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The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm. The top judge, however, posted the plea for hearing tomorrow.

The petition was filed by advocate Tariq Adeeb

According to the plea, Kashmiri students had to lock themselves up in order to remain safe as mob violence erupted in Dehradun in Uttarakhand after the terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14.

The petition has sought the court's direction to the authorities, including heads of educational institutions, for immediate steps to prevent attacks against Kashmiris and other minorities, their social boycott, ostracisation, eviction and other coercive acts.

It has said those indulging in hate speech and targeting of Kashmiris should be prosecuted.

The plea has asked for the appointment of a senior officer in every state and Union territory for prevention of such acts and prosecution of those involved.

It has also requested the court for a direction to the authorities concerned to set up a website which would contain details of such incidents besides a single helpline for assistance across the nation.

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm.

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm. The top judge, however, posted the plea for hearing tomorrow. The petition was filed by advocate Tariq Adeeb According to the plea, Kashmiri students had to lock themselves up in order to remain safe as mob violence erupted in Dehradun in Uttarakhand after the terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14. The petition has sought the court's direction to the authorities, including heads of educational institutions, for immediate steps to prevent attacks against Kashmiris and other minorities, their social boycott, ostracisation, eviction and other coercive acts. It has said those indulging in hate speech and targeting of Kashmiris should be prosecuted. The plea has asked for the appointment of a senior officer in every state and Union territory for prevention of such acts and prosecution of those involved. It has also requested the court for a direction to the authorities concerned to set up a website which would contain details of such incidents besides a single helpline for assistance across the nation.

Attacks on Kashmiri students: Supreme Court to hear plea on Friday

Indian Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-south-korea-for-two-days-to-be-honoured-with-seoul-peace-prize-198648">Narendra Modi</a> invited South Korean business leaders to invest in India Wednesday saying the country's "red tape" has been replaced by a "red carpet". He also launched an "India-Korea Startup Hub" which he said will provide a platfrom for South Koreans and Indians to "freely communicate" on.&nbsp;

Modi is on a two-day visit of South Korea.&nbsp;

Speaking at the India-Korea Business Symposium, he said "India is a land of opportunities. India is among top 10 trading partners of South Korea and six largest export destination for Korean goods". Calling "South Korea a role model" and a "natural partner", Modi said "Hyundai, Samsung are trustworthy brands in India".

Indian exports to Korea totalled up to $ 2.91 billion and imports added up $ 8.707 billion between January-July 2017, marking a growth of 26% and 30.1%. Major Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have made major investments in India. &nbsp;

"Fundamentals of our economy are sound and we will become $5 trillion economy in the future," Modi said.&nbsp;

He talked about how under his government, India jumped 50 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings and introduced the Goods and Services Tax.

Both countries initiated negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance bilateral trade between them.&nbsp;

Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015. South Korean President Moon Jae visited India in July 2018. During his visit, he and Modi inaugurated Samsung's new manufacturing facility in Noida — the company's largest manufacturing plant anywhere in the world.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Modi also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul campus of Yonsei University and in the evening he will interact with the Indian community in the country.&nbsp;

About 11,000 Indian nationals live in South Korea with about 1,000 more pursuing postgraduate and PhD programmes in the country.&nbsp;

He will also gift a sapling of &nbsp;the bodhi tree to the people of Kimhae which has a historic connect with India since Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had travelled there in 48 CE to marry Korean King Suro. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. &nbsp;

South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city.&nbsp;

On Friday, Modi will meet with South Korean President Moon at the Blue House, the official residence of the South Korean president. (After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate him.)&nbsp;

On Friday, Modi will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize.&nbsp;

The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had in October 2018 announced its decision to award Modi the prize in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs Ban ki Moon and Kofi Annan.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to South Korea comes just before North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with US President Donald Trump. The two will meet for the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam over February 27 and 28. They two had met last year in Singapore. 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited South Korean business leaders to invest in India Wednesday saying the country's "red tape" has been replaced by a "red carpet".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited South Korean business leaders to invest in India Wednesday saying the country's "red tape" has been replaced by a "red carpet". He also launched an "India-Korea Startup Hub" which he said will provide a platfrom for South Koreans and Indians to "freely communicate" on. Modi is on a two-day visit of South Korea. Speaking at the India-Korea Business Symposium, he said "India is a land of opportunities. India is among top 10 trading partners of South Korea and six largest export destination for Korean goods". Calling "South Korea a role model" and a "natural partner", Modi said "Hyundai, Samsung are trustworthy brands in India". Indian exports to Korea totalled up to $ 2.91 billion and imports added up $ 8.707 billion between January-July 2017, marking a growth of 26% and 30.1%. Major Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have made major investments in India. "Fundamentals of our economy are sound and we will become $5 trillion economy in the future," Modi said. He talked about how under his government, India jumped 50 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings and introduced the Goods and Services Tax. Both countries initiated negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance bilateral trade between them. Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015. South Korean President Moon Jae visited India in July 2018. During his visit, he and Modi inaugurated Samsung's new manufacturing facility in Noida — the company's largest manufacturing plant anywhere in the world. On Wednesday, Modi also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul campus of Yonsei University and in the evening he will interact with the Indian community in the country. About 11,000 Indian nationals live in South Korea with about 1,000 more pursuing postgraduate and PhD programmes in the country. He will also gift a sapling of the bodhi tree to the people of Kimhae which has a historic connect with India since Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had travelled there in 48 CE to marry Korean King Suro. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city. On Friday, Modi will meet with South Korean President Moon at the Blue House, the official residence of the South Korean president. (After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate him.) On Friday, Modi will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize. The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had in October 2018 announced its decision to award Modi the prize in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs Ban ki Moon and Kofi Annan. Modi's visit to South Korea comes just before North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with US President Donald Trump. The two will meet for the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam over February 27 and 28. They two had met last year in Singapore.

'India is a land of opportunities,' PM Modi says in South Korea

On Day 1 of Aero India, all eyes were on Rafale fighter jet

WION correspondent Nischita Verrendra was manhandled Wednesday by Times Now journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury at the Aero India show in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Nischita had been interviewing the French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler.&nbsp;

Nischita had asked two questions when suddenly, Chowdhury butted in saying "You're done, you're done?"&nbsp;

Chowdhury then pushed Nischita out of the way.&nbsp;

Nischita stood her ground and pushed back.&nbsp;

When WION spoke to Nischita, she said: "I think he got angry that I pushed back."&nbsp;

And then, shockingly (see video below) Choudhary actually shoved Nischita out of the way.&nbsp;

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What's wrong with this <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesNow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesNow</a> reporter?!? <a href="https://t.co/PudOHVrnWW">pic.twitter.com/PudOHVrnWW</a>
— Manisha Pande (@MnshaP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MnshaP/status/1098177755076849664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nischita walked back to the ambassador and continued with her interview.&nbsp;

She said the ambassador's security detail had by then stepped in, asking Chowdhury to "chill".&nbsp;

"That's why he (Chowdhury) held back. I don't think he would have if they hadn't stepped in," Nischita told WION.&nbsp;

Nischita finished her interview with Ziegler.&nbsp;

She then waited for Chowdhury to finish his interview, and then walked up to him.&nbsp;

"Do you have no decency?" she asked him.&nbsp;

"I'm sorry but yes I have no decency," he replied.&nbsp;

"You almost manhandled me," Nischita told him.&nbsp;

"You're not worth being manhandled," he replied.&nbsp;

Chowdhury apologised when video of the incident went viral.&nbsp;

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Unconditional apologies to Wion reporter for what happened this morning. Deeply regret a moment of unacceptable conduct. Begging forgiveness. Regards
— Srinjoy Chowdhury (@Srinjoy_C) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srinjoy_C/status/1098184258550669314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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My name is Nischita Verrendra. 
 
It's hard to believe this apology since you told me and I quote 'Yes, I don't have decency on field' and 'you are not worth being manhandled'. So let's just accept that we have an indecent reporter amidst us.
— Nischita Verrendra (@nischitav) <a href="https://twitter.com/nischitav/status/1098190618864599042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"My name is Nischita Verrendra," Nischita replied.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's hard to believe this apology since you told me and I quote 'Yes, I don't have decency on field' and 'you are not worth being manhandled'. So let's just accept that we have an indecent reporter amidst us," she added.&nbsp;

WION correspondent Nischita Verrendra was manhandled Wednesday by Times Now journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury at the Aero India show in Bengaluru. Nischita had been interviewing the French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler.

