginning of the pandemic, India gave many donations of many medicines to my country. India will be very generous. I contacted people in MEA and in the Indian govt.&nbsp;

First, you need to solve problems here in India, then you have to go forward in other countries. I am sure, Indian vaccines are going to be part of solutions in the future for COVID-19 control.&nbsp;

People used to think, vaccines will be going to clear everything, we need to be more careful about that. COVID-19 is long term, a 10 km race and we need to check in Latin American countries--not only vaccine but also RT PCR tests, affordable test, effective test.&nbsp;

Tests in our country are expensive, here in India you go to any Lab and get RT PCR tests at Rs 800 or $10. In the future here in India, you will produce tests that will give tests in 30 min. Here in India, you will produce a nasal vaccine, by Bharat biotech and SII.&nbsp;

It will be a cheaper vaccine. We are on the right path. I want to tell you something very personal, when I decided to take part in a medical trial, I said to my wife that I will take part, she said, are you going to participate. She said you know, I am participating also. She is the real hero because it is part of my job to try to get solutions to my country, she is a real hero.

WION: Since you were part of the vaccine trial, have any other diplomats also shown any keenness?

Hector Cueva Jacome: You know, people are really interested to know, how was it. If I had secondary effects. We don't have any effects. They are really surprised. Some people yes, want to participate. Let's see what happens.&nbsp;

The trials will finish this week. 25000 volunteers have participated. All the diplomats are keen, interested in the effects, results of phase 3 medical trials of Bharat Biotech COVID vaccine and also SII. Vaccine right now is expensive and we are not a rich country.&nbsp;

We are developing countries, so we need to save our budget and be careful about it. All the countries in Latin America, have an economic disaster.&nbsp;

We need to be careful about the money of our people and govt. Maybe we can have an option, efficient, secure and affordable option for our people, to our region.

WION: Maam, you could have opted out, but you opted in..any reason?

Toya Cardenas Saldarriaga: It is very safe. It is safe for us, this is the reason.

Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.

Ecuador's ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome has expressed his confidence in Indian COVID vaccines, highlighting that are 'part of the solution'. He himself was part of phase-3 trials of Covaxin, the coronavirus vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. Jacome is the first foreign envoy to be part of phase 3 covid vaccine trials in India. Covaxin recently got approval from India's drug regulator. Ambassador Jacome hasn't exhibited any "secondary effects" of the vaccine so far and exclusively told WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibbal that his country is on the lookout for an 'efficient, secure, and affordable' vaccine. He explained that he wants "to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work." The envoy had visited Hyderabad last month as part of the foreign envoys' delegation to visit India's COVID vaccine centers. Interestingly, his wife also took part in the clinical trials and has termed the entire exercise "safe". WION: How do you see the COVID situation globally, in Latin America but also how India has taken action? Hector Cueva Jacome: I made a lot of research. And what is happening in the world? Normally in the western media, my counterparts say take care, they have more than 11 million cases in India, they are scared. I tell, yes India has 11 million but you need to see all the picture. You have 11 million cases; you only have 3 lakh active cases. 97 per cent of cases are recovered, this is a huge number. India is very successful in containing the pandemic. You have a rate of 1.46 per cent of dead people, the lowest in the world. You are doing a lot of tests, you are doing well. When the pandemic started here in India, you did not have enough ventilators, now many countries are producing ventilators. You have the medicines and in future, vaccines. In other countries, in Latin America, you had some problems. During the lockdown, during quarantine, many did come up with solutions to problems. You see the problems in Europe. India is not the only example of good management of COVID-19, see what is happening in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda. They are doing a very well job in combating COVID-19. India is doing well. WION: You took part in clinical trials when it comes to Covaxin, if you can tell us the reason you opted in, what prompted this decision of yours... Hector Cueva Jacome: I am participating in medical trials. So, I don't know, if a got the vaccine. You have to remember that, in this medical trial, under the process, participants don't know if they got the vaccine or the placebo. I don't know if it was a vaccine or placebo. That was 2-3 days ago when we got the injection. We have to wait for 28 days, to get the second dose. Then I have to wait for 14 days and get a blood test. Then I will get to know was it a vaccine or placebo. I participated in medical trials and it is the best way to show my trust and confidence in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the Indian vaccine industry. It was a pre-mediated decision. When I sent all the details of phase 1, phase 2 to my friends, scientist friends in the US, Ecuador, in India they tell me, the vaccine is safe. It was not yesterday, I decided to be part of the medical trials. I want to show my country, the trust and confidence that the vaccine will work. WION: Are you Confident of the Indian vaccine? Hector Cueva Jacome: Let us focus on the vaccine industry. Almost 33 per cent or more vaccines all over the world are produced in India. So, after this number, you can see industry is working well. You have, companies and industries like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute that are well known around the world, companies who are very serious and they are not going to do something wrong. The vaccine is not just a business, it is more than that, it is survival. 33 per cent of global vaccines are made in India. WION: Have you approached the Indian government for the COVID vaccine? Hector Cueva Jacome: Indian govt is a very good friend of mine and the Ecuadorian govt. They are very generous with my govt. During the beginning of the pandemic, India gave many donations of many medicines to my country. India will be very generous. I contacted people in MEA and in the Indian govt. First, you need to solve problems here in India, then you have to go forward in other countries. I am sure, Indian vaccines are going to be part of solutions in the future for COVID-19 control. People used to think, vaccines will be going to clear everything, we need to be more careful about that. COVID-19 is long term, a 10 km race and we need to check in Latin American countries--not only vaccine but also RT PCR tests, affordable test, effective test. Tests in our country are expensive, here in India you go to any Lab and get RT PCR tests at Rs 800 or $10. In the future here in India, you will produce tests that will give tests in 30 min. Here in India, you will produce a nasal vaccine, by Bharat biotech and SII. It will be a cheaper vaccine. We are on the right path. I want to tell you something very personal, when I decided to take part in a medical trial, I said to my wife that I will take part, she said, are you going to participate. She said you know, I am participating also. She is the real hero because it is part of my job to try to get solutions to my country, she is a real hero. WION: Since you were part of the vaccine trial, have any other diplomats also shown any keenness? Hector Cueva Jacome: You know, people are really interested to know, how was it. If I had secondary effects. We don't have any effects. They are really surprised. Some people yes, want to participate. Let's see what happens. The trials will finish this week. 25000 volunteers have participated. All the diplomats are keen, interested in the effects, results of phase 3 medical trials of Bharat Biotech COVID vaccine and also SII. Vaccine right now is expensive and we are not a rich country. We are developing countries, so we need to save our budget and be careful about it. All the countries in Latin America, have an economic disaster. We need to be careful about the money of our people and govt. Maybe we can have an option, efficient, secure and affordable option for our people, to our region. WION: Maam, you could have opted out, but you opted in..any reason? Toya Cardenas Saldarriaga: It is very safe. It is safe for us, this is the reason.

Indian vaccines part of solution: Ecuador envoy who participated in phase 3 Covaxin trials

Soldiers of Indian Army at Karalpura in Kupwara have earned applause online for helping a pregnant woman reach hospital on time for the delivery even as Kashmir remained cut off from the country due to heavy snowfall.

The heavy snowfall has thrown life out of gear across Kashmir Valley this week.

The woman gave birth to a boy at the Karalpura hospital.

Late on Tuesday, the Company Operating Base at Karalpura in Kupwara received a distress call from Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh saying that informed that his wife Shabnam Begum is undergoing labour pain and needs to be evacuated to the hospital immediately.

Also, due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather, neither community health service vehicle nor civil transport was available and the same was possible only after the snow was cleared from the road.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Heavy snow in Kashmir brings unprecedented challenges for citizens, especially in higher reaches. Watch the Soldier &amp; Awam fighting it out together by evacuating a patient to the nearest PHC for medical treatment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyForAwam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyForAwam</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmanHaiMuqam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmanHaiMuqam</a> <a href="https://t.co/DBXPhhh0RP">pic.twitter.com/DBXPhhh0RP</a>
— PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence (@proudhampur) <a href="https://twitter.com/proudhampur/status/1347145485077803008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Understanding the gravity of the situation and the plight of the family, the army troops at Karalpura along with battlefield nursing assistant and medical comforts, reached the spot on time.

The troops escorted the woman and the family for about 2 km in knee-deep snow till the road head, from where she was taken to Karalpura hospital. On reaching the hospital the woman was immediately attended to by the medical staffs which were coordinated beforehand by the Army with the civil administration.

"The family and the civil administration thanked the unit for its humanitarian efforts and recognised the Army as the true friend of Awam at the time of distress. The father came to the Company Operating Base to distribute sweets to all troops after being blessed with a boy," the force said.

The force so far has evacuated more than two dozen pregnant women from the snow-bound areas in Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

Soldiers of Indian Army at Karalpura in Kupwara have earned applause online for helping a pregnant woman reach hospital on time for the delivery even as Kashmir remained cut off from the country due to heavy snowfall.

