India and China finally disengaging from a major flash point. There's a breakthrough and it took 16 rounds of talks to get here. Both of the nations have begun disengagement at patrolling point-15 in Gogra-hotsprings area.

India-China border standoff: What comes next | Troops pulled back from a major flashpoint

<p>As on date, the US Mission in India has issued the highest-ever number of student VISAs. The US Embassy in New Delhi and four Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai prioritised the processing of 82,000 student visa applications from May to August this year. Notably, Indian students received more VISAs to the US, than students from any other nation.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-how-unexpected-circumstances-led-to-her-coronation-in-1952-514461">Queen Elizabeth II: How unexpected circumstances led to her coronation in 1952</a></p>

<p>Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Patricia Lacina said, "We issued over 82,000 student visas this summer alone, more than in any previous year. This shows that the United States remains for most Indian families the most sought-after country for higher education. &nbsp;It also highlights the important contributions Indian students make to both our countries as they build life-long connections with American peers to maintain and grow international partnerships, working collectively to address current and future global challenges.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE -</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>Indian students comprise nearly 20 percent of all international students studying in the United States, with the Open Doors report in 2021 showing there were 167,582 students from India in the 2020-2021 academic year. &nbsp;According to Don Heflin, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, International student mobility is central to U.S. diplomacy, and nowhere is the contribution of students bigger than in India. &nbsp;</p>


As on date, the US Mission in India has issued the highest-ever number of student VISAs. The US Embassy in New Delhi and four Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai prioritised the processing of 82,000 student visa applications from May to August this year.

As on date, the US Mission in India has issued the highest-ever number of student VISAs. The US Embassy in New Delhi and four Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai prioritised the processing of 82,000 student visa applications from May to August this year. Notably, Indian students received more VISAs to the US, than students from any other nation. Also read | Queen Elizabeth II: How unexpected circumstances led to her coronation in 1952 Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Patricia Lacina said, "We issued over 82,000 student visas this summer alone, more than in any previous year. This shows that the United States remains for most Indian families the most sought-after country for higher education. It also highlights the important contributions Indian students make to both our countries as they build life-long connections with American peers to maintain and grow international partnerships, working collectively to address current and future global challenges.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE - Indian students comprise nearly 20 percent of all international students studying in the United States, with the Open Doors report in 2021 showing there were 167,582 students from India in the 2020-2021 academic year. According to Don Heflin, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, International student mobility is central to U.S. diplomacy, and nowhere is the contribution of students bigger than in India.

US issues over 82,000 student VISAs; Indians comprise 20% of all international students in US

India's Silicon valley is facing unusually wet monsoon and the rain has turned cars to boats in Bengaluru. Intense rain has forced migrants workers to vacate home and authorities have stepped up evacuation process.

WION Climate Tracker: Bengaluru rain turn cars to boats; authorities step up evacuation process

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Japanese counterpart Yasukazu Hamada on the first day of his official visit to Japan and the two leaders reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and regional affairs.

WION Dispatch: India, Japan agree to hold military drills and defence co-operation

India: Floods due to erratic rains in Bengaluru continue to disrupt lives

India and Japan are holding the second part of a 2+2 meeting between the defence and foreign ministers of the two sides. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo today.

Tokyo: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh meets Japanese counterpart

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a four-day visit to India and amid this, our principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal spoke to Bangladesh's Minister of State on Foreign Affairs, Sharia Alam who elaborated on bilateral ties.

Sharia Alam: Bangladesh and India have stuck to their beliefs during war in Ukraine

Indian and Japanese defence ministers meet for bilateral talks

India and Japan agreed to conduct joint air force drills. The bilateral 2+2 talks between India and Japan come amid 70th year of diplomatic relations. WION correspondent Siddhant Sibbal brings details.

India & Japan agree to conduct joint air force drills

A view to bring transparency into murky world of influencer marketing is planning to impose stiff fines or penalties on influences not disclosing partnerships. The Indian government is likely to scrutinize the practice of paying popular people on social media to promote products now as per the proposed guidelines.