WION correspondent Nischita Verrendra was manhandled Wednesday by Times Now journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury at the Aero India show in Bengaluru. Nischita had been interviewing the French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler. Nischita had asked two questions when suddenly, Chowdhury butted in saying "You're done, you're done?" Chowdhury then pushed Nischita out of the way. Nischita stood her ground and pushed back. When WION spoke to Nischita, she said: "I think he got angry that I pushed back." And then, shockingly (see video below) Choudhary actually shoved Nischita out of the way. What's wrong with this @TimesNow reporter?!? pic.twitter.com/PudOHVrnWW — Manisha Pande (@MnshaP) February 20, 2019 × Nischita walked back to the ambassador and continued with her interview. She said the ambassador's security detail had by then stepped in, asking Chowdhury to "chill". "That's why he (Chowdhury) held back. I don't think he would have if they hadn't stepped in," Nischita told WION. Nischita finished her interview with Ziegler. She then waited for Chowdhury to finish his interview, and then walked up to him. "Do you have no decency?" she asked him. "I'm sorry but yes I have no decency," he replied. "You almost manhandled me," Nischita told him. "You're not worth being manhandled," he replied. Chowdhury apologised when video of the incident went viral. Unconditional apologies to Wion reporter for what happened this morning. Deeply regret a moment of unacceptable conduct. Begging forgiveness. Regards — Srinjoy Chowdhury (@Srinjoy_C) February 20, 2019 × My name is Nischita Verrendra. It's hard to believe this apology since you told me and I quote 'Yes, I don't have decency on field' and 'you are not worth being manhandled'. So let's just accept that we have an indecent reporter amidst us. — Nischita Verrendra (@nischitav) February 20, 2019 × "My name is Nischita Verrendra," Nischita replied. "It's hard to believe this apology since you told me and I quote 'Yes, I don't have decency on field' and 'you are not worth being manhandled'. So let's just accept that we have an indecent reporter amidst us," she added.

WION woman journalist manhandled by reporter at Aero India in Bengaluru

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables. With the visit coming just days after the Pulwama attack, New Delhi was clearly focused on terror emanating from Pakistan and sought Riyadh's help to rein in its traditional partner.

What exactly the crown prince had in mind was made clear by the India-Saudi and the Pakistan-Saudi joint statements made. Here is a comparative analysis of the two.

Praises for Modi, Imran

India-Saudi Joint statement: Crown Prince "appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan."

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Crown prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point and the efforts exerted by both sides"

India-Pakistan peace process: Creation of conditions vs dialogue only way

India-Saudi Joint statement: Need for creating conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/crown-prince-visit-pakistan-needs-saudi-arabias-crutches-to-survive-but-india-doesnt-198700">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia's crutches to survive, but India doesn't</a>

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues.&nbsp;

China's infrastructure project: Respect for sovereignty vs contribution to development

India-Saudi Joint statement: They should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.&nbsp;

UN terror sanctions list: Comprehensive sanctioning vs avoiding politicisation&nbsp;

India-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime.

Terror: Use of terror vs sacrifices made in war against terror

India-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. Both sides called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.&nbsp;

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Commitment to continuing combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism. They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge.

Investment: $100 bn vs $20 bn

India-Saudi Joint statement: Announcement of His Royal Highness to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion.

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Pakistan witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. The total investment opportunities resulted in over US $20 billion

Defence: Make in India, naval exercises vs 'enhancing cooperation'

India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides agreed to hold the inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest and agreed to further expand bilateral exercises in other domains. Noting the potential and mutual benefit, the two sides agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and Land systems as well as supply chain development, in line with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vision 2030’.

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:&nbsp; 
Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives.&nbsp;

Israel/Palestine: India, Pak back Riyadh's Arab peace&nbsp;initiative &nbsp;

India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN resolutions, to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables. With the visit coming just days after the Pulwama attack, New Delhi was clearly focused on terror emanating from Pakistan and sought Riyadh's help to rein in its traditional partner. What exactly the crown prince had in mind was made clear by the India-Saudi and the Pakistan-Saudi joint statements made. Here is a comparative analysis of the two. Praises for Modi, Imran India-Saudi Joint statement: Crown Prince "appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan." Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Crown prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point and the efforts exerted by both sides" India-Pakistan peace process: Creation of conditions vs dialogue only way India-Saudi Joint statement: Need for creating conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia's crutches to survive, but India doesn't Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues. China's infrastructure project: Respect for sovereignty vs contribution to development India-Saudi Joint statement: They should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region. UN terror sanctions list: Comprehensive sanctioning vs avoiding politicisation India-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime. Terror: Use of terror vs sacrifices made in war against terror India-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. Both sides called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Commitment to continuing combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism. They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge. Investment: $100 bn vs $20 bn India-Saudi Joint statement: Announcement of His Royal Highness to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Pakistan witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. The total investment opportunities resulted in over US $20 billion Defence: Make in India, naval exercises vs 'enhancing cooperation' India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides agreed to hold the inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest and agreed to further expand bilateral exercises in other domains. Noting the potential and mutual benefit, the two sides agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and Land systems as well as supply chain development, in line with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vision 2030’. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives. Israel/Palestine: India, Pak back Riyadh's Arab peace initiative India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN resolutions, to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.

A comparative analysis of the India-Saudi & Pak-Saudi joint statements

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is in India on a two-day visit, has said India-Saudi ties are "in our DNA" and lauded the role played by Indians in building the West Asian country.&nbsp;

Speaking after the ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Salman said, "The relationship between India and the Arabian peninsula, which Saudi Arabia represents, about 80%, goes back thousands of years. Even before history is written. The relationship between India and the Arabian peninsula is in our DNA."

Standing alongside President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added, "Today we want to be sure this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of president and PM, I am are sure we can create good things for India and Saudi Arabia."

Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora in building the country, the crown prince said, ''Since we remember ourselves, Indian people are friends and part of building Saudi Arabia in past 70 years. Lot of Saudis work and develop a lot of things in India for hundreds of years."

Salman will be meeting PM Modi at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks. This will be the second meeting between them in the last 3 months.&nbsp;

They met last on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina on November 30. Both sides are expected to sign Five MoUs/ Agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting.

Mohammed bin Salman, known famously by his initials MBS arrived in India on Tuesday evening with Modi breaking the protocol to receive him.

Indian prime minister has in the past broken protocol for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2018), Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein(2018), United Arab Emirates’ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017) and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (2015).

The focus will be on terror in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack last week in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. New Delhi will be keen that Riyadh mounts pressure on its traditional ally Pakistan. With Pakistan backed terror group Jaish e Mohammad claiming responsibility for the attack, India will be hoping that Saudi Arabia comes hard on Pakistan especially by way of tightening the purse strings.&nbsp;

MBS comes to India, a day after his 2-day visit to Pakistan. It is interesting to note that the Saudi prince went back to Riyadh after his Pakistan visit, and came back again to New Delhi, a development which many will see de-hyphenation by Saudi Arabia between Pakistan and India and something New Delhi will prefer in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

During Crown Prince's Pakistan visit, he announced&nbsp;$20 billion dollar investment. Reacting to the development, sources in Delhi said, "When they invest in India, they invest in a robust economy, in Pakistan they bailout."

India is one of the eight strategic partners of Saudi Arabia with which the West Asian country intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture. Both countries are finalizing the setting up of ‘Strategic Partnership Council’ at the Ministerial level. &nbsp;Bilateral trade between both the countries stood at $27.48 billion in the financial year 2017-18. Saudi Arabia is India's 4th largest trading partner with New Delhi get 17% of its oil imports from the country. Oil prices are something that India has been consistently raising with Saudi Arabia, an OPEC country. Saudi ARAMCO along with ADNOC of UAE in 2018 agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery.

Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the International Solar Alliance initiative. The country hosts 2.7 million strong Indian community, one of the largest in west Asia, sending remittance of over $11 billion annually. Last year, Saudi Arabia increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year. India is also in touch with the west Asian country when it comes to Afghan Peace process.

Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him then with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil producers.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is in India on a two-day visit, has said India-Saudi ties are "in our DNA" and lauded the role played by Indians in building the West Asian country.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is in India on a two-day visit, has said India-Saudi ties are "in our DNA" and lauded the role played by Indians in building the West Asian country. Speaking after the ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Salman said, "The relationship between India and the Arabian peninsula, which Saudi Arabia represents, about 80%, goes back thousands of years. Even before history is written. The relationship between India and the Arabian peninsula is in our DNA." Standing alongside President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added, "Today we want to be sure this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of president and PM, I am are sure we can create good things for India and Saudi Arabia." Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora in building the country, the crown prince said, ''Since we remember ourselves, Indian people are friends and part of building Saudi Arabia in past 70 years. Lot of Saudis work and develop a lot of things in India for hundreds of years." Salman will be meeting PM Modi at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks. This will be the second meeting between them in the last 3 months. They met last on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina on November 30. Both sides are expected to sign Five MoUs/ Agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting. Mohammed bin Salman, known famously by his initials MBS arrived in India on Tuesday evening with Modi breaking the protocol to receive him. Indian prime minister has in the past broken protocol for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2018), Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein(2018), United Arab Emirates’ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017) and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (2015). The focus will be on terror in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack last week in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. New Delhi will be keen that Riyadh mounts pressure on its traditional ally Pakistan. With Pakistan backed terror group Jaish e Mohammad claiming responsibility for the attack, India will be hoping that Saudi Arabia comes hard on Pakistan especially by way of tightening the purse strings. MBS comes to India, a day after his 2-day visit to Pakistan. It is interesting to note that the Saudi prince went back to Riyadh after his Pakistan visit, and came back again to New Delhi, a development which many will see de-hyphenation by Saudi Arabia between Pakistan and India and something New Delhi will prefer in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. During Crown Prince's Pakistan visit, he announced $20 billion dollar investment. Reacting to the development, sources in Delhi said, "When they invest in India, they invest in a robust economy, in Pakistan they bailout." India is one of the eight strategic partners of Saudi Arabia with which the West Asian country intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture. Both countries are finalizing the setting up of ‘Strategic Partnership Council’ at the Ministerial level. Bilateral trade between both the countries stood at $27.48 billion in the financial year 2017-18. Saudi Arabia is India's 4th largest trading partner with New Delhi get 17% of its oil imports from the country. Oil prices are something that India has been consistently raising with Saudi Arabia, an OPEC country. Saudi ARAMCO along with ADNOC of UAE in 2018 agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery. Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the International Solar Alliance initiative. The country hosts 2.7 million strong Indian community, one of the largest in west Asia, sending remittance of over $11 billion annually. Last year, Saudi Arabia increased the Indian Haj quota by 5,000, enabling 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the pilgrimage last year. India is also in touch with the west Asian country when it comes to Afghan Peace process. Modi had visited Riyadh in April 2016. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had honoured him then with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country. Crown Prince Salman is Saudi Arabia's second-most important person after the king and his designated successor. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil producers.

In India, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says India-Saudi ties 'in our DNA'

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communications chairman Anil Ambani guilty of contempt of court.

The contempt finding came&nbsp;on a plea filed by Ericcson India which has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-anil-ambanis-rcom-over-contempt-petition-by-ericsson-188738">accused Ambani of not clearing dues of Rs 550 crore</a>.&nbsp;Two Reliance directors were also held guilty of contempt.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, a bench comprising Justices RF Nariman and Vineet Saran said Ambani and the two directors would have to pay Rs 435 crore to Ericcson within four weeks. The court added that if they failed to do so, a three-month jail term would follow.&nbsp;

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Visuals from Supreme Court, Delhi: Supreme Court holds Reliance Communication Chairman Anil Ambani and two directors guilty of contempt of court on a contempt plea filed by Ericsson India against him over not clearing its dues of Rs 550 crore. <a href="https://t.co/bDS5VoHGRx">pic.twitter.com/bDS5VoHGRx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1098092447693828096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on all three of them, saying again that if they did not pay up — a one-month jail term would be imposed on them.&nbsp;

The two directors were Reliance Telecom chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel chairperson Chhaya Virani.&nbsp;

Ambani had in January this year offered to pay Rs 118 crore to Ericsson but the Swedish company's lawyers turned the offer down. The Supreme Court then told Ambani to deposit the money in the court's registry.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;Wednesday, the&nbsp;court directed that Rs 118 crore already deposited by Reliance Group in the apex court's registry be disbursed to Ericsson within a week.

"From undertakings given by Reliance Group's top brass, it appears they have wilfully not paid the amount to Ericsson despite orders and undertakings given," the court said.&nbsp;

The court specified that any unconditional apology given by Reliance needs to be rejected as they have breached the undertaking and order.&nbsp;

The bench said the three Reliance companies did not adhere to the 120-day deadline and the extra 60 days given by the apex court to pay Rs 550 crore to Ericsson.

It said the undertakings given in the court was false to the knowledge of the court and affected the administration of justice.&nbsp;

Ambani, Seth and Virani were present in the courtroom.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communications chairman Anil Ambani guilty of contempt of court. The contempt finding came on a plea filed by Ericcson India which has accused Ambani of not clearing dues of Rs 550 crore.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communications chairman Anil Ambani guilty of contempt of court. The contempt finding came on a plea filed by Ericcson India which has accused Ambani of not clearing dues of Rs 550 crore. Two Reliance directors were also held guilty of contempt. On Wednesday, a bench comprising Justices RF Nariman and Vineet Saran said Ambani and the two directors would have to pay Rs 435 crore to Ericcson within four weeks. The court added that if they failed to do so, a three-month jail term would follow. Visuals from Supreme Court, Delhi: Supreme Court holds Reliance Communication Chairman Anil Ambani and two directors guilty of contempt of court on a contempt plea filed by Ericsson India against him over not clearing its dues of Rs 550 crore. pic.twitter.com/bDS5VoHGRx — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019 × The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on all three of them, saying again that if they did not pay up — a one-month jail term would be imposed on them. The two directors were Reliance Telecom chairman Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel chairperson Chhaya Virani. Ambani had in January this year offered to pay Rs 118 crore to Ericsson but the Swedish company's lawyers turned the offer down. The Supreme Court then told Ambani to deposit the money in the court's registry. On Wednesday, the court directed that Rs 118 crore already deposited by Reliance Group in the apex court's registry be disbursed to Ericsson within a week. "From undertakings given by Reliance Group's top brass, it appears they have wilfully not paid the amount to Ericsson despite orders and undertakings given," the court said. The court specified that any unconditional apology given by Reliance needs to be rejected as they have breached the undertaking and order. The bench said the three Reliance companies did not adhere to the 120-day deadline and the extra 60 days given by the apex court to pay Rs 550 crore to Ericsson. It said the undertakings given in the court was false to the knowledge of the court and affected the administration of justice. Ambani, Seth and Virani were present in the courtroom. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court holds Anil Ambani guilty of contempt, tells him to pay up or go to jail

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014 and he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support, but they cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Shiv Sena said on Wednesday.

The remarks by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">Uddhav Thackeray</a>-led party came two days after it sealed a pre-poll alliance with the BJP after years of bickering and criticism of its policies and leaders.

Responding to opposition criticism of the seat-sharing pact, the Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', said questions on tie-up are less in the minds of people but much more among political opponents as these "insects" will be crushed due to the alliance.

Referring to Modi's stewardship, it said, "Rahul Gandhi's book of development has improved much since 2014 and he has Priyanka's help.&nbsp;However, they can't be compared with Modi's leadership."

Asserting that the party is not helpless for power, the editorial said there are several questions - like why did it ally with the BJP despite differences in 2014, will the Ram Temple be constructed, will there be Sena's chief minister - and their answers are "positive".

Instead of replying to questions on the alliance, it is better that the "arrangement" made for the benefit of Maharashtra is taken ahead, it said.

The Marathi daily said BJP president Amit Shah himself came to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's suburban residence 'Matoshree'. Thackeray told him what he had to and it was finally decided to give the alliance another chance.

Maintaining that there was no enmity between the Sena and the BJP, it said if (Bihar chief minister and JD-U head) Nitish Kumar could join the NDA despite differences of opinion with Modi and if the Congress could forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance), then the Sena has always been a part of the BJP-led coalition.

The Sena said there was resentment in 2014 against the Congress and its allies and there was a "wave" in favour of Modi.