Soldiers of Indian Army at Karalpura in Kupwara have earned applause online for helping a pregnant woman reach hospital on time for the delivery even as Kashmir remained cut off from the country due to heavy snowfall. The heavy snowfall has thrown life out of gear across Kashmir Valley this week. The woman gave birth to a boy at the Karalpura hospital. Late on Tuesday, the Company Operating Base at Karalpura in Kupwara received a distress call from Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh saying that informed that his wife Shabnam Begum is undergoing labour pain and needs to be evacuated to the hospital immediately. Also, due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather, neither community health service vehicle nor civil transport was available and the same was possible only after the snow was cleared from the road. Heavy snow in Kashmir brings unprecedented challenges for citizens, especially in higher reaches. Watch the Soldier & Awam fighting it out together by evacuating a patient to the nearest PHC for medical treatment. #ArmyForAwam#AmanHaiMuqam pic.twitter.com/DBXPhhh0RP — PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence (@proudhampur) January 7, 2021 × Understanding the gravity of the situation and the plight of the family, the army troops at Karalpura along with battlefield nursing assistant and medical comforts, reached the spot on time. The troops escorted the woman and the family for about 2 km in knee-deep snow till the road head, from where she was taken to Karalpura hospital. On reaching the hospital the woman was immediately attended to by the medical staffs which were coordinated beforehand by the Army with the civil administration. "The family and the civil administration thanked the unit for its humanitarian efforts and recognised the Army as the true friend of Awam at the time of distress. The father came to the Company Operating Base to distribute sweets to all troops after being blessed with a boy," the force said. The force so far has evacuated more than two dozen pregnant women from the snow-bound areas in Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian Army troops carry pregnant woman to hospital in knee-deep snow in Kashmir

Nirav Modi's lawyer raised a British court's judgment blocking the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US on mental health grounds, as the embattled diamond merchant appeared via videolink before a court here on Thursday for a two-day hearing of final submissions in his fight against being extradited to India.

The 49-year-old diamond merchant, facing charges of fraud, money laundering and intimidating witnesses in the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, appeared in the Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Sporting a full beard and dressed casually in a blazer, he followed the proceedings from a room at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London as his counsel raised Monday's judgment which blocks the extradition of Assange to the US on the grounds of his mental health.

In the Assange case, which is currently the subject of appeal, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser had ruled that extradition would be "oppressive by reason of mental harm" as the Australian activist could commit suicide.

"As in the Assange case, the issues here evidentially are the same, the mental condition of Modi and the treatment he would receive given the prison conditions in India," said barrister Clare Montgomery, reiterating that her client's mental health has been deteriorating due to his lengthy incarceration since March 2019.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, sought an adjournment to the proceedings in order to access Modi's mental health records to be independently evaluated by a consultant psychiatrist and appropriate assurances be acquired in terms of his care in India.

"While the issues of mental health are not contested, the consequences of those need cross-examining," said CPS barrister Helen Malcolm, who appeared via video link for the part-remote courtroom settings in place due to the UK's coronavirus lockdown.

The CPS pointed to already existing Indian government assurances in the case as well as the option for Modi to access privately paid for medical treatment, given his offer of millions in the course of several bail applications before the UK courts.

However, District Judge Samuel Goozee turned down the application for adjournment and concluded that the Indian government had "ample opportunity" to respond to five reports presented by defence witness Dr Andrew Forrester, a forensic psychiatrist who examined Modi on several occasions last year and concluded that "coupled with a severe condition of depression, he presents a high risk of suicide albeit not immediately".

The hearing on Thursday went on to focus on the defence team's concluding submissions that several legal bars exist against extraditing Modi to India, including on human rights grounds due to inadequate prison conditions that would fail to provide sufficient anti-suicide measures.

Modi's lawyers also claim that he would not receive a fair trial in India due to the case being politicised by the "ruling BJP", which impacted on the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

On Friday, the CPS will conclude submissions on the prima facie case against Modi in detail, which is expected to complete the final hearings in the case and a judgment expected in a few weeks' time.

At the last full hearing in the case in November 2020, Judge Goozee heard the arguments for and against the admissibility of certain witness statements provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and ruled that the evidence to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against the wanted diamantaire is broadly admissible.

He concluded that he considered himself "bound" by the previous UK court rulings in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya, who has been found to have a case to answer in India in his fraud and money laundering case and awaits a "confidential" legal clearance before UK Home Secretary Priti Patel can consider signing off on his extradition order.

Clare Montgomery, who was also the defence counsel in Mallya's case, has sought to establish that the two cases are "completely different".

Nirav Modi is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the CBI case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of "Letters of Understanding" (LoUs or loan agreements), and the ED case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or "criminal intimidation to cause death" added to the CBI case.

The jeweller has been in prison since he was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down.

The charges against him centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of credit facilities or LoUs in a conspiracy with banking officials.

Nirav Modi's lawyer raised a British court's judgment blocking the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US on mental health grounds, as the embattled diamond merchant appeared via videolink before a court here on Thursday for a two-day hearing of final submissions in his fight against being extradited to India.

Nirav Modi's lawyer raised a British court's judgment blocking the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US on mental health grounds, as the embattled diamond merchant appeared via videolink before a court here on Thursday for a two-day hearing of final submissions in his fight against being extradited to India. The 49-year-old diamond merchant, facing charges of fraud, money laundering and intimidating witnesses in the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, appeared in the Westminster Magistrates' Court. Sporting a full beard and dressed casually in a blazer, he followed the proceedings from a room at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London as his counsel raised Monday's judgment which blocks the extradition of Assange to the US on the grounds of his mental health. In the Assange case, which is currently the subject of appeal, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser had ruled that extradition would be "oppressive by reason of mental harm" as the Australian activist could commit suicide. "As in the Assange case, the issues here evidentially are the same, the mental condition of Modi and the treatment he would receive given the prison conditions in India," said barrister Clare Montgomery, reiterating that her client's mental health has been deteriorating due to his lengthy incarceration since March 2019. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, sought an adjournment to the proceedings in order to access Modi's mental health records to be independently evaluated by a consultant psychiatrist and appropriate assurances be acquired in terms of his care in India. "While the issues of mental health are not contested, the consequences of those need cross-examining," said CPS barrister Helen Malcolm, who appeared via video link for the part-remote courtroom settings in place due to the UK's coronavirus lockdown. The CPS pointed to already existing Indian government assurances in the case as well as the option for Modi to access privately paid for medical treatment, given his offer of millions in the course of several bail applications before the UK courts. However, District Judge Samuel Goozee turned down the application for adjournment and concluded that the Indian government had "ample opportunity" to respond to five reports presented by defence witness Dr Andrew Forrester, a forensic psychiatrist who examined Modi on several occasions last year and concluded that "coupled with a severe condition of depression, he presents a high risk of suicide albeit not immediately". The hearing on Thursday went on to focus on the defence team's concluding submissions that several legal bars exist against extraditing Modi to India, including on human rights grounds due to inadequate prison conditions that would fail to provide sufficient anti-suicide measures. Modi's lawyers also claim that he would not receive a fair trial in India due to the case being politicised by the "ruling BJP", which impacted on the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty. On Friday, the CPS will conclude submissions on the prima facie case against Modi in detail, which is expected to complete the final hearings in the case and a judgment expected in a few weeks' time. At the last full hearing in the case in November 2020, Judge Goozee heard the arguments for and against the admissibility of certain witness statements provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and ruled that the evidence to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against the wanted diamantaire is broadly admissible. He concluded that he considered himself "bound" by the previous UK court rulings in the extradition case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya, who has been found to have a case to answer in India in his fraud and money laundering case and awaits a "confidential" legal clearance before UK Home Secretary Priti Patel can consider signing off on his extradition order. Clare Montgomery, who was also the defence counsel in Mallya's case, has sought to establish that the two cases are "completely different". Nirav Modi is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the CBI case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of "Letters of Understanding" (LoUs or loan agreements), and the ED case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud. He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or "criminal intimidation to cause death" added to the CBI case. The jeweller has been in prison since he was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard and his attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down. The charges against him centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of credit facilities or LoUs in a conspiracy with banking officials.

Nirav Modi's lawyers rely on Julian Assange extradition block for his final hearings in UK

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month. It has been more than 2 years that Pakistan remains at the FATF greylist due to non-fulfilment of its anti-terror financing commitments.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the APJG meeting and next FATF plenary meeting in February 2021".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-sentenced-by-pakistan-court-for-15-years-355381">Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years</a>

Highlighting," It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings."

Lakhvi was sentenced on Friday by a Pakistani court for 15 years for terror financing. He was one of the key masterminds of 26/11, but no action has been taken by Islamabad. Last year, another 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed was sentenced many times by Pakistani court for terror financing, and the warrant for Azhar comes even as at FATF Islamabad claimed no knowledge on his location.

The MEA spokesperson said, "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfill its anti-India agenda."

Adding," It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists."

It is interesting to point out, Pakistan had gone to United Nations Security Council to get "basic expense for both Saeed and Lakhvi. Both are United Nations listed international terrorist. Islamabad had defended the move saying the "exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee".&nbsp;

Asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called basic expenses for provisions such as payment for foodstuff, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment etc. What is shocking is that the basic expense stands at around Pak 1,50,000 rupees a month, an amount that has raised eyebrows in many global capitals including New Delhi.

 
&nbsp;

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month.

