Fairfax may tap IDBI bank’s excess capital to help fund ₹52,878 crore buyout

Ohio Senate seat JD Vance vacated for vice presidency flips to Democrats as Sherrod Brown defeats Husted

US midterms: Did Trump lose young voters, women and minorities? Here's how Americans voted

‘Dialled wrong number in season of dharna, go protest’: CJI’s quip on plea seeking rotation of SC-ST reserved seats

Who is Abdul El-Sayed’s wife Sarah Jukaku and what is her Indian connection?

US stocks rally as Dow surges 1,569 points after Democratic midterms sweep; biggest post-midterm gain in 44 years

Florida shooting: Two dead, including suspect, after gunfire at Citibank's Tampa-area complex

First handshake? Radio signal with all hallmarks of alien technology detected in China

Trump's 'best guy' Pete Hegseth on the chopping block? Why Republicans are now turning against him after midterms disaster

Trump has meltdown on Truth Social, vows to become ‘Political Pundit’

‘Iran handed Trump political defeat after strategic ones,’ says security chief Mohsen Rezaei

Ashwin shares reasons for Bhuvneshwar's struggle in NZ T20Is, says his 'chapter is maybe closed'

US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan race, becomes first Muslim American to be elected to US Senate

US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature

US midterms: What went wrong for Trump? | Gravitas

‘You can call me Senator’: From Texas To Maine, watch Democrats celebrate historic 2026 midterm wins

US midterm elections: Donald Trump enters 'lame-duck presidency' era. What does it mean?

Iran exempts ships from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar from Strait of Hormuz restrictions

Keran Heritage Centre to give new impetus to border tourism in North Kashmir

NASA invites people to fly their names to Saturn's moon, Titan, aboard Dragonfly

Spate of similar deaths raises alarm over heart health in children

What's behind the wave of doctors and nurses winning congressional seats in the US midterms?

"That run-out by Rohit changed the momentum": Gill reflects on India's 5-wicket win in 1st ODI vs NZ

Mahadev app co-founder Ravi Uppal arrested in Dubai days after kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar’s extradition

'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?

'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH

Israel's Ra'am party backs Gadi Eisenkot to lead next government after meeting with Herzog

US midterm elections: Major Republican upsets, historic firsts and an unexpected India connection | Gravitas

Indian Army marks Battle of Shalateng Day with veterans’ rally, educational outreach at Sharifabad

US Midterms: After Senate, House win, can Democrats force Trump to stop Iran war? Answer may surprise you

From Texas to South Carolina: How Democrats stormed Republican strongholds to redraw America's political map in US midterms 2026

The number of coronavirus case in India has reached to 78.14 lakh with 53,370 fresh cases in a day, while 70,16,046 people have so far recuperated pushing the national recovery rate to 89.78 per cent on Saturday, the Union health ministry said.

The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 78,14,682 and the death toll to 1,17,956, with the novel coronavirus virus claiming &nbsp;650 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the ministry data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.51 per cent. There are 6,80,680 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 8.71 per cent of the total caseload, the ministry data said.

According to ICMR, a cumulative total of 10,13,82,564 samples have been tested up to October 23, with 12,69,479 samples tested on Friday.

Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says.

The exact number of the coronavirus cases stood at 42,020,333 as of 21:40 GMT on Friday. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added.

&nbsp;The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus case in India has reached to 78.14 lakh with 53,370 fresh cases in a day, while 70,16,046 people have so far recuperated pushing the national recovery rate to 89.

The number of coronavirus case in India has reached to 78.14 lakh with 53,370 fresh cases in a day, while 70,16,046 people have so far recuperated pushing the national recovery rate to 89.78 per cent on Saturday, the Union health ministry said. The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 78,14,682 and the death toll to 1,17,956, with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 650 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the ministry data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.51 per cent. There are 6,80,680 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 8.71 per cent of the total caseload, the ministry data said. According to ICMR, a cumulative total of 10,13,82,564 samples have been tested up to October 23, with 12,69,479 samples tested on Friday. Meanwhile, the worldwide number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 42 million, Johns Hopkins University says. The exact number of the coronavirus cases stood at 42,020,333 as of 21:40 GMT on Friday. More than 1.14 million people have died of the disease, the university added. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. The biggest number of cases so far have been registered in the United States, India and Brazil. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid tally crosses 78 lakh-mark, death toll at 1,17,956

The Durga pooja festival is being celebrated across India but this year the situation is different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Watch report.

Navratri 2020: One of the most popular festivals in India in times of COVID-19

Demanding Mehbooba Mufti's arrest for her "seditious" remarks against India, the J&amp;K BJP that "no power on earth" can either hoist the state flag again or restore Article 370 of the Constitution.

Yesterday, Former CM of J&amp;K and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that she and members of her party would not raise the Indian Tricolour unless our state (J&amp;K) flag is back.

Mehbooba also announced she would not be contesting any election without J&amp;K state’s flag and constitution. She also claimed that her party was not “comfortable and compatible with today’s India”.&nbsp;

Addressing a maiden press conference post her release from 14-month detention, Mehbooba said, “If some people think that parties and people in Kashmir will forget the Kashmir issue and Article 370 after some time, they are living in a dream world.” Thousands of people, she said, have sacrificed for the Kashmir issue.

"I request Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take cognisance of the seditious remarks of Mehbooba Mufti, book her for the seditious act and put her behind bars," Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina told reporters.

"We will sacrifice every drop of our blood for our flag, country and motherland. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of our country, so only one flag can be hoisted in Jammu and Kashmir and that is the national flag," he said.

Raina said the saffron party will not tolerate such "nefarious designs" aimed at instigating the people of Kashmir.

"I warn leaders like Mehbooba Mufti not to instigate the people of Kashmir. We will not allow anyone to disturb peace, normalcy and brotherhood. In case anything wrong happens, she will have to face the consequences," he said.

If Kashmiri leaders are feeling insecure in India, they can go to Pakistan and China, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Demanding Mehbooba Mufti's arrest for her "seditious" remarks against India, the J&K BJP that "no power on earth" can either hoist the state flag again or restore Article 370 of the Constitution.

Demanding Mehbooba Mufti's arrest for her "seditious" remarks against India, the J&K BJP that "no power on earth" can either hoist the state flag again or restore Article 370 of the Constitution. Yesterday, Former CM of J&K and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that she and members of her party would not raise the Indian Tricolour unless our state (J&K) flag is back. Mehbooba also announced she would not be contesting any election without J&K state’s flag and constitution. She also claimed that her party was not “comfortable and compatible with today’s India”. Addressing a maiden press conference post her release from 14-month detention, Mehbooba said, “If some people think that parties and people in Kashmir will forget the Kashmir issue and Article 370 after some time, they are living in a dream world.” Thousands of people, she said, have sacrificed for the Kashmir issue. "I request Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take cognisance of the seditious remarks of Mehbooba Mufti, book her for the seditious act and put her behind bars," Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina told reporters. "We will sacrifice every drop of our blood for our flag, country and motherland. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of our country, so only one flag can be hoisted in Jammu and Kashmir and that is the national flag," he said. Raina said the saffron party will not tolerate such "nefarious designs" aimed at instigating the people of Kashmir. "I warn leaders like Mehbooba Mufti not to instigate the people of Kashmir. We will not allow anyone to disturb peace, normalcy and brotherhood. In case anything wrong happens, she will have to face the consequences," he said. If Kashmiri leaders are feeling insecure in India, they can go to Pakistan and China, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'No power on earth' can restore Article 370: BJP tells Mehbooba Mufti

India and the United States could ink the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) defence pact for “greater geospatial information-sharing” during the forthcoming Indo-US 2+2 talks at the foreign and defence ministerial level on October 27.

India-US 2+2 talks: Esper, Pompeo to also meet NSA Ajit Doval and PM Modi

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020.

"We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said.

"But here's what we can't do.." he continued,

"..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-trump-be-preaching-india-337570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US.

Donald Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Under his watch, the US withdrew from Paris accords.

Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance.

"The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump.

Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-cannot-guarantee-donald-trump-backtracks-on-covid-19-vaccine-joe-biden-slams-his-approach-337283">'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach</a>

"I will not sacrifice tens and millions of jobs, thousands and thousands of companies because of the Paris accords," he said.

Donald Trump has been dismissive in past about climate issues. He has also termed climate change and global warming "a hoax".

During the presidential debate Trump said that the harsher limits on USA's carbon emissions would have destroyed American businesses. He decried the lax regulations other countries had to follow.

When asked about his stand on the issue, Joe Biden said that climate change and global warming were 'existential threat' to humanity and that everyone had moral responsibility to tackle it.

He said that he was able to get both,&nbsp;environmental organisations and labour on board over his climate plan and that it would create millions of good-paying jobs for the Americans.

Biden claimed his plans would create more jobs than the one Trump had.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-calls-donald-trumps-immigration-policies-criminal-337306">US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal'</a>

Trump shot back by saying that BIden's plan was an "economic disaster".

"Do you know who made his plan? AOC plus three," said Trump, apparently referring to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Biden was smiling on number of occasions when Trump was making his point. When it was his turn to speak,&nbsp;Biden challenged the numbers Trump cited saying "I don't know where he comes up this with these numbers from".