However, in 2019, the wave has receded and elections have to be fought not on the back of the "wave", but on ideology, development works and future, it added.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014 and he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support, but they cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Shiv Sena said on Wednesday.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "development book" has improved much since 2014 and he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's support, but they cannot be compared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Shiv Sena said on Wednesday. The remarks by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party came two days after it sealed a pre-poll alliance with the BJP after years of bickering and criticism of its policies and leaders. Responding to opposition criticism of the seat-sharing pact, the Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', said questions on tie-up are less in the minds of people but much more among political opponents as these "insects" will be crushed due to the alliance. Referring to Modi's stewardship, it said, "Rahul Gandhi's book of development has improved much since 2014 and he has Priyanka's help. However, they can't be compared with Modi's leadership." Asserting that the party is not helpless for power, the editorial said there are several questions - like why did it ally with the BJP despite differences in 2014, will the Ram Temple be constructed, will there be Sena's chief minister - and their answers are "positive". Instead of replying to questions on the alliance, it is better that the "arrangement" made for the benefit of Maharashtra is taken ahead, it said. The Marathi daily said BJP president Amit Shah himself came to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's suburban residence 'Matoshree'. Thackeray told him what he had to and it was finally decided to give the alliance another chance. Maintaining that there was no enmity between the Sena and the BJP, it said if (Bihar chief minister and JD-U head) Nitish Kumar could join the NDA despite differences of opinion with Modi and if the Congress could forge a "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance), then the Sena has always been a part of the BJP-led coalition. The Sena said there was resentment in 2014 against the Congress and its allies and there was a "wave" in favour of Modi. However, in 2019, the wave has receded and elections have to be fought not on the back of the "wave", but on ideology, development works and future, it added.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi no match for Modi's leadership: Shiv Sena

The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. &nbsp;

The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be guest of honour.&nbsp;

The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic cooperation among the countries of South Asia.&nbsp;

Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will sit in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani.

International journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?"

How can there be a South Asian conclave without cricket? VVS Laxman will talk about India's current dominance of world cricket.

What is the way forward for South Asia? Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman will deliberate on the issue.&nbsp;

Catch it all live on WION — World is One News — &nbsp;starting at 11.30 am IST today (February 20).&nbsp;

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The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates.

The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be guest of honour. The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. Spiritual guru Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic cooperation among the countries of South Asia. Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will sit in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani. International journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?" How can there be a South Asian conclave without cricket? VVS Laxman will talk about India's current dominance of world cricket. What is the way forward for South Asia? Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman will deliberate on the issue. Catch it all live on WION — World is One News — starting at 11.30 am IST today (February 20).

Unleashing the Power of South Asia: WION conclave begins in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss way forward for the region

Amid a pall of gloom after two Surya Kiran aircraft collided, which resulted in the death of a pilot, the Surya Kiran team has decided to not participate in the five-day air show Aero India 2019 which begun in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

In memory and honour of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life in the crash, HAL-built aircraft will fly the missing man formation—Suryakiran, where three planes will fly with the right side position of the team leader, kept empty signalling the departure of their comrade.

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Bengaluru: IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft standing with their canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AeroIndia2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AeroIndia2019</a>. The aircraft won’t participate in it due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal. <a href="https://t.co/96u9j5eTHZ">pic.twitter.com/96u9j5eTHZ</a>
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''The missing man formation will be flown to honour the Surya Kiran team pilots,” Training Command Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria said.

The Surya Kiran team aircraft were parked behind the runway at the Aero India venue at Yelahanka airbase of the Air Force.

Other aircraft including the foreign and Indian planes will continue their flying display at the venue and as per their plan.

Two pilots were seriously injured while one pilot was killed while rehearsing the Mirror manoeuvre, a day ahead of the Aero India show.

''There was an unfortunate incident, two aircraft collided during a mirror formation. An inquiry has been lodged. All displays except for Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team will continue as listed in the program,'' Bhadauria said yesterday.

“In cases like Surya Kiran, the risk factor is high. In this particular incident, the two aircraft were trying a mirror image. One aircraft was just above another in an inverted form. This was in close proximity. In these kinds of instances, it is not good to speculate as to what happened. It could have been operational or maybe there were birds or it may have been human error. We have to wait and see what the inquiry reveals,” he had said.

Suryakiran teams have been performing around the world on their aircraft and this is the first accident involving the team after the induction of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers in the team.

The earlier aircraft used for the team was the Kirans which had been manufactured by the HAL, a Bengaluru-based aircraft manufacturing company.

Amid a pall of gloom after two Surya Kiran aircraft collided, which resulted in the death of a pilot, the Surya Kiran team has decided to not participate in the five-day air show Aero India 2019 which begun in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Amid a pall of gloom after two Surya Kiran aircraft collided, which resulted in the death of a pilot, the Surya Kiran team has decided to not participate in the five-day air show Aero India 2019 which begun in Bengaluru on Wednesday. In memory and honour of Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life in the crash, HAL-built aircraft will fly the missing man formation—Suryakiran, where three planes will fly with the right side position of the team leader, kept empty signalling the departure of their comrade. Bengaluru: IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft standing with their canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue of #AeroIndia2019. The aircraft won’t participate in it due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot yesterday in a mid-air collision during rehearsal. pic.twitter.com/96u9j5eTHZ — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019 × ''The missing man formation will be flown to honour the Surya Kiran team pilots,” Training Command Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria said. The Surya Kiran team aircraft were parked behind the runway at the Aero India venue at Yelahanka airbase of the Air Force. Other aircraft including the foreign and Indian planes will continue their flying display at the venue and as per their plan. Two pilots were seriously injured while one pilot was killed while rehearsing the Mirror manoeuvre, a day ahead of the Aero India show. ''There was an unfortunate incident, two aircraft collided during a mirror formation. An inquiry has been lodged. All displays except for Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team will continue as listed in the program,'' Bhadauria said yesterday. “In cases like Surya Kiran, the risk factor is high. In this particular incident, the two aircraft were trying a mirror image. One aircraft was just above another in an inverted form. This was in close proximity. In these kinds of instances, it is not good to speculate as to what happened. It could have been operational or maybe there were birds or it may have been human error. We have to wait and see what the inquiry reveals,” he had said. Suryakiran teams have been performing around the world on their aircraft and this is the first accident involving the team after the induction of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers in the team. The earlier aircraft used for the team was the Kirans which had been manufactured by the HAL, a Bengaluru-based aircraft manufacturing company.

Aero India: Surya Kirans to not take part in memory of pilot who died in collision

Four people who vandalised ancient pillars in the temple ruins of Hampi earlier this year helped restored it and paid Rs 70,000 fine each after being ordered by a Karnataka court.

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Hampi: Four youths (standing in the middle in 1st pic) who vandalised ancient pillars at a temple in world heritage site Hampi earlier this year, helped restore the pillars yesterday &amp; paid Rs 70,000 fine each after being ordered by a Karnataka court. <a href="https://t.co/vF5cFc2JSZ">pic.twitter.com/vF5cFc2JSZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1098083448592359424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A few weeks earlier a video of four people purposedly damaging pillars went viral on social media.

After the video went viral locals staged a protest demanding adequate protection for the ancient monuments.

Hampi, an ancient village in Karnataka is dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire.&nbsp;

It is believed to have been the country's richest city, which attracted traders from Persia and Portugal.

(With inputs from ANI)

Four people who vandalised ancient pillars in the temple ruins of Hampi earlier this year helped restored it and paid Rs 70,000 fine each after being ordered by a Karnataka court.

Four people who vandalised ancient pillars in the temple ruins of Hampi earlier this year helped restored it and paid Rs 70,000 fine each after being ordered by a Karnataka court. Hampi: Four youths (standing in the middle in 1st pic) who vandalised ancient pillars at a temple in world heritage site Hampi earlier this year, helped restore the pillars yesterday & paid Rs 70,000 fine each after being ordered by a Karnataka court. pic.twitter.com/vF5cFc2JSZ — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019 × A few weeks earlier a video of four people purposedly damaging pillars went viral on social media. After the video went viral locals staged a protest demanding adequate protection for the ancient monuments. Hampi, an ancient village in Karnataka is dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. It is believed to have been the country's richest city, which attracted traders from Persia and Portugal. (With inputs from ANI)

Hampi vandalised: Four fined Rs 70,000 each, made to put pillars back up

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-seeks-urgent-un-intervention-to-de-escalate-fresh-tensions-with-india-198228">India and Pakistan to take immediate steps</a> to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree.

The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area.

"We are deeply concerned at the increasing tensions between the two countries," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres "stresses the importance of both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps" to de-escalate, while also offering to mediate "should both sides ask," said Dujarric.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi appealed to Guterres to step in to defuse tensions, in a letter seen by AFP.

"It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," said the letter sent on Monday.

The attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), but the foreign minister insisted that "attributing it to Pakistan even before investigations is absurd."