India has termed Pakistani actions of the sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and an arrest warrant against Masood Azhar as "routine farcical actions" done just ahead of the FATF meeting due next month. It has been more than 2 years that Pakistan remains at the FATF greylist due to non-fulfilment of its anti-terror financing commitments. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the APJG meeting and next FATF plenary meeting in February 2021". Also read | Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years Highlighting," It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings." Lakhvi was sentenced on Friday by a Pakistani court for 15 years for terror financing. He was one of the key masterminds of 26/11, but no action has been taken by Islamabad. Last year, another 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed was sentenced many times by Pakistani court for terror financing, and the warrant for Azhar comes even as at FATF Islamabad claimed no knowledge on his location. The MEA spokesperson said, "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfill its anti-India agenda." Adding," It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists." It is interesting to point out, Pakistan had gone to United Nations Security Council to get "basic expense for both Saeed and Lakhvi. Both are United Nations listed international terrorist. Islamabad had defended the move saying the "exemption was in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee". Asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called basic expenses for provisions such as payment for foodstuff, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment etc. What is shocking is that the basic expense stands at around Pak 1,50,000 rupees a month, an amount that has raised eyebrows in many global capitals including New Delhi.

India terms Lakhvi sentencing, Masood Azhar arrest warrant 'farcical actions'

India has been assigned the chairmanship of 3 bodies in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India has been given the command of the Taliban Sanctions, Anti-Terrorism Committee.

India to chair 3 key committees of UN Security Council in 2021-22

Lashkar-e-Taiba top commander and key conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, has been sentenced for 15 years by a Pakistani court.

Earlier on January 2, Pakistan counter-terrorism authorities had arrested Lakhvi, on charges of terrorist financing.He was found guilty of extending financial help to terrorists through different umbrella businesses. 
 
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere.

The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The FATF further decided to retain Pakistan on its 'grey list' till February 2021 as it failed to fulfill six key obligations, including failure to take action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.

In 2020, Saeed was sentenced for a collective imprisonment of 36 years on terror financing charges in four cases.

LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was the mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured 300 others after coordinated shootouts and bombings orchestrated by the LeT terrorists for three days across India's financial capital.&nbsp;

The terrorists who came from Pakistan to Mumbai via sea route targeted several locations-- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident and Nariman house and the Nariman House business and residential complex.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Lashkar-e-Taiba top commander and key conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, has been sentenced for 15 years by a Pakistani court. Earlier on January 2, Pakistan counter-terrorism authorities had arrested Lakhvi, on charges of terrorist financing.

Lashkar-e-Taiba top commander and key conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, has been sentenced for 15 years by a Pakistani court. Earlier on January 2, Pakistan counter-terrorism authorities had arrested Lakhvi, on charges of terrorist financing.He was found guilty of extending financial help to terrorists through different umbrella businesses. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere. The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic. The FATF further decided to retain Pakistan on its 'grey list' till February 2021 as it failed to fulfill six key obligations, including failure to take action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. In 2020, Saeed was sentenced for a collective imprisonment of 36 years on terror financing charges in four cases. LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was the mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured 300 others after coordinated shootouts and bombings orchestrated by the LeT terrorists for three days across India's financial capital. The terrorists who came from Pakistan to Mumbai via sea route targeted several locations-- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station, Cama Hospital, Leopold Cafe, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident and Nariman house and the Nariman House business and residential complex. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India fell below 19,000 for the fifth time this month, taking the country's caseload to 1,04,13,417, while the recoveries have surged to 1,00,37,398, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Friday.

A total of 18,139 new infections were reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,50,570 as 234 more people succumbed to the disease during the same period, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,37,398, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.39 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent.

The active COVID-19 caseload remained below three lakh for the 18th consecutive day.

There are 2,25,449 active coronavirus infections in the country, which account for 2.16 per cent of the total caseload, 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 the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,93,36,364 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 7, including 9,35,369 on Thursday.

The 234 new fatalities include 72 from Maharashtra, 25 from Kerala, 19 from Delhi and 18 from West Bengal.

Of the total 1,50,570 COVID-19 deaths reported in the country so far, Maharashtra accounted for 49,897, followed by Tamil Nadu (12,200), Karnataka (12,131), Delhi (10,644), West Bengal (9,881), Uttar Pradesh (8,452), Andhra Pradesh (7,126) and Punjab (5,422).

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India fell below 19,000 for the fifth time this month, taking the country's caseload to 1,04,13,417, while the recoveries have surged to 1,00,37,398, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Friday.

The number of deadly coronavirus cases in India fell below 19,000 for the fifth time this month, taking the country's caseload to 1,04,13,417, while the recoveries have surged to 1,00,37,398, according to data updated by the Union health ministry on Friday. A total of 18,139 new infections were reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,50,570 as 234 more people succumbed to the disease during the same period, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,37,398, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.39 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below three lakh for the 18th consecutive day. There are 2,25,449 active coronavirus infections in the country, which account for 2.16 per cent of the total caseload, 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 the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,93,36,364 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 7, including 9,35,369 on Thursday. The 234 new fatalities include 72 from Maharashtra, 25 from Kerala, 19 from Delhi and 18 from West Bengal. Of the total 1,50,570 COVID-19 deaths reported in the country so far, Maharashtra accounted for 49,897, followed by Tamil Nadu (12,200), Karnataka (12,131), Delhi (10,644), West Bengal (9,881), Uttar Pradesh (8,452), Andhra Pradesh (7,126) and Punjab (5,422). The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to co-morbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

18,139 new Covid-19 cases push India’s tally to 1,04,13,417

The Tamil Nadu Government has informed the Madras High Court that they would work out a solution and come up with a detailed reply by Monday 11th January, pertaining to the permissible seating capacity at the movie theatres ahead of the Pongal festival. The Bench was hearing a writ petition filed by advocate Kannan of Madurai, on behalf of S. Muthu Kumar.&nbsp;

The Madurai bench of the Court had taken up this matter after a Writ Petition was filed against the Tamil Nadu Government’s recent Order that permitted 100% occupancy of seats in cinema halls. The Petitioner had opposed this Order, pointing out the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the fear of the UK Strain of the virus.&nbsp;

The recent order by the Tamil Nadu government had come under fire from various quarters, as it was a public health risk, amid the pandemic. Some big names from the film industry including Arvind Swami had said that continuing with 50% was the apt move. Days after the TN Govt order was issued, the Union Home Secretary had written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, instructing that Central Government’s Unlock Guidelines be followed.&nbsp;

As per the Central Government’s (MHA) latest guidelines, cinema halls must operate with a maximum of 50% seating capacity.&nbsp;

The Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and S Anandi had mentioned that status quo of 50% occupancy must continue in theaters until the State Government announces its decision on Monday. They also acknowledged the suggestion mentioned in the Writ petition, which said that theaters could run more shows, while following Covid-19 protocols, if they found it feasible.

After the pandemic had struck and the lockdown was imposed in March last year, with most films taking the OTT route, theatre owners were a worried lot. While cinema halls were permitted to screen for a 50% audience from November, it meant less patronage, given that there were hardly any new, big-budget films making it to the screens.&nbsp;

The government’s decision to allow 100% occupancy comes following the appeals by theatre owners associations to grant permission for higher occupancy. The major beneficiary of this announcement would be actor Vijay’s film Master, and Simbu’s Easwaran which are slated for a Pongal festive release on January 13th. Master was to hit screens sometime in Summer 2020, but had to be postponed owing to the pandemic and there were even rumors of the film taking the OTT Route.

The Tamil Nadu Government has informed the Madras High Court that they would work out a solution and come up with a detailed reply by Monday 11th January, pertaining to the permissible seating capacity at the movie theatres ahead of the Pongal festival.

The Tamil Nadu Government has informed the Madras High Court that they would work out a solution and come up with a detailed reply by Monday 11th January, pertaining to the permissible seating capacity at the movie theatres ahead of the Pongal festival. The Bench was hearing a writ petition filed by advocate Kannan of Madurai, on behalf of S. Muthu Kumar. The Madurai bench of the Court had taken up this matter after a Writ Petition was filed against the Tamil Nadu Government’s recent Order that permitted 100% occupancy of seats in cinema halls. The Petitioner had opposed this Order, pointing out the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the fear of the UK Strain of the virus. The recent order by the Tamil Nadu government had come under fire from various quarters, as it was a public health risk, amid the pandemic. Some big names from the film industry including Arvind Swami had said that continuing with 50% was the apt move. Days after the TN Govt order was issued, the Union Home Secretary had written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, instructing that Central Government’s Unlock Guidelines be followed. As per the Central Government’s (MHA) latest guidelines, cinema halls must operate with a maximum of 50% seating capacity. The Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and S Anandi had mentioned that status quo of 50% occupancy must continue in theaters until the State Government announces its decision on Monday. They also acknowledged the suggestion mentioned in the Writ petition, which said that theaters could run more shows, while following Covid-19 protocols, if they found it feasible. After the pandemic had struck and the lockdown was imposed in March last year, with most films taking the OTT route, theatre owners were a worried lot. While cinema halls were permitted to screen for a 50% audience from November, it meant less patronage, given that there were hardly any new, big-budget films making it to the screens. The government’s decision to allow 100% occupancy comes following the appeals by theatre owners associations to grant permission for higher occupancy. The major beneficiary of this announcement would be actor Vijay’s film Master, and Simbu’s Easwaran which are slated for a Pongal festive release on January 13th. Master was to hit screens sometime in Summer 2020, but had to be postponed owing to the pandemic and there were even rumors of the film taking the OTT Route.