"He is against wind," said Biden as he mentioned that wind and solar energy were one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US.

"(Wind energy) is very expensive, kills a lot of birds," said Trump as Biden burst into laughter.

Trump claimed that the fumes that come up in making wind turbines were dangerous, on which, Biden said "Find me a scientist who says this"

This was the last debate between the presidential candidates. They will square off against each in polls that are due to take place on November 3.

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020.

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020. "We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said. "But here's what we can't do.." he continued, "..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face. × Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US. Donald Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Under his watch, the US withdrew from Paris accords. Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance. "The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump. Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses. Also Read | 'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach "I will not sacrifice tens and millions of jobs, thousands and thousands of companies because of the Paris accords," he said. Donald Trump has been dismissive in past about climate issues. He has also termed climate change and global warming "a hoax". During the presidential debate Trump said that the harsher limits on USA's carbon emissions would have destroyed American businesses. He decried the lax regulations other countries had to follow. When asked about his stand on the issue, Joe Biden said that climate change and global warming were 'existential threat' to humanity and that everyone had moral responsibility to tackle it. He said that he was able to get both, environmental organisations and labour on board over his climate plan and that it would create millions of good-paying jobs for the Americans. Biden claimed his plans would create more jobs than the one Trump had. Also Read | US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal' Trump shot back by saying that BIden's plan was an "economic disaster". "Do you know who made his plan? AOC plus three," said Trump, apparently referring to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Biden was smiling on number of occasions when Trump was making his point. When it was his turn to speak, Biden challenged the numbers Trump cited saying "I don't know where he comes up this with these numbers from". "He is against wind," said Biden as he mentioned that wind and solar energy were one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US. "(Wind energy) is very expensive, kills a lot of birds," said Trump as Biden burst into laughter. Trump claimed that the fumes that come up in making wind turbines were dangerous, on which, Biden said "Find me a scientist who says this" This was the last debate between the presidential candidates. They will square off against each in polls that are due to take place on November 3.

US elections: Look at Russia, China and India, it's filthy, says Trump on carbon emissions

Wion has got mail. It's from China. And it doesn't say anything new.

The letter written by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi to Wion's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary shows how rattled Beijing is.

The trigger was an interview with the foreign minister of Taiwan, Dr Joseph Wu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-dictates-terms-to-indian-press-protests-wions-interview-with-taiwan-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-see-letter-inside-337366">Also read |&nbsp;China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside</a>

In "retaliation" to this letter, Wion got a protest letter from China on Thursday night.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-wions-interview-with-taiwans-foreign-minister-has-rattled-china-337571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

And this is not the first time China has reacted like this.

To top it, a protest letter is rare, and an escalation. That too -- against a specific broadcaster.

The letter is a five-page long response to a 30-minute interview.

In the lettter, China has accused Wion of "seriously violating the one-China principle". The letter also says the People's Republic of China is the true representative of Taiwan, and that the Chinese want Wion to stop giving a platform to Taiwan.

The said one-China principle keeps coming up in China's letter to us, and its rhetoric in general. 
&nbsp; 
China wants the world to respect its sovereignty, but it violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India repeatedly.

This year, it claimed the entire Galwan valley. Chinese troops have been engaged in a military faceoff with India for months now.

They want to claim Indian land in Ladakh.

In 2019, China slammed India's Kashmir decision, accusing India of acting unilaterally. Because it controls Aksai Chin.

In September this year, China provoked India again by claiming the entire Arunachal Pradesh. They call it a part of China's South Tibet region.

Additionally, China protests when India builds roads and infrastructure on the Indian side of the border.

China invests in projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in clear violation of India's territorial sovereignty.

In short, when China doesn't respect the one-India principle, how does it expect India and Indians to uphold the one-China principle?

In its arguments, China hides behind the United Nations. It says the UN recognises that Taiwan is Chinese territory. It says the UN adopted a resolution and accepted the one China stand.

And so, there is no way Taiwan can independently join the UN.

Also, China, as a pemanent member of the Security Council, won't let Taiwan join.

So the problem is with the UN's systems, not with Taiwan.

China is now harping on this one point, because the world has now begun treating Taiwan as a independent country. And the more China tells the world that Taiwan is not independent the more support Taiwan gets.

Beijing's 'one-China' rhetoric is, in a way, backfiring.

Taiwan has managed to establish a distinct identity of its own, and unlike Beijing, it's a democracy. Its leaders are appointed through an election.

It has vibrant economic and cultural ties with the world. This month only Taiwan celebrated its national day.

Instead of marking Taiwan's independence, the celebration commemorated a 1911 uprising.

Taiwan has also redesigned its passport with the word "Taiwan" was made more prominent on its cover.

During the above-mentioned interview, Taiwan's foreign minister expressed willingness to testify against China. That statement seems to have ratted Beijing.

This paragraph is from page three of the Chinese statement -- "China did not cover up anything" and "China did not delay any efforts".

Beijing has been saying this for a while now.

The last line sayd, "The DPP authorities have no locus standi to claim taking part in so-called international investigation to hold China accountable."

This investigation is a WHO probe that China agreed to, back in May. Now it is openly discrediting the probe.

Taiwan notably gave the first warning about about human to human transmission in December, 2019.

And China wants to deny Taiwan a voice at the WHO. And it wants us to deny Taiwan a platform.

Wion's interview with Dr Joseph Wu has been widely quoted and carried by the press in Taiwan.

It has been reported in domestic and international publications.

The Taiwanese foreign minister issued a response to the Chinese statement today.

He said, "Once again, China's diplomats try to muzzle India's free press. Taiwan is a democratic country and force for good in the world that won't be silenced."

In a nutshell, China has banned Wion in the mainland; Chinese diplomats have blocked us on social media; and the Chinese embassy in New Delhi often criticises our coverage, calling Wion "some media."

And now they have directly written to Wion.

Unfortunately for China, India has a free press, and respecting sovereignty is a two-way street.

Wion has got mail. It's from China. And it doesn't say anything new. The letter written by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi to Wion's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary shows how rattled Beijing is.

Wion has got mail. It's from China. And it doesn't say anything new. The letter written by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi to Wion's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary shows how rattled Beijing is. The trigger was an interview with the foreign minister of Taiwan, Dr Joseph Wu. Also read | China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside In "retaliation" to this letter, Wion got a protest letter from China on Thursday night. × And this is not the first time China has reacted like this. To top it, a protest letter is rare, and an escalation. That too -- against a specific broadcaster. The letter is a five-page long response to a 30-minute interview. In the lettter, China has accused Wion of "seriously violating the one-China principle". The letter also says the People's Republic of China is the true representative of Taiwan, and that the Chinese want Wion to stop giving a platform to Taiwan. The said one-China principle keeps coming up in China's letter to us, and its rhetoric in general. China wants the world to respect its sovereignty, but it violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India repeatedly. This year, it claimed the entire Galwan valley. Chinese troops have been engaged in a military faceoff with India for months now. They want to claim Indian land in Ladakh. In 2019, China slammed India's Kashmir decision, accusing India of acting unilaterally. Because it controls Aksai Chin. In September this year, China provoked India again by claiming the entire Arunachal Pradesh. They call it a part of China's South Tibet region. Additionally, China protests when India builds roads and infrastructure on the Indian side of the border. China invests in projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in clear violation of India's territorial sovereignty. In short, when China doesn't respect the one-India principle, how does it expect India and Indians to uphold the one-China principle? In its arguments, China hides behind the United Nations. It says the UN recognises that Taiwan is Chinese territory. It says the UN adopted a resolution and accepted the one China stand. And so, there is no way Taiwan can independently join the UN. Also, China, as a pemanent member of the Security Council, won't let Taiwan join. So the problem is with the UN's systems, not with Taiwan. China is now harping on this one point, because the world has now begun treating Taiwan as a independent country. And the more China tells the world that Taiwan is not independent the more support Taiwan gets. Beijing's 'one-China' rhetoric is, in a way, backfiring. Taiwan has managed to establish a distinct identity of its own, and unlike Beijing, it's a democracy. Its leaders are appointed through an election. It has vibrant economic and cultural ties with the world. This month only Taiwan celebrated its national day. Instead of marking Taiwan's independence, the celebration commemorated a 1911 uprising. Taiwan has also redesigned its passport with the word "Taiwan" was made more prominent on its cover. During the above-mentioned interview, Taiwan's foreign minister expressed willingness to testify against China. That statement seems to have ratted Beijing. This paragraph is from page three of the Chinese statement -- "China did not cover up anything" and "China did not delay any efforts". Beijing has been saying this for a while now. The last line sayd, "The DPP authorities have no locus standi to claim taking part in so-called international investigation to hold China accountable." This investigation is a WHO probe that China agreed to, back in May. Now it is openly discrediting the probe. Taiwan notably gave the first warning about about human to human transmission in December, 2019. And China wants to deny Taiwan a voice at the WHO. And it wants us to deny Taiwan a platform. Wion's interview with Dr Joseph Wu has been widely quoted and carried by the press in Taiwan. It has been reported in domestic and international publications. The Taiwanese foreign minister issued a response to the Chinese statement today. He said, "Once again, China's diplomats try to muzzle India's free press. Taiwan is a democratic country and force for good in the world that won't be silenced." In a nutshell, China has banned Wion in the mainland; Chinese diplomats have blocked us on social media; and the Chinese embassy in New Delhi often criticises our coverage, calling Wion "some media." And now they have directly written to Wion. Unfortunately for China, India has a free press, and respecting sovereignty is a two-way street.