India: Rules for social media influencers, up to $62,000 fine for failing to disclose financial ties

<p>Indian space start-up Agnikul Cosmos announced that the Government of India awarded them the patent for having indigenously designed and 3-D printed a one-of-its-kind rocket engine. Dubbed 'Agnilet', the engine is said to be the world's first single-piece 3-D printed rocket engine and was successfully test-fired in early 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Typically, rocket engines have thousands of parts, however, Agnikul says that they have designed their engine to encapsulate all of these parts into a single piece of hardware, with zero assembled parts.</p>

<p>Elaborating on their achievement, Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder &amp; CEO, of Agnikul said, “Rocket engines usually have thousands of parts in them - starting from injectors that inject fuel into the engine, to the cooling channels that cool the engine, to the igniter that is necessary to ignite the propellants. Designing Agnilet as a single piece of hardware has not been an easy ride, but our team has proved it to be otherwise". He also thanked their mentors from the aerospace industry, academia and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Agnikul had inaugurated its 'Rocket Factory- 1', which is said to be India’s first-ever rocket facility dedicated to 3D print such rocket engines. Situated at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, the new state-of-the-art production facility houses world-class machinery, including a 400mm x 400mm x 400mm metal 3D printer from EOS, and a host of other machines that will enable end-to-end manufacturing of a rocket engine under one roof.</p>

<p>Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM &amp; Prof. SR Chakravarthy, IIT Madras, Agnikul is on a mission to make space accessible and affordable. The Indian launch vehicle start-up is working on launching satellites to Low Earth Orbits from Indian soil. Thus far, only the government-run Indian Space Research Organization has been building and launching rockets from India. However, start-ups have set their sights on space, with the reforms that are being implemented in India's space sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Indian space start-up Agnikul Cosmos announced that the Government of India awarded them the patent for having indigenously designed and 3-D printed a one-of-its-kind rocket engine.

Indian space start-up Agnikul Cosmos announced that the Government of India awarded them the patent for having indigenously designed and 3-D printed a one-of-its-kind rocket engine. Dubbed 'Agnilet', the engine is said to be the world's first single-piece 3-D printed rocket engine and was successfully test-fired in early 2021. Typically, rocket engines have thousands of parts, however, Agnikul says that they have designed their engine to encapsulate all of these parts into a single piece of hardware, with zero assembled parts. Elaborating on their achievement, Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder & CEO, of Agnikul said, “Rocket engines usually have thousands of parts in them - starting from injectors that inject fuel into the engine, to the cooling channels that cool the engine, to the igniter that is necessary to ignite the propellants. Designing Agnilet as a single piece of hardware has not been an easy ride, but our team has proved it to be otherwise". He also thanked their mentors from the aerospace industry, academia and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Recently, Agnikul had inaugurated its 'Rocket Factory- 1', which is said to be India’s first-ever rocket facility dedicated to 3D print such rocket engines. Situated at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, the new state-of-the-art production facility houses world-class machinery, including a 400mm x 400mm x 400mm metal 3D printer from EOS, and a host of other machines that will enable end-to-end manufacturing of a rocket engine under one roof. Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM & Prof. SR Chakravarthy, IIT Madras, Agnikul is on a mission to make space accessible and affordable. The Indian launch vehicle start-up is working on launching satellites to Low Earth Orbits from Indian soil. Thus far, only the government-run Indian Space Research Organization has been building and launching rockets from India. However, start-ups have set their sights on space, with the reforms that are being implemented in India's space sector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian start-up patents world's first 3-D printed, single-piece rocket engine

<p>There's nothing better than doing what you love. And it gets even more fun when you get paid for it. Now imagine you're at work doing the thing you love, but you're not actually working. Confused? Here's the answer: a 26-year-old Triparna Chakraborty from Kolkata found her way to her desirable dream job and won a staggering Rs 5 lakh ($6,273) for her exceptional sleeping abilities.</p>