In response to the rising tensions, France, Britain and the United States were considering a new push at the Security Council to place Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM, on the UN terror list, but faced opposition from China, diplomats said.

China has twice blocked -- in 2016 and 2017 -- attempts to put the JeM leader on the blacklist. The group itself was added to the terror list in 2001.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both countries claim the former Himalayan kingdom in full and have fought two wars over it.

India has long accused Pakistan of harbouring militants who launch attacks on its soil.

Pakistan's UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi met with Guterres and with the president of the Security Council to appeal for action, warning that a flareup in Kashmir could undermine peace efforts in Afghanistan.

"The escalation in the subcontinent poses a threat to prospects for peace in Afghanistan," Lodhi told AFP.

The United States is holding talks with the Taliban on ending 17 years of war. &nbsp;

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's talks also involve Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the three countries that recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul before the US-led coalition toppled it following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree. The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area. "We are deeply concerned at the increasing tensions between the two countries," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Guterres "stresses the importance of both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps" to de-escalate, while also offering to mediate "should both sides ask," said Dujarric. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi appealed to Guterres to step in to defuse tensions, in a letter seen by AFP. "It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," said the letter sent on Monday. The attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), but the foreign minister insisted that "attributing it to Pakistan even before investigations is absurd." In response to the rising tensions, France, Britain and the United States were considering a new push at the Security Council to place Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM, on the UN terror list, but faced opposition from China, diplomats said. China has twice blocked -- in 2016 and 2017 -- attempts to put the JeM leader on the blacklist. The group itself was added to the terror list in 2001. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both countries claim the former Himalayan kingdom in full and have fought two wars over it. India has long accused Pakistan of harbouring militants who launch attacks on its soil. Pakistan's UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi met with Guterres and with the president of the Security Council to appeal for action, warning that a flareup in Kashmir could undermine peace efforts in Afghanistan. "The escalation in the subcontinent poses a threat to prospects for peace in Afghanistan," Lodhi told AFP. The United States is holding talks with the Taliban on ending 17 years of war. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's talks also involve Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the three countries that recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul before the US-led coalition toppled it following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a> on the UN sanctions list.

This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations.

In 2017, &nbsp;France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China.

"We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today.

India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan.

JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list.

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list. This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China. "We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today. India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan. JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Trying to put JeM chief Masood Azhar on UN sanctions list: France envoy to India

India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-counsel-harish-salve-strongly-objects-to-abusive-language-of-pakistans-counsel-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-at-icj-asks-un-court-to-draw-a-redline-198610">International Court of Justice </a>(ICJ) to annul <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089">Kulbhushan Jadhav</a>'s death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".&nbsp;

Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

"Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure safe release forthwith. If not then direct a trial under normal law with full consular access," said Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, making the final submission in the court on the third day of the hearing.

He requested the court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and failed to inform Jadhav of his rights. 
"Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said, asserting that Pakistan repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav.

Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights. "Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups targeting security forces in both countries.

Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network et al and individuals like JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

"There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.'

Salve said that Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of "extracted confession". "Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks...What happened to the 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review.

"In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red-handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of a death sentence. This is called review," he said. He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case, urging the UN court to draw a red line.

Counsel Qureshi's transcript is "peppered with words such as shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breathtaking and arrogance. India takes exception to be addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults," he said.

India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments. The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession".

India on Wednesday questioned the functioning of Pakistan's notorious military courts and urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, which is based on an "extracted confession". Jadhav, 48, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India. "Annul the decision of the military court and restrain Pakistan from giving effect to the (death) sentence. Release Jadhav and ensure safe release forthwith. If not then direct a trial under normal law with full consular access," said Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, making the final submission in the court on the third day of the hearing. He requested the court to declare that Pakistan acted in breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and failed to inform Jadhav of his rights. "Government of India requests this court to adjudge and declare that Pakistan acted in egregious breach of Article 36 of Vienna Convention," he said, asserting that Pakistan repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav. Harish Salve, who was representing India in the case, also said that the time has come for the ICJ to make Article 36 a potent weapon for protecting human rights. "Jadhav has become a pawn in Pakistan's tool to divert international scrutiny from itself," Salve said in his arguments during which he mentioned the "dastardly" terror attack in Pulwama and another in Iran last week by Pakistan-based terror groups targeting security forces in both countries. Salve said that Pakistan is used as a safe haven by UN proscribed terrorist entities like al-Qaeda, LeT, JeM, Haqqani Network et al and individuals like JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. "There was a time when the world respected Pakistan, today the world doesn't have the same respect for Pakistan in its own incarnation," Salve said, taking a dig at Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi, who on Tuesday said 'he has great respect for India but not its present incarnation.' Salve said that Jadhav has been sent to gallows on the basis of "extracted confession". "Jadhav's trial was completed in 4-6 months or weeks...What happened to the 150 people killed in the Mumbai terror attacks?" Salve asked as he raked up the Ajmal Kasab case to highlight the meaning of judicial review. "In Kasab case, the LeT terrorist who was apprehended and caught red-handed by brave police officers, the Supreme Court of India examined materials on record first-hand since it was the case of a death sentence. This is called review," he said. He also objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the case, urging the UN court to draw a red line. Counsel Qureshi's transcript is "peppered with words such as shameless, nonsensical, laughable, breathtaking and arrogance. India takes exception to be addressed in this fashion. I would let the matter rest as Indian culture prevents me from indulging in a similar language of insults," he said. India moved the ICJ in May 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to Jadhav. The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. On Thursday, Pakistan will submit its final arguments. The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence based on 'extracted confession', should be annulled: India tells ICJ

Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.

He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 am along with his lawyers, they said.

This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health.

Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month.

He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time.

Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.

Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said.

Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case probe, officials said. He reached the agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:30 am along with his lawyers, they said. This is a scheduled appearance of Vadra before the investigating officer (IO) of the case in a criminal complaint related to allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. He had skipped the summons Tuesday, citing bad health. Vadra has been questioned by the ED in this case for 23 hours over three days of deposition earlier this month. He has been asked by a Delhi court to cooperate in the probe being conducted by the central probe agency. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). His first appearance before the ED earlier this month acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on one day while she picked him up after questioning the next time. Vadra had similarly deposed before the ED twice in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.

Robert Vadra appears before ED in money laundering case probe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be South Korea from 21st to 22nd. Before the visit, PM in a statement said, "the growing depth and variety in our relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between our Act East Policy and ROK’s New Southern Policy."

Adding, "My visit to the Republic of Korea is reflective of the importance we both attach to our relationship"

During the visit, other than bilateral meet with President Moon Jae In at the blue house, the official residence of the South Korean president, PM will address India-Korea Business Symposium, launch India-Korea Startup Hub, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University, pay respects at the National Cemetery in Seoul and interact with the Indian community in the country.

Briefing the media ahead of the visit, secretary east in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh said, "We expect a substantive agenda for discussion which would cover areas of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;

PM to be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize &nbsp;

He will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize during the visit. Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation last year announced the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel &amp; United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-moon, Kofi Annan. 4 recipients of Seoul Peace Prize later got Noble Peace Prize.

The Cultural Connect&nbsp;

PM Modi will be gifting a sapling of &nbsp;Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India since Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had gone there in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro and started a dynasty. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November of 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city.&nbsp;

North Korean in the focus&nbsp;

The visit comes even as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the 2nd US-North Korea summit in Vietnam on 27th and 28th February. They met last year in Singapore for the 1st summit.&nbsp;

Asked about if North Korea be discussed, Secretary East said, "We have a very multifaceted relationship with Korea. We discuss issues of mutual interest, regional and global issues. The conversation which is going on with the DPRK (North Korea) is an important conversation. India welcomes discussions and dialogues which will help in reducing tensions and paving the way for peace and reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

Without naming Pakistan secretary said, we "hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages in India’s neighbourhood."&nbsp;