Wion has got mail. From China

India's political leader&nbsp;Devendra Fadnavis,&nbsp;the former Chief Minister of the south-western state Maharashtra,&nbsp;has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Fadnavis made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon. "I have tested #COVID19 positive and in isolation. Taking all medication &amp; treatment as per the advice of the doctors," he tweeted.

The former CM also said, "I have been working every single day since the lockdown but now it seems that God wants me to stop for a while and take a break!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have been working every single day since the lockdown but now it seems that God wants me to stop for a while and take a break ! 
I have tested <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive and in isolation. 
Taking all medication &amp; treatment as per the advice of the doctors.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1319921541560242177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Fadnavis is a leader of the leading political party&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party and is playing a crucial role in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

He had been commuting between Maharashtra and Bihar regularly for the last few weeks and has therefore asked people who had come in contact with him to get tested and stay in isolation.

The leader is 50 years old and has assured that he is following the protocol and taking medication.

India's political leader Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister of the south-western state Maharashtra, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Fadnavis made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon.

India's political leader Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister of the south-western state Maharashtra, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Fadnavis made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon. "I have tested #COVID19 positive and in isolation. Taking all medication & treatment as per the advice of the doctors," he tweeted. The former CM also said, "I have been working every single day since the lockdown but now it seems that God wants me to stop for a while and take a break!" I have been working every single day since the lockdown but now it seems that God wants me to stop for a while and take a break ! I have tested #COVID19 positive and in isolation. Taking all medication & treatment as per the advice of the doctors. — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 24, 2020 × Fadnavis is a leader of the leading political party Bharatiya Janata Party and is playing a crucial role in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. He had been commuting between Maharashtra and Bihar regularly for the last few weeks and has therefore asked people who had come in contact with him to get tested and stay in isolation. The leader is 50 years old and has assured that he is following the protocol and taking medication.

Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis tests Covid-19 positive

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it.

In response to a WION question at a briefing for reporters, a senior US administration official said, “Regarding the next level of the Quad, because the Quad is an informal arrangement – it’s an alignment of democracies in the Indo-Pacific – there are many different dimensions in which it can grow and expand, and more – all activities are on the table and meetings among officials in different places and at different levels and with different subject matter focus."

Adding, “So I think all of us are open to additional cooperation, coordination, and common activity. &nbsp;And I expect that the next year will see even more alignment of activities among the four countries in the Quad, and hopefully those that will bring in other like-minded nations as well."

Earlier this month the Quad Foreign ministers met in Tokyo. The second such meeting that happened in the last year. The grouping is seen with a lot of suspicion by Beijing, which sees it as anti-China grouping calling it "Asian Nato".

Asked about any plans for a summit-level Quad meeting, US administration officials said, "Regarding a Quad summit, no, there are no plans for that in the immediate short term, but anything could happen in the future.”

The quad meeting, India inviting Australia for Malabar exercises in the Indian Ocean in November and the visit of US secretary of state and defence to New Delhi for 2+2 dialogue come amid increase Chinese aggressiveness.&nbsp;

On next week's 2+2, a senior state department official said, "The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership."

Four major themes at this years 2+2 will be, global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration, economic cooperation, which include partnership on energy and in space, people-to-people ties and defense and security ties.

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it.

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it. In response to a WION question at a briefing for reporters, a senior US administration official said, “Regarding the next level of the Quad, because the Quad is an informal arrangement – it’s an alignment of democracies in the Indo-Pacific – there are many different dimensions in which it can grow and expand, and more – all activities are on the table and meetings among officials in different places and at different levels and with different subject matter focus." Adding, “So I think all of us are open to additional cooperation, coordination, and common activity. And I expect that the next year will see even more alignment of activities among the four countries in the Quad, and hopefully those that will bring in other like-minded nations as well." Earlier this month the Quad Foreign ministers met in Tokyo. The second such meeting that happened in the last year. The grouping is seen with a lot of suspicion by Beijing, which sees it as anti-China grouping calling it "Asian Nato". Asked about any plans for a summit-level Quad meeting, US administration officials said, "Regarding a Quad summit, no, there are no plans for that in the immediate short term, but anything could happen in the future.” The quad meeting, India inviting Australia for Malabar exercises in the Indian Ocean in November and the visit of US secretary of state and defence to New Delhi for 2+2 dialogue come amid increase Chinese aggressiveness. On next week's 2+2, a senior state department official said, "The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership." Four major themes at this years 2+2 will be, global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration, economic cooperation, which include partnership on energy and in space, people-to-people ties and defense and security ties.

Quad is an alignment of democracies: Senior US administration official to WION

India-US 2+2 dialogue to focus on regional security cooperation and defence

With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday.

Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said.

Of the new cases, 18 were reported from Leh district and 10 from Kargil district.

The bulletin said 72 patients were discharged in Leh and 10 in Kargil, bringing down the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory to 788 -- 650 in Leh and 138 in Kargil.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Radha Krishna Mathur inaugurated a newly-established RT-PCR laboratory at a hospital designated for treating COVID-19 patients at Kurbathang in Kargil district on Friday.

The laboratory, with a fully automatic Biorad RTPCR machine and an RNA extractor machine, has the capacity to test 96 samples at one go, an official spokesperson said, adding that with three runs every 24 hours, it can conduct 288 tests.

The LG went round different sections of the laboratory, including the storage section, the sample-processing room and the RNA extraction room, and expressed satisfaction on the testing facilities there, the spokesperson said.

"This is one of the highly sophisticated laboratories in the country with biosafety level two, which is presently available only in a few districts in the country, and with the coming up of this laboratory, test facilities and results will now be available to people in a hassle-free manner," the LG said.

With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday. Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said.

With 28 fresh cases, the COVID-19 tally of the Union Territory of Ladakh has shot up to 5,840, an official bulletin said on Saturday. Ladakh has so far recorded 68 deaths due to COVID-19, while the number of cured patients has gone up to 4,984 with 82 people being discharged from various hospitals in the last 24 hours, the bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services said. Of the new cases, 18 were reported from Leh district and 10 from Kargil district. The bulletin said 72 patients were discharged in Leh and 10 in Kargil, bringing down the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory to 788 -- 650 in Leh and 138 in Kargil. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Radha Krishna Mathur inaugurated a newly-established RT-PCR laboratory at a hospital designated for treating COVID-19 patients at Kurbathang in Kargil district on Friday. The laboratory, with a fully automatic Biorad RTPCR machine and an RNA extractor machine, has the capacity to test 96 samples at one go, an official spokesperson said, adding that with three runs every 24 hours, it can conduct 288 tests. The LG went round different sections of the laboratory, including the storage section, the sample-processing room and the RNA extraction room, and expressed satisfaction on the testing facilities there, the spokesperson said. "This is one of the highly sophisticated laboratories in the country with biosafety level two, which is presently available only in a few districts in the country, and with the coming up of this laboratory, test facilities and results will now be available to people in a hassle-free manner," the LG said.

Kargil gets first RT-PCR lab, Ladakh records 28 fresh COVID-19 cases

Several countries are now engaged in initiatives aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.

Older adults may be most vulnerable to the coronavirus, but ending the pandemic will require vaccinating children, too.

Last week, Pfizer Inc. received permission to test its vaccine in U.S. kids as young as 12, one of only a handful of attempts around the world to start exploring if any experimental shots being pushed for adults also can protect children.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hunt-for-a-vaccine-the-hefty-cost-for-cutting-corners-337263/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

As the largest global supplier of drugs and producer of 60% of the world’s vaccines, India has long been known as the “pharmacy of the world”.

And as the hunt for a covid vaccine is gaining momentum the country is playing a strategic and central role in it. Today Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has received approvals from India’s drug control authority, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI's) Expert Committee for the initiation of the final and Phase III clinical trials.

According to the news reports, India’s government has set aside about 500 billion rupees ($7 billion) to vaccinate the world’s most populous country after China against the coronavirus, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration estimates an all-in cost of about $6-$7 per person in the nation of 1.3 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private.&nbsp;

In India, the number of daily confirmed cases has dropped but this is not the time to let your guard down. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the message a few days ago. He urged caution ahead of the festival season until we find a vaccine, the mask is our best bet. Keep it on, and stay safe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several countries are now engaged in initiatives aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.

