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Highlighting the abuse of freedom of speech in India, The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Centre for filing an affidavit short on details in a plea seeking strong action against media houses for demonizing the Muslim community in connection with the Tablighi Jamaat event.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which was hearing pleas of Jamiat Ulama I Hind and others alleging that a section of media was spreading communal hatred over Tablighi Jamaat congregation during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, pulled up the Centre for its "evasive" and "brazen" affidavit on the issue.

Freedom of speech and expression is the most abused right in recent times, the apex court said.

A bench told the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: "You cannot treat the court the way you are treating it in this case."&nbsp;

The bench observed this when senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Jamaat, said the Centre in its affidavit has stated that petitioners are trying to muzzle freedom of speech and expression.&nbsp;

The apex court sought an affidavit from the I&amp;B secretary with details of steps taken in the past to stop motivated media reporting in such cases.

The bench said it wants to know, does the government have any powers to ban or question the TV broadcast and insisted the Centre should file an affidavit detailing steps it had taken to stop broadcasts in TV channels which targeted a single community.

The observations from the top court came during the hearing of a plea led Jamait Ulama-i-Hind seeking action against media reports indulging in communalizing the Tablighi Jamaat meeting held in Delhi in March.

The pleas have been filed through advocate Ejaz Maqbool and Adeel Ahmed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Highlighting the abuse of freedom of speech in India, The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Centre for filing an affidavit short on details in a plea seeking strong action against media houses for demonizing the Muslim community in connection with the Tablighi Jamaat event.

Highlighting the abuse of freedom of speech in India, The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Centre for filing an affidavit short on details in a plea seeking strong action against media houses for demonizing the Muslim community in connection with the Tablighi Jamaat event. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which was hearing pleas of Jamiat Ulama I Hind and others alleging that a section of media was spreading communal hatred over Tablighi Jamaat congregation during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, pulled up the Centre for its "evasive" and "brazen" affidavit on the issue. Freedom of speech and expression is the most abused right in recent times, the apex court said. A bench told the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: "You cannot treat the court the way you are treating it in this case." The bench observed this when senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Jamaat, said the Centre in its affidavit has stated that petitioners are trying to muzzle freedom of speech and expression. The apex court sought an affidavit from the I&B secretary with details of steps taken in the past to stop motivated media reporting in such cases. The bench said it wants to know, does the government have any powers to ban or question the TV broadcast and insisted the Centre should file an affidavit detailing steps it had taken to stop broadcasts in TV channels which targeted a single community. The observations from the top court came during the hearing of a plea led Jamait Ulama-i-Hind seeking action against media reports indulging in communalizing the Tablighi Jamaat meeting held in Delhi in March. The pleas have been filed through advocate Ejaz Maqbool and Adeel Ahmed. (With inputs from agencies)

Freedom of speech most abused right in recent times: Supreme Court on Tablighi case

India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd&nbsp;to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial.

The recommendations by an expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) noted that safety and immunogenicity data from early-stage studies being conducted overseas is small, with no inputs available on Indian participants.

India's move comes as a setback for Russia's plan to roll-out the vaccine even before full trials show how well it works, while pushing back its efforts to win approval for the vaccine in the country that leads the world on average number of new infections.

India is expected to overtake the United States over the next several weeks as the country with the world's largest number of cases.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is marketing the Sputnik V, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories last month announced their partnership to run clinical trials and distribute the vaccine in India.

Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a novel coronavirus vaccine, and did so before large-scale trials were complete, stirring concerns among scientists and doctors about the safety and efficacy of the shot.

RDIF and Dr. Reddy's did not immediately reply to Reuters' requests for comment outside business hours.

 
&nbsp;

India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial.

India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial. The recommendations by an expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) noted that safety and immunogenicity data from early-stage studies being conducted overseas is small, with no inputs available on Indian participants. India's move comes as a setback for Russia's plan to roll-out the vaccine even before full trials show how well it works, while pushing back its efforts to win approval for the vaccine in the country that leads the world on average number of new infections. India is expected to overtake the United States over the next several weeks as the country with the world's largest number of cases. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is marketing the Sputnik V, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories last month announced their partnership to run clinical trials and distribute the vaccine in India. Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a novel coronavirus vaccine, and did so before large-scale trials were complete, stirring concerns among scientists and doctors about the safety and efficacy of the shot. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's did not immediately reply to Reuters' requests for comment outside business hours.

India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study

At least 22 states including union territories (UTs) have a COVID-19 positivity rate less than the national average which is at 8.19 per cent, informed the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.These states include--Bihar (2.61), Gujarat (3.30), Jharkhand (3.82), Uttar Pradesh (3.92), Himachal Pradesh (4.93), Rajasthan (5.11), Madhya Pradesh (5.98), Punjab (5.99), Haryana (6.65), Odisha (6.71), Uttarakhand (7.13), Jammu and Kashmir (7.24), Telangana (7.38) and West Bengal (8.15).

While India is fulfilling the World Health Organisation`s (WHO) advise of 140 tests per day per million population, the country is testing more than 15 lakh COVID-19 samples every day, said the health ministry.Nearly 12 lakh tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country. With 11,94,321 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tests have crossed 8.34 crores (8,34,65,975), it said.

In another row of achievements, 35 states/UTs have exceeded the advised number of tests. The national average of tests per day per million population stands at 865.About 83,011 single day COVID-19 recoveries were registered in last 24 hours as against 78,524 new confirmed cases.&nbsp;

The total recovered cases stand at 58,27,704. The gap between the total number of recoveries and active cases has crossed 49 lakh (49,25,279).Active cases in the country are less than 10 lakh for the 17th day in a row. Presently, the 9,02,425 active cases comprise merely 13.20 per cent of the total positive cases.A higher number of recoveries has aided the national recovery rate to further improve to 85.25 per cent, said the health ministry.

According to the government, about 75 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states/UTs. Maharashtra alone has contributed the maximum with more than 16,000 single day recovery.At least 78,524 new confirmed cases were recorded in the last 24 hours while 79 per cent of the new cases are from 10 states and UTs.&nbsp;

Maharashtra continues to be the state reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 14,000 cases followed by Karnataka with nearly 11,000 cases.The government said that at least 971 COVID-19 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Of these, nearly 82 per cent are concentrated in ten state/UTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.More than 36 per cent of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra i.e 355 deaths.

At least 22 states including union territories (UTs) have a COVID-19 positivity rate less than the national average which is at 8.19 per cent, informed the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

At least 22 states including union territories (UTs) have a COVID-19 positivity rate less than the national average which is at 8.19 per cent, informed the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.These states include--Bihar (2.61), Gujarat (3.30), Jharkhand (3.82), Uttar Pradesh (3.92), Himachal Pradesh (4.93), Rajasthan (5.11), Madhya Pradesh (5.98), Punjab (5.99), Haryana (6.65), Odisha (6.71), Uttarakhand (7.13), Jammu and Kashmir (7.24), Telangana (7.38) and West Bengal (8.15). While India is fulfilling the World Health Organisation`s (WHO) advise of 140 tests per day per million population, the country is testing more than 15 lakh COVID-19 samples every day, said the health ministry.Nearly 12 lakh tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country. With 11,94,321 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tests have crossed 8.34 crores (8,34,65,975), it said. In another row of achievements, 35 states/UTs have exceeded the advised number of tests. The national average of tests per day per million population stands at 865.About 83,011 single day COVID-19 recoveries were registered in last 24 hours as against 78,524 new confirmed cases. The total recovered cases stand at 58,27,704. The gap between the total number of recoveries and active cases has crossed 49 lakh (49,25,279).Active cases in the country are less than 10 lakh for the 17th day in a row. Presently, the 9,02,425 active cases comprise merely 13.20 per cent of the total positive cases.A higher number of recoveries has aided the national recovery rate to further improve to 85.25 per cent, said the health ministry. According to the government, about 75 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 states/UTs. Maharashtra alone has contributed the maximum with more than 16,000 single day recovery.At least 78,524 new confirmed cases were recorded in the last 24 hours while 79 per cent of the new cases are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra continues to be the state reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 14,000 cases followed by Karnataka with nearly 11,000 cases.The government said that at least 971 COVID-19 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Of these, nearly 82 per cent are concentrated in ten state/UTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.More than 36 per cent of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra i.e 355 deaths.