It is widely believed that Pakistani physicist AQ Khan had given sensitive information on uranium enrichment to North Korea in exchange of missile technology with approval from former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Korea in May of 2015. South Korean president Moon Jae In visit India in July 2018. During his visit, he along with PM Modi inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company anywhere in the world. After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the 4th international leader to congratulate him.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be South Korea from 21st to 22nd. Before the visit, PM in a statement said, "the growing depth and variety in our relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between our Act East Policy and ROK’s New Southern Policy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be South Korea from 21st to 22nd. Before the visit, PM in a statement said, "the growing depth and variety in our relationship has been accentuated by the harmony between our Act East Policy and ROK’s New Southern Policy." Adding, "My visit to the Republic of Korea is reflective of the importance we both attach to our relationship" During the visit, other than bilateral meet with President Moon Jae In at the blue house, the official residence of the South Korean president, PM will address India-Korea Business Symposium, launch India-Korea Startup Hub, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University, pay respects at the National Cemetery in Seoul and interact with the Indian community in the country. Briefing the media ahead of the visit, secretary east in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh said, "We expect a substantive agenda for discussion which would cover areas of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues of mutual interest." PM to be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize He will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize during the visit. Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation last year announced the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel & United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-moon, Kofi Annan. 4 recipients of Seoul Peace Prize later got Noble Peace Prize. The Cultural Connect PM Modi will be gifting a sapling of Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India since Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had gone there in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro and started a dynasty. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November of 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city. North Korean in the focus The visit comes even as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the 2nd US-North Korea summit in Vietnam on 27th and 28th February. They met last year in Singapore for the 1st summit. Asked about if North Korea be discussed, Secretary East said, "We have a very multifaceted relationship with Korea. We discuss issues of mutual interest, regional and global issues. The conversation which is going on with the DPRK (North Korea) is an important conversation. India welcomes discussions and dialogues which will help in reducing tensions and paving the way for peace and reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula." Without naming Pakistan secretary said, we "hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages in India’s neighbourhood." It is widely believed that Pakistani physicist AQ Khan had given sensitive information on uranium enrichment to North Korea in exchange of missile technology with approval from former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. PM Modi had visited South Korea in May of 2015. South Korean president Moon Jae In visit India in July 2018. During his visit, he along with PM Modi inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company anywhere in the world. After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the 4th international leader to congratulate him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in South Korea for two days; to be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize 

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Announcing the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. We believe that the concerted efforts of the three parties will deliver positive outcomes."

RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish e Mohammad(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times China.

Asked about listing of Azhar, the spokesperson said China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned."

France will soon come up with a new proposal to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Announcing the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. We believe that the concerted efforts of the three parties will deliver positive outcomes." RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish e Mohammad(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times China. Asked about listing of Azhar, the spokesperson said China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned." France will soon come up with a new proposal to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Russia, India and China foreign ministers meet on February 27

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat.

Bhaswati Mukherjee and Kanwal Sibal spoke to international journalist Riz Khan on the rise of South Asia on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai.

Mukherjee said India is not a dictatorship where the prime minister can issue an order.&nbsp;

''At the movement, China is way ahead of India but we will catch up. India's development model is very different from the Chinese. We believe in sustainable development but through developmental projects in other countries, China is looking for economic gain or putting the countries in a debt trap or they have an imperialistic motive. That's not the kind of path India has taken nor will ever take,'' she added.&nbsp;

Both admitted that having a large English speaking population in India is a plus but policies are more important.&nbsp;

''Having a large number of English speaking population is an advantage but what is critical is the policies you pursue. Global powers like China and Japan despite not having a huge English speaking population like India have shown tremendous growth,'' said Kanwal Sibal.&nbsp;

Commenting on the rise of East, Sibal said West is not in decline. EU is growing at 0.5 per cent a quarter and the American economy is also growing but there is a significant rise in the east which will set up new power balances, he said.

The powershifting has been a story for the past decade but what has brought this sharply is the rise of China in the last decade or so, Sibal said.&nbsp;

''Under Xi Jinping, China has become formidable, ambitious and they want to challenge the United States. On the other hand Trump has given an impression that West is disarray by challenging NATO, challenging Transatlantic Trade, &nbsp;favouring Brexit, he walked out of climate change agreement and Iran deal,'' he said.

Speaking about the challenges facing the US under the leadership of Donald Trump, Sibal said the US is no longer willing to take the leadership role and being challenged by two global power.&nbsp;

''Now, the US is also challenged by two powers -- one is a huge economic power and the other is a huge nuclear power and they are cooperating with each other to challenge the US. Trump has also created the impression that the US is no longer willing to take the leadership of the world,'' Sibal said.

Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit.

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat.

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat. Bhaswati Mukherjee and Kanwal Sibal spoke to international journalist Riz Khan on the rise of South Asia on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai. Mukherjee said India is not a dictatorship where the prime minister can issue an order. ''At the movement, China is way ahead of India but we will catch up. India's development model is very different from the Chinese. We believe in sustainable development but through developmental projects in other countries, China is looking for economic gain or putting the countries in a debt trap or they have an imperialistic motive. That's not the kind of path India has taken nor will ever take,'' she added. Both admitted that having a large English speaking population in India is a plus but policies are more important. ''Having a large number of English speaking population is an advantage but what is critical is the policies you pursue. Global powers like China and Japan despite not having a huge English speaking population like India have shown tremendous growth,'' said Kanwal Sibal. Commenting on the rise of East, Sibal said West is not in decline. EU is growing at 0.5 per cent a quarter and the American economy is also growing but there is a significant rise in the east which will set up new power balances, he said. The powershifting has been a story for the past decade but what has brought this sharply is the rise of China in the last decade or so, Sibal said. ''Under Xi Jinping, China has become formidable, ambitious and they want to challenge the United States. On the other hand Trump has given an impression that West is disarray by challenging NATO, challenging Transatlantic Trade, favouring Brexit, he walked out of climate change agreement and Iran deal,'' he said. Speaking about the challenges facing the US under the leadership of Donald Trump, Sibal said the US is no longer willing to take the leadership role and being challenged by two global power. ''Now, the US is also challenged by two powers -- one is a huge economic power and the other is a huge nuclear power and they are cooperating with each other to challenge the US. Trump has also created the impression that the US is no longer willing to take the leadership of the world,'' Sibal said. Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit.

Global powershift: India's development model is very different from China's, says Bhaswati

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday denied reports of any assault on Kashmiri students following the Pulwama terror attack and said there is no threat to students from the Valley.&nbsp;

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus.

Javadekar told reporters, “There is no threat to Kashmiri students as it is being made out to be. Countrymen are angry because of the Pulwama attack but no Kashmiri student has been assaulted following that.&nbsp;

While several Kashmiri students from different cities have been slapped with sedition charges for allegedly supporting the Pulwama terror attack, two colleges in Dehradun have decided not to admit those from the Valley, with students saying they were in a state of fear after the incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration Monday asked students outside the state to not pay heed to any rumours and try to stay put at their respective places.&nbsp;

The Home Ministry on Saturday issued an advisory to all states and Union territories to take measures to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris.

The advisory had come hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack.

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday denied reports of any assault on Kashmiri students following the Pulwama terror attack and said there is no threat to students from the Valley.

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday denied reports of any assault on Kashmiri students following the Pulwama terror attack and said there is no threat to students from the Valley. Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus. Javadekar told reporters, “There is no threat to Kashmiri students as it is being made out to be. Countrymen are angry because of the Pulwama attack but no Kashmiri student has been assaulted following that. While several Kashmiri students from different cities have been slapped with sedition charges for allegedly supporting the Pulwama terror attack, two colleges in Dehradun have decided not to admit those from the Valley, with students saying they were in a state of fear after the incident. The Jammu and Kashmir administration Monday asked students outside the state to not pay heed to any rumours and try to stay put at their respective places. The Home Ministry on Saturday issued an advisory to all states and Union territories to take measures to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris. The advisory had come hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack.

Prakash Javadekar rules out any threat to students from Kashmir Valley

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress.

DMK President MK Stalin’s proposal of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate at the Karunanidhi statue unveiling in Chennai was seen as a clear indication of the reunion of the UPA allies. However, an official announcement had been pending.

The announcement was made at the DMK Headquarters in the presence of the DMK high command and Congress leaders. The DMK has allocated nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry for the Congress. However, no specific details were shared regarding the allocation of constituencies and the parties that are expected to join the alliance in the days to come.

While making the alliance announcement DMK president MK Stalin took a dig at the manner in which the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance was finalized in a star hotel. Speaking to reporters Stalin said, “Our announcement has been made formally from the party headquarters and not stealthily from a star hotel like the AIADMK-BJP alliance”.&nbsp;

The coming together of the DMK and Congress is happening after a brief hiatus, as they went it alone in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK suffered one of its worst defeats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, when they contested 35 seats on their own, with the remaining five being given to regional allies. The DMK had refused to have an alliance with the Congress due to the contentious Sri-Lankan Tamils issue.&nbsp;

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, both DMK and Congress candidates drew a blank in Tamil Nadu. It was a sweep for the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK which swept 37 seats, and one seat each for the BJP, PMK and NR Congress. However, this election will be different for both the AIADMK and the DMK, in the absence of their respective veteran leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi.