<p>Chakraborty submitted an application for a Wakefit.co internship programme. Wakefit.co is a D2C sleep solution firm.</p>

<p>Triparna, a Howrah resident, won the competition. She slept for nine hours nonstop for 100 straight days, defeating four of her fellow contestants to win the sleep-off. She gave a brief explanation of her pre-sleep routine to her followers, outlining some simple habits they may adopt to get a restful night's sleep.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChrhifIATfw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChrhifIATfw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChrhifIATfw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChrhifIATfw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Wakefit Solutions (@wakefitco)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Each of the other finalists received a stipend of Rs 1 lakh ($1,235).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-afghanistan-fans-hurl-chairs-at-pakistani-fans-following-crushing-defeat-watch-video-513944"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Asia Cup: Afghanistan fans hurl chairs at Pakistanis following crushing defeat. Watch video</strong></a></p>

<p>Triparna, beaming with joy, in conversation with India Today, said, "For me, it was about the right person at the right place and at the right time." She further added, "I was elated to have been one among the 5.5 lakh applicants."</p>

<p>Named "The First Sleep Champion of India," Triparna emphasised the value of sleep for everybody who works hard in life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Jobs that involve sleeping, eating, gaming and tasting candy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jobs-that-involve-sleeping-eating-gaming-and-tasting-candy-503388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Triparna said, "Whilst money is an exciting perk of the job, it is mandatory to realise that a good eight-hour of sleep is a significant part of life for peace of mind and success." She added that sleep ensures efficiency in hard work.</p>

<p>Triparna said, "You win or lose, but you will definitely learn the importance of quality sleep in these 100 days' process. It will also improve your sleep quality on having learned the right kind of skills to sleep soundly," India Today reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sleeping-less-than-nine-hours-can-cause-serious-mental-problems-in-young-children-study-502287"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Sleeping less than nine hours can cause serious mental problems in young children: Study</strong></a></p>

<p>Wakefit. co observed the candidates for factors like sleep duration, awake time, light sleep, and deep sleep in order to calculate their score for sleep efficiency. The 100-day campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of getting good sleep.</p>

<p>Applications are now being accepted for Season 3 of Wakefit, where the winner will receive a check for Rs 10 Lakh ($12,547) for sleeping for nine&nbsp;hours straight for 100 nights.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChowKwUvsE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChowKwUvsE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChowKwUvsE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChowKwUvsE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Wakefit Solutions (@wakefitco)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


There's nothing better than doing what you love. And it gets even more fun when you get paid for it. Now imagine you're at work doing the thing you love, but you're not actually working.

There's nothing better than doing what you love. And it gets even more fun when you get paid for it. Now imagine you're at work doing the thing you love, but you're not actually working. Confused? Here's the answer: a 26-year-old Triparna Chakraborty from Kolkata found her way to her desirable dream job and won a staggering Rs 5 lakh ($6,273) for her exceptional sleeping abilities. Chakraborty submitted an application for a Wakefit.co internship programme. Wakefit.co is a D2C sleep solution firm. Triparna, a Howrah resident, won the competition. She slept for nine hours nonstop for 100 straight days, defeating four of her fellow contestants to win the sleep-off. She gave a brief explanation of her pre-sleep routine to her followers, outlining some simple habits they may adopt to get a restful night's sleep. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wakefit Solutions (@wakefitco) × Each of the other finalists received a stipend of Rs 1 lakh ($1,235). Also read | Asia Cup: Afghanistan fans hurl chairs at Pakistanis following crushing defeat. Watch video Triparna, beaming with joy, in conversation with India Today, said, "For me, it was about the right person at the right place and at the right time." She further added, "I was elated to have been one among the 5.5 lakh applicants." Named "The First Sleep Champion of India," Triparna emphasised the value of sleep for everybody who works hard in life. Watch | Gravitas: Jobs that involve sleeping, eating, gaming and tasting candy Triparna said, "Whilst money is an exciting perk of the job, it is mandatory to realise that a good eight-hour of sleep is a significant part of life for peace of mind and success." She added that sleep ensures efficiency in hard work. Triparna said, "You win or lose, but you will definitely learn the importance of quality sleep in these 100 days' process. It will also improve your sleep quality on having learned the right kind of skills to sleep soundly," India Today reported. Also read | Sleeping less than nine hours can cause serious mental problems in young children: Study Wakefit. co observed the candidates for factors like sleep duration, awake time, light sleep, and deep sleep in order to calculate their score for sleep efficiency. The 100-day campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of getting good sleep. Applications are now being accepted for Season 3 of Wakefit, where the winner will receive a check for Rs 10 Lakh ($12,547) for sleeping for nine hours straight for 100 nights. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wakefit Solutions (@wakefitco) × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: Kolkata girl wins over $6,000 for her exceptional sleeping abilities