22 states/UTs report positivity rate less than national average: Health Ministry

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here.

Karat has challenged a trial court's August 26 order dismissing her plea seeking lodging of FIR against the two leaders on the grounds that the requisite sanction from the competent authority, the central government, was not obtained.

Justice Yogesh Khanna, after hearing the submissions, asked the counsel for Karat and Delhi Police to file relevant judgements in support of their contentions.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 2.

Advocate Richa Kapoor, appearing for the police, questioned maintainability of the petition.

Advocate Siddarth Aggarwal, representing Karat, said the complaint was kept pending before the trial court for 9 months and thereafter, the magistrate rejected the plea and did not even go into the merits of the case.

"The proposition adopted by the magistrate is in the teeth of many judgements of the Supreme Court. The magistrate has refused to exercise the jurisdiction which the law vests on him," he contended.

He added that a cognisable offence is made out and they were only asking the police to investigate the matter. 
CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and KM Tewari had filed the complaint before the trial court seeking a direction to the Parliament Street Police Station to register an FIR against Thakur and Verma.

However, the trial court said that the complaint was not sustainable without the prior sanction.

Karat, in her petition in the high court, sought quashing of the trial court's order and also a direction for expeditious disposal of applications under Section 156(3) CrPC (power of a magistrate to direct the police to conduct investigation in respect of a cognisable offence) and that technical objections and maintainability be decided at the threshold to avoid prejudice to the complainant and wastage of judicial time.

The plea, filed through advocate Tara Narula and Adit S Pujari, said the relevant provision of CrPC demonstrates that the sanction to be taken thereunder is a sanction for taking cognisance.

"It is settled law that the stage of cognisance does not arise at a time when directions under Section 156(3) CrPC are given, and as such, no sanction is required under either Section 195 or 196 CrPC for the registration of an FIR and/or for investigation," the plea said.

It contended when the State and the police have pointedly excused the speeches of the accused and other persons, the petitioners submit that the only recourse available to them is judicial.

"The petitioners' judicial recourse has been barred by the ACMM without considering that the very State that is supportive of the accused persons (who are sitting Members of Parliament) would function as the Sanctioning Authority.

"Public policy and the interest of justice demand that this court forms a view on the content of the speeches given by the accused on the basis of settled law and opine whether cognisable offence is made out thereupon,? it said and sought lodging of an FIR on the complaint.

The plea said they had filed the complaint over 9 months ago and the registration of FIR is already extremely delayed despite cognisable offences being made out.

Karat had claimed in her complaint that 'Thakur and Verma had sought to incite people as a result of which three incidents of firing took place at two different protest sites in Delhi'

The complaint had sought lodging of FIRs under various sections, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC.

It had also sought action under other sections of the IPC, including 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation).

The maximum punishment for the offences is jail term for seven years.

Karat had approached the court after her written complaints to the Commissioner of Police and the SHO, Parliament Street, failed to elicit any response.

The CPI (M) leader had mentioned that at the Rithala rally here, Thakur, the minister of state for finance and corporate affairs, had on January 27 egged on the crowd to raise an incendiary slogan ? ?shoot the traitors? ? after lashing out at anti-CAA protesters.

In the complaint, she had mentioned that Verma had on January 28 allegedly made incendiary comments against the anti-CAA protesters in Shaheen Bagh. 
&nbsp;

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat claimed in the Delhi High Court on Thursday that a cognisable offence is made out against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and his BJP colleague and MP Pravesh Verma and an FIR should be lodged against them for their alleged hate speeches in relation to anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh here. Karat has challenged a trial court's August 26 order dismissing her plea seeking lodging of FIR against the two leaders on the grounds that the requisite sanction from the competent authority, the central government, was not obtained. Justice Yogesh Khanna, after hearing the submissions, asked the counsel for Karat and Delhi Police to file relevant judgements in support of their contentions. The court listed the matter for further hearing on November 2. Advocate Richa Kapoor, appearing for the police, questioned maintainability of the petition. Advocate Siddarth Aggarwal, representing Karat, said the complaint was kept pending before the trial court for 9 months and thereafter, the magistrate rejected the plea and did not even go into the merits of the case. "The proposition adopted by the magistrate is in the teeth of many judgements of the Supreme Court. The magistrate has refused to exercise the jurisdiction which the law vests on him," he contended. He added that a cognisable offence is made out and they were only asking the police to investigate the matter. CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and KM Tewari had filed the complaint before the trial court seeking a direction to the Parliament Street Police Station to register an FIR against Thakur and Verma. However, the trial court said that the complaint was not sustainable without the prior sanction. Karat, in her petition in the high court, sought quashing of the trial court's order and also a direction for expeditious disposal of applications under Section 156(3) CrPC (power of a magistrate to direct the police to conduct investigation in respect of a cognisable offence) and that technical objections and maintainability be decided at the threshold to avoid prejudice to the complainant and wastage of judicial time. The plea, filed through advocate Tara Narula and Adit S Pujari, said the relevant provision of CrPC demonstrates that the sanction to be taken thereunder is a sanction for taking cognisance. "It is settled law that the stage of cognisance does not arise at a time when directions under Section 156(3) CrPC are given, and as such, no sanction is required under either Section 195 or 196 CrPC for the registration of an FIR and/or for investigation," the plea said. It contended when the State and the police have pointedly excused the speeches of the accused and other persons, the petitioners submit that the only recourse available to them is judicial. "The petitioners' judicial recourse has been barred by the ACMM without considering that the very State that is supportive of the accused persons (who are sitting Members of Parliament) would function as the Sanctioning Authority. "Public policy and the interest of justice demand that this court forms a view on the content of the speeches given by the accused on the basis of settled law and opine whether cognisable offence is made out thereupon,? it said and sought lodging of an FIR on the complaint. The plea said they had filed the complaint over 9 months ago and the registration of FIR is already extremely delayed despite cognisable offences being made out. Karat had claimed in her complaint that 'Thakur and Verma had sought to incite people as a result of which three incidents of firing took place at two different protest sites in Delhi' The complaint had sought lodging of FIRs under various sections, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC. It had also sought action under other sections of the IPC, including 298 (uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation). The maximum punishment for the offences is jail term for seven years. Karat had approached the court after her written complaints to the Commissioner of Police and the SHO, Parliament Street, failed to elicit any response. The CPI (M) leader had mentioned that at the Rithala rally here, Thakur, the minister of state for finance and corporate affairs, had on January 27 egged on the crowd to raise an incendiary slogan ? ?shoot the traitors? ? after lashing out at anti-CAA protesters. In the complaint, she had mentioned that Verma had on January 28 allegedly made incendiary comments against the anti-CAA protesters in Shaheen Bagh.

Brinda Karat urges HC to order lodging of FIR against Thakur, Verma for hate speech

The World Bank on Thursday said that India’s GDP is expected to contract by 9.6 per cent this fiscal which is reflective of the national lockdown and the income shock experienced by households and firms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the country’s economic situation is “much worse” than ever seen before.

The Washington-based global lender, in its latest South Asia Economic Focus report ahead of the annual meeting of the World bank and International Monetary Fund, forecasts a sharper than expected economic slump across the region, with regional growth expected to contract by 7.7 per cent in 2020, after topping six per cent annually in the past five years.

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“India’s GDP is expected to contract by 9.6 per cent in the fiscal year that started in March,” the World Bank said in the report released here.

Regional growth is projected to rebound to 4.5 per cent in 2021, it said.

Factoring in population growth, however, income-per-capita in the region will remain 6 per cent below 2019 estimates, indicating that the expected rebound will not offset the lasting economic damage caused by the pandemic, it said.