Parties including CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK are also expected to be a part of the DMK-Congress alliance. Be it the 2011 and 2016 assembly election or the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was the AIADMK that emerged triumphantly. Hence, this time the DMK has an opportunity to ride on the anti-incumbency wave.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha election dates haven’t been announced, but the battle has begun in Tamil Nadu. In the days to come, smaller parties will also finalize their negotiations and joins hands with one of the groupings.

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress.

A day after the AIADMK formally announced its alliance and the seat-sharing pact with the BJP and PMK in Tamil Nadu, the DMK also made an official announcement of its alliance, a seat-sharing pact with the Congress. DMK President MK Stalin’s proposal of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate at the Karunanidhi statue unveiling in Chennai was seen as a clear indication of the reunion of the UPA allies. However, an official announcement had been pending. The announcement was made at the DMK Headquarters in the presence of the DMK high command and Congress leaders. The DMK has allocated nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry for the Congress. However, no specific details were shared regarding the allocation of constituencies and the parties that are expected to join the alliance in the days to come. While making the alliance announcement DMK president MK Stalin took a dig at the manner in which the AIADMK-BJP-PMK alliance was finalized in a star hotel. Speaking to reporters Stalin said, “Our announcement has been made formally from the party headquarters and not stealthily from a star hotel like the AIADMK-BJP alliance”. The coming together of the DMK and Congress is happening after a brief hiatus, as they went it alone in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The DMK suffered one of its worst defeats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, when they contested 35 seats on their own, with the remaining five being given to regional allies. The DMK had refused to have an alliance with the Congress due to the contentious Sri-Lankan Tamils issue. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, both DMK and Congress candidates drew a blank in Tamil Nadu. It was a sweep for the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK which swept 37 seats, and one seat each for the BJP, PMK and NR Congress. However, this election will be different for both the AIADMK and the DMK, in the absence of their respective veteran leaders Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi. Parties including CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK are also expected to be a part of the DMK-Congress alliance. Be it the 2011 and 2016 assembly election or the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was the AIADMK that emerged triumphantly. Hence, this time the DMK has an opportunity to ride on the anti-incumbency wave. The Lok Sabha election dates haven’t been announced, but the battle has begun in Tamil Nadu. In the days to come, smaller parties will also finalize their negotiations and joins hands with one of the groupings.

Lok Sabha 2019: Congress seals alliance with DMK, to contest 9 seats in Tamil Nadu

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.&nbsp;

Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital.&nbsp;

Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> 
At 7:59 am in delhi 
Usually I don't feel it 
But today I guess tremors were quite strong
— वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) <a href="https://twitter.com/malik_vedita/status/1098049342907269120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> in Delhi. Retweet if true
— Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaveshagarwall/status/1098047654737502209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors.
— Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/COMMANMANOFUPA/status/1098047704847040513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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So far no casualty&nbsp;or damage has been reported.

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am. Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital. Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region. #earthquake At 7:59 am in delhi Usually I don't feel it But today I guess tremors were quite strong — वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) February 20, 2019 × #earthquake in Delhi. Retweet if true — Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) February 20, 2019 × #Earthquake rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors. — Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) February 20, 2019 × So far no casualty or damage has been reported.

Magnitude 4 earthquake hits western UP, tremors felt in Delhi

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said &nbsp;Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general.

Speaking to WION on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai, Schatz said as a journalist ''we need to cover terrorist attacks but should not put a terrorist’s picture on the front page''. &nbsp;

India has been a victim of terrorism. Germany too had a history of violence. When asked can there is a learning curve for India, Schatz said, “When you are a victim, what you need is good friends who are not only helping you to heal but also to overcome the problems. One of the learnings from Germany is that in the 70s, media and the vast majority of people were against terrorists.”

“The terrorists wanted the media to portray them in a way that one could feel sympathy for them, and as long as that happened, terrorism continued,” he said. “In the 70s, it was very clear that a terror attack was absolutely a 'no go' and one would not get any credit even in a small section of the society. That was the moment when terrorism faded away,” Schartz added.&nbsp;

When asked how this strategy can be applied in the context of Kashmir, he said that from his experience and his research in the global media it has become evident that an act of terror only works if it gets the attention.&nbsp;

''From all my experience and learning, I have come to the conclusion that terrorism only works if you give them global attention. While a news report needs to mention the death toll and other details, we should be very careful with the pictures we choose,'' he said.

He also said that Trump would not be in the White House if all the global media have not covered Muslims in the context of terrorism. If they have not covered Mexicans as criminals in the way they did, Trump would not have been the US President.&nbsp;

''CNN is the reason why Trump is in office,'' he said in his concluding remarks.

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general.

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general. Speaking to WION on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai, Schatz said as a journalist ''we need to cover terrorist attacks but should not put a terrorist’s picture on the front page''. India has been a victim of terrorism. Germany too had a history of violence. When asked can there is a learning curve for India, Schatz said, “When you are a victim, what you need is good friends who are not only helping you to heal but also to overcome the problems. One of the learnings from Germany is that in the 70s, media and the vast majority of people were against terrorists.” “The terrorists wanted the media to portray them in a way that one could feel sympathy for them, and as long as that happened, terrorism continued,” he said. “In the 70s, it was very clear that a terror attack was absolutely a 'no go' and one would not get any credit even in a small section of the society. That was the moment when terrorism faded away,” Schartz added. When asked how this strategy can be applied in the context of Kashmir, he said that from his experience and his research in the global media it has become evident that an act of terror only works if it gets the attention. ''From all my experience and learning, I have come to the conclusion that terrorism only works if you give them global attention. While a news report needs to mention the death toll and other details, we should be very careful with the pictures we choose,'' he said. He also said that Trump would not be in the White House if all the global media have not covered Muslims in the context of terrorism. If they have not covered Mexicans as criminals in the way they did, Trump would not have been the US President. ''CNN is the reason why Trump is in office,'' he said in his concluding remarks.

Tackling terrorism: Roland Schatz on what India can learn from Germany

Saudi Crown Prince Arrives In India

The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet is also saddened by the further loss of life from subsequent gun battles in the same area Monday, the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Rupert Colville said in Geneva Tuesday.

"The High Commissioner strongly condemns the suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February and calls on authorities to bring those responsible to justice," Colville said.

A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding others.

In a major encounter in Pulwama's Pinglan area Monday, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 attack, and an Army major were among the seven people killed.

The gun battle took place in Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot of last week's terror attack. The encounter also claimed the lives of three other Army personnel, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

The UN Human Rights chief expressed hope that escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours "will not add further to the insecurity in the region".

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, Colville said the High Commissioner is also "concerned" by reports from India that "some elements" are using the attack as "justification for threats and potential acts of violence" targeting Kashmiri people living in different parts of India.

In New Delhi, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday directed officials to ensure protection of innocent Kashmiris living in different parts of the country.

"We acknowledge actions taken by the Indian authorities to tackle these incidents and we hope that the Government will continue to take steps to protect people from all forms of harm that may be directed at them on account of their ethnicity or identity," Colville said.

The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

The top United Nations human rights official has strongly condemned last week's suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle Bachelet is also saddened by the further loss of life from subsequent gun battles in the same area Monday, the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Rupert Colville said in Geneva Tuesday. "The High Commissioner strongly condemns the suicide bomb attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February and calls on authorities to bring those responsible to justice," Colville said. A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding others. In a major encounter in Pulwama's Pinglan area Monday, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 attack, and an Army major were among the seven people killed. The gun battle took place in Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot of last week's terror attack. The encounter also claimed the lives of three other Army personnel, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said. The UN Human Rights chief expressed hope that escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours "will not add further to the insecurity in the region". In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, Colville said the High Commissioner is also "concerned" by reports from India that "some elements" are using the attack as "justification for threats and potential acts of violence" targeting Kashmiri people living in different parts of India. In New Delhi, India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday directed officials to ensure protection of innocent Kashmiris living in different parts of the country. "We acknowledge actions taken by the Indian authorities to tackle these incidents and we hope that the Government will continue to take steps to protect people from all forms of harm that may be directed at them on account of their ethnicity or identity," Colville said.

UN Human Rights chief strongly condemns Pulwama terror attack

The Indian American community will hold peaceful protests outside the Pakistani and Chinese diplomatic missions in the US over the Pulwama terrorist attack, alleging China provides tacit support to Pakistan which uses non-State actors against its neighbours.