A desi company called Matrimony.com, which manages different matrimony brands and matchmaking services, has given a shout out to the LGBTQ+ community. The company has launched a matchmaking app called RainbowLuv to help them find serious and meaningful relationships.

Indian matchmaking site introduces special app for LGBTQ+ group

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for talks covering connectivity, energy security and trade. India and Bangladesh announced 7 agreements and 5 infrastructure projects. Palki Sharma decodes the next phase of India-Bangladesh ties.

Gravitas: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina meets PM Modi

To make seas and oceans safer for fellow mariners, the Indian Coast Guard conducted the SAREX-2022 exercise. The search and rescue exercise had in its attendance international participants and delegates. Have a look at this special report by WION's Disha Shah and Video Journalist Gopal Choudhary.

SAREX-2022: The Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police said that they have killed two Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) terrorists in a brief chance encounter at the Thajiwara Bijbehara area of Anantnag.</p>

<p>The killed terrorists have been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Kumar alias Faheem Kumar, son of Mohammad Ramzan Kumar, and Owais Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan. Both terrorists were residents of Waghama Bijbehara and were affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit AGuH.</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsung-heroes-of-indian-army-mules-that-carry-material-to-forward-posts-513711">Unsung heroes of Indian Army: Mules that carry supplies to forward posts on unmotorable terrain</a></p>

<p>“As per police records, both the killed terrorists were involved in several terror cases and civilian atrocities, including attack on police personnel at Cheeniwooder Srigufwara on 03/07/2022 in which one police personnel Firdous Ahmad Dar got seriously injured. They were also involved in an attack on police personnel Ghulam Qadir at Darashikon Park Bijbehara on 12/08/2022 in which he received grievous gunshot injuries. Besides, they were also involved in grenade lobbing incidents at Padshahibagh on 15/06/2022 and Sangam Chowk on 22/08/2022,” said a Jammu and Kashmir Police official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The security forces also recovered arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials from the encounter site. All the recovered material has been taken into case records for further investigation. In this connection, police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated.</p>

<p>ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated Anantnag Police for carrying out the successful and swift encounter without any collateral damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-anantnag-encounter-in-jammu-kashmir-513454">&nbsp;India: Two terrorists killed in ongoing Anantnag encounter in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Shopian Police arrested two hybrid terrorists of another proscribed terror outfit named Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).</p>