“The situation is much worse in India than we have ever seen before,” Hans Timmer, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia told reporters during a conference call.

“It is an exceptional situation in India. A very dire outlook,” he said.

There was a 25 per cent decline in GDP in the second quarter of the year, which is the first quarter of the current fiscal year in India.

In the report, the World bank said that the spread of the coronavirus and containment measures have severely disrupted supply and demand conditions in India.

With the intent to contain the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with effect from March 25, announced a nationwide complete lockdown that brought as much as 70 per cent of economic activity, investment, exports and discretionary consumption to a standstill. Only essential goods and services such as agriculture, mining, utility services, some financial and IT services and public services were allowed to operate.

Dubbed as the world’s biggest lockdown, it shut a majority of the factories and businesses, suspended flights, stopped trains and restricted movement of vehicles and people.

According to the World Bank, monetary policy has been deployed aggressively and fiscal resources have been channeled to public health and social protection, but additional counter-cyclical measures will be needed, within a revised medium-term fiscal framework.

Despite measures to shield vulnerable households and firms, the trajectory of poverty reduction has slowed, if not reversed, it said.

“We have seen from the rapid survey that many people have lost their jobs,” Timmer said, adding that this is happening against a background when India’s economy was already slowing down before the pandemic.

“We had seen a rise in non-performing loans. Those are all vulnerabilities that India has to deal with,” he said.

Responding to a question, Timmer said what the Indian government has done with limited resources and limited fiscal space is very impressive.

“We have seen a loosening of monetary policy. You have seen attempts to increase credit to the private sector to help a company survive,” he said, adding that there have been big efforts in the health sector and expansion of a social safety net.

“But with every big crisis, I think, we have to realise that this will not go over anytime soon. And it will actually change the longer-term future also. What this reveals is really as good as federal policies, especially the policies related to the informal sector.

“There’s a big problem that the informal sector has no coverage in social insurance. What we see now is that especially the informal workers in the middle of the income distribution have lost their jobs. There are no systems in place to support those people,” Timmer said.

Responding to another question, Timmer said that as a result of COVID-19, the World Bank estimates that in one year, the number of people living below the poverty line has increased by 33 per cent.

In its report, the World Bank said that the response of the government of India to the COVID-19 outbreak was swift and comprehensive. A strict lockdown was implemented to contain the health emergency.

To mitigate its impact on the poorest, it was complemented by social protection measures; to ensure that businesses could maintain their operations, the Reserve Bank of India and the government also provided liquidity and other regulatory support, it said.

“Nonetheless, there was a massive contraction in output and poor and vulnerable households experienced significant social hardships — specifically urban migrants and workers in the informal economy,” the bank said.

After fiscal 2017, during which the economy grew at 8.3 per cent, growth decelerated in each subsequent year to 7.0, 6.1 and 4.2 per cent.

This was on account of two mutually reinforcing dynamics: emerging weaknesses in non-bank financial companies (a major source of credit growth, making up for risk aversion from banks) and slowing private consumption growth, the bank added.

The World Bank on Thursday said that India’s GDP is expected to contract by 9.6 per cent this fiscal which is reflective of the national lockdown and the income shock experienced by households and firms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the country’s economic situation is “much worse” than ever seen before.

The World Bank on Thursday said that India’s GDP is expected to contract by 9.6 per cent this fiscal which is reflective of the national lockdown and the income shock experienced by households and firms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the country’s economic situation is “much worse” than ever seen before. The Washington-based global lender, in its latest South Asia Economic Focus report ahead of the annual meeting of the World bank and International Monetary Fund, forecasts a sharper than expected economic slump across the region, with regional growth expected to contract by 7.7 per cent in 2020, after topping six per cent annually in the past five years. Also read | India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers “India’s GDP is expected to contract by 9.6 per cent in the fiscal year that started in March,” the World Bank said in the report released here. Regional growth is projected to rebound to 4.5 per cent in 2021, it said. Factoring in population growth, however, income-per-capita in the region will remain 6 per cent below 2019 estimates, indicating that the expected rebound will not offset the lasting economic damage caused by the pandemic, it said. “The situation is much worse in India than we have ever seen before,” Hans Timmer, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia told reporters during a conference call. “It is an exceptional situation in India. A very dire outlook,” he said. There was a 25 per cent decline in GDP in the second quarter of the year, which is the first quarter of the current fiscal year in India. In the report, the World bank said that the spread of the coronavirus and containment measures have severely disrupted supply and demand conditions in India. With the intent to contain the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with effect from March 25, announced a nationwide complete lockdown that brought as much as 70 per cent of economic activity, investment, exports and discretionary consumption to a standstill. Only essential goods and services such as agriculture, mining, utility services, some financial and IT services and public services were allowed to operate. Dubbed as the world’s biggest lockdown, it shut a majority of the factories and businesses, suspended flights, stopped trains and restricted movement of vehicles and people. According to the World Bank, monetary policy has been deployed aggressively and fiscal resources have been channeled to public health and social protection, but additional counter-cyclical measures will be needed, within a revised medium-term fiscal framework. Despite measures to shield vulnerable households and firms, the trajectory of poverty reduction has slowed, if not reversed, it said. “We have seen from the rapid survey that many people have lost their jobs,” Timmer said, adding that this is happening against a background when India’s economy was already slowing down before the pandemic. “We had seen a rise in non-performing loans. Those are all vulnerabilities that India has to deal with,” he said. Responding to a question, Timmer said what the Indian government has done with limited resources and limited fiscal space is very impressive. “We have seen a loosening of monetary policy. You have seen attempts to increase credit to the private sector to help a company survive,” he said, adding that there have been big efforts in the health sector and expansion of a social safety net. “But with every big crisis, I think, we have to realise that this will not go over anytime soon. And it will actually change the longer-term future also. What this reveals is really as good as federal policies, especially the policies related to the informal sector. “There’s a big problem that the informal sector has no coverage in social insurance. What we see now is that especially the informal workers in the middle of the income distribution have lost their jobs. There are no systems in place to support those people,” Timmer said. Responding to another question, Timmer said that as a result of COVID-19, the World Bank estimates that in one year, the number of people living below the poverty line has increased by 33 per cent. In its report, the World Bank said that the response of the government of India to the COVID-19 outbreak was swift and comprehensive. A strict lockdown was implemented to contain the health emergency. To mitigate its impact on the poorest, it was complemented by social protection measures; to ensure that businesses could maintain their operations, the Reserve Bank of India and the government also provided liquidity and other regulatory support, it said. “Nonetheless, there was a massive contraction in output and poor and vulnerable households experienced significant social hardships — specifically urban migrants and workers in the informal economy,” the bank said. After fiscal 2017, during which the economy grew at 8.3 per cent, growth decelerated in each subsequent year to 7.0, 6.1 and 4.2 per cent. This was on account of two mutually reinforcing dynamics: emerging weaknesses in non-bank financial companies (a major source of credit growth, making up for risk aversion from banks) and slowing private consumption growth, the bank added.

India's GDP expected to contract by 9 per cent this year: World Bank

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating.

The national capital's air quality was recorded in the poor category Thursday morning and it is likely to deteriorate further due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and spike in farm fires. 
The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 201 at 9 am, which falls in the poor category.

Delhi's air quality had turned poor even on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. It was 178 on Tuesday.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday agreed to examine a suggestion that a portion of Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be withheld from farmers and released later only after verification that they didn’t burn stubble.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist and class 12 student Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka who sought directions to provide free of cost stubble removing machines to small and marginal farmers to check high particulate matters in the air.

The petition contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi.

The PIL referred to the Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild Covid-19 infection into an acute one.

Meanwhile, India's sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution, recorded a significant decline of approximately six per cent in 2019 as compared to 2018, the steepest dip in four years, a report has said.

However, India continues to occupy the top emitter's position for the fifth consecutive year, the report based on an analysis by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), released on Tuesday, said.

Sulphur dioxide is a poisonous air pollutant that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating.