50% seating capacity to continue in Tamil Nadu cinema halls; Govt decision expected on Monday

A new draft policy on science and technology has proposed up to 25 percent lateral recruitment of scientists in related ministries.

The purpose is to attract domain experts who are needed in science-related ministries to handle issues related to emerging technologies and advancements, according to officials.

According to the draft Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020, these could be scientists with domain expertise in different fields either from autonomous institutions or the private field.

“Lateral recruitment (minimum 25 percent) of professionals and subject matter experts will be mandated in all scientific ministries for a finite duration with comparable roles, responsibilities and empowerment to a regular official,” the draft policy states.

Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said experts are needed in ministries as science progresses and new technologies emerge.

“In scientific ministries and departments when scientists are recruited, over a period of time, they are not able to practise science. Many a time, there are expert groups from outside the ministry or department that are formed for a specific field depending on the need,” Sharma said.

The purpose behind the proposed lateral recruitment is to attract domain experts. "So, they can spend more time in the ministries/ departments and deal with subjects of their expertise,” Sharma said.

In science-related ministries and departments, the position for the top post is mostly advertised. However, if the draft policy is accepted, this can lead to the lateral entry of experts at the mid-level.

Currently, domain experts can apply for posts in autonomous institutions of the scientific ministries.

The DST, along with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, started the process of formulating the STIP 2020 last year. The policy was to be out by the year-end but has been slightly delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The draft STIP has been uploaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on its website. The DST has also invited suggestions, inputs and comments for making changes by January 25.

Addressing reporters, Akhilesh Gupta, Head of the STIP Secretariat, said over 300 rounds of consultation took place while drafting the policy. More than one lakh emails were received during the drafting of the policy, he said.

“There was a wide range of consultation that has taken place. The youngest person was a 10-year-old and the oldest was an 85-year-old. &nbsp;We also took great care to have at least one-third women scientists in every consultation we organised,” Gupta added.

For the first time, the states as well the diaspora were consulted in making the science policy, he noted.

The entire process of drafting a policy was completed in a year, Gupta said.

A new draft policy on science and technology has proposed up to 25 percent lateral recruitment of scientists in related ministries. The purpose is to attract domain experts who are needed in science-related ministries to handle issues related to emerging technologies and advancements, according to officials.

A new draft policy on science and technology has proposed up to 25 percent lateral recruitment of scientists in related ministries. The purpose is to attract domain experts who are needed in science-related ministries to handle issues related to emerging technologies and advancements, according to officials. According to the draft Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020, these could be scientists with domain expertise in different fields either from autonomous institutions or the private field. “Lateral recruitment (minimum 25 percent) of professionals and subject matter experts will be mandated in all scientific ministries for a finite duration with comparable roles, responsibilities and empowerment to a regular official,” the draft policy states. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said experts are needed in ministries as science progresses and new technologies emerge. “In scientific ministries and departments when scientists are recruited, over a period of time, they are not able to practise science. Many a time, there are expert groups from outside the ministry or department that are formed for a specific field depending on the need,” Sharma said. The purpose behind the proposed lateral recruitment is to attract domain experts. "So, they can spend more time in the ministries/ departments and deal with subjects of their expertise,” Sharma said. In science-related ministries and departments, the position for the top post is mostly advertised. However, if the draft policy is accepted, this can lead to the lateral entry of experts at the mid-level. Currently, domain experts can apply for posts in autonomous institutions of the scientific ministries. The DST, along with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, started the process of formulating the STIP 2020 last year. The policy was to be out by the year-end but has been slightly delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The draft STIP has been uploaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on its website. The DST has also invited suggestions, inputs and comments for making changes by January 25. Addressing reporters, Akhilesh Gupta, Head of the STIP Secretariat, said over 300 rounds of consultation took place while drafting the policy. More than one lakh emails were received during the drafting of the policy, he said. “There was a wide range of consultation that has taken place. The youngest person was a 10-year-old and the oldest was an 85-year-old. We also took great care to have at least one-third women scientists in every consultation we organised,” Gupta added. For the first time, the states as well the diaspora were consulted in making the science policy, he noted. The entire process of drafting a policy was completed in a year, Gupta said.

Proposal for lateral entry of scientists in related ministries in the new science policy 

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,16,859, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent.

The number of active COVID-19 cases remained below three lakh for the 17th consecutive day.

There are 2,28,083 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, 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 the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,84,00,995 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 6, including 9,37,590 on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,16,859, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent. The number of active COVID-19 cases remained below three lakh for the 17th consecutive day. There are 2,28,083 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, 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 the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,84,00,995 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 6, including 9,37,590 on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

20,346 new Covid-19 cases push India's tally to 1,03,95,278

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games"

Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ties-with-pakistan-at-historic-low-says-french-presidents-top-diplomatic-advisor-355209">Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor</a>

Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi.

The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council."

France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period.

Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately."

Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games" Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games." Also read | Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi. The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council." France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period. Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately." Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French Prez's top advisor extends support to India at UNSC, says Paris did not allow Chinese 'games' at the council

India has underlined its commitment to supporting African countries "as per African priorities and without conditionalities", Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday, stressing that the full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised.

India welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world, he said while speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on "Maintenance of international peace and security: Challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts.''

"We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities," Shringla said.

India will continue to support Africa's aspirations and work towards empowering it for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency and socio-economic development with dignity and respect, he said.

Shringla said that this is in keeping with the "Ten Guiding Principles of India''s engagement with Africa", as enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to Parliament of Uganda in July 2018.

He underscored that full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised.

"We should recognise the primacy of national governments and national ownership in identifying and driving priorities, strategies and activities for sustaining peace," he said.

Mr Shringla told the Council that the regional impact of fragility is often underestimated.

"Fragile states have a direct negative spill over effect on neighbouring states, including that of refugee flows, safe havens for terrorists, organised crime, epidemics, weapons trafficking among others. Climate change, water scarcity and resource wars are adding new dimensions to the existing complexity," he said.

India also stressed that there is a strong correlation of the state's fragility with poverty; terrorism, radicalism and violent extremism; pandemics; or the predations of regional powers and international actors.

Shringla highlighted that the international community must not fail to acknowledge that the legacy of colonialism constitutes the foundational basis of the current instabilities that plague the African continent.

He cautioned that "we should not paint all fragility issues with the same brush. We are primarily concerned with situations directly affecting the maintenance of international peace and security."

Noting that while democracy is "undoubtedly" gaining ground in Africa, especially through peaceful transfers of power, Shringla pointed out that African countries, particularly in the Sahel, Central Africa and the Horn of Africa continue to face complex challenges.

"The principal driving factors are chronic political instability; weak governance structures; institutional weaknesses; ethnic divisions; and the presence of terrorist and armed groups," he said, adding that over-exploitation of diminishing resources, mainly in the Lake Chad basin and Great Lakes region, are also exacerbating the problem.

He voiced concern that the Libyan conflict and resulting instability continue to have a negative impact on its neighbours and that the COVID-19 pandemic has only made the situation worse in some countries.

Voicing concern that Africa today is facing serious challenges posed by the growth of terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, Mr Shringla said initiatives such as AMISOM, G-5 Sahel Joint Force and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) need more robust support from the Security Council and the international community.

He also stressed that the Security Council needs to introspect that while more than half of the country issues on the Council's agenda pertain to Africa, the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership to defend its own interests.

"We need to correct this historical anomaly, and collectively support the Ezulwini consensus," he said.

Reflecting on fragile situations, particularly in the African continent, Mr Shringla pointed out that the Security Council should remain respectful of the regional approach adopted by countries, in collaboration with regional organisations to address common challenges.

The collaboration between the UN and the African Union and sub-regional organisations has yielded positive results, he said.

There is need to ensure that the UN and its presence on the ground, its Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, are sufficiently mandated and resourced to implement a comprehensive understanding of peace and security, he said.

"Having contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping in Africa for six decades, we have seen how peacekeeping missions are struggling to implement ambitious mandates. Peacekeeping missions should have a clear and well thought out exit strategy," Shringla said.

Highlighting India's strong development partnership with Africa, Mr Shringla said New Delhi has reached out to 43 African countries; executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries; and around 77 projects are under execution with a total outlay of 12.86 billion dollars.

India supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to the call of Secretary General Antonio Guterres, India has upgraded its peacekeeping hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan during the peak of the pandemic.

India has underlined its commitment to supporting African countries "as per African priorities and without conditionalities", Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday, stressing that the full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised.