A candlelight protest will be held outside the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago after which the protesters will march to the Chinese consulate on Thursday, February 21, the organisers have said.&nbsp;

The main objectives of the protest, according to the organisers, are to "expose the barbaric nature" of Pakistani terrorism and to wake up the world against Pakistan- and China-supported terrorism, a media release said.

The next day, the Indian Americans in New York and New Jersey area would hold another peaceful protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Manhattan, New York.

"It is time that the United States and rest of the world speak in unison against Pakistani establishment's continued support to terrorists in recruiting, training, arming, finance and providing safe haven," eminent Indian American Dr Bharat Barai said in a statement.&nbsp;

Billions of dollars of US aid to Pakistan have done little to curb the terror outfits in Pakistan, he rued.

Forty Indian paramilitary personnel were killed on February 14 when a JeM terrorist rammed his explosive-laden in car in a vehicle carrying the jawans.&nbsp;

"This is not an act of terrorism but act of war. Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for this. Time has come to take decisive and ruthless action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity," said New York-based Jagdish Sewhani, the president of the American India Public Affairs Committee.

"The Indian community is deeply pained by this mindless barbaric act. We are grieving for our slain soldiers and at the same time we want Pakistan to take strict actions against the terrorists," said a local Republican leader from Illinois J D Diganvker.

"We want the world community to take note. We all know terrorism has no place in the world today and we want the world to urge Pakistan to respond with stringent actions," he said, adding the protestors plan to submit memorandums to the Pakistani and Chinese consulates in Chicago.

It is time to declare Pakistan a terrorist State and isolate it completely -- both economically and militarily -- until it mend its ways, demanded community organiser Nirav Patel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

China's designs to use rogue nations such as Pakistan and North Korea to further its expansionist agenda is no secret, he alleged.

"It is also critical to urge China, which has repeatedly blocked the efforts in the UN by both the US and India to declare Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Organization, as a global terrorist," he said.

Community leader Amitabh Mittal said Pakistan was not just an India or a US problem. "It's an international problem that has become a breeding ground for terrorists who expand their network (e.G. Al-Qaeda and its offshoots) worldwide wreaking havoc and destruction in several countries in the world."

Meanwhile, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha mandirs globally, as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America, held special prayer services for&nbsp; 
the Pulwama Attack Victims.

The BAPS, as an organisation and its followers, have also pledged financial support of Rs 10 million to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery.&nbsp;

"Terror against anybody is terror against us all," said Jeff Spivey, the Chief of Irving Police Department, Texas, after attending a special prayer service organized by the BAPS.

Condemning in the strongest terms the dastardly act of terror in Pulwama, Indian American Muslim Council in a statement called for a thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. It demanded action against the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Strongly condemning the Pulwama terrorist attack, Washington DC-based Voice of Karachi, which represents the expatriate Mohajir community, alleged that attackers enjoys official patronage in Pakistan.&nbsp;

It is vital for peace in South Asia as well as Pakistan's own future to end all overt and covert support for non-State actors and eliminate all safe havens granted to such militant proxies, said its leader Nadeem Nusrat.

Welcoming the US statement calling for Pakistan to take swift action against terror groups operating from its soil, Nusrat said the United States has played a leading and decisive role in the elimination of many terror sanctuaries around the world.&nbsp;

People of South Asia are looking towards the US administration to play a similar role in establishing lasting peace in the region, he said.

The Indian American community will hold peaceful protests outside the Pakistani and Chinese diplomatic missions in the US over the Pulwama terrorist attack, alleging China provides tacit support to Pakistan which uses non-State actors against its neighbours.

The Indian American community will hold peaceful protests outside the Pakistani and Chinese diplomatic missions in the US over the Pulwama terrorist attack, alleging China provides tacit support to Pakistan which uses non-State actors against its neighbours. A candlelight protest will be held outside the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago after which the protesters will march to the Chinese consulate on Thursday, February 21, the organisers have said. The main objectives of the protest, according to the organisers, are to "expose the barbaric nature" of Pakistani terrorism and to wake up the world against Pakistan- and China-supported terrorism, a media release said. The next day, the Indian Americans in New York and New Jersey area would hold another peaceful protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Manhattan, New York. "It is time that the United States and rest of the world speak in unison against Pakistani establishment's continued support to terrorists in recruiting, training, arming, finance and providing safe haven," eminent Indian American Dr Bharat Barai said in a statement. Billions of dollars of US aid to Pakistan have done little to curb the terror outfits in Pakistan, he rued. Forty Indian paramilitary personnel were killed on February 14 when a JeM terrorist rammed his explosive-laden in car in a vehicle carrying the jawans. "This is not an act of terrorism but act of war. Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for this. Time has come to take decisive and ruthless action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity," said New York-based Jagdish Sewhani, the president of the American India Public Affairs Committee. "The Indian community is deeply pained by this mindless barbaric act. We are grieving for our slain soldiers and at the same time we want Pakistan to take strict actions against the terrorists," said a local Republican leader from Illinois J D Diganvker. "We want the world community to take note. We all know terrorism has no place in the world today and we want the world to urge Pakistan to respond with stringent actions," he said, adding the protestors plan to submit memorandums to the Pakistani and Chinese consulates in Chicago. It is time to declare Pakistan a terrorist State and isolate it completely -- both economically and militarily -- until it mend its ways, demanded community organiser Nirav Patel. China's designs to use rogue nations such as Pakistan and North Korea to further its expansionist agenda is no secret, he alleged. "It is also critical to urge China, which has repeatedly blocked the efforts in the UN by both the US and India to declare Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Organization, as a global terrorist," he said. Community leader Amitabh Mittal said Pakistan was not just an India or a US problem. "It's an international problem that has become a breeding ground for terrorists who expand their network (e.G. Al-Qaeda and its offshoots) worldwide wreaking havoc and destruction in several countries in the world." Meanwhile, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha mandirs globally, as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America, held special prayer services for the Pulwama Attack Victims. The BAPS, as an organisation and its followers, have also pledged financial support of Rs 10 million to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery. "Terror against anybody is terror against us all," said Jeff Spivey, the Chief of Irving Police Department, Texas, after attending a special prayer service organized by the BAPS. Condemning in the strongest terms the dastardly act of terror in Pulwama, Indian American Muslim Council in a statement called for a thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice. It demanded action against the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group. Strongly condemning the Pulwama terrorist attack, Washington DC-based Voice of Karachi, which represents the expatriate Mohajir community, alleged that attackers enjoys official patronage in Pakistan. It is vital for peace in South Asia as well as Pakistan's own future to end all overt and covert support for non-State actors and eliminate all safe havens granted to such militant proxies, said its leader Nadeem Nusrat. Welcoming the US statement calling for Pakistan to take swift action against terror groups operating from its soil, Nusrat said the United States has played a leading and decisive role in the elimination of many terror sanctuaries around the world. People of South Asia are looking towards the US administration to play a similar role in establishing lasting peace in the region, he said.

Pulwama attack: Indian Americans to protest outside Chinese, Pak diplomatic missions in US 

India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089"> Kulbhushan Jadhav</a> case at the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-india-has-demonstrated-lack-of-faith-throughout-the-proceedings-alleges-pakistan-at-icj-198323"> International Court of Justice (</a>ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a red line.

Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting India's case before the ICJ, drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing.

"The language echoed in this court... Perhaps this Court may lay down some red lines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonsense, disgraceful... India takes exception to be addressed in this fashion in an international court.

"India strongly objects to the abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

On Wednesday, India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to India's arguments on Thursday.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a red line.

India on Wednesday strongly objected to the abusive language used by Pakistan's counsel in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the UN court to draw a red line. Harish Salve, the former solicitor general of India while presenting India's case before the ICJ, drew the court's attention to the abusive language used by Pakistan through its counsel Khawar Qureshi on the second day of the hearing. "The language echoed in this court... Perhaps this Court may lay down some red lines. The transcript is peppered with words such as shameless, nonsense, disgraceful... India takes exception to be addressed in this fashion in an international court. "India strongly objects to the abusive language of Pakistan's counsel," Salve said as the International Court of Justice began the second round of public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India. On Wednesday, India will have a maximum of 90 minutes to submit its final arguments in the case. Pakistan will also get 90 minutes to respond to India's arguments on Thursday. The ICJ is expected to deliver its verdict in the summer of 2019.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India objects to abusive language of Pakistan's counsel at ICJ; asks UN court to draw a redline

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