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have started their annual exercise of burning crop stubble to prepare the fields for rabi (winter) crops and due to this practice of large area the air quality Delhi -NCR has started deteriorating. The national capital's air quality was recorded in the poor category Thursday morning and it is likely to deteriorate further due to unfavourable meteorological conditions and spike in farm fires. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 201 at 9 am, which falls in the poor category. Delhi's air quality had turned poor even on Wednesday, the first time in since June 29, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording a 24-hour average AQI of 215. It was 178 on Tuesday. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday agreed to examine a suggestion that a portion of Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be withheld from farmers and released later only after verification that they didn’t burn stubble. The top court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist and class 12 student Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka who sought directions to provide free of cost stubble removing machines to small and marginal farmers to check high particulate matters in the air. The petition contended that stubble burning contributes almost 40 per cent of air pollution in Delhi. The PIL referred to the Harvard University study that air pollution may now be an important factor that aggravates a mild Covid-19 infection into an acute one. Meanwhile, India's sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to air pollution, recorded a significant decline of approximately six per cent in 2019 as compared to 2018, the steepest dip in four years, a report has said. However, India continues to occupy the top emitter's position for the fifth consecutive year, the report based on an analysis by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), released on Tuesday, said. Sulphur dioxide is a poisonous air pollutant that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and premature death. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi-NCR fears air pollution as farmers continue stubble burning

Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban underway in Doha and thanked New Delhi for its "principled position" on the Afghan Peace Process.&nbsp;

India's policy on the peace process has been that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled" process.

Dr Abdullah tweeted, "In our friendly discussion we took stock of the latest developments on the Afghan peace process, the talks in Doha, &amp; India’s support for the peace efforts."

During the talks, India assured its "continued support for the peace process"&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson tweeted on the meet, saying PM Modi "reaffirmed our long term commitment to further deepening India-Afghan ties."

Present during the meeting were, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, NSA Ajit Doval, Tahir Qadiry, charges d'affaires at the Afghan embassy in Delhi.

Dr Abdullah who is the chief Afghan govt negotiator for the intra Afghan talks and is on a 4 day India visit, the first since taking charge of the position.

WION was the first channel to break over the weekend that Dr Abdullah Abdullah will visit India.

Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban underway in Doha and thanked New Delhi for its "principled position" on the Afghan Peace Process.

Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Dr Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban underway in Doha and thanked New Delhi for its "principled position" on the Afghan Peace Process. India's policy on the peace process has been that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled" process. Dr Abdullah tweeted, "In our friendly discussion we took stock of the latest developments on the Afghan peace process, the talks in Doha, & India’s support for the peace efforts." During the talks, India assured its "continued support for the peace process" Ministry of external affairs spokesperson tweeted on the meet, saying PM Modi "reaffirmed our long term commitment to further deepening India-Afghan ties." Present during the meeting were, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, NSA Ajit Doval, Tahir Qadiry, charges d'affaires at the Afghan embassy in Delhi. Dr Abdullah who is the chief Afghan govt negotiator for the intra Afghan talks and is on a 4 day India visit, the first since taking charge of the position. WION was the first channel to break over the weekend that Dr Abdullah Abdullah will visit India.

Afghan peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah meets PM Modi; briefs about intra-Afghan talks in Doha

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries &nbsp;and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data.

The ministry also said that India's Positivity Rate is steadily maintained below 10 per cent. The cumulative figure is 8.28 per cent and the daily figure is 7.52 per cent. 
 
Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 35.7 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 1,048,700, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Wednesday, the total number of cases stood at 35,733,340 and the fatalities rose to 1,048,742, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data.

India's coronavirus tally has crossed the 67-lakh with a spike of 72,049 new COVID-19 cases and 986 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry, Total tally, as of Wednesday, stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases, 57,44,694 recoveries and 1,04,555 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data. The ministry also said that India's Positivity Rate is steadily maintained below 10 per cent. The cumulative figure is 8.28 per cent and the daily figure is 7.52 per cent. Meanwhile, the overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 35.7 million, while the deaths have increased to more than 1,048,700, according to the Johns Hopkins University. As of Wednesday, the total number of cases stood at 35,733,340 and the fatalities rose to 1,048,742, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. (With inputs from agencies)

986 deaths in last 24 hours takes India's coronavirus toll to 1,04,555

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district. According to police, the terrorists - once they were holed up - were asked to surrender; however, they refused.&nbsp;

The operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire and security forces retaliated, he added.&nbsp;

IGP Kashmir confirmed the killing of terrorists and said that search operation is still going on.&nbsp;

According to IGP Kashmir, the identity of the killed militants is being ascertained and security forces have recovered arms and ammunition from the site of encounter.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district.

At least three terrorists have been killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Armed forces launched the operation last evening in the Sugan village of the district. According to police, the terrorists - once they were holed up - were asked to surrender; however, they refused. The operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire and security forces retaliated, he added. IGP Kashmir confirmed the killing of terrorists and said that search operation is still going on. According to IGP Kashmir, the identity of the killed militants is being ascertained and security forces have recovered arms and ammunition from the site of encounter. (With inputs from agencies)

Three terrorists killed in encounter in J&K’s Shopian district

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a&nbsp;happy birthday&nbsp;and to discuss&nbsp;his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.&nbsp;

A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations."

Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation."

PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday.&nbsp; 
 
During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss his upcoming India visit. President Putin is expected to visit India before year-end for the annual India Russia summit that takes place alternatively between the two countries. A release from Indian Prime Minister's office said, "Prime Minister recalled his long association and friendship with His Excellency Putin, and appreciated the personal role that the latter has played in nurturing the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations." Adding, "Prime Minister expressed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India, as soon as possible after the normalisation of the public health situation." PM Modi was amongst the first world leaders to call President Putin on his birthday. Last month, the Russian President had called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday. During the talks, COVID pandemic was also discussed. Russia will be supplying its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V to India, subject to regulatory approval. India had also reached out to Moscow, supplying the country with anti covid drug HCQ.

Russian president's India visit discussed during PM Modi's call with Putin on his birthday

The overburdened Civil Hospital warned that it was struggling to provide care to twice as many patients as it was designed to accommodate.

COVID-19 Crisis: National capital of India faces shortage of burial space

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China,&nbsp;as the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control remains tense&nbsp;due to Chinese presence.&nbsp;India, China ties have gone southward since May after the Chinese side tried to change the "patrolling pattern" at LAC, followed by Galwan incident in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

During the meeting that happened on Monday, Secretary (Economic Relation) Rahul Chhabra and Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup were present, with the key focus on&nbsp;the further development of economic ties.

Nordic countries consist of countries of Northern Europe -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden while Baltic countries consist of countries bordering Baltic sea--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.&nbsp;

In 2018, the first India-Nordic summit happened in Sweden, with plans underway to host the 2nd India Nordic summit in Denmark. Vice&nbsp;President had visited all 3 Baltic countries in 2019 as part of New Delhi's reach out.

Ministry of the external affair has been meeting envoys of various groupings, and in the past, a meet with ASEAN envoy happened.&nbsp;

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China, as the Line of Actual Control remains tense due to Chinese presence.

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China, as the Line of Actual Control remains tense due to Chinese presence. India, China ties have gone southward since May after the Chinese side tried to change the "patrolling pattern" at LAC, followed by Galwan incident in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. During the meeting that happened on Monday, Secretary (Economic Relation) Rahul Chhabra and Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup were present, with the key focus on the further development of economic ties. Nordic countries consist of countries of Northern Europe -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden while Baltic countries consist of countries bordering Baltic sea--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In 2018, the first India-Nordic summit happened in Sweden, with plans underway to host the 2nd India Nordic summit in Denmark. Vice President had visited all 3 Baltic countries in 2019 as part of New Delhi's reach out. Ministry of the external affair has been meeting envoys of various groupings, and in the past, a meet with ASEAN envoy happened.

India briefs envoys of Nordic & Baltic countries on LAC situation with China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with&nbsp;the chief of&nbsp;Vestas wind systems&nbsp;Henrik Andersen to discuss&nbsp;innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the energy transition.