India has underlined its commitment to supporting African countries "as per African priorities and without conditionalities", Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday, stressing that the full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised. India welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world, he said while speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on "Maintenance of international peace and security: Challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts.'' "We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities," Shringla said. India will continue to support Africa's aspirations and work towards empowering it for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency and socio-economic development with dignity and respect, he said. Shringla said that this is in keeping with the "Ten Guiding Principles of India''s engagement with Africa", as enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to Parliament of Uganda in July 2018. He underscored that full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised. "We should recognise the primacy of national governments and national ownership in identifying and driving priorities, strategies and activities for sustaining peace," he said. Mr Shringla told the Council that the regional impact of fragility is often underestimated. "Fragile states have a direct negative spill over effect on neighbouring states, including that of refugee flows, safe havens for terrorists, organised crime, epidemics, weapons trafficking among others. Climate change, water scarcity and resource wars are adding new dimensions to the existing complexity," he said. India also stressed that there is a strong correlation of the state's fragility with poverty; terrorism, radicalism and violent extremism; pandemics; or the predations of regional powers and international actors. Shringla highlighted that the international community must not fail to acknowledge that the legacy of colonialism constitutes the foundational basis of the current instabilities that plague the African continent. He cautioned that "we should not paint all fragility issues with the same brush. We are primarily concerned with situations directly affecting the maintenance of international peace and security." Noting that while democracy is "undoubtedly" gaining ground in Africa, especially through peaceful transfers of power, Shringla pointed out that African countries, particularly in the Sahel, Central Africa and the Horn of Africa continue to face complex challenges. "The principal driving factors are chronic political instability; weak governance structures; institutional weaknesses; ethnic divisions; and the presence of terrorist and armed groups," he said, adding that over-exploitation of diminishing resources, mainly in the Lake Chad basin and Great Lakes region, are also exacerbating the problem. He voiced concern that the Libyan conflict and resulting instability continue to have a negative impact on its neighbours and that the COVID-19 pandemic has only made the situation worse in some countries. Voicing concern that Africa today is facing serious challenges posed by the growth of terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, Mr Shringla said initiatives such as AMISOM, G-5 Sahel Joint Force and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) need more robust support from the Security Council and the international community. He also stressed that the Security Council needs to introspect that while more than half of the country issues on the Council's agenda pertain to Africa, the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership to defend its own interests. "We need to correct this historical anomaly, and collectively support the Ezulwini consensus," he said. Reflecting on fragile situations, particularly in the African continent, Mr Shringla pointed out that the Security Council should remain respectful of the regional approach adopted by countries, in collaboration with regional organisations to address common challenges. The collaboration between the UN and the African Union and sub-regional organisations has yielded positive results, he said. There is need to ensure that the UN and its presence on the ground, its Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, are sufficiently mandated and resourced to implement a comprehensive understanding of peace and security, he said. "Having contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping in Africa for six decades, we have seen how peacekeeping missions are struggling to implement ambitious mandates. Peacekeeping missions should have a clear and well thought out exit strategy," Shringla said. Highlighting India's strong development partnership with Africa, Mr Shringla said New Delhi has reached out to 43 African countries; executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries; and around 77 projects are under execution with a total outlay of 12.86 billion dollars. India supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to the call of Secretary General Antonio Guterres, India has upgraded its peacekeeping hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan during the peak of the pandemic.

We support Africa's empowerment with transparency, inclusivity: India at UN

Bird Flu has got authorities in various Indian states on alert. The country, still battling with coronavirus pandemic clearly does not want another health crisis. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has said on Wednesday that avian influenza had been reported from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala at 12 epicentres

Uttar Pradesh

Nine crows were found dead in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district, amid cases of avian influenza in neighbouring Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, but officials said it seems like the birds died due to cold.

The deaths were reported on Wednesday evening from the Dala area of the district and samples taken from two of the birds have been sent to a lab in Bhopal for testing, Chief Veterinary Officer, Sonbhadra, A K Srivastava said on Thursday.

Expert teams have been formed to inspect poultry farms and wetlands in Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), District Magistrate Suhas L Y said on Thursday, cautioning people not to fall for social media rumours regarding bird flu. The district magistrate had on Wednesday also held a meeting with senior administration, veterinary, forest and health officials to review the avian influenza situation.

Suhas said he has directed departments concerned to gear up to deal with any situation and follow the guidelines and alerts being issued by the Centre and the state government.

"There is no case (of bird flu) here yet and these measures are being put in place as a precaution," he told reporters.

Karnataka

Amid the scare of bird flu in the country, six crows have died in Karnataka`s Dakshina Kannada district and their samples have been sent for testing. State Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said the government has taken all safety measures and there is no need to panic.&nbsp; 
"Six crows died in Dakshina Kannada district, samples sent for testing. Precautionary measures have been taken in border districts to prevent bird flu," Sudhakar said.

The minister asserted: "We should not spread unnecessary panic as lakhs of students are attending schools. The government has taken all safety measures."

Madhya Pradesh

In view of the bird flu outbreak, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned chicken trade with southern states for next 10 days.&nbsp; 
"We are keeping an eye on bird flu and have issued the guideline for poultry farms. We have banned the supply of chicken from the southern states to Madhya Pradesh for the next 10 days. We are taking precautions," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told media

Maharashtra

After many states reported cases of bird flu, the Maharashtra government has issued a red alert in the state and asked the district officials to keep a strict vigil, said state`s Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar on Thursday.Speaking to ANI, Kedar informed that till today no case of bird flu has been reported in Maharashtra."

Gujarat

Four crows were found dead in Gujarat's Mehsana district on Thursday, amid an alert sounded in the state in view of the bird flu cases emerging in some other parts of the country, officials said.

The crows were found dead in the premises of the famous Sun Temple in Modhera village of Mehsana.

The carcasses have been sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory to check if they died due to bird flu or some other reason, Mehsana's animal husbandry officer Dr Bharat Desai told PTI.

 
Kerala

A three-member central team arrived in Kerala on Thursday to assess the situation arising out of outbreak of bird flu in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, official sources said.

The team comprising Union Health Ministry's public health specialist Dr Ruchi Jain, Pune National Institute of Virology scientist Dr Shailesh Pawar and Delhi RML Hospital physician Dr Anith Jindal held discussions with district authorities at the collectoratehere, they said.

The state governments in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Punjab have said that no case of bird flu has been detected in their respective state so far. However, the governments are taking all precautionary measures to deal with any possible outbreak.

Bird Flu has got authorities in various Indian states on alert. The country, still battling with coronavirus pandemic clearly does not want another health crisis.

Bird Flu has got authorities in various Indian states on alert. The country, still battling with coronavirus pandemic clearly does not want another health crisis. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has said on Wednesday that avian influenza had been reported from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala at 12 epicentres Uttar Pradesh Nine crows were found dead in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district, amid cases of avian influenza in neighbouring Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, but officials said it seems like the birds died due to cold. The deaths were reported on Wednesday evening from the Dala area of the district and samples taken from two of the birds have been sent to a lab in Bhopal for testing, Chief Veterinary Officer, Sonbhadra, A K Srivastava said on Thursday. Expert teams have been formed to inspect poultry farms and wetlands in Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), District Magistrate Suhas L Y said on Thursday, cautioning people not to fall for social media rumours regarding bird flu. The district magistrate had on Wednesday also held a meeting with senior administration, veterinary, forest and health officials to review the avian influenza situation. Suhas said he has directed departments concerned to gear up to deal with any situation and follow the guidelines and alerts being issued by the Centre and the state government. "There is no case (of bird flu) here yet and these measures are being put in place as a precaution," he told reporters. Karnataka Amid the scare of bird flu in the country, six crows have died in Karnataka`s Dakshina Kannada district and their samples have been sent for testing. State Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said the government has taken all safety measures and there is no need to panic. "Six crows died in Dakshina Kannada district, samples sent for testing. Precautionary measures have been taken in border districts to prevent bird flu," Sudhakar said. The minister asserted: "We should not spread unnecessary panic as lakhs of students are attending schools. The government has taken all safety measures." Madhya Pradesh In view of the bird flu outbreak, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned chicken trade with southern states for next 10 days. "We are keeping an eye on bird flu and have issued the guideline for poultry farms. We have banned the supply of chicken from the southern states to Madhya Pradesh for the next 10 days. We are taking precautions," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told media Maharashtra After many states reported cases of bird flu, the Maharashtra government has issued a red alert in the state and asked the district officials to keep a strict vigil, said state`s Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar on Thursday.Speaking to ANI, Kedar informed that till today no case of bird flu has been reported in Maharashtra." Gujarat Four crows were found dead in Gujarat's Mehsana district on Thursday, amid an alert sounded in the state in view of the bird flu cases emerging in some other parts of the country, officials said. The crows were found dead in the premises of the famous Sun Temple in Modhera village of Mehsana. The carcasses have been sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory to check if they died due to bird flu or some other reason, Mehsana's animal husbandry officer Dr Bharat Desai told PTI. Kerala A three-member central team arrived in Kerala on Thursday to assess the situation arising out of outbreak of bird flu in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, official sources said. The team comprising Union Health Ministry's public health specialist Dr Ruchi Jain, Pune National Institute of Virology scientist Dr Shailesh Pawar and Delhi RML Hospital physician Dr Anith Jindal held discussions with district authorities at the collectoratehere, they said. The state governments in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Punjab have said that no case of bird flu has been detected in their respective state so far. However, the governments are taking all precautionary measures to deal with any possible outbreak.

Bird Flu: Indian states on alert, take precautionary measures

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has ordered notice to the Central, State Governments, Google, RBI among other institutions regarding the spate in cases of Online money lending at high interest rates via mobile apps. Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and S Anandi had remarked that foreign money circulating without RBI permission, the methods of recovering the loans represented a sorry state of affairs.&nbsp;

The Public Interest Litigation(PIL) filed by lawyer S.Muthu Kumar highlighted the manner in which people were falling prey to online lending/loan apps, that charge a very high interest rate, that too without any approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It added that the apps were being uploaded and downloaded from the Google Play Store without background verification regarding their RBI approvals.