Several countries are now engaged in initiatives aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. Older adults may be most vulnerable to the coronavirus, but ending the pandemic will require vaccinating children, too. Last week, Pfizer Inc. received permission to test its vaccine in U.S. kids as young as 12, one of only a handful of attempts around the world to start exploring if any experimental shots being pushed for adults also can protect children. × As the largest global supplier of drugs and producer of 60% of the world’s vaccines, India has long been known as the “pharmacy of the world”. And as the hunt for a covid vaccine is gaining momentum the country is playing a strategic and central role in it. Today Covaxin, the vaccine candidate developed by Bharat Biotech India Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has received approvals from India’s drug control authority, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI's) Expert Committee for the initiation of the final and Phase III clinical trials. According to the news reports, India’s government has set aside about 500 billion rupees ($7 billion) to vaccinate the world’s most populous country after China against the coronavirus, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration estimates an all-in cost of about $6-$7 per person in the nation of 1.3 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private. In India, the number of daily confirmed cases has dropped but this is not the time to let your guard down. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the message a few days ago. He urged caution ahead of the festival season until we find a vaccine, the mask is our best bet. Keep it on, and stay safe. (With inputs from agencies)

Gravitas: Coronavirus exit strategy depends on getting vaccine to whole world

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply.

During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19.

Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine."

Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar.

e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side.

The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity.

Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines."

Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply. During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19. Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine." Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar. e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side. The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity. Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines." Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India-Myanmar increase engagement on joint development of COVID-19 vaccine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with CEOs of leading global oil and gas companies on Monday at an annual event organised by the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that this is the fifth such event organised by the NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and around 45 CEOs of major oil and gas companies will attend the roundtable this year.

The objective behind the meeting is to deliver a global platform to understand best-practices, discuss reforms, and inform strategies for accelerating investments into the Indian oil and gas value chain, the PMO said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-refinery-processing-limps-to-six-month-peak-337556" hreflang="en">India's refinery processing limps to six-month peak</a>

The annual interaction has gradually become one of the most important gatherings of not only intellectual debate but also of executive action, it said.

The event also grows in stature with the rise of India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, which is likely to see investment of over USD 300 billion by 2030 in the oil and gas sector to meet the rising demand, the PMO said.

The prime minister will interact with the CEOs at 5.30 pm IST on October 26 via video conference, the statement said.

India is an important player in the global oil and gas sector, being the third-largest consumer of crude oil and the fourth-largest LNG importer, the PMO said.

Realising the need for India to graduate from a passive consumer to an active and vocal stake-holder in the global oil and gas value chain, NITI Aayog initiated the first roundtable of global oil and gas CEOs with the prime minister in 2016.

The growth of the event was apparent as around 45-50 global CEOs and key stakeholders who shape the global oil and gas sector assembled every subsequent year to interact and discuss the issues and opportunities with the prime minister, the PMO said. 
The impact of the annual global CEOs interaction can be seen in the gravity of discussion, quality of suggestions and the seriousness with which they are acted upon, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with CEOs of leading global oil and gas companies on Monday at an annual event organised by the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with CEOs of leading global oil and gas companies on Monday at an annual event organised by the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that this is the fifth such event organised by the NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and around 45 CEOs of major oil and gas companies will attend the roundtable this year. The objective behind the meeting is to deliver a global platform to understand best-practices, discuss reforms, and inform strategies for accelerating investments into the Indian oil and gas value chain, the PMO said in a statement. Also read: India's refinery processing limps to six-month peak The annual interaction has gradually become one of the most important gatherings of not only intellectual debate but also of executive action, it said. The event also grows in stature with the rise of India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, which is likely to see investment of over USD 300 billion by 2030 in the oil and gas sector to meet the rising demand, the PMO said. The prime minister will interact with the CEOs at 5.30 pm IST on October 26 via video conference, the statement said. India is an important player in the global oil and gas sector, being the third-largest consumer of crude oil and the fourth-largest LNG importer, the PMO said. Realising the need for India to graduate from a passive consumer to an active and vocal stake-holder in the global oil and gas value chain, NITI Aayog initiated the first roundtable of global oil and gas CEOs with the prime minister in 2016. The growth of the event was apparent as around 45-50 global CEOs and key stakeholders who shape the global oil and gas sector assembled every subsequent year to interact and discuss the issues and opportunities with the prime minister, the PMO said. The impact of the annual global CEOs interaction can be seen in the gravity of discussion, quality of suggestions and the seriousness with which they are acted upon, it said.

PM Modi to interact with CEOs of leading global oil and gas firms on Monday

In October 1947 a militia of thousands of Pashtun tribesmen invaded the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. The invasion ignited the first India - Pakistan War, traumatised Kashmiri society, and set a precedent for the use of non-state actors by Pakistan to foment unrest in Kashmir that continues today. A special, two-part series by WION on this little-known but definitive event in the history of the subcontinent.

Kashmir 1947: Anatomy of an invasion

Crude oil processed by&nbsp;Indian refiners hit the highest in six months in September, in another sign that demand for fuel is recovering from the blow to economic activity and transportation from coronavirus restrictions.

Crude oil throughput in September rose 13.4 per cent&nbsp;from the previous month to 4.33 million barrels per day (17.71 million tonnes).

This was the highest since the onset of the country's coronavirus restrictions in March when refiners processed 5.01 million bpd of crude oil.

Fuel demand also rose for the first time since June last month, data showed earlier.

October gasoil sales rose for the first time since March, preliminary data showed, signalling a pick-up in industrial activity ahead of key festivals.

"There have been some promising signs of recovery in&nbsp;India, which in recent years has been the second demand engine after China," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

"Despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the removal of mobility restrictions has supported oil demand."

India&nbsp;has reported a downward trend in coronavirus infections since hitting a single-day high of 97,894 new cases on Sept. 17, although it still remains the world's second worst-affected country.

Having posted its biggest drop since at least 2003 in April, crude processing has recovered about 20 per cent in September, although it still remains 8.7 per cent lower compared to the same month a year ago, government data showed on Friday.

Indian refiners operated at about 86.22&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of their overall capacity in September compared to 76.10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in August, data showed. This was the highest refinery utilization rate since March.

Indian refiners operated at about 86&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of their overall capacity in September, the most since March.

Top refiner&nbsp;Indian Oil Corp (IOC) operated its directly owned plants at 81% capacity, the data showed.

Reliance, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, operated its plants at 89.37&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;capacity.

Crude oil production fell by 6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier to 2.49 million tonnes (608,000 bpd), the monthly report showed.

Crude oil processed by Indian refiners hit the highest in six months in September, in another sign that demand for fuel is recovering from the blow to economic activity and transportation from coronavirus restrictions.

Crude oil processed by Indian refiners hit the highest in six months in September, in another sign that demand for fuel is recovering from the blow to economic activity and transportation from coronavirus restrictions. Crude oil throughput in September rose 13.4 per cent from the previous month to 4.33 million barrels per day (17.71 million tonnes). This was the highest since the onset of the country's coronavirus restrictions in March when refiners processed 5.01 million bpd of crude oil. Fuel demand also rose for the first time since June last month, data showed earlier. October gasoil sales rose for the first time since March, preliminary data showed, signalling a pick-up in industrial activity ahead of key festivals. "There have been some promising signs of recovery in India, which in recent years has been the second demand engine after China," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. "Despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the removal of mobility restrictions has supported oil demand." India has reported a downward trend in coronavirus infections since hitting a single-day high of 97,894 new cases on Sept. 17, although it still remains the world's second worst-affected country. Having posted its biggest drop since at least 2003 in April, crude processing has recovered about 20 per cent in September, although it still remains 8.7 per cent lower compared to the same month a year ago, government data showed on Friday. Indian refiners operated at about 86.22 per cent of their overall capacity in September compared to 76.10 per cent in August, data showed. This was the highest refinery utilization rate since March. Indian refiners operated at about 86 per cent of their overall capacity in September, the most since March. Top refiner Indian Oil Corp (IOC) operated its directly owned plants at 81% capacity, the data showed. Reliance, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, operated its plants at 89.37 per cent capacity. Crude oil production fell by 6 per cent from a year earlier to 2.49 million tonnes (608,000 bpd), the monthly report showed.

India's refinery processing limps to six-month peak

India will be hosting the third India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 27 October 2020 in New Delhi. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper will be visiting India on 26-27 October 2020 to participate in the Dialogue. From the Indian side, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will lead the delegations from the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, respectively.

Your Story: India-US 2+2 Talks: US warns Sri Lanka's growing closeness with China

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success. He added the world collectively needs to "work together to make this one UN we have the best possible UN there can be".

Speaking at an event marking the release of a stamp on the 75th anniversary of the New York-based global body, Jaishankar said, "In the last 75 years, the UN has served as a platform for nations of the world to come under one roof, and work together towards a better future for mankind. As a founding member of UN, India has invested its heart and soul, right from the crafting of the principles of the UN charter to being in forefront of keeping the peace."

He also commented on India's upcoming two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, saying, "As we look forward to beginning our eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 2021, it is important that at the historic juncture of the 75-year long journey of the UN, we recommit to join hands to work with vigour and dedication to bring the goals and objective of the UN, closer to the aspirations of its member states and more importantly the aspirations of our people."

India's postal department had previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on UN’s 9th, 40th and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985 and 1995 respectively.