During their video chat, the duo spoke about a host of issues related to the wind energy sector. During the interaction, PM Modi also highlighted the steps taken by India to harness wind energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations.

“Had an insightful interaction with Mr. Henrik Andersen, President and CEO, Vestas. We discussed a series of issues relating to the wind energy sector. Highlighted some of India’s efforts to harness renewable energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations,” tweeted PM Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had an insightful interaction with Mr. Henrik Andersen, President and CEO, <a href="https://twitter.com/Vestas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vestas</a>. We discussed a series of issues relating to the wind energy sector. Highlighted some of India’s efforts to harness renewable energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1313413850276872192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Vestas CEO Andersen said that the talk with PM Modi on innovative ideas can push the envelope in the energy transition. He dubbed the interaction with PM Modi as very insightful.

“Great talk with Honourable PM Narendra Modi on innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the energy transition. Very insightful and we are very much looking forward to a continued collaboration and increased footprint in India,” tweeted Vestas CEO Andersen.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Great talk with Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/energytransition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#energytransition</a>. Very insightful and we are very much looking forward to a continued collaboration and increased footprint in India.” <a href="https://twitter.com/Vestas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vestas</a>’ Henrik Andersen. <a href="https://t.co/bUtcoLsD7G">pic.twitter.com/bUtcoLsD7G</a>
— Vestas Wind Systems (@Vestas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vestas/status/1313500010718298117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Headquarted in Aarhus, Denamrk, and working towards a sustainable future, Vestas is among the biggest wind turbine companies in the world and is considered a pioneer in the industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with the chief of Vestas wind systems Henrik Andersen to discuss innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the energy transition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with the chief of Vestas wind systems Henrik Andersen to discuss innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the energy transition. During their video chat, the duo spoke about a host of issues related to the wind energy sector. During the interaction, PM Modi also highlighted the steps taken by India to harness wind energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations. “Had an insightful interaction with Mr. Henrik Andersen, President and CEO, Vestas. We discussed a series of issues relating to the wind energy sector. Highlighted some of India’s efforts to harness renewable energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations,” tweeted PM Modi. Had an insightful interaction with Mr. Henrik Andersen, President and CEO, @Vestas. We discussed a series of issues relating to the wind energy sector. Highlighted some of India’s efforts to harness renewable energy in order to build a cleaner future for the coming generations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2020 × Vestas CEO Andersen said that the talk with PM Modi on innovative ideas can push the envelope in the energy transition. He dubbed the interaction with PM Modi as very insightful. “Great talk with Honourable PM Narendra Modi on innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the energy transition. Very insightful and we are very much looking forward to a continued collaboration and increased footprint in India,” tweeted Vestas CEO Andersen. “Great talk with Hon’ble PM @narendramodi on innovative ideas that can push the envelope in the #energytransition. Very insightful and we are very much looking forward to a continued collaboration and increased footprint in India.” @Vestas’ Henrik Andersen. pic.twitter.com/bUtcoLsD7G — Vestas Wind Systems (@Vestas) October 6, 2020 × Headquarted in Aarhus, Denamrk, and working towards a sustainable future, Vestas is among the biggest wind turbine companies in the world and is considered a pioneer in the industry.

PM Modi interacts with Vestas CEO Henrik Andersen, highlights India’s efforts to harness renewable energy

India can prove to be an excellent base for the defence and aerospace industry, for provision of repair, overhaul, maintenance and servicing facilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. 
 
The minister said that India can also become a centre for regional distribution and services. 
 
Addressing the Ambassadors` Round Table Conference on Aero India 2021 through video conference, Rajnath said Aero India since inception has carved out a place for itself and has become a leading international event in the area of showcasing the capabilities of Indian defence and aerospace industry. 
 
Aero India 2021, the 13th edition of the biennial air show and aviation exhibition is scheduled to be held from 3-7 February 2021 in Bengaluru. 
 
"India has one of the largest defence industrial eco-systems in Asia and we aspire to build further on our strengths," the minister said. 
 
He also said that the private sector and public-private partnerships through joint ventures and foreign direct investment have also boosted the national efforts in building the domestic defence and aerospace industry. 
 
"Aero India provides an ideal platform for businesses, decision-makers and policymakers to interact to address common concerns and contribute to global defence and aerospace ecosystems and position India as a defence manufacturing hub," he said. 
 
With numerous business events and large number of participants, Aero India will provide the intellectuals and industry new meeting grounds for developing military industrial enterprise, the minister said. "India has one of the world`s largest technically qualified manpower and we do claim to be a force to reckon with in the field of Information Technology," he said. 
 
The minister said that it would provide an excellent opportunity for leading companies worldwide to enter into partnerships with established Indian companies for repair, overhaul, maintenance and other services. 
 
He also talked about numerous government reforms which have been announced for ease of business. "It has been endeavour of our government to constantly undertake policy initiatives to attract investments in defence and aerospace industry," he said. 
 
He also highlighted that a new category of Buy global - manufacture in India has been further introduced in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. "The new category incorporates manufacture of the equipment or (Maintenance Repair and Overall) facility for equipment, through foreign company`s subsidiary in India," the minister said. 
 
He highlighted that from design to production, Indian government is trying to make the country one of the leading countries of the world in the defence, aerospace and naval shipbuilding sectors with active participation of public and private sector. 
 
"For fulfilling the twin objectives of self-reliance and exports Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formulated a draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020)," he stressed. 
 
He pointed that India will be strictly adhering to all the requisite protocols to tackle Covid-19. "In view of the ongoing pandemic, it has been decided that emphasis will be laid on contactless experience to all exhibitors and visitors," the minister pointed. 
 
He said that Aero India will provide great opportunities for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between the defence and aerospace industries of the world and India. 
 
"We need to remove impediments coming in the way of our natural alliance in a purposeful and progressive manner and join hands to make this world a more secure, peaceful and prosperous place," the minister said.

India can prove to be an excellent base for the defence and aerospace industry, for provision of repair, overhaul, maintenance and servicing facilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

India can prove to be an excellent base for the defence and aerospace industry, for provision of repair, overhaul, maintenance and servicing facilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. The minister said that India can also become a centre for regional distribution and services. Addressing the Ambassadors` Round Table Conference on Aero India 2021 through video conference, Rajnath said Aero India since inception has carved out a place for itself and has become a leading international event in the area of showcasing the capabilities of Indian defence and aerospace industry. Aero India 2021, the 13th edition of the biennial air show and aviation exhibition is scheduled to be held from 3-7 February 2021 in Bengaluru. "India has one of the largest defence industrial eco-systems in Asia and we aspire to build further on our strengths," the minister said. He also said that the private sector and public-private partnerships through joint ventures and foreign direct investment have also boosted the national efforts in building the domestic defence and aerospace industry. "Aero India provides an ideal platform for businesses, decision-makers and policymakers to interact to address common concerns and contribute to global defence and aerospace ecosystems and position India as a defence manufacturing hub," he said. With numerous business events and large number of participants, Aero India will provide the intellectuals and industry new meeting grounds for developing military industrial enterprise, the minister said. "India has one of the world`s largest technically qualified manpower and we do claim to be a force to reckon with in the field of Information Technology," he said. The minister said that it would provide an excellent opportunity for leading companies worldwide to enter into partnerships with established Indian companies for repair, overhaul, maintenance and other services. He also talked about numerous government reforms which have been announced for ease of business. "It has been endeavour of our government to constantly undertake policy initiatives to attract investments in defence and aerospace industry," he said. He also highlighted that a new category of Buy global - manufacture in India has been further introduced in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. "The new category incorporates manufacture of the equipment or (Maintenance Repair and Overall) facility for equipment, through foreign company`s subsidiary in India," the minister said. He highlighted that from design to production, Indian government is trying to make the country one of the leading countries of the world in the defence, aerospace and naval shipbuilding sectors with active participation of public and private sector. "For fulfilling the twin objectives of self-reliance and exports Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formulated a draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020)," he stressed. He pointed that India will be strictly adhering to all the requisite protocols to tackle Covid-19. "In view of the ongoing pandemic, it has been decided that emphasis will be laid on contactless experience to all exhibitors and visitors," the minister pointed. He said that Aero India will provide great opportunities for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between the defence and aerospace industries of the world and India. "We need to remove impediments coming in the way of our natural alliance in a purposeful and progressive manner and join hands to make this world a more secure, peaceful and prosperous place," the minister said.