Representing the petitioner, advocate A.Kannan pointed out that advertisements of such apps appeared while using smartphones and instigated users to avail instant loans. When the debtor fails to repay the loan within the prescribed time the tele-callers of the money lending company and their henchmen will start their continuous verbal and physical abuse, which drives the debtor to end their life.&nbsp;

“The recovery teams of such instant money lenders are insulting the debtor by circulating their picture in WhatsApp groups showing them as a “defaulter" which is nothing but infringing the rights of privacy and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of India” read the PIL, mentioning instances of individuals having been forced to take the extreme step.&nbsp;

The PIL appealed to the Court to pass an order restraining Google from hosting online money lending apps which seek exorbitant interest rates, without prior permission from the RBI. It also sought the intervention of the Government authorities to ban instant loan apps available in the Google play store and other websites. It was also pointed out that a special team must be forced to investigate the shell companies providing digital money lending, where Indian nationals are Directors and Chinese companies are promoting them.&nbsp;

The case is expected to be taken up for hearing on February 3rd.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has ordered notice to the Central, State Governments, Google, RBI among other institutions regarding the spate in cases of Online money lending at high interest rates via mobile apps.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has ordered notice to the Central, State Governments, Google, RBI among other institutions regarding the spate in cases of Online money lending at high interest rates via mobile apps. Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and S Anandi had remarked that foreign money circulating without RBI permission, the methods of recovering the loans represented a sorry state of affairs. The Public Interest Litigation(PIL) filed by lawyer S.Muthu Kumar highlighted the manner in which people were falling prey to online lending/loan apps, that charge a very high interest rate, that too without any approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It added that the apps were being uploaded and downloaded from the Google Play Store without background verification regarding their RBI approvals. Representing the petitioner, advocate A.Kannan pointed out that advertisements of such apps appeared while using smartphones and instigated users to avail instant loans. When the debtor fails to repay the loan within the prescribed time the tele-callers of the money lending company and their henchmen will start their continuous verbal and physical abuse, which drives the debtor to end their life. “The recovery teams of such instant money lenders are insulting the debtor by circulating their picture in WhatsApp groups showing them as a “defaulter" which is nothing but infringing the rights of privacy and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of India” read the PIL, mentioning instances of individuals having been forced to take the extreme step. The PIL appealed to the Court to pass an order restraining Google from hosting online money lending apps which seek exorbitant interest rates, without prior permission from the RBI. It also sought the intervention of the Government authorities to ban instant loan apps available in the Google play store and other websites. It was also pointed out that a special team must be forced to investigate the shell companies providing digital money lending, where Indian nationals are Directors and Chinese companies are promoting them. The case is expected to be taken up for hearing on February 3rd.

PIL in Madras High Court seeks ban on Instant Money lending apps sans RBI permit 

India has leaped across a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19 with the cumulative recoveries crossing the 1 crore-mark, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. A total 19,587 patients have recuperated and discharged in a span of 24 hours, taking the total recoveries to 10,016,859.

India's recoveries are the highest in the world.

The gap between active cases and recovered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 97,88,776, the ministry highlighted.

"The recovered cases are 44 times the number of active cases," it said.

The active caseload presently stands at 2,28,083 and comprises merely 2.19 percent of the total infections.

The ministry said that51 percent of the total recovered cases are concentrated in five states -Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 96.36 percent. Following the national pursuit, all states and union territories have recovery rate more than 90 percent.

"India's recovery rate is the highest in the world. Countries with higher caseload are reporting lesser recovery rate than India's," the ministry underlined.

With the expansion in the testing infrastructure, the COVID-19 positivity rate of India has also gone down. The daily positivity rate remains below 3 per cent.

"Seventeen states and UTs have weekly positivity rate more than the national average," the ministry said.

It said 79.08 percent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and union territories.

Kerala continues to lead with 5,110 single-day recoveries, followed by Maharashtra with 2,570 new recoveries.

About 83.88 percent of the new confirmed cases are from 10 states and UTs.

Kerala has reported 6,394 cases in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra recorded 4,382 new cases while Chhattisgarh has registered 1,050 new cases on Wednesday.

A total of 222 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Of these, 67.57 percent are concentrated in six states and UTs.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum single-day deaths (66 deaths). Kerala also saw a fatality count of 25 while West Bengal reported 22 new deaths.

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,03,95,278 with 20,346 infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,50,336 with 222 new fatalities, according to data updated at 8 am.

India has leaped across a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19 with the cumulative recoveries crossing the 1 crore-mark, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

India has leaped across a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19 with the cumulative recoveries crossing the 1 crore-mark, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. A total 19,587 patients have recuperated and discharged in a span of 24 hours, taking the total recoveries to 10,016,859. India's recoveries are the highest in the world. The gap between active cases and recovered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 97,88,776, the ministry highlighted. "The recovered cases are 44 times the number of active cases," it said. The active caseload presently stands at 2,28,083 and comprises merely 2.19 percent of the total infections. The ministry said that51 percent of the total recovered cases are concentrated in five states -Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 96.36 percent. Following the national pursuit, all states and union territories have recovery rate more than 90 percent. "India's recovery rate is the highest in the world. Countries with higher caseload are reporting lesser recovery rate than India's," the ministry underlined. With the expansion in the testing infrastructure, the COVID-19 positivity rate of India has also gone down. The daily positivity rate remains below 3 per cent. "Seventeen states and UTs have weekly positivity rate more than the national average," the ministry said. It said 79.08 percent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and union territories. Kerala continues to lead with 5,110 single-day recoveries, followed by Maharashtra with 2,570 new recoveries. About 83.88 percent of the new confirmed cases are from 10 states and UTs. Kerala has reported 6,394 cases in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra recorded 4,382 new cases while Chhattisgarh has registered 1,050 new cases on Wednesday. A total of 222 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Of these, 67.57 percent are concentrated in six states and UTs. Maharashtra has reported the maximum single-day deaths (66 deaths). Kerala also saw a fatality count of 25 while West Bengal reported 22 new deaths. India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,03,95,278 with 20,346 infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,50,336 with 222 new fatalities, according to data updated at 8 am.

Covid-19 in India: Recovered cases are 44 times number of active cases

India makes a pitch for Africa at UNSC

India could play multiple roles in the post-pandemic world - as the pharmacy of the world, or as one of the many poles of a multi-polar world.

India's outreach programmes include strategic alliances, and significant visits like the one undertaken by India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar, who is currently in Sri Lanka. Jaishankar called on Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss cooperation in the post-pandemic world especially in areas of health and economy.

Dr S&nbsp;Jaishankar also met his Lankan counterpart - Dinesh Gunawardena. India called on Sri Lanka to further the aspirations of Lanka's Tamil minorities. Issues of maritime security and safety also featured in the talks, as did coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/coronavirus-pandemic-could-not-dent-indias-bilateral-cooperation-with-sri-lanka-jaishankar-354831" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic could not dent India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka: Jaishankar</a>

“As two close neighbours with such obvious synergies, the potential for further strengthening our cooperation is enormous. Some of that may help provide immediate relief, others would have very positive medium-term implications for Sri Lanka's development”, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar said.

“During our talks, we focused on multiple areas of mutual cooperation in the identified sectors of economics, finance, trade, commerce, defence, security and fisheries, cultural and particularly on the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and the post-covid era that we are moving (towards)”, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka expressed interest in accessing vaccines from India. “India's neighbourhood first policy has made a positive impact on the health sector and economy during this period of unprecedented crisis”, Gunawardena said.

India has promised vaccines to Bangladesh, and New Delhi has also assured help to Bhutan and Nepal, and has maintained close ties with its neighbours through the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/jaishankar-visits-sri-lanka-as-island-faces-economic-crisis-354679" hreflang="en">Jaishankar visits Sri Lanka as island faces economic crisis</a>

In November 2020, India's Army Chief -&nbsp;General MM Naravane visited Nepal. On December 17 - India's Prime Minister- Narendra Modi held a virtual summit with his Bangladeshi counterpart - Sheikh Hasina. Dr Jaishankar is the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in 2021.

Colombo is critical to the regional geopolitics - given China's influence, and Sri Lanka's location. Beijing has invested nearly $15 billion in Sri Lanka. In 2017, Colombo handed over its Hambantota port to Beijing as a debt swap.

After exporting the virus, China offered a grant of $90 million to Sri Lanka. It also promised an additional $500 million loan - repayable in ten years.

The number of Chinese workers in Sri Lanka is on the rise. For China - debt trapping Sri Lanka means securing a strategic location in the Indian ocean. India views Sri Lanka as a partner - one it shares history, culture and people-to-people relations with.

As India prepares itself for a leadership role in the post-pandemic world, one of its many challenges will be to ensure that its neighbours like Sri Lanka remain free from the clutches of China.

India could play multiple roles in the post-pandemic world - as the pharmacy of the world, or as one of the many poles of a multi-polar world. India's outreach programmes include strategic alliances, and significant visits like the one undertaken by India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar, who is currently in Sri Lanka.