Present on the occasion were Secretary West Vikas Swarup, Secretary (Posts), Department of Post and virtually Chief of UN Postal administration, heads of 22 UN agencies in India, India's permanent representatives and envoys from New York, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Bangkok and Nairobi.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success. He added the world collectively needs to "work together to make this one UN we have the best possible UN there can be". Speaking at an event marking the release of a stamp on the 75th anniversary of the New York-based global body, Jaishankar said, "In the last 75 years, the UN has served as a platform for nations of the world to come under one roof, and work together towards a better future for mankind. As a founding member of UN, India has invested its heart and soul, right from the crafting of the principles of the UN charter to being in forefront of keeping the peace." He also commented on India's upcoming two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, saying, "As we look forward to beginning our eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 2021, it is important that at the historic juncture of the 75-year long journey of the UN, we recommit to join hands to work with vigour and dedication to bring the goals and objective of the UN, closer to the aspirations of its member states and more importantly the aspirations of our people." India's postal department had previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on UN’s 9th, 40th and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985 and 1995 respectively. Present on the occasion were Secretary West Vikas Swarup, Secretary (Posts), Department of Post and virtually Chief of UN Postal administration, heads of 22 UN agencies in India, India's permanent representatives and envoys from New York, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Bangkok and Nairobi.

India deeply invested in UN's success, EAM Jaishankar says

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, &nbsp;"During the meeting views were exchanged on the current situation in Afghanistan including on the ongoing peace process and the increased level of violence in Afghanistan. We reiterated our long-term commitment towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan".

The peace process or the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban which started in September are underway but increasingly the country. Recently heavy violence was seen in the country's southern Helmand province backed by the Taliban. This comes ahead of US troops withdrawal from the country by Christmas as announced by US President Donal Trump.

Earlier speaking to WION, Atta Noor said, "India has the right and should engage the Taliban and in line with their national interests".

Atta Noor is the third prominent politician to visit India in the last one month. Earlier Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan and Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah had visited India.

In 2016, he personally took up arms back to repel a terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif and&nbsp;protected it. During the Taliban rein in the country in 1990s, Noor had served as a commander in Ahmad Shah Massoud's Nothern front.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, "During the meeting views were exchanged on the current situation in Afghanistan including on the ongoing peace process and the increased level of violence in Afghanistan. We reiterated our long-term commitment towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan". The peace process or the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban which started in September are underway but increasingly the country. Recently heavy violence was seen in the country's southern Helmand province backed by the Taliban. This comes ahead of US troops withdrawal from the country by Christmas as announced by US President Donal Trump. Earlier speaking to WION, Atta Noor said, "India has the right and should engage the Taliban and in line with their national interests". Atta Noor is the third prominent politician to visit India in the last one month. Earlier Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan and Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah had visited India. In 2016, he personally took up arms back to repel a terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif and protected it. During the Taliban rein in the country in 1990s, Noor had served as a commander in Ahmad Shah Massoud's Nothern front.

India and former Northern Alliance leader Atta Noor discuss increased level of violence in Afghanistan

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation.&nbsp;

On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was&nbsp;less than 500 nautical miles and that could&nbsp;pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place&nbsp;amid the COVID&nbsp;pandemic, envoy&nbsp;highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation.

Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries.

Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID&nbsp;crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like&nbsp;trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come.

 
Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be&nbsp;conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave&nbsp;way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Defence and security has seen increased focus.&nbsp;You have sent 22 insurgents back to India...

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India.

 
Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u..

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not&nbsp;operate in our countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How has been the collaboration on COVID&nbsp;front?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine.

Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that&nbsp;case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions.

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them".

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation. On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was less than 500 nautical miles and that could pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place amid the COVID pandemic, envoy highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation. Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries. Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come. Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Sidhant Sibal: Defence and security has seen increased focus. You have sent 22 insurgents back to India... Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India. Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u.. Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not operate in our countries. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the collaboration on COVID front? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine. Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador

Underlining that India has been more of a "rule taker" than a "rule maker" at the UN, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday said the country needs to fix its domestic issues, including that of the economy, and have "moral authority" if it wants to be a rules contributor to the world.

The former Union minister said he has always argued that India's international credibility is often a reflection of its domestic postures and the success at home is the best guarantee that "we will be respected and effective abroad".

"Now we have unfortunately been going through a few very bad years domestically in terms of crumbling social cohesion, the eruption and uncontrollable spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the border troubles with China, the economic collapse after demonetisation, unemployment figures worst recorded in the history in these years, everything is wrong," he said at a session of the 7th national forum of the Public Affairs Forum of India.

Tharoor said India must use its capacity to demand constructive changes in global governance.

"India has to be what it was trying to be before the last five years or so which was a sort of an example to the developing world -- the world's first development power," the former UN under secretary general said.

Tharoor hoped that India would contribute to initiatives to catalyse a new consensus for the world.

"But before it does so, we really have to fix our internal situation first so that we can face the world with greater credibility and with renewed admiration that we used to enjoy till very recently," he said.

Asked about reforms at the UN and whether they were linked with monetary contributions by member states, Tharoor said, "I don't think cheque book alone is important."

India is a state that has contributed generously and was among the leading donors to UN's democracy fund, initiatives on ideas, decolonisation, racism, apartheid, and also also contributed in kind through peacekeeping, Tharoor said.

"India has nothing to be ashamed of, we have very much been in the forefront of international efforts at the UN to do a lot of good work and to contribute in terms of leadership. Yet, we have been more of a 'rule taker' than a 'rule maker' and these rules have been made by the big powerful countries and we haven't been counted amongst them," he said.

"Which is why we need both economic growth and prosperity on the one hand, which has gone down the tubes in the last few years, and we also need moral authority if we want to be a rule contributor," Tharoor said.

That moral authority comes from the successful management of our own challenges including the great challenges of religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity in India which the country had been managing very well till recently, he said.

It also involves managing some of the contradictions in the neighbourhood and being magnanimous to neighbours rather than being hostile to them, Tharoor said, claiming that India had slipped on that count recently.

Tharoor said it was important for India to come across to the rest of the world as an example of a thriving and harmonious society.

"If we can get our act together and lead our country in the direction that we have traditionally aspired to -- that has been hailed as a success in the past, we will once again be in a position to set an example whether on the Security Council or off it," he said.

If India does this and also prospers economically, people from other countries will state that they cannot imagine a Security Council without India "rather than us demanding it as we are doing it now", Tharoor said.&nbsp;

Underlining that India has been more of a "rule taker" than a "rule maker" at the UN, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday said the country needs to fix its domestic issues, including that of the economy, and have "moral authority" if it wants to be a rules contributor to the world.

Underlining that India has been more of a "rule taker" than a "rule maker" at the UN, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday said the country needs to fix its domestic issues, including that of the economy, and have "moral authority" if it wants to be a rules contributor to the world. The former Union minister said he has always argued that India's international credibility is often a reflection of its domestic postures and the success at home is the best guarantee that "we will be respected and effective abroad". "Now we have unfortunately been going through a few very bad years domestically in terms of crumbling social cohesion, the eruption and uncontrollable spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the border troubles with China, the economic collapse after demonetisation, unemployment figures worst recorded in the history in these years, everything is wrong," he said at a session of the 7th national forum of the Public Affairs Forum of India. Tharoor said India must use its capacity to demand constructive changes in global governance. "India has to be what it was trying to be before the last five years or so which was a sort of an example to the developing world -- the world's first development power," the former UN under secretary general said. Tharoor hoped that India would contribute to initiatives to catalyse a new consensus for the world. "But before it does so, we really have to fix our internal situation first so that we can face the world with greater credibility and with renewed admiration that we used to enjoy till very recently," he said. Asked about reforms at the UN and whether they were linked with monetary contributions by member states, Tharoor said, "I don't think cheque book alone is important." India is a state that has contributed generously and was among the leading donors to UN's democracy fund, initiatives on ideas, decolonisation, racism, apartheid, and also also contributed in kind through peacekeeping, Tharoor said. "India has nothing to be ashamed of, we have very much been in the forefront of international efforts at the UN to do a lot of good work and to contribute in terms of leadership. Yet, we have been more of a 'rule taker' than a 'rule maker' and these rules have been made by the big powerful countries and we haven't been counted amongst them," he said. "Which is why we need both economic growth and prosperity on the one hand, which has gone down the tubes in the last few years, and we also need moral authority if we want to be a rule contributor," Tharoor said. That moral authority comes from the successful management of our own challenges including the great challenges of religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity in India which the country had been managing very well till recently, he said. It also involves managing some of the contradictions in the neighbourhood and being magnanimous to neighbours rather than being hostile to them, Tharoor said, claiming that India had slipped on that count recently. Tharoor said it was important for India to come across to the rest of the world as an example of a thriving and harmonious society. "If we can get our act together and lead our country in the direction that we have traditionally aspired to -- that has been hailed as a success in the past, we will once again be in a position to set an example whether on the Security Council or off it," he said. If India does this and also prospers economically, people from other countries will state that they cannot imagine a Security Council without India "rather than us demanding it as we are doing it now", Tharoor said.

India needs to fix domestic issues, economy to face world with more credibility: Shashi Tharoor

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described the air in India as "filthy" as he denounced Democratic rival Joe Biden's plans to tackle climate change.

At their second and final presidential debate, Trump renewed his criticism that action on climate change was unfair to the United States.