India can become base for defence industry: Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday. 
 
The survey was conducted by online travel aggregator ixigo, with a sample of 5000 users also known as `Early travellers` - a group of flyers who have travelled in July-August-September and are ready to travel again in the next three months. 
 
The survey results show that as travellers return to the skies, the confidence in air travel is rising.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-to-become-first-country-to-circulate-iodine-based-sanitisers-333155" hreflang="en">India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers</a> 
 
According to the report, the likelihood of the respondents to take another domestic trip during the next three months (42 per cent) is the highest it has been as compared to an earlier sentiment survey done in May (16 per cent). 
 
"As travel demand recovers, we want our users to feel confident and safe and give them a flexible, stress-free booking experience," Rajnish Kumar, Co-Founder &amp; CTO, ixigo, said in a statement. 
 
The report revealed that safety and hygiene measures being adopted by airlines and various properties is the most important aspect for travellers during Covid-19. 
 
The survey showed that queuing during check-in/security (64 per cent) and in-flight social distancing (51 per cent) feature amongst the top apprehensions of air passengers who have travelled recently.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-and-japan-agree-on-cyber-security-agreement-on-5g-ai-cooperation-333094" hreflang="en">India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation&nbsp;</a> 
 
Travellers were also concerned about eating on the plane (9 per cent), cleanliness of common areas and washrooms (24 per cent) and arranging travel from the arrival airport (22 per cent). 
 
The data showed that 46 per cent respondents say fully refundable bookings for travel and accommodation will be the top priority for them while making bookings in the future.

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday.

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday. The survey was conducted by online travel aggregator ixigo, with a sample of 5000 users also known as `Early travellers` - a group of flyers who have travelled in July-August-September and are ready to travel again in the next three months. The survey results show that as travellers return to the skies, the confidence in air travel is rising. Also read: India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers According to the report, the likelihood of the respondents to take another domestic trip during the next three months (42 per cent) is the highest it has been as compared to an earlier sentiment survey done in May (16 per cent). "As travel demand recovers, we want our users to feel confident and safe and give them a flexible, stress-free booking experience," Rajnish Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO, ixigo, said in a statement. The report revealed that safety and hygiene measures being adopted by airlines and various properties is the most important aspect for travellers during Covid-19. The survey showed that queuing during check-in/security (64 per cent) and in-flight social distancing (51 per cent) feature amongst the top apprehensions of air passengers who have travelled recently. Also read: India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation Travellers were also concerned about eating on the plane (9 per cent), cleanliness of common areas and washrooms (24 per cent) and arranging travel from the arrival airport (22 per cent). The data showed that 46 per cent respondents say fully refundable bookings for travel and accommodation will be the top priority for them while making bookings in the future.

Amid COVID-19, 42% of early air travellers in India ready to go again: Report

India's top software exporter Tata Consultancy Services said on Wednesday it would buy back shares worth up to 160 billion rupees ($2.18 billion), and reported a 7.1% fall in quarterly profit.

The buyback comes at a time when TCS parent Tata Sons is engaged in a fight with one of its oldest shareholders, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which recently said "a separation from the Tata Group is necessary".

Consolidated net profit for the quarter fell to 74.75 billion rupees from 80.42 billion rupees a year earlier, as the company set aside 12.18 billion rupees under exceptional items related to a U.S. lawsuit.

Analysts on average had expected a profit of 78.05 billion rupees, according to Refinitiv data.

"The timing of the buyback has been partly triggered due to the ongoing feud between Tata and the Mistry group, with the Mistry group looking to exit its Tata Sons holdings," said Jyoti Roy, an analyst at Angel Broking.

TCS said its consolidated revenue for the period rose 3% to 401.35 billion rupees.

India's top software exporter Tata Consultancy Services said on Wednesday it would buy back shares worth up to 160 billion rupees ($2.18 billion), and reported a 7.

India's top software exporter Tata Consultancy Services said on Wednesday it would buy back shares worth up to 160 billion rupees ($2.18 billion), and reported a 7.1% fall in quarterly profit. The buyback comes at a time when TCS parent Tata Sons is engaged in a fight with one of its oldest shareholders, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which recently said "a separation from the Tata Group is necessary". Consolidated net profit for the quarter fell to 74.75 billion rupees from 80.42 billion rupees a year earlier, as the company set aside 12.18 billion rupees under exceptional items related to a U.S. lawsuit. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 78.05 billion rupees, according to Refinitiv data. "The timing of the buyback has been partly triggered due to the ongoing feud between Tata and the Mistry group, with the Mistry group looking to exit its Tata Sons holdings," said Jyoti Roy, an analyst at Angel Broking. TCS said its consolidated revenue for the period rose 3% to 401.35 billion rupees.

TCS announces up to $2.2 billion buyback, second quarter profit falls

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi has asked Indian media to follow "One-China" policy and not refer to Taiwan as a "nation".

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi has asked Indian media to follow "One-China" policy and not refer to Taiwan as a "nation". Also Read: Taiwan says has spent almost $900 million scrambling against China this year In a letter to the Indian media, the Chinese mission said, "would like to remind our media friends that there is only 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." Further explaining, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government." The letter came hours after leading National Newspapers in India carried full-page advert, on WION running a programme on Taiwanese national day. The programme will go on air on Wednesday at 7 pm and Thursday at 5.30 pm. The letter by Chinese mission also hoped, "Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle", asking the Indian media to not refer Taiwan as a "country" or “The Republic of China” or its Taiwan president Tsai ing-wen as President as it sends "wrong signals to the general public." October 10, 2011, marks the start of Wuchang Uprising leading to the end of China's Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. This day is marked in Taiwan, and this year will be celebrated amid tensions between China and Taiwan.

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day, China asks Indian media to follow One-China policy

A latest global survey carried out across 22 countries has revealed that girls and young women are one of the biggest targets of online violence and abuse.

Carried out by UK-based humanitarian organisation Plan International, the survey, titled "State of the World's Girls Report", involved 14,000 women aged 15-25 from 22 countries including India, Brazil, Nigeria, Spain, Australia, Japan, Thailand and the United States.

Ahead of the International Day of Girl Child 2020 on October 11, the survey highlighted that 58 per cent of the respondents accepted having faced online harassment or abuse on different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and TikTok.

The percentage of affected women was similar for different regions around the globe.

"In Europe 63 per cent of girls reported harassment, followed by 60 per cent of girls in Latin America, 58 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region, 54 per cent in Africa, and 52 per cent in North America," the report found.

Ranging from threats of sexual violence to racist comments and stalking, online harassment of young women was directed in different manners.

Of the girls who have been harassed, 47 per cent have been threatened with physical or sexual violence, while 59 per cent faced abusive and insulting language online.

A large number of women from minority and LGBTQ+ communities said they were harassed because of their identities.

"Of the girls who were harassed, 42 per cent of the girls who identified themselves as LGBTIQ+; 14 per cent who self-identified as having a disability; and 37 per cent who identified themselves as from an ethnic minority said they get harassed because of it," found the survey conducted from April 1 to May 5.

Despite the anonymity that social media provides, girls and young women do know something about their harassers. Harassment from strangers was more frequent and more frightening than from people they knew.

"While 11 per cent of the surveyed girls were harassed by a current or former intimate partner, 21 per cent pointed towards friends and 23 per cent knew their harassers from school or work," it said.

Thirty six per cent of the respondents said they were harassed by strangers and 32 per cent by anonymous social media users.

Whilst women were listed in the examples of known harassers, none of the girls interviewed suggested women were behind the unknown accounts, many directly mentioned they thought they were men.