India could play multiple roles in the post-pandemic world - as the pharmacy of the world, or as one of the many poles of a multi-polar world. India's outreach programmes include strategic alliances, and significant visits like the one undertaken by India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar, who is currently in Sri Lanka. Jaishankar called on Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss cooperation in the post-pandemic world especially in areas of health and economy. Dr S Jaishankar also met his Lankan counterpart - Dinesh Gunawardena. India called on Sri Lanka to further the aspirations of Lanka's Tamil minorities. Issues of maritime security and safety also featured in the talks, as did coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic could not dent India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka: Jaishankar “As two close neighbours with such obvious synergies, the potential for further strengthening our cooperation is enormous. Some of that may help provide immediate relief, others would have very positive medium-term implications for Sri Lanka's development”, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar said. “During our talks, we focused on multiple areas of mutual cooperation in the identified sectors of economics, finance, trade, commerce, defence, security and fisheries, cultural and particularly on the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and the post-covid era that we are moving (towards)”, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Sri Lanka expressed interest in accessing vaccines from India. “India's neighbourhood first policy has made a positive impact on the health sector and economy during this period of unprecedented crisis”, Gunawardena said. India has promised vaccines to Bangladesh, and New Delhi has also assured help to Bhutan and Nepal, and has maintained close ties with its neighbours through the pandemic. Also read: Jaishankar visits Sri Lanka as island faces economic crisis In November 2020, India's Army Chief - General MM Naravane visited Nepal. On December 17 - India's Prime Minister- Narendra Modi held a virtual summit with his Bangladeshi counterpart - Sheikh Hasina. Dr Jaishankar is the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in 2021. Colombo is critical to the regional geopolitics - given China's influence, and Sri Lanka's location. Beijing has invested nearly $15 billion in Sri Lanka. In 2017, Colombo handed over its Hambantota port to Beijing as a debt swap. After exporting the virus, China offered a grant of $90 million to Sri Lanka. It also promised an additional $500 million loan - repayable in ten years. The number of Chinese workers in Sri Lanka is on the rise. For China - debt trapping Sri Lanka means securing a strategic location in the Indian ocean. India views Sri Lanka as a partner - one it shares history, culture and people-to-people relations with. As India prepares itself for a leadership role in the post-pandemic world, one of its many challenges will be to ensure that its neighbours like Sri Lanka remain free from the clutches of China.

Why India's post-pandemic outreach programmes matter, especially in South Asia

After Indore, bird flu has been confirmed as the cause of mass death of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

Presence of H5N8 virus (a variant of avian influenza or bird flu) was found in the carcasses of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts, he said, citing test results of samples sent for laboratory analysis.

A total of 155 dead crows in Indore have been found with the H5N8 virus since the pathogen was first detected in the commercial city a week back.

Since 23 December, 2020, about 400 avian deaths were reported across 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, said the Public Relations Department official.

The bird flu has been confirmed in the dead crows in Indore, Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts, he said.

Apart from these three districts, the samples of dead avians were collected from Ujjain, Sehore, Dewas, Guna, Shajapur, Khargone and Neemuch districts and sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for testing, the official said.

However, the state government says eating well cooked chicken and egg is not a threat to human health.

The bird flu virus has not been found in roosters yet.

Earlier in the day, Veterinary Department Deputy Director Pramod Sharma said that 155 crows were detected with H5N8 virus in the Residency area of Indore in the last eight days.

He said the presence of bird flu was first detected in Indore on 29 December when about 50 crows were found dead in Daly College campus in the Residency area.

On Monday, the government sounded a bird flu alert across Madhya Pradesh.

An official had said that besides Indore, 100 crows were found dead in Mandsaur, 112 in Agar Malwa, 13 in Khargone and nine in Sehore district.

After Indore, bird flu has been confirmed as the cause of mass death of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

After Indore, bird flu has been confirmed as the cause of mass death of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday. Presence of H5N8 virus (a variant of avian influenza or bird flu) was found in the carcasses of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts, he said, citing test results of samples sent for laboratory analysis. A total of 155 dead crows in Indore have been found with the H5N8 virus since the pathogen was first detected in the commercial city a week back. Since 23 December, 2020, about 400 avian deaths were reported across 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, said the Public Relations Department official. The bird flu has been confirmed in the dead crows in Indore, Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts, he said. Apart from these three districts, the samples of dead avians were collected from Ujjain, Sehore, Dewas, Guna, Shajapur, Khargone and Neemuch districts and sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for testing, the official said. However, the state government says eating well cooked chicken and egg is not a threat to human health. The bird flu virus has not been found in roosters yet. Earlier in the day, Veterinary Department Deputy Director Pramod Sharma said that 155 crows were detected with H5N8 virus in the Residency area of Indore in the last eight days. He said the presence of bird flu was first detected in Indore on 29 December when about 50 crows were found dead in Daly College campus in the Residency area. On Monday, the government sounded a bird flu alert across Madhya Pradesh. An official had said that besides Indore, 100 crows were found dead in Mandsaur, 112 in Agar Malwa, 13 in Khargone and nine in Sehore district.

Bird flu confirmed in dead crows found in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts 

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He said, "India&nbsp;welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world. We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities."&nbsp;

Adding, "India will continue to support Africa’s aspirations and work towards empowering Africa for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency, and socio-economic development with dignity and respect."

India has executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries and currently, around 77 projects are under execution. New Delhi has committed US$ 1.7 billion as soft loans for solar projects in the continent and has offered 50,000 scholarships to African students.

On no African representation at the UNSC, Shringla said, "the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council to defend its own interests. This historical anomaly needs to be corrected by supporting the Ezulwini consensus."

African Union's Ezulwini Consensus calls for African seats at the top UN body which is 5 permanent members, none from Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's top diplomat also pointed out how India reached out to the continent amid the pandemic. He said,"&nbsp;India has supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Indian institutions and hospitals have been linked to 16 African countries to offer tele-education and tele-medicine services through the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati portals."

In addition to India's FS, other world leaders present at the UNSC meeting were UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,&nbsp;Chairperson of the African Union Commission&nbsp;Moussa Faki Mahamat,&nbsp;Former President of Liberia&nbsp;Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,&nbsp;Tunisian President,&nbsp;Kaïs Saïed, Niger's President Issoufou Mahamadou, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta,&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;of&nbsp;Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, Ireland's&nbsp;Taoiseach&nbsp;Micheál Martin, Norway's Foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, Mexico's FM Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, UK's&nbsp;Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa&nbsp;James Cleverly, Vietnam's&nbsp;Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs&nbsp;Le Hoai Trung and France's&nbsp;Minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie,&nbsp;Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent. He said, "India welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world. We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities." Adding, "India will continue to support Africa’s aspirations and work towards empowering Africa for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency, and socio-economic development with dignity and respect." India has executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries and currently, around 77 projects are under execution. New Delhi has committed US$ 1.7 billion as soft loans for solar projects in the continent and has offered 50,000 scholarships to African students. On no African representation at the UNSC, Shringla said, "the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council to defend its own interests. This historical anomaly needs to be corrected by supporting the Ezulwini consensus." African Union's Ezulwini Consensus calls for African seats at the top UN body which is 5 permanent members, none from Africa. India's top diplomat also pointed out how India reached out to the continent amid the pandemic. He said," India has supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Indian institutions and hospitals have been linked to 16 African countries to offer tele-education and tele-medicine services through the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati portals." In addition to India's FS, other world leaders present at the UNSC meeting were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, Former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed, Niger's President Issoufou Mahamadou, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Norway's Foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, Mexico's FM Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, UK's Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and France's Minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.

India welcomes the rise of Africa, says Foreign Secretary Shringla at UNSC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video-teleconference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and briefed her on COVID-19 vaccine development in India, while also assuring her of the country's commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world.

A Prime Minister's Office statement said Modi appreciated the long-standing role of Chancellor Merkel in providing stable and strong leadership at the European and global stage, and thanked her for guiding the growth of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders discussed key issues of mutual importance including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral ties, regional and global issues, particularly India-EU relations.

The prime minister briefed Chancellor Merkel on the developments in India with regard to vaccine development and assured the chancellor of India's commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world, the statement said.

"He conveyed his best wishes for early containment of the new wave of infections in Germany and other European countries," it said. 
Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Germany's decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation with Germany under the platform of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of setting up of bilateral relations between India and Germany and 20th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership, the two leaders agreed to hold the sixth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) at an early date in 2021 and to set an ambitious agenda for the same, the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video-teleconference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and briefed her on COVID-19 vaccine development in India, while also assuring her of the country's commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video-teleconference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and briefed her on COVID-19 vaccine development in India, while also assuring her of the country's commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world. A Prime Minister's Office statement said Modi appreciated the long-standing role of Chancellor Merkel in providing stable and strong leadership at the European and global stage, and thanked her for guiding the growth of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The two leaders discussed key issues of mutual importance including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral ties, regional and global issues, particularly India-EU relations. The prime minister briefed Chancellor Merkel on the developments in India with regard to vaccine development and assured the chancellor of India's commitment to deploy its capacities for the benefit of the world, the statement said. "He conveyed his best wishes for early containment of the new wave of infections in Germany and other European countries," it said. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Germany's decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation with Germany under the platform of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of setting up of bilateral relations between India and Germany and 20th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership, the two leaders agreed to hold the sixth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) at an early date in 2021 and to set an ambitious agenda for the same, the statement said.