"Look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia, look at India -- it's filthy. The air is filthy," Trump said at the debate in Nashville.

This came despite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi having shared a friendly relationship with the United States.

People -- across India and on the social media -- were surprised, some shocked to see such blatant statements from the American president. They took to Twitter to express the dismay and surprise. A few even said they agreed with Trump.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FilthyIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FilthyIndia</a> is Trending <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ur friend <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is not taking ur friendship seriously <a href="https://t.co/b0dDlZznvn">pic.twitter.com/b0dDlZznvn</a>
— Deepanshu (@Deepanshu929) <a href="https://twitter.com/Deepanshu929/status/1319572652093132803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
116k infants d!ed in India within a month of their birth during the year 2019. That's another thing India tops in. 
 
Filthy air is only called filthy air. 
 
Since Doland said it out hope that hurts at the right places.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FilthyIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FilthyIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/vaPJr6HnoC">pic.twitter.com/vaPJr6HnoC</a>
— Beeno🌼💖 Tesla's Coil⚡ (@RebelGeek1111) <a href="https://twitter.com/RebelGeek1111/status/1319546619809964033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is India!! 
Even after 7 decades, 90 % still does not have access to toileting facilities🤧🤧🤧<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FilthyIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FilthyIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/kffPj5SbND">pic.twitter.com/kffPj5SbND</a>
— Dr Fatima K - PTI (FOLLOW 4 ANY MEDICAL ADVICE ) (@p4pakipower) <a href="https://twitter.com/p4pakipower/status/1319563560268320769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi's Air Quality Index is 567 
 
Washington DC's Air Quality Index is 25 
 
Pic 1: Delhi 
Pic 2: Washington DC 
 
And, we are to blame. We need to change our ways. 
 
Don't give "pollution less" gyaan only on Diwali. Follow that lifestyle all through the year.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FilthyIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FilthyIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/4birxOo5QM">pic.twitter.com/4birxOo5QM</a>
— Vaidehi 🇮🇳 🕉️ (@dharmicverangna) <a href="https://twitter.com/dharmicverangna/status/1319537322291990530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We don't mind keeping our country filthy, we just don't like being called that by someone else. 
 
If you don't want to be called filthy, clean up!! 
Remember you needed a PM to talk from the Red Fort on 15th August 2014 to tell you we needed toilets.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FilthyIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FilthyIndia</a>
— Just B (@JustPunforfun) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustPunforfun/status/1319541157152473088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At the first presidential debate, Trump also spoke critically of India, questioning its coronavirus data amid criticism of his handling of the pandemic.

Trump made the remarks despite having pulled the United States out of the Paris climate accord, which aims to cap global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius.

The planet has already been warmed by around one degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre-industrial levels, enough to boost the intensity of deadly heat waves, droughts and tropical storms.

Trump's remarks come days before Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper visit New Delhi for talks on building the growing US-India partnership.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described the air in India as "filthy" as he denounced Democratic rival Joe Biden's plans to tackle climate change. At their second and final presidential debate, Trump renewed his criticism that action on climate change was unfair to the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described the air in India as "filthy" as he denounced Democratic rival Joe Biden's plans to tackle climate change. At their second and final presidential debate, Trump renewed his criticism that action on climate change was unfair to the United States. "Look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia, look at India -- it's filthy. The air is filthy," Trump said at the debate in Nashville. This came despite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi having shared a friendly relationship with the United States. People -- across India and on the social media -- were surprised, some shocked to see such blatant statements from the American president. They took to Twitter to express the dismay and surprise. A few even said they agreed with Trump. #FilthyIndia is Trending @narendramodi ur friend @realDonaldTrump is not taking ur friendship seriously pic.twitter.com/b0dDlZznvn — Deepanshu (@Deepanshu929) October 23, 2020 × 116k infants d!ed in India within a month of their birth during the year 2019. That's another thing India tops in. Filthy air is only called filthy air. Since Doland said it out hope that hurts at the right places.#FilthyIndia pic.twitter.com/vaPJr6HnoC — Beeno🌼💖 Tesla's Coil⚡ (@RebelGeek1111) October 23, 2020 × This is India!! Even after 7 decades, 90 % still does not have access to toileting facilities🤧🤧🤧#FilthyIndia pic.twitter.com/kffPj5SbND — Dr Fatima K - PTI (FOLLOW 4 ANY MEDICAL ADVICE ) (@p4pakipower) October 23, 2020 × Delhi's Air Quality Index is 567 Washington DC's Air Quality Index is 25 Pic 1: Delhi Pic 2: Washington DC And, we are to blame. We need to change our ways. Don't give "pollution less" gyaan only on Diwali. Follow that lifestyle all through the year.#FilthyIndia pic.twitter.com/4birxOo5QM — Vaidehi 🇮🇳 🕉️ (@dharmicverangna) October 23, 2020 × We don't mind keeping our country filthy, we just don't like being called that by someone else. If you don't want to be called filthy, clean up!! Remember you needed a PM to talk from the Red Fort on 15th August 2014 to tell you we needed toilets.#FilthyIndia — Just B (@JustPunforfun) October 23, 2020 × At the first presidential debate, Trump also spoke critically of India, questioning its coronavirus data amid criticism of his handling of the pandemic. Trump made the remarks despite having pulled the United States out of the Paris climate accord, which aims to cap global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius. The planet has already been warmed by around one degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit) from pre-industrial levels, enough to boost the intensity of deadly heat waves, droughts and tropical storms. Trump's remarks come days before Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper visit New Delhi for talks on building the growing US-India partnership.

Trump calls India air 'filthy'; social media fills in

India's active coronavirus caseload has fallen below 700 thousand&nbsp;for the first time after two months. The recovered cases are nearly 10 times more than the active cases as per&nbsp;India's Health Ministry.&nbsp;

"The active caseload of the country has fallen below 7 lakh for the first time after two months (63 days)," the ministry said.

"With a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering every day along with a steadily falling and sustained low mortality rate, India's trend of registering decreasing active cases continues," it underlined.

The active caseload was below the 7-lakh mark (6,97,330) last on August 22.

"Increased countrywide medical infrastructure, implementation of the Centre's Standard Treatment Protocol by states and union territories (UTs), and total dedication and commitment of doctors, paramedics and frontline workers have led to a persistent increase in the number of total recoveries with commensurate dip in the fatality rate", the ministry said.

<h2>Coronavirus pandemic in India: Quick figures&nbsp;</h2>

Active cases: 6,95,509&nbsp; 
Total recovered cases: 69,48,497&nbsp; 
Patients recovered in last 24 hours: 73,979 
New cases reported in last 24 hours: 54,366&nbsp; 
National COVID-19 recovery rate: 89.53 per cent&nbsp; 
Total number of deaths: 117303 
Deaths in last 24 hours: 690 
Fatality rate: 1.51 per cent

The ministry said 81 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs which are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

"Maharashtra has contributed more than 16,000 to the single-day recoveries followed by Karnataka with more than 13,000 recoveries," it said.

Of the total 54,366 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in a span of 24 hours, 78 per cent are from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha.

Maharashtra and Kerala contribute the maximum to new cases with more than 7,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 5,000 cases.

Also, 690 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Of these, nearly 81 per cent are concentrated in 10 states and UTs -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the ministry said.

Maharashtra has reported the highest number of single-day deaths at 198.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

India's active coronavirus caseload has fallen below 700 thousand for the first time after two months. The recovered cases are nearly 10 times more than the active cases as per India's Health Ministry.

India's active coronavirus caseload has fallen below 700 thousand for the first time after two months. The recovered cases are nearly 10 times more than the active cases as per India's Health Ministry. "The active caseload of the country has fallen below 7 lakh for the first time after two months (63 days)," the ministry said. "With a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering every day along with a steadily falling and sustained low mortality rate, India's trend of registering decreasing active cases continues," it underlined. The active caseload was below the 7-lakh mark (6,97,330) last on August 22. "Increased countrywide medical infrastructure, implementation of the Centre's Standard Treatment Protocol by states and union territories (UTs), and total dedication and commitment of doctors, paramedics and frontline workers have led to a persistent increase in the number of total recoveries with commensurate dip in the fatality rate", the ministry said. Coronavirus pandemic in India: Quick figures Active cases: 6,95,509 Total recovered cases: 69,48,497 Patients recovered in last 24 hours: 73,979 New cases reported in last 24 hours: 54,366 National COVID-19 recovery rate: 89.53 per cent Total number of deaths: 117303 Deaths in last 24 hours: 690 Fatality rate: 1.51 per cent The ministry said 81 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs which are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. "Maharashtra has contributed more than 16,000 to the single-day recoveries followed by Karnataka with more than 13,000 recoveries," it said. Of the total 54,366 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in a span of 24 hours, 78 per cent are from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha. Maharashtra and Kerala contribute the maximum to new cases with more than 7,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 5,000 cases. Also, 690 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Of these, nearly 81 per cent are concentrated in 10 states and UTs -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the ministry said. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of single-day deaths at 198. (With PTI inputs)

COVID-19: India's active caseload falls below 700k for first time after 2 months

According to BMJ British Medical Journal, convalescent plasma which is taken from recovered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-covid-19-count-breaches-07-million-mark-recovery-rate-over-93-337406">coronavirus</a> patients does not reduce chances of patients getting seriously ill, the research found from its study in India.