The abuse and harassment faced online also had its effect on life outside social media.

A total of 42 per cent women registered mental or emotional stress, and the same percentage of respondents accepted decrease in self-esteem and confidence because of online harassment.

Affected by the ill treatment online, one in five girls (19 per cent) have left or significantly reduced use of a social media platform after being harassed, while another one in ten (12 per cent) have changed the way they express themselves.

"Girls are being silenced by a toxic level of harassment. Activists, including those campaigning for gender equality and on LGBT+ issues, were often targeted particularly viciously, and their lives and families threatened," said Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, Plan International's chief executive.

"Driving girls out of online spaces is hugely disempowering in an increasingly digital world, and damages their ability to be seen, heard and become leaders," she said.

A latest global survey carried out across 22 countries has revealed that girls and young women are one of the biggest targets of online violence and abuse. Carried out by UK-based humanitarian organisation Plan International, the survey, titled "State of the World's Girls Report", involved 14,000 women aged 15-25 from 22 countries including India, Brazil, Nigeria, Spain, Australia, Japan, Thailand and the United States.

A latest global survey carried out across 22 countries has revealed that girls and young women are one of the biggest targets of online violence and abuse. Carried out by UK-based humanitarian organisation Plan International, the survey, titled "State of the World's Girls Report", involved 14,000 women aged 15-25 from 22 countries including India, Brazil, Nigeria, Spain, Australia, Japan, Thailand and the United States. Ahead of the International Day of Girl Child 2020 on October 11, the survey highlighted that 58 per cent of the respondents accepted having faced online harassment or abuse on different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and TikTok. The percentage of affected women was similar for different regions around the globe. "In Europe 63 per cent of girls reported harassment, followed by 60 per cent of girls in Latin America, 58 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region, 54 per cent in Africa, and 52 per cent in North America," the report found. Ranging from threats of sexual violence to racist comments and stalking, online harassment of young women was directed in different manners. Of the girls who have been harassed, 47 per cent have been threatened with physical or sexual violence, while 59 per cent faced abusive and insulting language online. A large number of women from minority and LGBTQ+ communities said they were harassed because of their identities. "Of the girls who were harassed, 42 per cent of the girls who identified themselves as LGBTIQ+; 14 per cent who self-identified as having a disability; and 37 per cent who identified themselves as from an ethnic minority said they get harassed because of it," found the survey conducted from April 1 to May 5. Despite the anonymity that social media provides, girls and young women do know something about their harassers. Harassment from strangers was more frequent and more frightening than from people they knew. "While 11 per cent of the surveyed girls were harassed by a current or former intimate partner, 21 per cent pointed towards friends and 23 per cent knew their harassers from school or work," it said. Thirty six per cent of the respondents said they were harassed by strangers and 32 per cent by anonymous social media users. Whilst women were listed in the examples of known harassers, none of the girls interviewed suggested women were behind the unknown accounts, many directly mentioned they thought they were men. The abuse and harassment faced online also had its effect on life outside social media. A total of 42 per cent women registered mental or emotional stress, and the same percentage of respondents accepted decrease in self-esteem and confidence because of online harassment. Affected by the ill treatment online, one in five girls (19 per cent) have left or significantly reduced use of a social media platform after being harassed, while another one in ten (12 per cent) have changed the way they express themselves. "Girls are being silenced by a toxic level of harassment. Activists, including those campaigning for gender equality and on LGBT+ issues, were often targeted particularly viciously, and their lives and families threatened," said Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, Plan International's chief executive. "Driving girls out of online spaces is hugely disempowering in an increasingly digital world, and damages their ability to be seen, heard and become leaders," she said.

58% girls, young women face online harassment, abuse, says global survey 

Two days mountain biking festival recently held in Ladakh, India's Himalayan Territory. This festival invited both professional & amateur riders.

Two days mountain biking festival recently held in Ladakh, India's Himalayan Territory

India showcases Rafale power on Air Force Day dress rehearsal

India will be the first country in the world to begin the rollout of iodine-based hand sanitisers. Currently, the alcohol-based sanitisers are in circulation around the globe. With iodine based sanitisers, India would also become the manufacturing hub of such products.

According to BusinessLine, the first iodine-based sanitiser will be called I2Cure, and will be made by a Singapore-based biotechnology firm I2Pure, which is in possession of patents relating to this iodine-based product.

Iodine-based sanitisers have an edge over the alcohol-based ones, for they are more effective against viruses, and also more long-lasting.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/licence-for-stocking-sale-of-hand-sanitiser-no-longer-required-centre-316608" hreflang="en">Licence for stocking, sale of hand sanitiser no longer required: Centre&nbsp;</a>

The products are set to be launched over the next two weeks in the country. Iodine has great disinfectant properties, and is a known antiseptic. Iodine usually runs an odd colour and is very unstable. However, these issues were resolved with the research done by American scientist Jack Kessler.

The global president of I2Pure, Anil Kejriwal told BusinessLine that the iodine-based sanitiser “is effective against novel coronavirus”. The makers want to get an “emergency use authorisation” for the sanitiser.

The company president also claimed that the iodine-based sanitiser is capable of providing protection for around 12 hours, unlike alcohol-based sanitisers that require reapplication every few hours. Additionally, the required quantity per use is two drops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/innovation-in-times-of-coronavirus-robot-dispenses-sanitiser-at-bulandshahr-collectorate-293509" hreflang="en">Innovation in times of coronavirus: Robot dispenses sanitiser at Bulandshahr collectorate</a>

Alcohol-based sanitisers are also notorious for leaving the skin dry and cracked. For optimum usage of iodine-based sanitisers, two drops each need to be applied to one’s nostrils, lips, and on the hands, to provide long-lasting protection against viruses like COVID-19.

The content in I2Cure is derived from Japanese seaweed, which is further&nbsp; processed in a lab in the United States.

India will be the first country in the world to begin the rollout of iodine-based hand sanitisers. Currently, the alcohol-based sanitisers are in circulation around the globe.

India will be the first country in the world to begin the rollout of iodine-based hand sanitisers. Currently, the alcohol-based sanitisers are in circulation around the globe. With iodine based sanitisers, India would also become the manufacturing hub of such products. According to BusinessLine, the first iodine-based sanitiser will be called I2Cure, and will be made by a Singapore-based biotechnology firm I2Pure, which is in possession of patents relating to this iodine-based product. Iodine-based sanitisers have an edge over the alcohol-based ones, for they are more effective against viruses, and also more long-lasting. Also read: Licence for stocking, sale of hand sanitiser no longer required: Centre The products are set to be launched over the next two weeks in the country. Iodine has great disinfectant properties, and is a known antiseptic. Iodine usually runs an odd colour and is very unstable. However, these issues were resolved with the research done by American scientist Jack Kessler. The global president of I2Pure, Anil Kejriwal told BusinessLine that the iodine-based sanitiser “is effective against novel coronavirus”. The makers want to get an “emergency use authorisation” for the sanitiser. The company president also claimed that the iodine-based sanitiser is capable of providing protection for around 12 hours, unlike alcohol-based sanitisers that require reapplication every few hours. Additionally, the required quantity per use is two drops. Also read: Innovation in times of coronavirus: Robot dispenses sanitiser at Bulandshahr collectorate Alcohol-based sanitisers are also notorious for leaving the skin dry and cracked. For optimum usage of iodine-based sanitisers, two drops each need to be applied to one’s nostrils, lips, and on the hands, to provide long-lasting protection against viruses like COVID-19. The content in I2Cure is derived from Japanese seaweed, which is further processed in a lab in the United States.

India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled against the legality of the Shaheen Bagh protest, saying public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely by protesters.

Shaheen Bagh Case: Public Places, Roads Can't be Occupied Indefinitely, Says Supreme Court

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan.