<p>“They have been identified as Faizan Fayaz Bhat, son of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Budden Rafiabad, Sopore, and Yawar Nizam Mir, son of Nizamuddin Mir, resident of Konsoo Shopian,” said Jammu and Kashmir Police official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Incriminating materials, arms &amp; ammunition including two pistols, two pistol magazines, two grenades, 20 pistol rounds, one AK-47 magazine, and 50-AK live rounds were recovered from their possession.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Police said that they have killed two Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) terrorists in a brief chance encounter at the Thajiwara Bijbehara area of Anantnag.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said that they have killed two Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) terrorists in a brief chance encounter at the Thajiwara Bijbehara area of Anantnag. The killed terrorists have been identified as Fayaz Ahmad Kumar alias Faheem Kumar, son of Mohammad Ramzan Kumar, and Owais Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan. Both terrorists were residents of Waghama Bijbehara and were affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit AGuH. Read more: Unsung heroes of Indian Army: Mules that carry supplies to forward posts on unmotorable terrain “As per police records, both the killed terrorists were involved in several terror cases and civilian atrocities, including attack on police personnel at Cheeniwooder Srigufwara on 03/07/2022 in which one police personnel Firdous Ahmad Dar got seriously injured. They were also involved in an attack on police personnel Ghulam Qadir at Darashikon Park Bijbehara on 12/08/2022 in which he received grievous gunshot injuries. Besides, they were also involved in grenade lobbing incidents at Padshahibagh on 15/06/2022 and Sangam Chowk on 22/08/2022,” said a Jammu and Kashmir Police official. The security forces also recovered arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials from the encounter site. All the recovered material has been taken into case records for further investigation. In this connection, police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and an investigation has been initiated. ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated Anantnag Police for carrying out the successful and swift encounter without any collateral damage. Read more: India: Two terrorists killed in ongoing Anantnag encounter in Jammu & Kashmir Meanwhile, Shopian Police arrested two hybrid terrorists of another proscribed terror outfit named Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “They have been identified as Faizan Fayaz Bhat, son of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, resident of Budden Rafiabad, Sopore, and Yawar Nizam Mir, son of Nizamuddin Mir, resident of Konsoo Shopian,” said Jammu and Kashmir Police official. Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition including two pistols, two pistol magazines, two grenades, 20 pistol rounds, one AK-47 magazine, and 50-AK live rounds were recovered from their possession. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Two terrorists killed in chance encounter in Anantnag; two arrested in Shopian

<p>In India, a recent National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) survey on mental health and well-being of students revealed that studies, examinations and results are major causes of anxiety among school students while over 33 per cent comply with peer pressure most of the times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the survey, at least 73 per cent of students are satisfied with their school life and over 45 per cent of students are not satisfied with their body image. The NCERT surveyed over 3.79 lakh students from 36 states and UTs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this year's budget, the government of India took an initiative at a national level for mental health issues and awareness, which is extremely important in the post-covid era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While presenting the Union Budget for the year 2022-2023, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a National Tele Mental Health Programme keeping in view of 'long Covid'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Long Covid is the phenomenon of coronavirus-related ailments remaining in patients long after they recover. The government also informed about the rolling out an open platform for the National Digital Health Ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent NCERT survey emerged to be quite encouraging as it attempts to understand the mental health of students who are going to be the future of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The survey tells that a total of 29 per cent of school students lack concentration, while 43 per cent of students between classes 6 to 12 have mood swings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Manodarpan Cell of the NCERT undertook the task of conducting the survey to help understand the perceptions of school students on aspects related to their mental health and well-being.</p>

<p>It collected information from students across gender and grades, middle state (6-8) and secondary stage (9 to 12) between January to March 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NCERT said that the anonymity of participants was ensured by making the name column optional, allowing students the comfort, privacy and independence to respond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The survey report released on Tuesday said, "Decline in satisfaction with personal and school life is seen as students shift from middle to secondary stage."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "The secondary stage is marked by challenges of identity crisis, increased sensitivity towards relationships, peer pressure, fear of board examination, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by students for their future admissions, career etc."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In India, a recent National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) survey on mental health and well-being of students revealed that studies, examinations and results are major causes of anxiety among school students while over 33 per cent comply with peer pressure most of the times.