<a href="Doctors find new organ in throat 1.5 inches in length">Also Read:&nbsp;Doctors find new organ in throat 1.5 inches in length</a>

The study looked at over 400 patients who were hospitalised due to COVID-19 to find out whether the treatment healed people with moderate disease but it found that “convalescent plasma showed limited effectiveness”.

The study said in the past, convalescent plasma was used as a "passive immunisation strategy" to treat viral diseases, raising expectations that potentially it could be used to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVIDd-19 and a disease with no proven, effective interventions"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-against-covid-19-will-be-tested-on-100-indian-volunteers-337375">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers</a>

“The ... trial was able to show a small effect on the rate at which patients were able rid themselves of the virus, but this was not enough to improve their recovery from the disease,” Simon Clarke, an expert cellular microbiology at the University of Reading said, adding, "In simple terms, there were no clinical benefits to the patients.”

It said that in the "pre-vaccine era, convalescent plasma was used to treat viral diseases such as poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and influenza, and, more recently, influenza, Ebola virus disease, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus epidemics, with varying degrees of success."

"Evidence suggests that convalescent plasma collected from survivors of covid-19 contains receptor binding domain specific antibodies with potent antiviral activity."

"However, effective titres of antiviral neutralising antibodies, optimal timing for convalescent plasma treatment, optimal timing for plasma donation, and the severity class of patients who are likely to benefit from convalescent plasma remains unclear," it found.

The research said that convalescent plasma treatment had received regulatory approval in several countries, however, it said that due to uncertainties, it was still unclear just how much convalescent plasma was safe and effective.

"Only two randomised controlled trials on convalescent plasma use in covid-19 have been published, one from China and the other from the Netherlands," it said, adding,"both were stopped prematurely. China study because of inadequate patient enrolment, and the Dutch study because interim findings highlighted the need for a redesign of the trial."

"Neither study found a mortality benefit, and the Dutch study raised uncertainties about the pretransfusion antibody status of patients," it stated.

According to BMJ British Medical Journal, convalescent plasma which is taken from recovered coronavirus patients does not reduce chances of patients getting seriously ill, the research found from its study in India.

According to BMJ British Medical Journal, convalescent plasma which is taken from recovered coronavirus patients does not reduce chances of patients getting seriously ill, the research found from its study in India. Also Read: Doctors find new organ in throat 1.5 inches in length The study looked at over 400 patients who were hospitalised due to COVID-19 to find out whether the treatment healed people with moderate disease but it found that “convalescent plasma showed limited effectiveness”. The study said in the past, convalescent plasma was used as a "passive immunisation strategy" to treat viral diseases, raising expectations that potentially it could be used to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVIDd-19 and a disease with no proven, effective interventions" Also Read: Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers “The ... trial was able to show a small effect on the rate at which patients were able rid themselves of the virus, but this was not enough to improve their recovery from the disease,” Simon Clarke, an expert cellular microbiology at the University of Reading said, adding, "In simple terms, there were no clinical benefits to the patients.” It said that in the "pre-vaccine era, convalescent plasma was used to treat viral diseases such as poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and influenza, and, more recently, influenza, Ebola virus disease, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus epidemics, with varying degrees of success." "Evidence suggests that convalescent plasma collected from survivors of covid-19 contains receptor binding domain specific antibodies with potent antiviral activity." "However, effective titres of antiviral neutralising antibodies, optimal timing for convalescent plasma treatment, optimal timing for plasma donation, and the severity class of patients who are likely to benefit from convalescent plasma remains unclear," it found. The research said that convalescent plasma treatment had received regulatory approval in several countries, however, it said that due to uncertainties, it was still unclear just how much convalescent plasma was safe and effective. "Only two randomised controlled trials on convalescent plasma use in covid-19 have been published, one from China and the other from the Netherlands," it said, adding,"both were stopped prematurely. China study because of inadequate patient enrolment, and the Dutch study because interim findings highlighted the need for a redesign of the trial." "Neither study found a mortality benefit, and the Dutch study raised uncertainties about the pretransfusion antibody status of patients," it stated.

Convalescent plasma has 'limited effectiveness' in treatment, finds UK study in India

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company.

Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

According to a government official, Dr Reddy`s Lab has stated that in phase 2 clinical trial--"would include 100 subjects and for phase 3, it would take 1400 subjects.

"Once the pharma company would submit the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 2, it would be analysed by the expert panel and then they can proceed for the phase 3 trial," the official added.

On October 13, ANI had reported that Dr Reddy`s Laboratories re-applied fresh protocol to DCGI in order to seek its approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine.It may be noted that on October 5, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) had done a thorough evaluation of the previous application submitted by Dr Reddy`s lab.&nbsp;

Thereafter, the SEC had directed the pharma company to apply with a revised protocol along with more information. The Indian drugmaker has joined hands with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as its distribution. As per the RDIF, it will supply 100 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to India drug company Dr Reddy`s Lab.

Last month, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, RDIF informed that Russia is in close dialogue with the Indian government and drug manufacturers of India regarding localisation of production of its Sputnik V vaccine in India.

Also, a prestigious medical journal The Lancet had published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy.On August 11, the Sputnik V vaccine candidate developed jointly by RDIF and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world`s first registered vaccine against COVID-19.According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine that fights against coronavirus disease.

(With PTI inputs)

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard.

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company. Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3. According to a government official, Dr Reddy`s Lab has stated that in phase 2 clinical trial--"would include 100 subjects and for phase 3, it would take 1400 subjects. "Once the pharma company would submit the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 2, it would be analysed by the expert panel and then they can proceed for the phase 3 trial," the official added. On October 13, ANI had reported that Dr Reddy`s Laboratories re-applied fresh protocol to DCGI in order to seek its approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine.It may be noted that on October 5, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) had done a thorough evaluation of the previous application submitted by Dr Reddy`s lab. Thereafter, the SEC had directed the pharma company to apply with a revised protocol along with more information. The Indian drugmaker has joined hands with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as its distribution. As per the RDIF, it will supply 100 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to India drug company Dr Reddy`s Lab. Last month, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, RDIF informed that Russia is in close dialogue with the Indian government and drug manufacturers of India regarding localisation of production of its Sputnik V vaccine in India. Also, a prestigious medical journal The Lancet had published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy.On August 11, the Sputnik V vaccine candidate developed jointly by RDIF and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world`s first registered vaccine against COVID-19.According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine that fights against coronavirus disease. (With PTI inputs)

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons. The death toll in the Southern State rose to 10,825 with 445 more fatalities.&nbsp;

However, the state has made significant progress in the fight against the virus and the recovery rate is over 93 per cent and in recent times the daily recoveries have been surpassing the daily new cases. Total of 4,314 patients got discharged from various hospitals over the last 24 hours and 655,170 people have recovered to date. The active cases stand at 34,198. As many as 81,259 samples were tested over the last 24 hours, thus taking the total specimens examined to 9,275,108.

Tamil Nadu is the fourth state in the country to cross seven lakh coronavirus cases. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the other three states with a caseload of over 0.7 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-against-covid-19-will-be-tested-on-100-indian-volunteers-337375">Also read|&nbsp;Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers</a>

While the cumulative tally of positive cases stood at 700,193, Chennai accounted for 193,299, according to the bulletin.&nbsp;

The state has taken 21 days to go from six lakh to seven lakh cases when compared to the 17 days it took to go from 0.5-0.6 million cases. The overall decline in the cases and slowdown of the spread is observed in these numbers.&nbsp;

The 3,077 fresh cases on Thursday included Chennai's 833, and the capital city continues to top the case count among all districts. The death toll in Chennai stood at 3,569 while the city's total infection count is at 193,366.

On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that once a vaccine becomes available, all the people of Tamil Nadu would be vaccinated at the expense of the State Government. This announcement came shortly after the BJP had made a similar announcement in its poll manifesto for Bihar.&nbsp;

From Thursday onwards, shops, hotels, tea shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments across the State have been permitted to remain open until 10 pm. This has been done to boost economic recovery and also in line with the festive season. The government emphasized that Covid-19 protocols be strictly adhered to during the relaxations and festive season.&nbsp;

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons.

As per the state health department bulletin on Thursday, Tamil Nadu has surpassed a total of 700,000 COVID-19 cases (700,193), by adding 3,077 new infected persons. The death toll in the Southern State rose to 10,825 with 445 more fatalities. However, the state has made significant progress in the fight against the virus and the recovery rate is over 93 per cent and in recent times the daily recoveries have been surpassing the daily new cases. Total of 4,314 patients got discharged from various hospitals over the last 24 hours and 655,170 people have recovered to date. The active cases stand at 34,198. As many as 81,259 samples were tested over the last 24 hours, thus taking the total specimens examined to 9,275,108. Tamil Nadu is the fourth state in the country to cross seven lakh coronavirus cases. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the other three states with a caseload of over 0.7 million. Also read| Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers While the cumulative tally of positive cases stood at 700,193, Chennai accounted for 193,299, according to the bulletin. The state has taken 21 days to go from six lakh to seven lakh cases when compared to the 17 days it took to go from 0.5-0.6 million cases. The overall decline in the cases and slowdown of the spread is observed in these numbers. The 3,077 fresh cases on Thursday included Chennai's 833, and the capital city continues to top the case count among all districts. The death toll in Chennai stood at 3,569 while the city's total infection count is at 193,366. On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that once a vaccine becomes available, all the people of Tamil Nadu would be vaccinated at the expense of the State Government. This announcement came shortly after the BJP had made a similar announcement in its poll manifesto for Bihar. From Thursday onwards, shops, hotels, tea shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments across the State have been permitted to remain open until 10 pm. This has been done to boost economic recovery and also in line with the festive season. The government emphasized that Covid-19 protocols be strictly adhered to during the relaxations and festive season.