PM Modi-Angela Merkel hold video-teleconference

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control.

He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-doesnt-recognize-ladakh-union-territory-and-arunachal-pradesh-chinese-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-334959">Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a> 
 
“Our close coordination has been important as India confronts, perhaps on a sustained basis, aggressive Chinese activity on its border,” he said

In his farewell address on ''Ambition and Achievement in the US-India Partnership'', he also said America's support for India's rise as a global power is clear across the political spectrum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indias-t-90-bhishma-battle-tank-is-outflanking-chinas-pla-at-lac-328483">Also Read:&nbsp;How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC</a>

He said that the Indo-Pacific region needs stability, leadership and a democratic model for development that does not threaten the sovereignty of other countries and a strong and democratic India is an important partner to promote peace and prosperity.

"We recognise India’s desire to produce more of its military equipment within the country and the United States looks forward to our growing partnership in this effort," he said.

"US and India are committed to strengthening our defence and security cooperation. In the past four years, we have purposely deepened this cooperation to keep our nation safe from a growing array of threats and to provide security beyond our own borders," he added.

Juster said that the Indo-Pacific is particularly significant for US-India relationship because "it recognises the reality that India and the Indian Ocean are inextricably tied to East Asia and Pacific".

The Ambassador also said that the Indo-Pacific region encompasses the fastest and largest growing economies in the world.

"More than 50 per cent of international trade passes through its waters. The region is rich in natural resources and it is fast becoming the centre of gravity of the evolving international system. Indeed, the tectonic plates of that system have shifted, marked especially by the rise of China and more recently by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated health, the economy in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control. He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control.

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control. He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control. Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Our close coordination has been important as India confronts, perhaps on a sustained basis, aggressive Chinese activity on its border,” he said In his farewell address on ''Ambition and Achievement in the US-India Partnership'', he also said America's support for India's rise as a global power is clear across the political spectrum. Also Read: How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC He said that the Indo-Pacific region needs stability, leadership and a democratic model for development that does not threaten the sovereignty of other countries and a strong and democratic India is an important partner to promote peace and prosperity. "We recognise India’s desire to produce more of its military equipment within the country and the United States looks forward to our growing partnership in this effort," he said. "US and India are committed to strengthening our defence and security cooperation. In the past four years, we have purposely deepened this cooperation to keep our nation safe from a growing array of threats and to provide security beyond our own borders," he added. Juster said that the Indo-Pacific is particularly significant for US-India relationship because "it recognises the reality that India and the Indian Ocean are inextricably tied to East Asia and Pacific". The Ambassador also said that the Indo-Pacific region encompasses the fastest and largest growing economies in the world. "More than 50 per cent of international trade passes through its waters. The region is rich in natural resources and it is fast becoming the centre of gravity of the evolving international system. Indeed, the tectonic plates of that system have shifted, marked especially by the rise of China and more recently by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated health, the economy in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India faces possibility of sustained Chinese aggression on the border, says outgoing US envoy

India's health ministry said today that the number of cases of the new strain of coronavirus from the UK has gone up to 73. Watch: As India prepares to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the next nine days, the government informed it is set to conduct a massive country-wide mock drill exercise of vaccine administration on January 8.

India's health ministry said today that the number of cases of the new strain of coronavirus from the UK has gone up to 73. Watch: As India prepares to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the next nine days, the government informed it is set to conduct a massive country-wide mock drill exercise of vaccine administration on January 8. "Around 1.7 lakh vaccinators and 3 lakh vaccination team members have been trained in vaccine administration," the government said. Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will be meeting state health ministers of all the states and union territories on Thursday prior to the vaccine rollout dry run. Meanwhile, PM Modi spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday as both leaders discussed key issues of mutual importance including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral ties, regional and global issues including India-EU relations. Amid the rising number coronavirus cases, Andhra Pradesh reports 289 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 8,83,876, according to the state health department. The death toll in the state due to the virus has now reached 7,125. India's southern state of Tamil Nadu recorded 811 new coronavirus cases including 11 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 8,23,181. The state which is one of the worst-hit due to the virus has recorded 12,188 fatalities so far.

UK virus strain cases rise to 73 in India; massive COVID-19 vaccine dry run planned on January 8

White Winter: Snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done"

Kazakhstan bats for Chabahar port | Envoy says process underway for use via Caspian sea

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking regulation of Twitter and other social media platforms through guidelines making them culpable under criminal and civil laws until a specific law is passed by Parliament.

The petition, likely to come up for hearing in the coming days, claimed that due to the lack of government control and intervention Twitter acts as it deems fit.

Advocate Mahek Maheshwari, who filed the plea in personal capacity, has sought a direction to the Centre to formulate a framework or guidelines to appeal against any kind of grievances against Twitter and all such social media platforms within designated time frame till a proper law comes into force.

The plea has also sought directions to frame guidelines to entrust responsibility on the officers of ministries of electronics and IT and Information &amp; Broadcasting to deal with grievance/complaint against social media platforms.

"Due to lack of the government control and intervention on the social media platform Twitter, act the way they fit their way, ideology and desires."

"Twitter is not having government control so it freely act unethically and shadow ban many accounts which does not suit its ideological inclination," the petition said.

He added that "there should be no parallel ecosystem act to undermine the highest judiciary of the nation and creation of unrest, dissatisfaction among the masses."

The petition alleged that Twitter crossed all limits of lawlessness when it "supported the mocking of the highest judiciary of nation that is also institutionally of Supreme Court of Nation and individually of the judges as well".&nbsp;

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking regulation of Twitter and other social media platforms through guidelines making them culpable under criminal and civil laws until a specific law is passed by Parliament.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking regulation of Twitter and other social media platforms through guidelines making them culpable under criminal and civil laws until a specific law is passed by Parliament. The petition, likely to come up for hearing in the coming days, claimed that due to the lack of government control and intervention Twitter acts as it deems fit. Advocate Mahek Maheshwari, who filed the plea in personal capacity, has sought a direction to the Centre to formulate a framework or guidelines to appeal against any kind of grievances against Twitter and all such social media platforms within designated time frame till a proper law comes into force. The plea has also sought directions to frame guidelines to entrust responsibility on the officers of ministries of electronics and IT and Information & Broadcasting to deal with grievance/complaint against social media platforms. "Due to lack of the government control and intervention on the social media platform Twitter, act the way they fit their way, ideology and desires." "Twitter is not having government control so it freely act unethically and shadow ban many accounts which does not suit its ideological inclination," the petition said. He added that "there should be no parallel ecosystem act to undermine the highest judiciary of the nation and creation of unrest, dissatisfaction among the masses." The petition alleged that Twitter crossed all limits of lawlessness when it "supported the mocking of the highest judiciary of nation that is also institutionally of Supreme Court of Nation and individually of the judges as well".

Plea in SC seeks to regulate social media platforms

The coronavirus pandemic has not dented India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka and New Delhi is looking at post-COVID cooperation with Colombo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Wednesday.

Jaishankar is on a three day visit here from January 5 to 7 following an invitation by his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena is his first foreign visit of the year. This is also the first by a foreign dignitary to Sri Lanka in the new year.

During a media interaction here after his meeting with Gunawardena, Jaishankar noted that the coronavirus pandemic has not been able to dent the bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka.

"In fact high level contacts were maintained and indeed strengthened during the past year," said Jaishankar, who is on a three-day tour to the island nation.

"We are now looking at post-COVID cooperation with Sri Lanka," he said.

The minister also noted Sri Lanka's interest in accessing vaccines from India.

Assuring that India will be a "dependable and reliable partner" of Lanka, Jaishankar said the country is open to strengthening its relationship with the island nation on the basis of "mutual trust, mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity".

He also underlined that both the neighbours are now facing immediate challenges of post-COVID recovery.

"This is not just a public health issue but also a crisis of the economy," Jaishankar said. 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has not dented India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka and New Delhi is looking at post-COVID cooperation with Colombo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has not dented India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka and New Delhi is looking at post-COVID cooperation with Colombo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Wednesday. Jaishankar is on a three day visit here from January 5 to 7 following an invitation by his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena is his first foreign visit of the year. This is also the first by a foreign dignitary to Sri Lanka in the new year. During a media interaction here after his meeting with Gunawardena, Jaishankar noted that the coronavirus pandemic has not been able to dent the bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. "In fact high level contacts were maintained and indeed strengthened during the past year," said Jaishankar, who is on a three-day tour to the island nation. "We are now looking at post-COVID cooperation with Sri Lanka," he said. The minister also noted Sri Lanka's interest in accessing vaccines from India. Assuring that India will be a "dependable and reliable partner" of Lanka, Jaishankar said the country is open to strengthening its relationship with the island nation on the basis of "mutual trust, mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity". He also underlined that both the neighbours are now facing immediate challenges of post-COVID recovery. "This is not just a public health issue but also a crisis of the economy," Jaishankar said.

Coronavirus pandemic could not dent India's bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka: Jaishankar

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