In India, a recent National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) survey on mental health and well-being of students revealed that studies, examinations and results are major causes of anxiety among school students while over 33 per cent comply with peer pressure most of the times. As per the survey, at least 73 per cent of students are satisfied with their school life and over 45 per cent of students are not satisfied with their body image. The NCERT surveyed over 3.79 lakh students from 36 states and UTs. In this year's budget, the government of India took an initiative at a national level for mental health issues and awareness, which is extremely important in the post-covid era. While presenting the Union Budget for the year 2022-2023, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a National Tele Mental Health Programme keeping in view of 'long Covid'. Long Covid is the phenomenon of coronavirus-related ailments remaining in patients long after they recover. The government also informed about the rolling out an open platform for the National Digital Health Ecosystem. The recent NCERT survey emerged to be quite encouraging as it attempts to understand the mental health of students who are going to be the future of the country. The survey tells that a total of 29 per cent of school students lack concentration, while 43 per cent of students between classes 6 to 12 have mood swings. The Manodarpan Cell of the NCERT undertook the task of conducting the survey to help understand the perceptions of school students on aspects related to their mental health and well-being. It collected information from students across gender and grades, middle state (6-8) and secondary stage (9 to 12) between January to March 2022. The NCERT said that the anonymity of participants was ensured by making the name column optional, allowing students the comfort, privacy and independence to respond. The survey report released on Tuesday said, "Decline in satisfaction with personal and school life is seen as students shift from middle to secondary stage." It added, "The secondary stage is marked by challenges of identity crisis, increased sensitivity towards relationships, peer pressure, fear of board examination, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by students for their future admissions, career etc." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Studies, examination and results major causes of anxiety among school students, tells NCERT survey

Bengaluru, India's 'Silicon Valley', is struggling to stay afloat. Techies and tech bosses are taking tractors to work. Flood waters have entered parking spaces, homes. Can you blame the flood on climate change? Or is poor urban planning equally at fault? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | Bengaluru flood: India's Silicon Valley left inundated

Can India still qualify for Asia Cup 2022 final? Here are all scenarios explained

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended large-scale military exercises on Tuesday taking place in Russia's Far East. Military exercise Vostok-2022 included the participation of China, Syria and India amongst other neighbouring countries and allies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends military exercises with Chinese forces

<p>"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery. He emphasised that India and Japan could come together to counter the Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at an event organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On India's twin interest in Sri Lanka, he said that it was about stability in a civilisational neighbour and marginalising Chinese influence in the region. In this regard, he pointed out the presence of Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman in Washington DC, during Sri Lanka's IMF negotiations and India's generous aid that continues to flow towards the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Japan and Sri Lanka have had a cordial relationship since 1952 and the former is a major creditor of the island nation. Japan provides grants, loan assistance, technical cooperation, support through UN agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Japanese and International NGOs. Japan has always had a multipronged pronged line of action which includes promoting high-quality inclusive growth, development cooperation for inclusive growth, mitigating vulnerability and tsunami relief," Lt Gen Shankar (retd) said.</p>

<p>However, he cautions that India must not once again be seen as interfering in Lankan internal affairs, as was the case during the IPKF, LTTE period. He points out that this led to India's marginalisation and created space for China's foray into the island nation. He opines, that India’s opportunity lies in China’s economic slowdown, internal problems, and its preoccupation with Taiwan and USA.</p>

<p>Regarding other nations that have an influence over Sri Lanka, he said that USA and Pakistan have not been major creditors but have a role to play. "USA's nod will be necessary for the IMF bailout to come through and given the strategic convergence with India, the US will not lose this opportunity to strengthen the Indo-Pacific strategy. The US will attempt to counter China's influence, by working with India and Japan," he opined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also noted that Pakistan has always had good ties with Sri Lanka and was the main provider of arms during the LTTE period. Gen Shankar(retd) mentioned the recent docking of PNS Taimur, a Pakistani naval ship in Colombo and a Naval exercise between two countries as a good indicator of Pak-Lanka relations, despite various other detracting factors. He urged that India take precautions to ensure that Pakistani influence (at the behest of China) stays marginalised in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>In light of Sri Lanka's foreign policy dilemma, Col R Hariharan(retd) a veteran Military Intelligence specialist who served the Indian Army said that the island nation is a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific. Elaborating on Sri Lanka's Geostrategic compulsions, he said that the country was midway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and had a favourable tropical climate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On how Sri Lankans viewed India and China, he feels that the Lankan side would always think about India's reaction on any issue, as India is barely 29kms away (from certain points in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu), whereas China is more than 2000kms away. He pointed out that Sri Lanka is a strategic pivot whose foreign policy is guided by physical, and geographical factors and that Colombo is a good eavesdropping location.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery.