Tamil Nadu COVID-19 count breaches 0.7 million mark; recovery rate over 93%

Amid tensions with Taiwan, the Chinese embassy on Friday tried to dictate terms to the Indian press protesting against WION’s interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu. It is not the first time the Chinese embassy has tried to do this.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-lost-says-taiwan-after-chinese-mission-asks-indian-media-to-follow-one-china-policy-333248">Also Read:&nbsp;Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy</a>

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi had written to the Indian media and called upon them to not refer to Taiwan as a "nation".

After WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma interviewed Taiwan's foreign minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-pressure-on-nations-to-not-recognise-taiwan-as-a-country-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-tells-wion-336966"> Joseph Wu</a>, the Chinese embassy in a letter to WION said it "seriously violated One-China principle".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-speaks-to-wion-says-we-can-defend-ourselves-exclusive-336869/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the letter, the Chinese embassy said: "Strongly protest against WION providing platform for Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority separatist activities disregarding Indian government’s long-standing position," adding,"There is but one China in the world and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-planning-to-invade-taiwan-says-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-to-wion-336870">Also Read:&nbsp;China planning to invade Taiwan, says foreign minister Joseph Wu to WION</a>

During the interview with WION, the Chinese foreign minister Joseph Wu had said that China puts pressure on other countries to not recognise Taiwan as a country.

<img alt="China's letter on Taiwan to WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e61a198-7278-4e24-a79b-83dc3de3f565" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TLetter1.jpg" />

"Countries call me 'Minister Wu' but there shouldn’t be any problem addressing us as a country. But most of the country in the world are interacting with us and they recognise me as a Foreign Minister of Taiwan," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-films-like-baahubali-dangal-and-hindi-medium-are-very-popular-in-taiwan-joseph-wu-tells-wion-337074">Joseph Wu</a> had told WION in an exclusive interview.

<img alt="China's letter on Taiwan to WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c3a1592-c255-418e-b9c9-d5603a6fab5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TaiwanF.jpg" />

“China is trying to export its authoritarian order, and Taiwan happens to be on the frontline “, Wu said while asserting that China’s recent display of military might was an attempt to make his country into a "scapegoat for the Chinese government".

<img alt="China's letter on Taiwan to WION " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1b8e560-ac74-4f2c-97c9-65455c034e5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ACC1.jpg" />

The Chinese embassy in India, however, said that "facts are recognized by UN resolution and constitute the universal consensus of the international community. No matter how DPP authority separatists distort facts and advocate “Taiwan independence", they cannot change the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-we-have-no-doubt-covid-19-originated-in-china-taiwans-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-336973">EXCLUSIVE| We have no doubt COVID-19 originated in China: Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu</a>

"All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to One-China policy, which is also Indian government’s official standing," the Chinese embassy said.&nbsp;

<img alt="China's letter on Taiwan to WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f570ce61-f7c4-4778-a939-094abe6e5b4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ACC3.jpg" />

"The United Nations General Assembly adopted at its 26th session Resolution 2758, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the entire people of China. The Resolution, fully demonstrating the One-China principle that the UN is committed to, has solved once and for all the issue of China's representation in the UN politically, de jure and procedure-wise," the letter to WION said.

The Chinese embassy said that "there is no such issue of Taiwan joining the UN", while stating that, "United Nations has reiterated many times that it insists on handling the Taiwan issue in accordance with Resolution 2758."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-trying-to-export-its-authoritarianism-to-distract-from-domestic-issues-joseph-wu-taiwans-foreign-minister-tells-wion-336969">Also Read: China trying to export authoritarianism to distract from domestic issues: Joseph Wu to WION</a>

"Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the DPP authorities have made reckless political manoeuvres and hyped up Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly. Their real intention is to solicit foreign support and seek independence under the pretext of the pandemic," the Chinese embassy alleged while reiterating that "Taiwan's participation in international organizations including the WHO must be arranged under the One-China principle."

"Under the precondition of One-China principle, China's Central Government has made proper arrangement for the Taiwan region's participation in global health affairs, which ensures that the region can deal with local or global public health emergencies in a timely and effective manner. The Taiwan region is never excluded from the WHO global anti-epidemic system. Starting from Jan 3, 2020, China began sending regular updates about the novel coronavirus to WHO and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions," it said.

"The DPP authorities have no locus standi to claim taking part in so-called international investigation to “hold China accountable," the Chinese embassy maintained.

The letter said the Taiwan "question concerns China's core interests". "We firmly oppose any separatist activities to create the so-called “Taiwan independence,” “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”."&nbsp;

"Any attempt instigating China's relations with other countries to expand “international space” is doomed to fail. China's Red Line on the Taiwan question cannot be challenged. Achieving China’s complete reunification is the trend of the times and people's aspiration. Any attempt engaging in separatist activities to create "Taiwan independence" will lead to a dead end," it said.

Amid tensions with Taiwan, the Chinese embassy on Friday tried to dictate terms to the Indian press protesting against WION’s interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu.

Amid tensions with Taiwan, the Chinese embassy on Friday tried to dictate terms to the Indian press protesting against WION’s interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu. It is not the first time the Chinese embassy has tried to do this. Also Read: Get lost, says Taiwan after Chinese mission asks Indian media to follow 'One-China' policy Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi had written to the Indian media and called upon them to not refer to Taiwan as a "nation". After WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma interviewed Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu, the Chinese embassy in a letter to WION said it "seriously violated One-China principle". Watch: In the letter, the Chinese embassy said: "Strongly protest against WION providing platform for Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority separatist activities disregarding Indian government’s long-standing position," adding,"There is but one China in the world and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China." Also Read: China planning to invade Taiwan, says foreign minister Joseph Wu to WION During the interview with WION, the Chinese foreign minister Joseph Wu had said that China puts pressure on other countries to not recognise Taiwan as a country. "Countries call me 'Minister Wu' but there shouldn’t be any problem addressing us as a country. But most of the country in the world are interacting with us and they recognise me as a Foreign Minister of Taiwan," Joseph Wu had told WION in an exclusive interview. “China is trying to export its authoritarian order, and Taiwan happens to be on the frontline “, Wu said while asserting that China’s recent display of military might was an attempt to make his country into a "scapegoat for the Chinese government". The Chinese embassy in India, however, said that "facts are recognized by UN resolution and constitute the universal consensus of the international community. No matter how DPP authority separatists distort facts and advocate “Taiwan independence", they cannot change the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China." EXCLUSIVE| We have no doubt COVID-19 originated in China: Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu "All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to One-China policy, which is also Indian government’s official standing," the Chinese embassy said. "The United Nations General Assembly adopted at its 26th session Resolution 2758, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the entire people of China. The Resolution, fully demonstrating the One-China principle that the UN is committed to, has solved once and for all the issue of China's representation in the UN politically, de jure and procedure-wise," the letter to WION said. The Chinese embassy said that "there is no such issue of Taiwan joining the UN", while stating that, "United Nations has reiterated many times that it insists on handling the Taiwan issue in accordance with Resolution 2758." Also Read: China trying to export authoritarianism to distract from domestic issues: Joseph Wu to WION "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the DPP authorities have made reckless political manoeuvres and hyped up Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly. Their real intention is to solicit foreign support and seek independence under the pretext of the pandemic," the Chinese embassy alleged while reiterating that "Taiwan's participation in international organizations including the WHO must be arranged under the One-China principle." "Under the precondition of One-China principle, China's Central Government has made proper arrangement for the Taiwan region's participation in global health affairs, which ensures that the region can deal with local or global public health emergencies in a timely and effective manner. The Taiwan region is never excluded from the WHO global anti-epidemic system. Starting from Jan 3, 2020, China began sending regular updates about the novel coronavirus to WHO and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions," it said. "The DPP authorities have no locus standi to claim taking part in so-called international investigation to “hold China accountable," the Chinese embassy maintained. The letter said the Taiwan "question concerns China's core interests". "We firmly oppose any separatist activities to create the so-called “Taiwan independence,” “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”." "Any attempt instigating China's relations with other countries to expand “international space” is doomed to fail. China's Red Line on the Taiwan question cannot be challenged. Achieving China’s complete reunification is the trend of the times and people's aspiration. Any attempt engaging in separatist activities to create "Taiwan independence" will lead to a dead end," it said.

China dictates terms to Indian press, protests WION's interview with Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu - see letter inside

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news