However, in the past, the group has been shy of openly declaring its intentions.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-the-quad-a-lost-opportunity-333008/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-is-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-but-ideas-need-implementation-333013">Quad is an idea whose time has come. But ideas need implementation</a>

The group met for the first time in 2017 and a few years before this these countries had joined hands for ad hoc relief operations after the 2004 tsunami.&nbsp;

The prime ministers of India, Japan, Australia met with the then US Vice President Dick Cheney.&nbsp;

The first 'Quad' summit happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Forum.

Since then, the idea of the alliance has been around, made news, but fallen short of taking any substantive action.&nbsp;

A decade later, though, the alliance was resurrected in 2017 and the members of 'Quad' had a working-level meeting.&nbsp;

And now, amid the pandemic, the foreign ministers have met in Tokyo, which reflects a clear sense of purpose, an urgency to take a harder stand against China.&nbsp;

America is not mincing words on China and Australia has named the Asian giant as a threat in its strategic assessment.&nbsp;

Australia's department of defence has said that China is engaged in active pursuit of "greater influence in the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

India has already locked in a border standoff with China and since May, New Delhi has imposed curbs on Beijing's investments.

More than 100 Chinese apps have been banned in India.&nbsp;

And, Japan's territorial disputes in the East China Sea have flared up again.&nbsp;

Japan was the country that proposed this alliance and now it has become the host for the meeting of the group's foreign ministers.

<h2>What will the 'Quad' do?</h2>

The US wants the alliance to have a clear military dimension.&nbsp;

Reports suggest Washington is considering inviting air forces of the group's allies for training at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam

The Guam base is a key US military facility in the Pacific and may also be China's first target if hostilities escalate between the two countries.&nbsp;

Last month, the Chinese Air Force released a propaganda video that simulated an attack on the base. But eagle-eyed fact-checkers were quick to point out how Chinese stole clips from Hollywood movies to make this fake video.&nbsp;

In recent months, China has made its intentions clear. It is indulging in more fights and staking a claim on more territories.&nbsp;

The time is right for all the four nations to move beyond being a symbolic alliance.&nbsp;

It must set out clear objectives and each ally must commit to tangible contributions.&nbsp;

They could start by naming China as the common enemy first.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan.

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan. However, in the past, the group has been shy of openly declaring its intentions. Watch | Also read | Quad is an idea whose time has come. But ideas need implementation The group met for the first time in 2017 and a few years before this these countries had joined hands for ad hoc relief operations after the 2004 tsunami. The prime ministers of India, Japan, Australia met with the then US Vice President Dick Cheney. The first 'Quad' summit happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Forum. Since then, the idea of the alliance has been around, made news, but fallen short of taking any substantive action. A decade later, though, the alliance was resurrected in 2017 and the members of 'Quad' had a working-level meeting. And now, amid the pandemic, the foreign ministers have met in Tokyo, which reflects a clear sense of purpose, an urgency to take a harder stand against China. America is not mincing words on China and Australia has named the Asian giant as a threat in its strategic assessment. Australia's department of defence has said that China is engaged in active pursuit of "greater influence in the Indo-Pacific". India has already locked in a border standoff with China and since May, New Delhi has imposed curbs on Beijing's investments. More than 100 Chinese apps have been banned in India. And, Japan's territorial disputes in the East China Sea have flared up again. Japan was the country that proposed this alliance and now it has become the host for the meeting of the group's foreign ministers. What will the 'Quad' do? The US wants the alliance to have a clear military dimension. Reports suggest Washington is considering inviting air forces of the group's allies for training at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam The Guam base is a key US military facility in the Pacific and may also be China's first target if hostilities escalate between the two countries. Last month, the Chinese Air Force released a propaganda video that simulated an attack on the base. But eagle-eyed fact-checkers were quick to point out how Chinese stole clips from Hollywood movies to make this fake video. In recent months, China has made its intentions clear. It is indulging in more fights and staking a claim on more territories. The time is right for all the four nations to move beyond being a symbolic alliance. It must set out clear objectives and each ally must commit to tangible contributions. They could start by naming China as the common enemy first.

Quad: A potential force to counter China needs to move beyond symbolism

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Earlier on Wednesday in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Japanese FM Motegi Toshimitsu for the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. EAM is on a 2 day Japan visit, and on the first day participated in the Quad--India, Japan, US, Australia FMs meet.

During the meet, the Indian read out said, both the ministers emphasized that a "free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "diversified and resilient supply chains" and welcomed the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative between India, Japan, Australia agreed last month.

Both sides reaffirmed "similarities in their respective Indo-Pacific visions," that are based on "rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity". The calls for respect for territorial integrity comes amid Chinese aggressiveness, in South China Sea, with India at Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh and with Japan in Senkaku Islands.

Japan has agreed to be the "lead partner in the connectivity pillar" of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). The initiative was proposed by Indian PM in November at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok.

Other key issues discussed between the 2 foreign ministers were UN Reforms, North Korea developments.

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI).

India and Japan have finalised text of the cybersecurity agreement that promotes cooperation in security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI). Earlier on Wednesday in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Japanese FM Motegi Toshimitsu for the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. EAM is on a 2 day Japan visit, and on the first day participated in the Quad--India, Japan, US, Australia FMs meet. During the meet, the Indian read out said, both the ministers emphasized that a "free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "diversified and resilient supply chains" and welcomed the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative between India, Japan, Australia agreed last month. Both sides reaffirmed "similarities in their respective Indo-Pacific visions," that are based on "rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity". The calls for respect for territorial integrity comes amid Chinese aggressiveness, in South China Sea, with India at Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh and with Japan in Senkaku Islands. Japan has agreed to be the "lead partner in the connectivity pillar" of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). The initiative was proposed by Indian PM in November at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok. Other key issues discussed between the 2 foreign ministers were UN Reforms, North Korea developments.

India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries.

In the talks held under the framework of strategic dialogue, the two foreign ministers also deliberated on long-pending reform of the United Nations and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The external affairs minister tweeted that the talks covered cooperation in areas of manufacturing, skill development, infrastructure, information and communication technology and health.

He also said that the "special partnership" between India and Japan can make a big difference in post-COVID recovery.

The security dialogue took place a day after talks among the foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia.

"Explored further expansion of our third country collaboration, with focus on development projects. Reviewed global situation and developments pertaining to UN reform. Our shared commitment can help realise stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said Last month, Jaishankar had said that India and Japan were looking at working together in third countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar reflecting growing congruence of their strategic interests.

The ties between the two countries are expanding at a rapid pace including in defence and security, manufacturing and information and communication technology.

The two countries are also cooperating in developing 5G technology in an apparent attempt to counter China's growing prowess in the area.

Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific also has emerged as a key focus area of the two countries in the wake of China's rising muscle flexing in the region.

Jaishankar and Motegi are also understood to have discussed preparations for the annual India-Japan summit which is likely to take place by end of this year.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held-wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo, covering entire gamut of bilateral ties including expansion of India-Japan collaboration in third countries. In the talks held under the framework of strategic dialogue, the two foreign ministers also deliberated on long-pending reform of the United Nations and ways to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The external affairs minister tweeted that the talks covered cooperation in areas of manufacturing, skill development, infrastructure, information and communication technology and health. He also said that the "special partnership" between India and Japan can make a big difference in post-COVID recovery. The security dialogue took place a day after talks among the foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral coalition comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia. "Explored further expansion of our third country collaboration, with focus on development projects. Reviewed global situation and developments pertaining to UN reform. Our shared commitment can help realise stability, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Jaishankar said Last month, Jaishankar had said that India and Japan were looking at working together in third countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar reflecting growing congruence of their strategic interests. The ties between the two countries are expanding at a rapid pace including in defence and security, manufacturing and information and communication technology. The two countries are also cooperating in developing 5G technology in an apparent attempt to counter China's growing prowess in the area. Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific also has emerged as a key focus area of the two countries in the wake of China's rising muscle flexing in the region. Jaishankar and Motegi are also understood to have discussed preparations for the annual India-Japan summit which is likely to take place by end of this year.

India, Japan hold strategic dialogue; focus on expanding collaboration in third countries

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