"Japan has deep roots in Sri Lanka and has been carrying out pro-people projects. India and Japan are also standing by Sri Lanka for seeking support from the International Monetary Fund," said Lt Gen PR Shankar (retd), an Indian Army veteran who had last served as Director General Artillery. He emphasised that India and Japan could come together to counter the Chinese influence in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at an event organised by the Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S). On India's twin interest in Sri Lanka, he said that it was about stability in a civilisational neighbour and marginalising Chinese influence in the region. In this regard, he pointed out the presence of Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman in Washington DC, during Sri Lanka's IMF negotiations and India's generous aid that continues to flow towards the island nation. "Japan and Sri Lanka have had a cordial relationship since 1952 and the former is a major creditor of the island nation. Japan provides grants, loan assistance, technical cooperation, support through UN agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Japanese and International NGOs. Japan has always had a multipronged pronged line of action which includes promoting high-quality inclusive growth, development cooperation for inclusive growth, mitigating vulnerability and tsunami relief," Lt Gen Shankar (retd) said. However, he cautions that India must not once again be seen as interfering in Lankan internal affairs, as was the case during the IPKF, LTTE period. He points out that this led to India's marginalisation and created space for China's foray into the island nation. He opines, that India’s opportunity lies in China’s economic slowdown, internal problems, and its preoccupation with Taiwan and USA. Regarding other nations that have an influence over Sri Lanka, he said that USA and Pakistan have not been major creditors but have a role to play. "USA's nod will be necessary for the IMF bailout to come through and given the strategic convergence with India, the US will not lose this opportunity to strengthen the Indo-Pacific strategy. The US will attempt to counter China's influence, by working with India and Japan," he opined. He also noted that Pakistan has always had good ties with Sri Lanka and was the main provider of arms during the LTTE period. Gen Shankar(retd) mentioned the recent docking of PNS Taimur, a Pakistani naval ship in Colombo and a Naval exercise between two countries as a good indicator of Pak-Lanka relations, despite various other detracting factors. He urged that India take precautions to ensure that Pakistani influence (at the behest of China) stays marginalised in Sri Lanka. In light of Sri Lanka's foreign policy dilemma, Col R Hariharan(retd) a veteran Military Intelligence specialist who served the Indian Army said that the island nation is a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific. Elaborating on Sri Lanka's Geostrategic compulsions, he said that the country was midway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and had a favourable tropical climate. On how Sri Lankans viewed India and China, he feels that the Lankan side would always think about India's reaction on any issue, as India is barely 29kms away (from certain points in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu), whereas China is more than 2000kms away. He pointed out that Sri Lanka is a strategic pivot whose foreign policy is guided by physical, and geographical factors and that Colombo is a good eavesdropping location. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India and Japan can unite to counter Chinese influence in Sri Lanka, say experts

Over the light of the death of billionaire Cyrus Mistry on Sunday. India is looking at tightening road safety rules, it may include fines for not wearing seat belts in the rear seat.

India: Wearing rear seat belt set to become mandatory

Indian PM Modi's has virtually addressed at Eastern economic forum 2022. Eastern economic forum 2022 is being held in Russia and participants from more than 60 countries will be a part of forum this year.

Indian PM Modi's virtual address at Eastern economic forum 2022

india

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